Sleep systems

What is a sleep system?

Sleep systems are positioning aids used during the night to help protect body shape.

They provide support for your child or young person so that they are in a better position compared to if they were to sleep without a sleep system.

Why is it important to use a sleep system?

Children and young people with limited movement and conditions that affect their muscle tone are at risk of changes to their body shape. For example, changes in spinal position, shape of their rib cage or their hip position. Changes to body shape can lead to problems such as, difficulties with breathing, digestion, pressure areas, pain, reduced function and at times corrective surgery is needed.

Your child or young person might spend lots of time in limited positions during the night which are not good for their body shape and increase the risk of complications. By using a sleep system they can be supported throughout the night in the best position for them.

Using a sleep system as directed by your child or young persons therapist can help protect their body shape, and can even correct changes that have already occurred.

Important things to remember

• It is important to follow the advice from your child’s therapist. They should have provided you with a picture guide showing where to position the sleep system pieces. Make sure you follow their advice and the guide.
• The sleep system pieces should be repositioned every night.
• If you have the mesh layers in your sleep system you must use the mattress topper provided to avoid increasing pressure.
• The sleep system pieces need to go between the 2 layers of mesh, unless your child has an air pressure mattress and the mesh is attached to the pieces.
• Make sure there are no creases in the sheets as this can cause pressure areas.
• If you have any concerns or think the sleep system needs to be reviewed then contact your child or young persons therapist.
• It is important to use the sleep system regularly in order for it to be effective, however we appreciate it can be difficult and we do not want it to impact significantly on yours or your child’s sleep. Using a sleep system for a small amount of time is better than no time at all.
• The sleep system can also be used as a positive position during the day.

Washing guide

Washing machine symbols

Wash at maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath means it needs a slower spin cycle.

Wash at maximum of 60 degrees Celsius.

Wash at maximum of 95 degrees Celsius.

Do not bleach.

Do not iron.

Tumble dry on low heat.

Do not tumble dry.

Top-to-toe stabilising mesh

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not tumble dry.

Mattress topper

Wash at a maximum of 95 degrees Celsius. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Tumble dry on low heat.

Lateral support covers

Wash at a maximum of 95 degrees Celsius. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Tumble dry on low heat.

Wedge with mesh

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not tumble dry.

Sausage pillows with mesh

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not tumble dry.

Side lyers

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Tumble dry on low heat.

Supine stabilsers

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Tumble dry on low heat.

Horseshow pillows

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Tumble dry on low heat.

Sausage pillows

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Tumble dry on low heat.

Fitted sheets

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Tumble dry on low heat.

Neck support pillows

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Tumble dry on low heat.

Foot supports

Wash at a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius. The line underneath indicates a slower spin cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Tumble dry on low heat.

Plastozote wedge

Wash at a maximum of 60 degrees Celsius. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not tumble dry.

Wipeable cover products

Wipe clean only. Do not tumble dry. Do not iron.

Making your bed with Simple Stuff Works

If your child has a Simple Stuff Works sleep system then there is a useful YouTube video guide explaining how to set it up.

Temperature chart

Body temperature should be taken with a thermometer an hour after your child has fallen asleep. Temperatures should be taken each night for 3 to 5 days before starting to use the sleep system.

Once the sleep system is in place repeat the same process. If there is a big difference in temperature then bedding or night-time clothing will need adjusting and please inform the therapist who issued the sleep system. Children who have epilepsy will need closer monitoring.

Please download and print off our Monitoring night temperature chart to keep a record.