www.accordcurtains.com  
[email protected]  
 
 2015  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Accord  Curtains  
All  about  cubicle  curtains  
What  is  a  hospital  cubicle  curtain?  Insights  
into  the  history  of  hospital  cubicle  curtains,  
the  reasons  why  they  are  used  today,  and  
current  curtain  trends.  

 
 
 
 
   

A c c o r d   C u r t a i n s   8 2 6   B u s c h   C o u r t   C o l u m b u s ,   O h i o   4 3 2 2 9                           6 1 4 -­‐ 3 4 0 -­‐ 9 9 0 0  
  

Table  of  Contents  

What  is  a  cubicle  curtain?  .........................................................................................................................  3  
History  of  cubicle  curtains  ........................................................................................................................  3  
Private  Cubicle  Enclosure  ..................................................................................................................  4  
Why  do  hospitals  use  cubicle  curtains  for  privacy?  ...............................................................  5  
Cubicle  curtains  today  .........................................................................................................................  5  
How  do  cubicle  curtains  relate  to  disease?  ........................................................................................  6  
Hospital-­‐acquired  infection  facts  ...................................................................................................  6  
Materials  to  help  prevent  the  spread  of  disease  ......................................................................  8  
Opinions  about  antimicrobial  textiles  ..........................................................................................  9  
How  do  I  clean  a  cubicle  curtain?  ........................................................................................................  11  
Different  ways  cubicle  curtains  can  be  cleaned  ....................................................................  11  
Advantages  of  professional  cleaning  .........................................................................................  11  
Alternatives  to  cleaning  cubicle  curtains  .................................................................................  12  
What  are  the  cleaning  requirements  for  cubicle  curtains?  ........................................................  14  
Two  expert  opinions  on  cleaning  requirements  ...................................................................  14  
What  are  the  fire  code  requirements  for  cubicle  curtains?  .......................................................  17  
How  are  cubicle  curtains  made?  ..........................................................................................................  18  
What’s  the  process?  ...........................................................................................................................  18  
How  is  curtain  fabric  measured?  .................................................................................................  18  
What  method  is  used  to  make  the  curtains?  ..........................................................................  19  
What  does  railroading  fabric  mean?  ..........................................................................................  19  
Why  is  there  mesh  on  the  top  of  most,  but  not  all  cubicle  curtains?  .....................................  19  
Alternatives  to  mesh  .........................................................................................................................  20  
How  do  I  measure  for  cubicle  curtains?  ............................................................................................  21  
What  do  the  numbers  in  curtain  measurement  represent?  ............................................  21  
What  are  different  types  of  carriers  and  tracks  for  cubicle  curtains?  ....................................  22  
Two  common  types  of  carriers  ....................................................................................................  22  
Different  types  of  track  ....................................................................................................................  22  
What  are  disposable  cubicle  curtains?  ..............................................................................................  24  
What  are  some  reasons  to  consider  using  disposable  curtains?  ...................................  24  
What  are  some  new  developments  and  trends  in  cubicle  curtains?  ......................................  26  
Alternative  products  to  traditional  cubicle  curtains  ..........................................................  26  
New  Fabrics  ..........................................................................................................................................  27  
Resources  .....................................................................................................................................................  30  
 
   

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  2  

 
  

What  is  a  cubicle  curtain?  

Cubicle   curtains   are   dividers   used   to  
help   create   private   enclosures   for  
patients   in   hospitals,   clinics,   nursing  
homes,   and   other   medical   facility  
environments.   They   are   used   to   create  
privacy   and   help   protect   a   patient’s  
confidentiality.   They   can   also   help  
prevent   the   spread   of   infection   and  
disease   throughout   a   facility.   Cubicle  
curtains   may   be   known   as   hospital  
curtains,  or  as  privacy  curtains.  
Typically,  cubicle  curtains  are  hung  from  the  ceiling  on  a  track  and  reach  near  to  the  
floor.   Cubicle   curtains   are   manufactured   following   strict   health   and   safety  
regulations.  
They   are   available   in   various   colors   and   patterns,   but   according   to   safety  
regulations,  a  cubicle  curtain  should  be  made  from  material  that  is  fire-­‐retardant.  
History  of  cubicle  curtains  
Before   cubicle   curtains   were   utilized   a   hospital   bay,   or   ward,   was   one   large   room.  
The  room  was  without  subdivisions  for  patient  occupancy  as  seen  in  the  photograph  
of   Royal   Hospital,   Portsmouth,   UK   in   1902.   Cubicle   curtains   gradually   began  
appearing  in  hospitals  during  the  1960’s.  

   
Royal  Plymouth  Hospital  in  1902   Hospital  cubicle  curtains  in  the  early  1960’s  

A  patent  for  a  modern  day  hospital  curtain  was  filed  in  1980  and  published  in  1983  
by  Hans  Jack  Weil.  http://www.google.com/patents/US4377195  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  3  

 
  

Private  Cubicle  Enclosure  

Abstract  US  4377195  A  
An   integral   ventilating   curtain   is   disclosed   for   use   with   a   supporting   structure   to  
define   a   cubicle   enclosure   preferably   of   the   type   utilized   for   hospital   beds   or   the  
like.   The   ventilating   curtain   is   in   the   form   of   a   fabric   constructed   of   knitted  
inherently  flame  retardant  yarn  materials,  and  having  a  first  section  having  a  stitch  
density   sufficient   to   render   it   sufficiently   opaque   to   provide   privacy   for   the   user  
thereof.  A  second  section  is  formed  integrally  with  the  first  section  and  is  in  the  form  
of   an   open   mesh   construction   having   knitted   stitches   of   lesser   density   than   the  
density   of   the   knitted   stitches   of   the   first   section   so   as   to   permit   the   passage   of   light  
and  air  to  provide  light  and  ventilation  for  the  user.  
Drawings  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  4  

 
  

Brief  description  of  the  drawings  

FIG.  1  is  a  plan  view  of  an  integral  ventilating  curtain  constructed  according  
to  my  invention;  
FIG.  2  is  a  view  taken  along  lines  2-­‐-­‐2  of  FIG.  1;  
FIG.  3  is  a  front  elevational  view  of  a  warp  knitting  machine  of  the  type  used  
to  produce  the  method  of  my  invention  for  constructing  the  integral  
ventilating  curtain  of  FIG.  1;  and  
FIG.  4  is  a  schematic  diagram  illustrating  the  separate  steps  utilized  for  
constructing  the  integral  ventilating  curtain  of  FIG.  1  using  a  warp  knitting  
machine  of  the  type  shown  in  FIG.  3.  

Why  do  hospitals  use  cubicle  curtains  for  privacy?  

In   a   large   room   with   open   bays,   cubicle   curtains   provide   a   flexible   way   to   divide   the  
room   and   allow   for   privacy.   In   private   or   semi-­‐private   rooms   cubicle   curtains  
provide  privacy  without  completely  closing  the  door  to  the  attending  nurses.    
Although   the   importance   of   the   environment   built   for   patient   confidentiality   may  
seem   indisputable,   only   a   few   studies   have   directly   examined   the   role   of   unit   design  
or   architecture.   Also,   even   though   the   trend   in   many   new   hospitals   is   to   build  
private   rooms,   most   hospital   rooms   are   still   specified   to   have   cubicle   curtains   at   the  
entrance  of  the  room.  

Cubicle  curtains  today  

Cubicle   curtain   design   grew   rapidly   in   the   1990’s.   According   to   Interiors   in   1997,  
“Most   of   the   clients   who   use   the   products   in   hospitals   prefer   curtains   that   are   of  
superior  quality,  durable  and  project  a  sense  of  well-­‐being.  The  products  should  also  
be   stain-­‐proof,   non-­‐shrinking   and   non-­‐wrinkling,   and   possessing   a   tailored,   fresh  
and  crisp  look  with  an  array  of  colors  and  patterns  to  choose  from.”  While  today’s  
cubicle   curtains   come   in   many   different   fabrics   and   patterns,   they   are   required   to  
follow  strict  health  and  safety  regulations.  
 
 
Resources  
http://www.google.com/patents/US4377195  

http://www.readabstracts.com/Architecture-­‐and-­‐design-­‐industries/Healthy-­‐floors-­‐Clients-­‐talk-­‐
about-­‐cubicle-­‐curtains.html  -­‐  ixzz3QA1MCB7H  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  5  

 
  

How  do  cubicle  curtains  relate  to  disease?  

Evidence   shows   there   are   direct   links   to   HAIs   (Hospital-­‐Acquired   Infections)   and  
cubicle  curtains.  Soft  surfaces  such  as  cubicle  curtains  are  porous,  and  not  cleanable  
by  simply  wiping.  Cubicle  curtains  can  be  a  common  source  of  contamination  given  
that  the  operation  of  the  curtain  requires   the  hospital  worker,  or  caregiver,  to  touch  
it  with  their  hands.    
In   a   research   study   from   Herman  Miller  Inc.,  Patient  Rooms:  
A   Changing   Scene   of   Healing   it   was   determined   that  
According  to  a  2012  
“administrators   have   the   same   goal   as   the   other   key  
study  by  the  
participants  in  a  hospital  setting:  returning  a  patient  to  good  
health.   A   key   part   of   that   goal   is   to   avoid   a   hospital-­‐acquired  
American  Journal  of  
infection   (HAI).   But   because   patients   already   have   Infection  Control,  
compromised   immune   systems   and   staff   members   work   “Hospital  privacy  
with   multiple   patients   over   the   course   of   a   shift,   it   still   curtains  are  
happens.  Back  in  1999,  members  of  the  medical  community   frequently  and  
were  alarmed  when  they  learned  that  up  to  98,000  patients   rapidly  contaminated  
were   dying   each   year   as   a   result   of   hospital   medical   errors   with  potentially  
and   HAIs.   Since   then,   hospitals   have   focused   on   quality   pathogenic  bacteria.”  
improvement,  particularly  controlling  infections.”  

Hospital-­‐acquired  infection  facts  

• 271  people  a  day,  the  equivalent  of  an  airline  crash,  will  die  from  hospital-­‐
acquired  infections  (HAIs)  such  as  Methicillin-­‐resistant  Staphylococcus  
aureus  (MRSA).  
• “In  fact,  one  in  17  patients  will  be  diagnosed  with  an  HAI  every  day  even  
though  more  than  one-­‐third  of  these  infections  are  preventable.”  
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87452.php  
• “In  1993,  there  were  fewer  than  2,000  MRSA  infections  in  U.S.  hospitals.  
• By  2005,  the  figure  had  shot  up  to  368,000  according  to  the  Agency  for  
Healthcare  Research  and  Quality  (AHRQ).  
• By  June  2007,  2.4  percent  of  all  patients  had  MRSA  infections,  according  to  
the  largest  study  of  its  kind,  which  was  published  in  the  American  Journal  of  
Infection  Control.  That  would  mean  880,000  victims  a  year.”  
http://www.hospitalinfection.org/essentialfacts.shtml  
 
 

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  6  

 
  

A   study   published   in   the   November   2008   issue   of   Infection  

Control   and   Hospital   Epidemiology   showed   “In   a   culture   “Privacy  curtain  
survey,  we  found  that  42  percent  of  hospital  privacy  curtains  
contaminants  would  
were   contaminated   with   vancomycin-­‐resistant   enterococci,  
be  reduced  if  
22  percent  with  methicillin-­‐resistant  Staphylococcus  aureus,  
and   4   percent   with   Clostridium   difficile.   Hand   imprint   hospital  personnel,  
cultures   demonstrated   that   these   pathogens   were   easily   cleaning  staff,  
acquired   on   hands.   Hospital   curtains   are   a   potential   source   patients  and  visitors  
for   dissemination   of   healthcare-­‐associated   pathogens.”   To   practiced  better  
summarize,   healthcare-­‐associated   pathogens   left   on   cubicle   hand  hygiene.”  
curtains  are  transferred  to  hands  and  could  potentially  lead  
to  HAIs.  
In  an  article  on  privacy  curtain  cleaning  solutions  on  www.cleanlink.com,  Benjamin  
Tanner,   a   microbiologist,   immunologist   and   president   of   Antimicrobial   Test  
Laboratories,   Round   Rock,   Texas   suggested   “that   privacy   curtain   contaminants  
would   be   reduced   if   hospital   personnel,   cleaning   staff,   patients   and   visitors  
practiced   better   hand   hygiene.   Cross-­‐contamination   also   can   be   reduced   if  
housekeeping   staffs   properly   use   disinfectant   when   cleaning   —   use   proper  
quantities  to  achieve  a  kill  claim,  adhere  to  proper  dwell  times,  etc.”    
"The   greatest   deposition   of   germs   on   privacy   curtains   comes   from   hands   when  
people   move   the   curtains,"   Tanner   says.   "The   second   greatest   would   be   aerosol  
deposition  when  someone  coughs  or  sneezes."  
From,  Health  Facilities  Management,  Take  a  hard  look  at  soft  surfaces    

Kelly  Reynolds,  MSPH,  Ph.D.,  associate  professor  at  the  Mel  &  Enid  Zuckerman  
College  of  Public  Health  at  the  University  of  Arizona,  Tucson,  says  that  while  there  
isn’t  a  wealth  of  evidence  that  organisms  exist  on  soft  surfaces  in  the  hospital  
environment  one  would  expect  that  the  same  organisms  found  on  hard  surfaces  
eventually  would  end  up  on  soft  surfaces.  
"Some  of  the  key  pathogens  are  MRSA  and  C.  difficile.  In  the  studies  we  have  done  at  
the  University  of  Arizona  we  have  been  able  to  isolate  MRSA  and  general  S.  
aureus  from  soft  surfaces,"  Reynolds  says.  "One  thing  we  know  from  other  studies  
outside  the  hospital  is  that  MRSA  in  particular  is  very  well-­‐adapted  to  drying  out  
and  surviving  on  soft  surfaces  and  tends  to  last  longer  than  Escherichi  
coli  organisms."  
A  number  of  studies  conducted  in  the  health  care  environment  indicate  that  soft  
surfaces  can  contribute  to  cross-­‐contamination.  Still,  Reynolds  cautions  that  no  clear  
evidence  has  been  reported  that  soft-­‐surface  contamination  directly  causes  HAIs.  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  7  

 
  

"We’ve  done  some  studies  looking  at  how  easily  organisms  transfer  from  soft  
surfaces  to  the  hand  when  someone  touches  that  surface.  We  find  that  transfer  from  
the  soft  surface  back  to  the  hand  definitely  occurs,"  Reynolds  says.  "It’s  not  as  
efficient  as  with  hard  surfaces  but  because  most  of  these  organisms  have  a  low  
infectious-­‐dose,  transfer  efficiency  doesn’t  need  to  be  very  good  to  contribute  to  
nosocomial  transmission."  
According   to   a   2012   study   by   the   American   Journal   of   Infection   Control   “Hospital  
privacy   curtains   are   frequently   and   rapidly   contaminated   with   potentially  
pathogenic   bacteria.”   This   study   reported,   “Within   one   week   of   laundering,   92  
percent  of  hospital  privacy  curtains  were  contaminated  with  potentially  dangerous  
bacteria   such   as   MRSA   (methicillin-­‐resistant   staphylococcus   aureus)   and   VRE  
(vancomycin-­‐resistant  enterococcus)”.  

“12  of  13  curtains  (92%)  placed  during  the  study  showed  
contamination  within  1  week.    
 
41  of  43  curtains  (95%)  demonstrated  contamination  on  at  least  1  
occasion,  including  21%  with  MRSA  and  42%  with  VRE.    
 
8  curtains  yielded  VRE  at  multiple  time  points:  3  with  persistence  of  a  
single  isolate  type  and  5  with  different  types,  suggesting  frequent  
recontamination.”  
 
Materials  to  help  prevent  the  spread  of  disease  
On   the   account   of   linking   the   spread   of   disease   in   a   facility   through   soft   surfaces,  
there  are  new  trends  developing  in  cubicle  curtain  manufacturing  and  cleaning.  One  
such   trend   is   manufacturing   and   utilizing   antimicrobial   textiles.   Two   manufacturers  
that   use   silver-­‐based   compounds   as   the   main   antimicrobial   are   PurThread   and   X-­‐
STATIC®.  
PurThread   fibers   provide   a   “natural,   germ-­‐fighting   silver  
embedded   in   the   core”   that   provide   “unmatched   antimicrobial  
protection   and   odor-­‐killing   power   without   any   design  
hindrances   or   production   hassles.”   A   study   published   in   Infection   Control   Today  
conducted   by   the   University   of   Iowa   Carver   College   of   Medicine   “found   that  
standard   control   curtains   were   eight   times   more   likely   to   be   contaminated   with  
vancomycin-­‐resistant   Enterococcus   (VRE)   than   experimental   PurThread   privacy  
curtains   which   only   had  one   positive   VRE   culture   during   the   entire   study.  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  8  

 
  

Additionally,   the   median   time   to   first   contamination   of   PurThread   curtains   took  

seven  times  longer  than  control  curtains.”  
• “On  average  it  took  only  two  days  for  control  curtains  to  become  contaminated  
with  potentially  pathogenic  bacteria,  while  PurThread  curtains  withstood  
contamination  an  average  of  14  days.”  http://www.purthread.com    
X-­‐STATIC®   fibers   permanently   bonded   with   a   layer   of   99.9%  
pure  metallic  silver  “are  clinically  proven  in  laboratory  studies  
to  reduce  bacterial  growth  on  textile  surfaces  by  99.9  percent  
within   one   hour.”   According   to   Karin   Mueller,   of  Noble  
Biomaterials   Inc.,   "X-­‐STATIC   is   an   EPA-­‐registered   antimicrobial   agent   that   uses   a  
proprietary  technology  to  bond  pure,  natural,  metallic  silver  to  textile  fibers  that  are  
then  woven  into  fabric  products  such  as  uniforms  and  privacy  curtains.  The  release  
of   silver   ions   will   persist   for   the   life   of   the   product   and   is   proven   to   sustain   through  
hundreds   of   commercial   launderings.   This   is   important   because   soft   surfaces   are  
rapidly  recontaminated,  particularly  with  things  like  privacy  curtains,  which  may  be  
left  hanging  for  weeks  or  months.  X-­‐STATIC  will  continue  to  reduce  the  amount  of  
bacteria   on   the   surface   of   the   fabric   while   in   use,   without   any   action   or   behavior  
modification  from  staff  or  patients."  
• "MRSA  contamination  was  found  in  63%  fewer  silver-­‐impregnated  curtains  than  
in  control  curtains."  Dr.  Tim  Boswell,  QMC  Hospital,  November  2008.  
http://www.infectionpreventiontextiles.com/  

Opinions  about  antimicrobial  textiles  

In   a   study   by   Schweizer,   et   al.   (2012),   twenty-­‐one   rooms   in   a   surgical   intensive   care  
unit  (ICU)  and  nine  rooms  in  a  medical  ICU  were  randomly  selected  to  receive  either  
a   new   standard   curtain   or   a   new   identical-­‐looking   CEC   (Complex   Element  
Compound)  curtain.  Fifteen  rooms  received  CEC  curtains  and  15  received  standard  
curtains.   Cultures   were   performed   of   samples   that   were   collected   from   curtains  
twice  a  week  for  4  weeks  (23  days).  The  median  time  to  first  contamination  was  7  
times  longer  for  CEC  curtains  than  for  standard  curtains  (14  vs  2  days).  
CEC  curtains  were  significantly  less  contaminated  than  standard  curtains  according  
to   earlier   culture   results   but   not   significantly   different   for   later   culture   results  
where  14  CEC  curtains  and  13  standard  curtains  were  contaminated  at  least  once    
   

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  9  

 
  

Antimicrobial  textiles  have  received  mixed  reviews  from  the  medical  community.  

In  fact,  many  epidemiologists  worry  that  antimicrobial  products  are    

making  superbugs  more  resistant  and  even  stronger.  

C.  difficile,  for  example,  is  a  resilient  organism  that  lives  inside  of  spores  and  these  
spores  are  not  affected  by  antimicrobial  treatments.    
McArthur   et   al.   (2012)   have   warned   that   “continued   use   of   [antimicrobial   textiles]  
could   result   in   increased   and   widespread   resistance   to   specific   antimicrobials,  
especially   metals,   with   an   increased   resistance   to   antibiotics.   Such   increases   have  
the   potential   to   find   their   way   into   bacterial   populations   of   human   pathogens  
leading  to  serious  and  unintended  public  health  consequences.”  
Resources  
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospital-­‐acquired_infection  

http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-­‐6553(12)00070-­‐3/abstract  

http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/Privacy-­‐Curtain-­‐Cleaning-­‐Solutions-­‐-­‐14453  -­‐  
sthash.SSPOXWnw.dpuf  

Floyd  Trillis,  III,  Elizabeth  C.  Eckstein,  Rachel  Budavich,  Michael  J.  Pultz  and  Curtis  J.  Donskey  (2008).  
Contamination  of  Hospital  Curtains  With  Healthcare-­‐Associated  Pathogens.  Infection  Control,  29,  pp  
1074-­‐1076.  doi:10.1017/S0195941700027132.  

http://www.hermanmiller.com/MarketFacingTech/hmc/research/research_summaries/assets/wp_
Patient_Rooms.pdf  

http://www.hfmmagazine.com/display/HFM-­‐news-­‐
article.dhtml?dcrPath=/templatedata/HF_Common/NewsArticle/data/HFM/Magazine/2014/Mar/0
314HFM_SurfaceSafety  

http://www.hospitalinfection.org/essentialfacts.shtml  

http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2012/10/experimental-­‐antimicrobial-­‐technology-­‐
could-­‐decrease-­‐transmission-­‐of-­‐hospital-­‐pathogens.aspx  

http://www.infectionpreventiontextiles.com  

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87452.php  

http://www.purthread.com  

McArthur  J.V.,  Tuckfield  RC  &  Baker-­‐Austin  C.  2012.  ”Antimicrobial  Textiles”  In  Antibiotic  Resistance,  
Handbook  of  Experimental  Pharmacology    

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  10  

 
  

How  do  I  clean  a  cubicle  curtain?    

Cleaning   hospital   cubicle   curtains   can   be  
difficult.  They  cannot  be  thoroughly  cleaned  in  
place   by   wiping   down,   although   it   is   an   option.  
Cleaning   is   a   task   that   is   easily   overlooked.   It  
can  be  limited  by  time,  manpower,  and  facility  
budget.  
Care   instructions   for   cubicle   curtains   are  
usually   found   in   a   tag   at   the   bottom   of   the  
curtain   hem.   Instructions   will   vary   based   on  
the   manufacturer   and   the   materials   used;   however,   most   cubicle   curtains   are  
washable   to   160°   F   with   a   synthetic   detergent.   Curtains   can   tumble   dry   at   140°   F.  
They   should   be   hung   or   folded   immediately   after   drying.   Most   hospital   cubicle  
curtains   are   inherently   fire   retardant,   meaning   the   flame   resistance   cannot   be  
washed  out  of  the  curtains  regardless  of  the  number  of  times  washed.  
One  area  of  special  difficulty   with  a  cubicle  curtain   is  the  wrinkles.   Unless  you  are  
set   up   to   handle   large   pieces   of   fabric,   it   is   likely   that   your   cleaned   curtain   will   have  
many  wrinkles.    

Different  ways  cubicle  curtains  can  be  cleaned  

1. Curtains  can  be  cleaned  in  place  
2. Hospitals  can  clean  their  curtains  onsite  
3. Curtains  can  be  outsourced  to  a  professional,  mobile  onsite  cleaning  service.  
One  example  is  AWC,  which  provides  mobile  dry  cleaning  units  
http://www.awc-­‐cwc.com/services/hospital.asp.  
4. Curtains  can  be  outsourced  to  a  professional,  offsite  cleaning  service  such  as  
Accord  Curtains  http://www.accordcurtains.com/  
Typically,   curtains   are   taken   down   and   outsourced   to   an   off-­‐site   professional  
cleaning  service  that  will  clean,  sanitize,  press,  and  return  your  curtains.    

Advantages  of  professional  cleaning  

• Cleaning  according  to  environmental  services  and  infection  control  protocols  
• Professionally  cleaned  curtains  have  a  neater,  more  uniform  appearance  
• Scheduled  and  managed  service  that  helps  determine  when  curtains  need  
cleaned,  repaired,  or  replaced  
• Inventory  tracking    
• Optional  replacement  curtains  while  your  curtains  are  being  cleaned  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  11  

 
  

Alternatives  to  cleaning  cubicle  curtains  

There   are   alternatives   to   cleaning   an   entire   curtain   like   utilizing   sanitizing   spray  
disinfectants,   or   products   that   offer   alternative   solutions   like   the   Hand   Shield®   or  
Xenex’s  Germ-­‐Zapping  Robots™.  

Sanitizing  Spray  
An   excerpt   from   Health  Facilities  Management,  Take  a  hard  look  at  
soft   surfaces   quoting   Kelly   Reynolds,   MSPH,   Ph.D.,   associate  
professor  at  the  Mel  &  Enid  Zuckerman  College  of  Public  Health  at  
the   University   of   Arizona   states   that   "the   use   of   a   disinfectant   easily  
could  be  integrated  into  health  care  practices  where  the  occupancy  
is  high  and  fast  patient  room  turnaround  time  is  critical.  This  option  
is   an   alternative   to   other   options   such   as   laundering   privacy  
curtains  between  patients.  
Reynolds   says   tests   conducted   in   the   field   in   a   real-­‐time   application   have   shown   a  
sanitizing  spray  reduced  general  background  bacteria  by  99  percent.  The  next  phase  
of   testing   the   product   will   involve   putting   microbial   tracers   on   soft   surfaces   to   get   a  
better  idea  of  reduction  on  the  various  soft  surfaces  that  have  been  inoculated  with  
organisms.  
Thus   far   we   have   found   that   the   sanitizing   spray   has   been   very   effective.   But   I   want  
to  issue  a  word  of  caution  that  any  sanitizing  spray  that  is  chosen  for  soft  surfaces  
should  be  EPA-­‐registered  for  soft-­‐surface  sanitizing.  That  way  you  can  be  sure  that  
product   has   been   tested   to   achieve   a   99.9   percent   reduction,   as   required   by   the  
EPA,"  Reynolds  says.”  
http://www.hfmmagazine.com/display/HFM-­‐news-­‐
article.dhtml?dcrPath=/templatedata/HF_Common/NewsArticle/data/HFM/Magaz
ine/2014/Mar/0314HFM_SurfaceSafety    
One   sanitizing   spray   for   soft   surfaces   is   Clorox   Healthcare®  Hydrogen   Peroxide  
Cleaner   Disinfectants.   These   products   “are   EPA-­‐registered   for   use   on   soft   surfaces  
and  kill  bacteria  on  soft  surfaces  in  30  seconds”.    
https://www.cloroxprofessional.com  

Handhold  Areas  
The  Hand  Shield®  is  a  product  line  that  offers  an  attached  handhold  area  to  both  
ends  of  a  curtain.  It  is  available  as  either  a  permanently  attached  handhold,  or  as  a  
disposable.  Both  versions  encourage  the  use  of  a  designated  hand-­‐safe  zone  to  
reduce  the  potential  for  cross-­‐contamination.  http://www.curtaincare.com/the-­‐
handshield-­‐overview  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  12  

 
  

The  permanently  attached  Hand  Shield®  is  made  of  a  

heavy-­‐duty  healthcare  approved  material  with  inherent  
antimicrobial,  anti-­‐fungal,  and  stain  resistant  
properties.  It  can  be  wiped  daily  in  seconds.    
The  disposable  Hand  Shield®  can  be  used  in  conjunction  
with  existing  privacy  curtains  and  snap  on  to  a  curtain’s  
existing  mesh.  They  can  be  changed  on  a  cleaning    
schedule  or  when  a  patient  is  discharged.   Disposable  Hand  Shield®  

 
UV  Disinfection  Systems  
There  are  even  newer  technologies  like  UV  Disinfection  Systems  used  for  advanced  
environmental  cleaning  of  healthcare  facilities.  

One  example  is  the  Pulsed  Xenon  UV  from  Xenex.  

Xenex’s  Germ-­‐Zapping  Robots™  use  a  patented  
pulse  Xenon  UV  disinfection  system  that  is  more  
effective  than  cleaning  with  bleach  by  hand.  The  
UV  light  in  the  robot  touches  and  cleans  all  
surfaces  and  after  five  to  10  minutes,  the  germs'  
DNA  are  so  badly  damaged  by  the  UV  light  that  
they  can  no  longer  replicate  and  die.  
Xenex®  Germ-­‐Zapping  Robot™  
http://www.xenex.com/  

 
 
Resources  
http://accordcurtains.com/  
http://www.awc-­‐cwc.com/services/hospital.asp  
https://www.cloroxprofessional.com  
www.curtaincare.com/the-­‐handshield-­‐overview  
Kehoe,  Bob.  "Take  a  Hard  Look  at  Soft  Surfaces."  Surface  Safety.  Health  Facilities  Management,  1  Mar.  2014.  Web.  
13  Feb.  2015.  <http://www.hfmmagazine.com/display/HFM-­‐news-­‐
article.dhtml?dcrPath=/templatedata/HF_Common/NewsArticle/data/HFM/Magazine/2014/Mar/0314HFM_S
urfaceSafety>.  

http://www.xenex.com/  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  13  

 
  

What  are  the  cleaning  requirements  for  cubicle  curtains?    

Presently,   there   is   no   consensus   regarding   cleaning   requirements   for   cubicle  
curtains.  The  frequency  of  cleaning  and  laundering  requirements  are  determined  by  
each  facility.  Most  facilities  will  clean  curtains  when  they  are  visibly  soiled,  or  after  
an   isolation   discharge.   Some   facilities   will   also   schedule   curtain   cleaning   on   a  
routine   basis;   some   may   schedule   cleaning   once   a   year   and   others   may   schedule  
monthly.   According   to   survey   administered   by   the   Association   for   Professionals   in  
Infection   Control   and   Epidemiology   (APIC)   infection   preventionists   responded   to  
how   often   privacy   curtains   in   their   facilities   are   cleaned,   37   percent   “only   when  
visibly  soiled,”  13  percent  “every  month,”  13  percent  “every  three  months”  and  13  
percent  “once  per  year.”  

Two  expert  opinions  on  cleaning  requirements  

From  OSHA  Healthcare  Advisor  

Q:    What’s  the  OSHA  requirement  for  laundering  privacy  or  cubicle  curtains  in  an  
ambulatory  care  setting?  
A:    OSHA  does  not  have  a  specific  requirement  for  laundering  privacy  or  cubicle  
curtains,  only  that  you  include  the  frequency  on  your  housekeeping  schedule.  
The  CDC  Guidelines  for  Environmental  Infection  Control  in  Health-­‐Care  Facilities  
document  doesn’t  help  much,  as  it  refers  to  window  curtains  and  merely  says:  
“Clean  walls,  blinds,  and  window  curtains  in  patient-­‐care  areas  when  they  are  
visibly  dusty  or  soiled.”  For  a  more  authoritative  answer,  we  asked  Steve  MacArthur,  
safety  consultant  for  The  Greeley  Company,  and  occasional  blogger  for  OSHA  
Healthcare  Advisor  and  more  frequently  for  his  own  Mac’s  Safety  Space.  
Here  is  what  he  had  to  say  on  the  subject:  
I  don’t  know  that  you’re  going  to  find  very  much  in  the  way  of  guidance  because  the  
answer  to  the  question  of  “how  often  would  one  change  the  cubicle  curtains”  is  “it  
depends.”  
There  are  a  ton  of  variables,  but  let’s  get  the  hard  and  fast  stuff  out  of  the  way:  
Soiled  cubicle  curtain  –  change  it  
Precaution  patient  discharged  –  change  it  (there  are  probably  instances  in  which  
changing  is  not  necessary,  but  it’s  not  a  good  practice  to  have  front  line  environment  
services  staff  making  the  call  on  whether  it  should  be  changed  or  not).  These  are  
probably  the  most  dire  circumstances  you’d  encounter  in  the  ambulatory  setting.  
 

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  14  

 
  

The  next  tier  is  much  grayer;  for  instance,  if  a  patient  is  there  (which  wouldn’t  
happen  in  ambulatory,  but  I  just  want  to  use  the  example)  for  a  month  or  more,  it’s  
probably  a  good  idea  to  think  about  changing.  
Beyond  that,  you  can  certainly  look  at  the  manufacturer  recommendations  for  
cleaning  frequencies;  some  facilities  do  them  annually,  some  semi-­‐annually,  some  
quarterly.  
Some  facilities  rent  the  cubicles  and  as  a  function  of  that  rental,  the  vendor  supplies  
the  labor  for  changing  them  out.  In  situations  where  you  don’t  have  a  complete  set  
to  change  out,  the  change  is  done  in  phases.  Also,  some  facilities  will  change  them  
out  when  a  room  is  empty  as  a  function  of  being  able  to  access  the  space.  
Of  course,  then  there  are  the  issues  of  wear  and  tear—cubicle  curtains  can  get  beat  
up  pretty  quickly,  which  also  indicates  time  to  change  ‘em  out.  

From  AORN  (Association  of  periOperative  Registered  Nurses)  

According  to  the  American  Society  for  Healthcare  Environmental  Services  of  the  
American  Hospital  Association,  privacy  curtains  should  be  cleaned  any  time  there  is  
visible  dust  or  soil  and  as  a  part  of  the  terminal  cleaning  process  whenever  an  area  
has  been  occupied  by  a  patient  who  has  been  on  contact  or  droplet  precautions.1,  2  
To  prevent  cross  contamination,  the  privacy  curtains  should  be  taken  down  
immediately  after  an  area  has  been  occupied  by  a  patient  who  has  been  on  isolation  
precautions,  and  clean  curtains  should  be  hung  before  the  next  patient  occupies  the  
area.  Conversely,  freshly  laundered  privacy  curtains  should  be  hung  immediately  
before  an  immunosuppressed  patient  will  be  occupying  the  area.  
If  the  curtains  are  made  from  a  nonporous  material  (eg,  plastic),  the  edges  are  high-­‐
touch  areas  and  should  be  included  in  the  daily  disinfecting/cleaning  procedure.1  If  
the  curtains  are  fabric  and  there  is  no  visible  dust  or  soil,  some  of  the  following  
considerations  should  be  taken  into  account  for  determining  the  frequency  of  
cleaning:  volume  of  surgical  procedures  performed  per  month,  types  of  procedures  
performed  in  the  facility,  patient  population,  traffic  in  the  area,  and  the  number  of  
visitors.  
Privacy  curtains  should  be  removed  and  sent  out  to  a  commercial  laundry  to  ensure  
they  are  disinfected  and  free  of  vegetative  pathogens  (ie,  hygienically  clean).  
According  to  the  Centers  for  Disease  Control  and  Prevention  guidelines,  “Laundering  
cycles  consist  of  flush,  main  wash,  bleaching,  rinsing,  and  souring….  The  
antimicrobial  action  of  the  laundering  process  results  from  a  combination  of  
mechanical,  thermal,  and  chemical  factors.”2(p100-­‐101)  Adding  a  mild  acid  to  the  
final  rinse  cycle  is  known  as  “souring”  and  results  in  a  rapid  shift  in  the  pH  from  an  
alkaline  level  to  an  acidic  level  that  further  inactivates  some  microorganisms.2  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  15  

 
  

The  guidelines  also  state  that  large-­‐surface  cleaning  methods  that  produce  mists  or  
aerosol  or  disperse  dust  in  patient-­‐care  areas  should  be  avoided.2  It  is  not  
appropriate  to  steam  the  curtains  and  leave  them  hanging  because  of  the  probability  
of  aerosolization  and  dispersion  of  dust  and  the  risk  of  burns  to  the  personnel  using  
the  steamer.  There  also  is  a  risk  for  inconsistency  because  the  heat  from  the  steam  
may  not  reach  all  areas  of  the  curtain  and  may  not  provide  enough  heat  to  destroy  
microorganisms.  Steam  cleaning  would  not  include  the  recommended  bleaching  and  
rinse  cycles.  
When  purchasing  privacy  curtains  and  developing  cleaning  policies,  perioperative  
managers  should  be  aware  of  the  manufacturer's  recommendations  for  cleaning.  
State  regulations  or  accrediting  standards  may  dictate  procedures  for  laundering  
and  cleaning  cycles.  Knowing  the  fabric  content  of  the  privacy  curtains  is  important  
to  determine  the  method  for  cleaning.  For  example,  dry  cleaning  is  not  considered  to  
be  effective  in  reducing  the  numbers  of  bacteria  and  viruses  on  contaminated  fabric  
surfaces.2  Fabric  content  also  is  important  because  of  the  tendencies  of  
microorganisms  to  bind  with  certain  fabrics  more  than  others.  One  study  indicates  
that  Saureus  and  Pseudomonas  aeruginosa  can  bind  to  acrylic,  polyester,  and  wool  
at  very  high  ratios.3  Other  studies  have  shown  that  staphylococci,  enterococci,  and  
fungus  can  survive  on  fabric  for  days  or  weeks  and  have  a  tendency  to  survive  
longer  on  polyester  than  on  cotton.4,  5  A  sufficient  inventory  of  privacy  curtains  
should  be  purchased  to  allow  immediate  replacement  when  necessary.  
References:  
1.  FAQ  section:  how  often  should  privacy  curtains  be  cleaned?.  American  Society  for  Healthcare  
Environmental  Services  of  the  American  Hospital  Association  
http://www.ashes.org/ashes_app/learn/in_focus/faqs/privacy_curtains_1.jsp  Accessed  November  
11,  2010  
2.  Sehulster  L,  Chinn  RYW,  Arduino  MJ,  et  al.  Guidelines  for  Environmental  Infection  Control  in  
Health-­‐Care  Facilities:  Recommendations  of  CDC  and  the  Healthcare  Infection  Control  Practices  
Advisory  Committee  (HICPAC).  Chicago  IL:  American  Society  for  Healthcare  Engineering/American  
Hospital  Association;2004;  http://cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/guidelines/Enviro_guide_03.pdf  
Accessed  January  7,  2011  
3.  Takashima  M,  Shirai  F,  Sageshima  M,  Ikeda  N,  Okamoto  Y,  Dohi  Y.  Distinctive  bacteria-­‐binding  
property  of  cloth  materials.  Am  J  Infect  Control.  2004;32(1):27–30  
4.  Neely  AN,  Orloff  MM.  Survival  of  some  medically  important  fungi  on  hospital  fabrics  and  plastics.  J  
Clin  Microbiol.  2001;39(9):3360–3361  
5.  Neely  AN,  Maley  MP.  Survival  of  enterococci  and  staphylococci  on  hospital  fabrics  and  plastic.  J  Clin  
Microbiol.  2000;38(2):724–726  

Resources  
DeAngelis  DL,  Khakoo  R,  DeAngelis  DL.  Hospital  privacy  curtains:  Cleaning  and  changing  policies  —  
are  we  doing  enough?  Am  J  Infect  Control.  41  (2013):S25-­‐S145.  
http://www.aornjournal.org/article/S0001-­‐2092(11)00250-­‐X/fulltext  
http://blogs.hcpro.com/osha/2010/10/ask-­‐the-­‐expert-­‐privacy-­‐curtain-­‐cleaning/  
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5210a1.htm  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  16  

 
  

What  are  the  fire  code  requirements  for  cubicle  curtains?  

Cubicle  curtains  must  adhere  to  local,  state,  and  Federal  fire  codes.  Typically  there  
are  two  factors  required:  
1. All  cubicle  curtain  fabrics  are  required  to  be  fire-­‐retardant  by  National  Fire  
Protection  Agency  (NFPA)  code.  The  fabric  may  be  flame-­‐retardant  treated  
(FRT)  or  Inherently  Flame  retardant  (IFR,)  or  sometimes  referred  to  as  (FR).  
Most  cubicle  curtains  are  fabricated  using  fabrics  that  pass  NFPA  701  testing.    
 
What  is  NFPA  701?  This  standard  establishes  test  methods  to  assess  the  
propagation  of  flame  of  various  textiles  and  films  under  specified  fire  test  
conditions.  http://www.nfpa.org/codes-­‐and-­‐standards/document-­‐
information-­‐pages?mode=code&code=701  
 
Flame-­‐retardant  treated  fabrics  are  materials  are  made  flame-­‐resistant  by  
the  application  of  flame-­‐retardant  chemicals.  Inherently  flame  resistant  
fibers  are  materials  that  have  flame  resistance  built  into  their  chemical  
structures.    
2. Mesh  needs  to  allow  water  to  pass  through  from  the  ceiling  mounted  
sprinklers  in  the  event  of  a  fire.  
The  suggestion  for  the  amount  of  mesh  is  70  percent  openness  to  allow  for  ceiling  
sprinkler  water  penetration.  For  the  proper  operation  of  sprinkler  systems,  cubicle  
curtains   and   sprinkler   locations   need   to   be   coordinated.   Improperly   designed  
systems   might   obstruct   the   sprinkler   spray   from   reaching   the   fire,   or   might   shield  
the  heat  from  the  sprinkler.  
Many   options   are   available   to   the   designer   including,   but   not   limited   to,   hanging   the  
cubicle  curtains  18  in.  (46  cm)  below  the  sprinkler  deflector;  using  1/2-­‐in.  (1.3-­‐cm)  
diagonal   mesh   or   a   70   percent   open   weave   top   panel   that   extends   18   in.   (46   cm)  
below   the   sprinkler   deflector;   or   designing   the   system   to   have   a   horizontal   and  
minimum   vertical   distance   that   meets   the   requirements   of   NFPA   13,   Standard   for  
the   Installation   of   Sprinkler   Systems.   The   test   data   that   forms   the   basis   of   the   NFPA  
13  requirements  is  from  fire  tests  with  sprinkler  discharge  that  penetrated  a  single  
privacy  curtain.  
 
Resources  
http://www.nfpa.org/  

http://ssr-­‐cfm-­‐articles.blogspot.com/2012/02/mesh-­‐cubicle-­‐curtains.html  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  17  

 
  

How  are  cubicle  curtains  made?  

What’s  the  process?  
Almost   all   cubicle   curtains   are   custom   made   to   order.   There   are   usually   three  
different   parties   involved   in   the   process   of   making   cubicle   curtains.   These   three  
parties   could   be   three   separate   companies,   or   they   could   be   combined   together   and  
serve   more   than   one   function.   Standard   Textile,   for   example,   is   the   largest   cubicle  
curtain   manufacturer   in   the   United   States   and   provides   all   three   services.  
http://www.standardtextile.com/healthcare/products/decorative-­‐
products/cubicle-­‐curtains  

Vendor  

Process  

Drapery  
Workroom   Manufacturer  

 
A   vendor   receives   the   quantities   and   measurements   for   the   curtains   by   working  
with   an   existing   facility   or   by   looking   at   blueprints.   Once   the   measurements   and  
quantities   are   obtained,   they   are   sent   to   the   drapery   workroom.   In   the   workroom  
the   fabric   to   be   used   is   ordered   from   the   manufacturer.   Typically,   an   architect   or  
interior  designer  has  selected  the  color  and  pattern  of  the  fabric.  
The  manufacturer  sends  a  bolt  of  fabric  to  the  workroom  where  the  curtains  are  cut  
and   hemmed   to   the   specifications.   Also   in   the   workroom,   mesh   and   grommets   are  
added  to  the  curtains.  When  the  curtains  are  completed,  the  finished  product  is  sent  
to  the  vendor  to  install  at  the  facility.  

How  is  curtain  fabric  measured?  

Curtain  fabric  is  measured  in  square  yards.  Fabric  comes  on  bolts  and  is  available  in  
varying  widths;  sometimes  the  fabric  is  60"  wide  and  other  times  the  fabric  is  84"  
wide.  There  also  could  be  a  specific  direction  to  the  fabric,  but  frequently  the  fabric  
can  be  hung  in  either  direction.  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  18  

 
  

What  method  is  used  to  make  the  curtains?  

Depending   upon   the   pattern   of   the   fabric   and   curtain   length,   one   of   the   following  
two  methods  would  be  used  to  make  the  curtain.  
1. Seam  fabric  panels  to  get  the  desired  width  
2. Railroad  the  fabric  to  get  the  desired  width  
 

What  does  railroading  fabric  mean?  

Railroading  fabric  means  that  if  you  

turn   a   bolt   of   fabric   on   its   end   and  
roll  out  the  fabric  from  left  to  right,  
the   pattern   continues   across   the  
roll.   If   a   fabric   is   railroaded,   seams  
are   eliminated   so   the   curtain   will  
have  a  one  piece  appearance  
The   width   of   the   curtain   is   cut   from  
the   roll,   resulting   in   no   seams   and  
the   width   of   the   fabric   on   the   roll  
becomes  the  drop  of  the  curtain.  
Railroading  fabric  diagram  

 
Resources  
http://www.standardtextile.com/healthcare/products/decorative-­‐products/cubicle-­‐
curtains  
 
 
Why  is  there  mesh  on  the  top  of  most,  but  not  all  cubicle  curtains?  
Question:  
• Is  there  a  ceiling  mounted  sprinkler  system  in  the  area  of  where  the  cubicle  
curtains  will  be  used?  
• Is  there  an  Exit  sign  that  would  be  obscured  or  obstructed  when  hanging  the  
cubicle  curtains?    
Answer:  
If  you  answered  "Yes"  to  either  or  both  the  above  questions,  then  you  are  required  
to  have  mesh  on  your  cubicle  curtains  order  to  meet  your  local,  state,  and  Federal  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  19  

 
  

fire   codes.   The   Fire   Marshall   in   your   area   determines   this   requirement   and   is   the  
final  authority  for  cubicle  curtains  and  fire  safety.    
The  sprinkler  system  and  Exit  sign  must  be  able  to  perform  without  obstruction.  In  
the  event  of  a  fire,  mesh  allows  the  distribution  of   water  from  the  sprinklers,  and  all  
mesh   must   be   fire   retardant.   Mesh   also   allows   for   increased   ventilation   and   lighting  
in   a   patient’s   room.   Usually   the   amount   of   mesh   on   the   top   of   a   curtain   is   18”   to   28”  
tall.  

Alternatives  to  mesh  

Two  alternatives  to  mesh  at  the  top  of  curtains  are  hanging  curtains  from  suspended  
ceiling  track,  or  by  a  drop  chain  that  is  attached  to  the  top  of  the  curtain.  Sometimes  
suspended   track   and   drop   chains   are   used   in   conjunction   with   mesh.   These   two  
methods  of  hanging  curtains  will  still  likely  adhere  to  your  local,  state  and  Federal  
fire  codes  of  not  having  sprinklers  or  Exit  signs  obstructed.  

1. Curtains  hung  by  suspended  track    

Suspended   track   can   be   used   in   areas    
where   there   are   high   ceilings   or  
 
obstructions   that   prevent   track   to   be  
mounted  directly  to  the  ceiling.    

2. Curtains  hung  by  drop  chain    

Drop   chains   can   be   used   for   higher   Suspended  curtain  track  

ceilings   where   it   may   not   be   possible  
for   floor   to   ceiling   curtains.   The   curtain  
track   will   still   be   ceiling   mounted   and  
the   drop   chain   will   suspend   the   curtain  
of  lesser  height.  
Drop  chain  with  
eyelet  and  hook    
 
Curtain  with  mesh  hung  by  drop  chain  

 
 
   

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  20  

 
  

How  do  I  measure  for  cubicle  curtains?  

Question:  
What  size  cubicle  curtain  would  I  order  for  an  opening  that  is  144"  wide  (left  to  
right)  x  96  high  (ceiling  to  floor)?  
Answer:  
You  would  probably  order  a  180"  x  90"  curtain.  

Hint:  Usually  curtain  manufacturers  use  one  eyelet  every  6  inches.    

This  is  a  quick  way  to  measure  the  width  of  a  curtain.    

If   you   are   ordering   curtains   for   an   area,   it   is   nice   to   have   as   many   curtains   in   the  
same  size  as  possible  to  help  ensure  uniformity.  This  way  when  curtains  are  cleaned  
or  swapped  out  one  curtain  will  not  be  a  few  inches  shorter  than  the  others.  

What  do  the  numbers  in  curtain  measurement  represent?  

180"  x  90"  with  20"  of  mesh  
• The  first  number  represents  the  width,  left  to  right  of  the  curtain.  
• The  second  number  represents  the  total  height  of  the  curtain.  
• The   third   number   represents   the   height   of   mesh   added   to   the   top   of   the  
curtain.  Fire  code  requires  a  mesh  header  on  the  top  of  a  curtain  when  ceiling  
mounted  sprinklers  are  present,  or  PVC  or  beaded  chain  drops,  so  water  flow  
is  not  restricted  from  the  sprinklers  in  case  of  fire.  
Industry  standard  is  for  curtains  to  be  at  least  10  percent  wider  than  the  track  size  
or  area  that  you  are  trying  to  cover.  It  is  best  to  add  this  extra  width  to  account  for  
fullness  and  to  help  provide  privacy.  
Typically   the   height   of   the   curtain   should   be   about   6”   to   10"   above   the   floor.   The  
curtains   should   be   at   a   height   to   still   provide   privacy   for   the   patient,   but   not  
reaching   the   floor   where   they   would   be   in   the   way   for   cleaning.   For   example,  
mopping  the  floor.  
 
 

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  21  

 
  

What  are  different  types  of  carriers  and  tracks  for  cubicle  curtains?  
Carriers  can  be  made  from  plastic  or  metal  and  are  used  to  hang  curtains  on  track.  It  
is   important   that   you   make   sure   your   carriers,   also   known   as   hooks,   are   made   for  
your   specific   type   of   track.   If   not,   the   hooks   will   quickly   get   stuck   and   the   curtain  
will  not  operate  properly.  

Two  common  types  of  carriers  

• General  carriers  that  use  an  axle  and  wheel  combination  
• Break  away  carriers  are  used  in  prisons  or  behavioral  health  institutions,  
they  will  break  away  when  a  certain  amount  of  pressure  is  applied  

   
General  carrier  and  curtain  track   Break  away  carrier  

There   are   many   sizes   and   types   of   curtain   track   available.   Track   can   be  
manufactured  from  different  materials  like  enamel-­‐baked  aluminum  and  be  bent  to  
your  facilities  specifications  around  ceiling  obstructions  or  door  swings.    

Different  types  of  track  

• Surface  or  ceiling  mounted  track  
• Suspended  track  from  the  ceiling  

     
90°  Bent  track   Ceiling  mounted  track   Suspended  track  

Some  suppliers  of  curtain  track  are  http://www.c-­‐sgroup.com/  or  

http://www.imperialfastener.com/.  
The   following   image   from   http://www.cubiclecurtainfactory.com/   shows   detailed  
information  on  ceiling  mounted  track,  suspended  track,  and  cubicle  curtain  carriers.  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  22  

 
  

7810 S Dixie Highway

West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Toll Free: 800.588.9296 | Fax: 561.202.0015
www.cubiclecurtainfactory.com

 
Resources  
http://www.c-­‐sgroup.com/  
http://www.cubiclecurtainfactory.com/  
http://www.imperialfastener.com/index.php  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  23  

 
  

What  are  disposable  cubicle  curtains?  

A   disposable   cubicle   curtain   is   an   alternative   to   the   more  
expensive   cloth   curtain.   Most   disposable   curtains   are   made  
from   non-­‐woven   polypropylene   and   are   100%   recyclable.  
Many   disposable   curtains   have   pleats,   making   them  
convenient  because  a  very  wide  curtain  can  collapse  into  a  few  
inches  width.  
Disposable  curtains  may  come  with  or  without  mesh,  and  can  
be  fastened  the  same  way  as  traditional  curtains  to  track.  Mesh  
can  be  sewn  on  the  fabric  or  some  curtains  may  have  holes  cut  
on  the  fabric.                              Pleated  disposable  curtain  

What  are  some  reasons  to  consider  using  disposable  curtains?  

• Regular   laundering   of   cubicle   curtains   may   not   always   be   possible   and   the  
ability   to   change   curtains   more   frequently   can   make   for   a   cleaner   and  
healthier  patient  experience  
• Help  reduce  the  risk  of  HAIs  
• Reduce   laundry   costs:   for   curtains   in   high   infection   areas   such   as   Emergency  
Departments,   ICU   and   Burn   Units   where   more   frequent   curtain   cleaning   is  
necessary  
According  Darrel  Hicks,  author  of  Infection  Prevention  for  Dummies,    
Install  disposable  cubicle  curtains  in  your  patient’s  room.  The  features  of  this  type  
of  curtain  over  a  conventional  curtain  include:    

• Safety-­‐Reduces  cross  contamination  and  HAIs,  reduces  worker’s  compensation  

issues  by  reducing  injuries,  eliminates  stress  on  back,  neck,  and  shoulders;  
eliminates  cross-­‐contamination  risks  for  ladders  in  and  out  of  isolation  rooms;  
assures  a  clean/refreshed  curtain  with  each  new  patient.    

• Time  savings-­‐Reduces  changeover  time  to  less  than  2  minutes  per  semi-­‐
private  room;  compact  packaging  allows  stocking  product  in  nursing  units  to  
eliminate  wait  time;  anyone  (including  Nursing)  can  change  the  curtains  with  
this  system  which  results  in  faster  patient  admissions;  compatibility  with  
current  ceiling  track’s;  auto  release  system  can  reduce  maintenance  calls.    
   

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  24  

 
  

• Money  savings-­‐Can  be  charged  to  each  nursing  division  and  stocked  to  a  
par  level  by  Central  Storeroom  personnel;  reduces  worker’s  
compensation  issues  by  reducing  injuries  (the  elimination  of  one  fall  
from  a  ladder  by  one  Housekeeper  could  pay  for  curtains  for  an  entire  
year!;  reduced  FTE’s/labor  cost  associated  with  changing,  laundering,  etc.  
2  minutes  v.  one  hour;  eliminates  acquisition  cost  of  current  curtains  if  
you  don’t  have  the  necessary  30%  overstock  needed  to  implement  
frequent  changes;  stocks  a  single  SKU  and  reduces  storage  costs;  faster  
curtain  changes  allows  for  patient  admissions  (improving  patient  
throughput  from  the  ER);  eliminates  one  more  possible  source  of  HAI’s  
due  to  soiled  curtains  remaining  in  the  room  from  one  sick  patient  to  the  
next.    

• Increase  Patient  Satisfaction  &  Regulatory  Compliance-­‐Faster  patient  

admissions  means  happier  patients  and  families;  maintain  patient  
privacy  with  consistent  curtain  length  in  every  room;  no  torn  or  yellowed  
mesh  at  the  top  of  the  curtain;  no  mismatched  curtains;  no  waiting  on  
curtain  changes,  HAI’s  due  to  soiled  curtains.  

Disposable   curtains   have   however   been   slow   to   gain   popularity   in   the   United   States  
on  a  wide  scale.  Interior  designers  work  hard  to  provide  an  inviting  environment  for  
patients.   Many   designers   feel   that   the   aesthetics   of   softer,   prettier,   traditional  
curtains  outweigh  the  benefits  of  disposable  curtains.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Resources  
http://darrelhicks.com/lowering-­‐the-­‐curtain-­‐on-­‐hais  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  25  

 
  

What  are  some  new  developments  and  trends  in  cubicle  curtains?  
In   addition   to   disposable   cubicle   curtains,   there   are   new   alternative   products   to   a  
traditional  cubicle  curtain.  There  are  also  new  trends  and  developments  for  cubicle  
curtains,  such  as  the  use  of  antimicrobial  fabrics,  the  use  of  sustainable  fabrics,  and  
cubicle  curtains  that  feature  landscape  photography.  

Alternative  products  to  traditional  cubicle  curtains  

• Snap  Panels  
• On  the  Right  Track®  
• Qwik  Switch®  
Snap  panels  
Curtain  snap  panels,  such  as  Simply  66®  http://www.simply66.com/   or  Snap  It  Up™  
http://www.coralfabrics.com/main/coral/index.html,   are   removable   panels   that  
snap  on  to  a  continuous  antimicrobial  mesh  that  is  attached  to  existing  ceiling  track.  
When  curtains  need  to  be  cleaned  or  to  be  replaced  they  are  simply  unsnapped.  New  
curtains  are  then  snapped  back  on  the  existing  mesh.  
Snap  panels  can  be  traditional  curtain  panels  or  disposable  panels.  Some  advantages  
to  snap  panels  include:  
• Reduce  health  hazards  with  cubicle  curtains  by  replacing  them  frequently  
• Reduced  laundering  costs  and  savings  on  installation  costs  
• Panels  can  easily  be  changed  without  ladders  or  maintenance  assistance  
• Go   Green   –   Use   less   energy   and   resources   with   reduced   laundering,   can   be  
available  in  100%  recycled  polyester  fabrics  

Simply  66®  snap  panel  

 
Snap  It  Up™  snap  panel  

   

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  26  

 
  

On  The  Right  Track®    

On  The  Right  Track  Systems,  Inc.  

manufactures  products  with  “a  focus  on  
infection  prevention,  improved  HCAHPS  
scores,  safety,  and  convenience”.  On  the  Right  
Track®  curtains  use  a  patented  track  and  
Hookless®  Ring  technology  which  allows  the  
curtains  to  glide  along  the  track  smoothly.  
Curtain  exchanges  can  be  quickly  managed  
and  without  using  a  ladder.  On  the  Right  
Track  offers  traditional  cubicle  curtains  as    
On  the  Right  Track®  curtains  
well  as  disposable  curtains.    
http://ontherighttrack.com/  

Qwik  Switch®  
Qwik  Switch®  from  Construction  Specialties,  
Inc.  uses  a  wand  in  a  locking  unit  at  the  end  of  
the  track  where  the  ceiling  meets  the  wall.  
When  the  wand  is  turned  it  unlocks  the  latch  
and  brings  the  track  down  to  remove  the  
curtain.  
A  clean  curtain  is  loaded  onto  the  carrier  and  
then  the  track  is  pushed  back  up  the  ceiling    
and  locked  into  position.     Qwik  Switch®  curtains  

http://www.c-­‐sgroup.com/cubicle-­‐track-­‐curtains/qwik-­‐switch  

New  Fabrics  
Many  new  fabric  choices  are  available  to  meet  demands  for  decreasing  the  spread  of  
HAIs   and   environmental   responsibility.   Fabric   choices   can   also   be   geared   to   the  
patient   experience   and   provide   them   with   visual   therapy.   Many   fabrics   meet    
OEKO-­‐TEX®   Standard   100,   an   independent   testing   and   certification   system   for  
harmful  substances  on  textiles.  
   

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  27  

 
  

Some  new  fabric  choices  include  

• Antimicrobial  
• Post-­‐consumer  recycled  polyester  
• LEED  certification  
• GREENGUARD  certification  
• Sereneview®  Custom  Curtains  
Studies  have  shown  that  cubicle  curtains  can  be  linked  
to   the   spread   of   disease   in   a   facility.   Antimicrobial  
fabrics,   or   antimicrobial   finish,   help   to   combat   this  
problem   by   inhibiting   the   growth   of   bacteria   on   textile   surfaces,   reducing  
environmental   contamination   on   textile   materials,   and   reducing   the   risk   of   cross-­‐
contamination.     For   example,   Nano-­‐Tex   with   BioAm   offers   “high   performance   spill  
and   stain   resistance   of   Nano-­‐Tex   with   a   safe,   non-­‐leaching   antimicrobial   that  
controls  microorganisms  that  cause  odors”.    http://protectbeauty.com/  
Cubicle   curtains   can   be   manufactured   following   LEED   (Leadership   in   Energy   and  
Environmental  Design)  guidelines  and  be  GREENGUARD  Certified.  
The  mission  of  the  GREENGUARD  Environmental  Institute  (GEI)  is  to  protect  human  
health   and   quality   of   life   through   programs   that   reduce   chemical   exposure   and  
improve   indoor   air   quality.   GEI   oversees   third-­‐party   certification   programs   that  
identify  acceptable  product  emission  standards  and  certify  low-­‐emitting  products.  
In  addition  to  the  use  of  antimicrobial  and  sustainable  fabrics,  new  fabrics  are  being  
utilized  to  help  enhance  the  patient  experience  with  visual  therapy.  “Views  of  nature  
have   been   linked   to   reduced   pain,   reduced   stress,   and   shorter   length   of   stay”  
according   to   a   research   study   Patient   Rooms:   A   Changing   Scene   of   Healing   by  
Herman  Miller  Inc.  
An  example  of  fabrics  using  visual  therapy  is  Sereneview,  which  has  a  line  of  
antimicrobial  scenic  hospital  curtains  and  scenic  overheads  “that  bring  beautiful  
views  of  Nature  to  the  bedside”.  
 

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  28  

 
  

 “Sereneview®  Custom  Curtains  feature  

beautiful  landscape  photography  that  
draws  the  viewer  into  a  daydream  like  
state  of  mind.  This  releases  serotonin,  
reducing  blood  pressure  and  stress,  
without  having  to  medicate  a  patient  
during  observation  or  painful  
procedures.”  
http://www.sereneview.com/  
 
Sereneview®  Custom  Curtains  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Resources  
http://www.coralfabrics.com/main/coral/index.html  
http://www.cubiclecurtainfactory.com/  

http://www.hermanmiller.com/MarketFacingTech/hmc/research/research_summaries/assets/wp_
Patient_Rooms.pdf  

http://ontherighttrack.com/  
http://protectbeauty.com/  

http://www.sereneview.com/  

http://www.simply66.com/  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  29  

 
  

Resources  
1. "Ask  the  Expert:  Privacy  Curtain   7. Hicks,  Darrel.  "Lowering  the  Curtain  
Cleaning."  OSHA  Healthcare  Advisor   on  HAI’s."  Darrel  Hicks  Author  of  
RSS.  Web.  28  Jan.  2015.  Web.  28  Jan.   Infection  Prevention  For  Dummies.  6  
2015.   Feb.  2012.  Web.  29  Jan.  2015.  
<http://blogs.hcpro.com/osha/2010/ <http://darrelhicks.com/lowering-­‐
10/ask-­‐the-­‐expert-­‐privacy-­‐curtain-­‐ the-­‐curtain-­‐on-­‐hais>.  
cleaning/>.   8. "Hospital  Privacy  Curtains  Are  
2. "Clinical  Issues—May  2011."  AORN.  1   Frequently  and  Rapidly  Contaminated  
May  2011.  Web.  28  Jan.  2015.   with  Potentially  Pathogenic  Bacteria."  
<http://www.aornjournal.org/article American  Journal  of  Infection  Control.  
/S0001-­‐2092(11)00250-­‐X/fulltext>.   1  Apr.  2012.  Web.  28  Jan.  2015.  
3. "Cubicle  Curtain."  Wikipedia.   <http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/
Wikimedia  Foundation.  Web.  28  Jan.   S0196-­‐6553(12)00070-­‐3/abstract>.  
2015.   9. http://www.hermanmiller.com/Mark
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubicl etFacingTech/hmc/research/researc
e_curtain>.   h_summaries/assets/wp_Patient_Roo
4. DeAngelis  DL,  Khakoo  R,  DeAngelis   ms.pdf  
DL.  Hospital  privacy  curtains:   10. Kehoe,  Bob.  "Take  a  Hard  Look  at  Soft  
Cleaning  and  changing  policies  —  are   Surfaces."  Surface  Safety.  Health  
we  doing  enough?  Am  J  Infect  Control.   Facilities  Management,  1  Mar.  2014.  
41  (2013):S25-­‐S145.   Web.  13  Feb.  2015.  
5. "Document  Information  Pages  (list  of   <http://www.hfmmagazine.com/displa
NFPA  Codes  &  Standards)."  Document   y/HFM-­‐news-­‐
Information  Pages  (list  of  NFPA  Codes   article.dhtml?dcrPath=/templatedata/H
&  Standards).  Web.  29  Jan.  2015.   F_Common/NewsArticle/data/HFM/Ma
<http://www.nfpa.org/codes-­‐and-­‐ gazine/2014/Mar/0314HFM_SurfaceSa
standards/document-­‐information-­‐ fety>.  
pages?mode=code&code=701>.   11. Lynch,  Patrick,  and  Susan  Barwick.  
6. Floyd  Trillis,  III,  Elizabeth  C.  Eckstein,   WiseGeek.  Conjecture.  Web.  28  Jan.  
Rachel  Budavich,  Michael  J.  Pultz  and   2015.  
Curtis  J.  Donskey  (2008).   <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-­‐is-­‐
Contamination  of  Hospital  Curtains   a-­‐hospital-­‐curtain.htm>.  
With  Healthcare-­‐Associated  
Pathogens.  Infection  Control,  29,  pp  
1074-­‐1076.  
doi:10.1017/S019594170002713.  

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  30  

 
  

12. Medical  News  Today.  MediLexicon   17. Zelinsky,  Marilyn.  "Abstracts."  Healthy  
International,  2  Nov.  2007.  Web.  23  Feb.   Floors.  Clients  Talk  About...  Cubicle  
2015.   Curtains.  Undiscovered  Niches:  Two  
<http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/arti Companies  Operate  under  the  
cles/87452.php>.   Philosophy  That  the  Market  Is  Wide  
13. "Privacy  Curtain  Cleaning   Open  for  User-­‐friendly  Products  
Solutions."  CleanLink.  Web.  28  Jan.   Designed  with  Ingenuity.  Interiors,  1  
2015.   Jan.  1997.  Web.  28  Jan.  2015.  
<http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/articl <http://www.readabstracts.com/Arc
e/Privacy-­‐Curtain-­‐Cleaning-­‐ hitecture-­‐and-­‐design-­‐
Solutions-­‐-­‐ industries/Healthy-­‐floors-­‐Clients-­‐
14453#sthash.vUoKsRvb.dpuf>.   talk-­‐about-­‐cubicle-­‐
14. "RID:  How  Many  Infections."  RID:   curtains.html#ixzz3QA1MCB7H>.  
How  Many  Infections.  Web.  23  Feb.  
2015.   http://accordcurtains.com/  
<http://www.hospitalinfection.org/e http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospital-­‐
ssentialfacts.shtml   acquired_infection  
15. "Role  of  the  Physical  Environment  in  
http://www.awc-­‐
the  Hospital  of  the  21st  Century."  Role  
cwc.com/services/hospital.asp  
of  the  Physical  Environment  in  the  
Hospital  of  the  21st  Century.  Web.  28   http://www.c-­‐sgroup.com/  
Jan.  2015.   https://www.cloroxprofessional.com  
<https://www.healthdesign.org/chd/ http://www.coralfabrics.com/main/coral
research/role-­‐physical-­‐environment-­‐ /index.html  
hospital-­‐21st-­‐century>.   http://www.cubiclecurtainfactory.com/  
16. "SSR  Compliance  and  Facilities  
http://www.curtaincare.com/the-­‐
Management  Articles:  Mesh  Cubicle  
handshield-­‐overview  
Curtains."  SSR  Compliance  and  
Facilities  Management  Articles:  Mesh   http://www.google.com/patents/US4377
Cubicle  Curtains.  Web.  28  Jan.  2015.   195  
<http://ssr-­‐cfm-­‐ http://www.imperialfastener.com/index.
articles.blogspot.com/2012/02/mesh php  
-­‐cubicle-­‐curtains.html>.   http://ontherighttrack.com/  
http://protectbeauty.com/  
http://www.sereneview.com/  
http://www.simply66.com/  
http://www.standardtextile.com/  
http://www.xenex.com/
 

Accord  Curtains:  All  About  Cubicle  Curtains       Page  31