Care provider criteria to be considered are:

• cleaning and maintenance
• cover is impermeable to fluid or bacteria but also has properties that reduce shear, friction, moisture and temperature
• durability
• comfort of the individual
• allows patient immersion without ‘bottoming out’.

Logistical criteria to be considered are:

• ease of transferring from bed to chair, or bed to trolley
• ease of transport
• appropriateness for clinical setting
• ability to stabilise the surface to perform emergency and other procedures
• access to the patient and ease of repositioning.

Equipment criteria to be considered are:

• fire retardant properties
• maximum weight limit the device will support
• availability
• cost to purchase or hire
• size and weight of the device
• multiple parts required, e.g. air compressor, power source and tubing
• able to be cleaned in accordance with infection control guidelines.