Any shared surface or piece of equipment in a clinical environment is an infection risk because our bodies carry and can transfer many different bacteria and fungi (pathogens) — thankfully not all are harmful. For example, a lot of people carry on their skin or in their nose a number of different strains of Staphylococcus aureus — these bacteria can cause severe infections if they enter the body.This is also the reason why many businesses do not allow its customers to return a pillow after it has been trialled (unless of course it was faulty).