The present invention teaches a bedside table with a disposable hygienic tray which has thereon multiple layers of film. Each layer of film in turn has adhesive, or anti-bacterial compounds, or bacterial detection compounds, or combinations thereof. In use, for example in a hospital, health care setting, home care setting or for home or many other contexts of use, each layer is removed in sequence, exposing a new layer underneath. After a suitable period of usage, the new layer is in turn removed to expose yet another later. When the final layer is removed the disposable tray is removed from the bedside table and replaced with a fresh tray. In embodiments, the core bedside table unit may sit on the floor, mount to a wall rail, or may have a projection dimensioned and configured to pass between the bottom of a mattress and the top of a box spring.