Rinse-free bath in a bag products are ideal for a quick and easy way to clean, freshen and maintain healthy skin for bed bound or disabled patients.

Warm according to directions on the package.

1. Consult package for complete indications, ingredients and warnings.
   1. 2. Bathing a Patient with Comfort Bath Product
   2. Wash hands prior to the procedure and don a pair of gloves.
   3. Explain the procedure to the patient.
   4. Ensure the patient has privacy. Have patient remove gown or assist in the removal as needed. Use a towel or sheet to cover the patient appropriately.
   5. Peel back the label on the package and test the temperature by touching the top washcloth. Remember, gloves diminish your sensitivity to heat. If temperature is acceptable, proceed to the next step.
   6. Remove #1 washcloth.  Apply washcloth to back of patient’s hand or inside wrist/forearm area. Ask patient if the temperature is acceptable. If acceptable, proceed with next step. If NOT acceptable, STOP procedure. Repeat every 10 minutes until temperature is acceptable to the patient.

KEY POINT: Continue to monitor patient’s comfort level with the temperature as the bath progresses.

1. Using the #1 washcloth, clean the face, neck and chest. Discard when finished. No rinsing or drying is required.

KEY POINT: Follow the bathing procedure in sequential order. This reduces the chance of cross-contamination by providing a clean cloth for separate areas of the body, while maximizing appropriate use of the product to prevent waste.

1. Remove the #2 washcloth. Clean the right arm and armpit and discard.

KEY POINT: For patients with potential for moisture entrapment in skin folds, pat dry with clean soft towel if necessary. Use caution around dressings, intravascular lines, etc.

1. Remove the #3 washcloth. Clean the left arm and armpit and discard.
2. Remove the #4 washcloth. Clean the perineal area and discard. If patient is incontinent, follow the incontinence care protocol.
3. Remove the #5 washcloth. Clean the right leg and discard.
4. Remove the #6 washcloth. Clean the left leg and discard.
5. Ask the patient to turn on his/her side, if able, or obtain assistance to turn, as necessary. Remove the #7 washcloth. Clean the back and discard.
6. Remove the #8 washcloth. Clean the buttocks and discard. If additional cleaning in the buttocks region is necessary, use the appropriate incontinence care products.
7. Apply clean gown, reposition and cover the patient as necessary.
8. Discard all disposables as general waste. Do not flush Comfort Bath washcloths in the toilet.
9. Document procedure in progress notes.

APPLICABILITY: The Comfort Bath policy is applicable to all healthcare workers assigned to provide bedside bathing to patients.

DO NOT FLUSH COMFORT BATH WASHCLOTHS