Overview
ISO/TS 20342-10:2022 provides practical guidance for the cleaning, disinfecting and care of polyurethane APTI covers used on assistive products for tissue integrity when lying down (APTI). The technical specification focuses on manual cleaning and care practices that protect the waterproof, moisture‑vapour‑permeable polyurethane covers that shield internal APTI components. It is intended to help extend the operational life and tissue‑integrity performance of these devices while reducing the risk of cover damage or contamination. This document does not assess the microbiological efficacy of cleaning or disinfection procedures.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and precedence: Manufacturer instructions take priority over general guidance; failure to follow instructions can impair performance and void warranties.
- Cleaning (manual only):
- Remove blood and gross soiling by non‑abrasive means.
- Use pH‑neutral detergent (avoid pH < 6 or > 8).
- Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water (typical range 18 °C–40 °C) using non‑abrasive cloths/sponges.
- Disinfection (manual only):
- Wipe exposed surfaces with a disinfectant and leave for the manufacturer‑recommended contact time.
- Wipe dry, then rinse thoroughly with clean warm water and dry before adding linens.
- Caution: repeated disinfectant exposure without adequate rinsing/drying accelerates polyurethane degradation and can leave reactive residue.
- Care, storage and inspection:
- Store covers flat in an air‑permeable protective cover at normal indoor temperature/humidity.
- Handle by two people when moving; transport on suitable beds/carts.
- Inspect before use for pinholes, tears or cracks; replace damaged covers per manufacturer guidance.
- Damage prevention:
- Avoid sharp objects and abrasive contact (jewellery, buckles, medical equipment).
- Do not store heavy or sharp items on the support surface.
- Periodically lift covers to inspect internal components.
Applications and users
ISO/TS 20342-10:2022 is directly useful for:
- Medical device manufacturers and product designers of polyurethane APTI covers
- Healthcare facility managers, infection prevention and control teams
- Clinical staff, nursing teams and housekeeping/cleaning personnel responsible for healthcare mattress and support surface maintenance
- Biomedical engineers, procurement, and equipment maintenance teams
The guidance helps facilities maintain tissue‑integrity assistive products, minimize cover failure, and support safe patient care.
Related standards
- ISO 20342‑1 - Assistive products for tissue integrity when lying down: General requirements
- Other parts of the ISO 20342 series cover material performance, durability and effectiveness of APTIs.
Keywords: ISO/TS 20342-10:2022, polyurethane APTI covers, cleaning and disinfection, assistive products for tissue integrity, manual cleaning, healthcare mattress care, infection control.