Clinical Overview
This article provides evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals and caregivers on the topic of infection control in skilled nursing facilities. The content is reviewed by the Bed Shower clinical advisory team and updated to reflect the latest 2026 guidelines.
Why This Matters for SNF / Long-Term Care
Patients in SNF / Long-Term Care settings face unique hygiene challenges that require specialized approaches. The combination of clinical vulnerability, mobility limitations, and infection risk creates a compelling case for systematic, evidence-based bathing protocols.
The Bed Shower system was designed specifically to address these challenges — delivering full-body, warm-water hygiene to patients who cannot safely be transferred to a conventional shower, while maintaining the CHG concentrations required by current clinical guidelines.
Clinical Evidence and Guidelines
The following peer-reviewed evidence supports the use of in-bed shower systems with CHG for patients in this care setting:
CHG skin concentrations above 156 µg/mL reduced C. auris shedding by 80%. In-bed shower systems are the most reliable method for achieving this threshold in bedridden patients.
Universal CHG bathing reduced MRSA acquisition by 37% and VRE by 55% in a multicenter randomized controlled trial.
Universal decolonization with CHG reduced all-cause bloodstream infections by 44% compared to targeted screening alone.
Implementation Protocol
A systematic approach to in-bed bathing ensures consistent outcomes and supports infection control program compliance:
Assess and Prepare
Review patient care plan, gather supplies, warm the room to 72°F minimum, and explain the procedure to the patient.
Set Up the System
Connect the Bed Shower system to the water source, set temperature to 98-100°F, and prepare CHG solution per physician order.
Systematic Head-to-Toe Bath
Begin at the head (avoiding face/eyes), work systematically to feet. Ensure all skin surfaces are covered including skin folds and perineal area.
Allow CHG Dwell Time
Allow CHG to remain on skin for at least 2 minutes before rinsing to achieve therapeutic concentration (target: 156 µg/mL).
Rinse, Dry, and Assess
Rinse thoroughly, pat dry, apply moisturizer, and perform systematic skin integrity assessment. Document findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Bed Shower system connect to water in a facility or home?
The Bed Shower Wib (hospital/facility) connects to standard plumbing. The Wibby (home/SNF) connects to any standard household sink faucet with no plumbing modifications required. Both systems include a self-contained drainage system.
Is the Bed Shower system FDA cleared?
Yes. The Bed Shower systems are FDA-registered Class I medical devices and carry CE marking for European markets. They meet ISO 13485 quality management standards.
How long does a full in-bed bath take?
A complete in-bed shower with the Bed Shower system takes 15-20 minutes — comparable to a thorough traditional bed bath but with significantly better coverage, patient comfort, and CHG concentration outcomes.
Can the system be used with patients who have indwelling catheters or central lines?
Yes, with appropriate precautions. Protect IV insertion sites and central line dressings with waterproof covers. Catheter tubing should be managed per facility protocol. The system's controlled water delivery makes it safer than traditional basin baths for patients with invasive devices.
Upgrade Your SNF Infection Control Program
The Bed Shower Wibby system helps SNFs achieve consistent CHG skin concentrations, improve resident satisfaction, and reduce MDRO acquisition rates.
References
- 1. Gussin GM et al. Can Chlorhexidine Bathing Reduce Candidozyma auris Shedding? Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2025. DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaf704
- 2. Climo MW et al. Effect of Daily Chlorhexidine Bathing on Hospital-Acquired Infection. NEJM. 2013;368:533-542.
- 3. Huang SS et al. Targeted versus Universal Decolonization to Prevent ICU Infection. NEJM. 2013;368:2255-2265.
- 4. CDC. Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Data. 2024.