After 18 months of research, and with the help of a leading consultant microbiologist, Marks & Spencer has launched Sleep Safe, a new antibacterial nightwear range to help protect against MRSA.

The nightwear is made using See It Safe fabric with X-Static silver technology, which is clinically proven to reduce the risk of MRSA. It works by killing MRSA bacteria that come into contact with the fabric. It's an M&S exclusive now available in stores and online (www.marksandspencer.com).

MRSA and its similar strains are antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the Staphylococcus aureus (SA) family MRSA is a bacterium that can live completely harmlessly on the skin and in the nose of about one third of healthy people without causing any infection. However, it can lead to serious infection if it enters the blood stream and even prove fatal.

The nightwear trial confirmed Sleep Safe pyjamas kill 99% of the SA bacteria that comes into contact with the fabric. The See It Safe fabric is blended with X-Static silver yarn and, although you can't feel the silver, it works to safeguard you from MRSA. Silver can destroy bacteria and is already used in some wound dressings, as well as in some hospital curtains and screens.

Tests have shown that the pyjamas performance won't fade over time. After 100 washes, the fabric is still just as effective against bacteria.

However, Sleep Safe nightwear cannot treat an existing MRSA bloodstream infection.