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Essential not just for sleeping, but for sensory dampening — a way to zone out when daytime ward lighting and activity become overwhelming. The contoured cups keep all pressure off the eyes, which matters when someone is lying flat for long stretches.

Far superior to foam earplugs, which fall out or ache after an hour. Moldable silicone sits flat over the ear canal, blocks out drip alarms and snoring, and stays comfortable when you're lying on your side against the pillow.

Hospital sockets sit behind the bed, above head height, or on the far wall. A standard 1m cable means choosing between charging your phone and being able to reach it. Three metres reaches the bed every time.

Tired hands drop things, and a bare tablet slides off a bed table at the worst possible moment. A rugged case with a built-in stand means it survives the fall and props itself up on the tray table without anyone holding it.

Plenty of medications, oxygen and long nil-by-mouth stretches leave a mouth uncomfortably dry, and there are hours when you cannot simply keep drinking. A gel or spray in the locker is something a person can reach for themselves at 3am.

Nil-by-mouth waits, dehydration and the bone-dry air on wards can leave lips cracked within a day. An unscented balm is easy to keep by the bed and use without adding another strong smell when you already feel queasy.

When taste changes, water can taste metallic or simply unbearable. A splash of cordial is the cheapest way to make a jug of ward water appealing again, and staff are usually glad of it.

Ward floors are hard and cold, and feet get colder as circulation drops. Grip socks let someone stand for obs and toilet trips without hunting for slippers under the bed.

Ward rounds happen fast and often when someone is half asleep. Writing questions down beforehand, and answers afterwards, is the single most useful thing a patient can do for themselves.