The aim of the study was to determine if using linen in hospital beds affects patients' well-being An experimental group consisting of 52 patients (mean age 64 4 years) at a medical ward used linen in the bottom sheet, the protective sheet, the pillow-case and the patient gown for 4 weeks A control group consisting of 40 patients (mean age 67 5 years) at the same ward was observed for 4 weeks using the conventional material (cotton, cotton/polyester) Marginal positive effects on patients' well-being were noted when linen was used It was discussed that the relative importance of the bed material to patients' well-being may be low, compared to medical treatment, nursing, etc Given the high cost of linen, about 15 times more than the conventional material, it was suggested that the health care system should refrain from large-scale use of linen in hospital beds