New Low Friction Mobility Assist Sheet

A new type of specialist sheet, designed to aid mobility for people in their bed at night, is now available.

Patients with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's, Huntingdon's and MND, have difficulty moving at night which could lead to them feeling cold and reduce their ability to get out of bed. The introduction of low-friction materials helps ease the movement of the body across the horizontal surface of the bed.

Called the Parafricta® Mobility Assist Sheet [PMAS], the key element is a central patch of the new, unique material - Parafricta® - that allows movement with minimal effort due to its low coefficient of friction. Other properties, such as its high tensile strength and ability to be washed at very high temperatures without affecting the performance, make Parafricta® unique in its durability and practical use. The remainder of the sheet is made of poly-cotton fabric.

Historically, sufferers of Parkinson's Disease, or other neurological disabilities such as Motor Neurone Disease and Multi-system Atrophy, have used silk or satin bottom sheets on top of the mattress to enable improved movement in bed; the material may be used as complete sheets, or as an extra half-length (draw) sheet, placed toward the head end of the bed over a standard sheet. The design of the new Parafricta® Mobility Assist Sheet utilises 2 types of fabric, with a central patch of Parafricta® enabling easier movement of the body due to the low friction. The feet, meanwhile, are able to get a purchase on the poly cotton area at the lower end of the bed, further aiding body movements. When positioned normally, the pillow will be on the non-slip poly-cotton area at the top end of the sheet. Other mobility impaired individuals, such as people with Multiple Sclerosis, Huntingdon's and severe arthritis, may also benefit from the PMAS.

Ana Aragon, a UK based Specialist Occupational Therapist with over 14 years experience working with people who have Parkinson's Disease and related movement disorders, has assessed the Parafricta® Mobility Assist Sheet with a number of individuals. She comments "People who have tested the new Parafricta® Mobility Assist Sheet have all reported that despite chronic difficulties moving in bed, this special sheet lets them move more easily, with less effort. In addition, testers have favoured the all-in-one dual fabric design, over full or half-length silk / satin sheets. The Parafricta® Mobility Assist Sheet has the potential to enable greater independence and a better night's rest for all those who struggle to change and adjust their position when they are in bed."

The sheet is designed for single bed mattresses up to 210cm in length and 100cm wide.

View the Parafricta® Single Mobility Assist Bedsheet