Turning people in bed can be a labour-intensive, costly problem whether people are cared for at home or at healthcare establishments.

Invented by a Swedish OT, the WendyLett Turning System is simply a ‘bed linen system’ that facilitates easier turning and movement in bed and can be used for the most simple user needs through to more complex turning requirements. The increased ability to turn or to be assisted in turning in bed is vital in avoiding the development of pressure sores. As an alternative to the traditional slide sheet, the WendyLett Turning System remains ‘in-situ’ on the bed thus enabling the user to turn independently wherever possible, taking the strain away from the carer.

The material design, either striped or checked, cleverly acts as an instruction aid to assist the carer as well as acting as a reassuring safety feature.

The Turning System consists of three components. Each part has its own function to play:

1. A base sheet, either fitted or flat that has a 70 cm silky, low friction panel in the centre of the sheet with cotton anti-slip edges either side which act as a brake, thus reducing the risk of the user falling out of bed. The base sheet is to assist or enable the user to turn independently.

2. When added assistance is required to turn a person in bed, the striped draw sheet is added (WendyLett 2-way). The orientation of the stripes indicates the direction of the slide function. The weft and weave of the fabric interact with the base sheet so that horizontal turning becomes easier and it also helps prevent the user from sliding down in the bed. This facilitates a comfortable and gentle turn as the carer can get a very good grip of the draw sheet.

3. If the user is heavier, or unable to assist or participate in the manoeuvre and therefore more effort is required for safe turning, the third part of the system should be used. This is a checked draw sheet, backed with a low friction material (WendyLett 4-way), indicating that a multi-directional movement can be achieved.