Curious about hospital bed mattresses? Thinking of purchasing one? Read on to find out everything you need to know before buying one.

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Hospital beds are commonly used for people with limited or no mobility, severe cardiac conditions, or who are recovering from stroke. Because the head and foot of these beds are adjustable, they enable people to sit up or lie down easily on their own or be repositioned by a caregiver.

For people with mobility issues, adjustable hospital beds can restore a sense of independence, and it can help prevent caregiver injury.

Despite the name, hospital beds are not limited to use in hospitals. They can also be used at home. Read on to learn more, including our picks for the best hospital beds for you or a loved one and what to look for when shopping for a mattress for these beds.

Best value

• Price: $304.99 (6.6 foot size mattress)
• Materials: latex-free foam, memory foam
• Type: memory foam
• Firmness: plush
• Financing available: yes

With three full layers of supportive latex-free foam for just over $200, the Drive Gravity 7 mattress is a great choice for budget shoppers. High density foam sides make it easier and safer to move individuals on and off.

An ultra-soft heel section provides extra protection and comfort. This mattress holds up to 300 pounds (lb) and includes an easy-to-clean cover that is water resistant and fire retardant.

Amazon Prime members enjoy free shipping and free returns on this standard-sized mattress, which measures 80 inches (in) long x 36 in wide x 6 in high. Choose from three interest-free financing plans from Amazon Prime Visa, Amazon Store Card, or Affirm.

Best for pressure relief and distribution

• Price: $342.98 (standard size)
• Materials: high density memory foam, viscose elastic foam
• Type: memory foam
• Firmness: plush
• Financing available: Yes

The Medacure Pressure Redistribution Foam Mattress is designed to help prevent pressure sores by evenly distributing body weight across the surface. User reviews say the soft, plush mattress, which is made of three layers of high density memory foam and viscose elastic foam, is comfortable.

The hospital-grade nylon cover is removable, washable, antimicrobial, and waterproof. Because it can hold up to 450 lb and is available in five sizes, it is a great choice for people who are larger or taller.

Free shipping and free returns are available for Amazon Prime members. In addition to standard size (80 in L x 36 in W x 6 in H), this mattress is available in four larger sizes. Choose from three interest-free financing plans from Amazon Prime Visa, Amazon Store Card, or Affirm.

Most affordable

• Price: $174.99
• Materials: memory foam
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness: medium
• Financing available: yes

The Drive Medical hospital bed mattress boasts therapeutic features like pressure redistribution and friction reduction without breaking the bank.

The removable, fluid resistant, nylon stretch cover protects the skin from friction and moisture, while the nonskid bottom prevents the mattress from shifting. The mattress is made of supportive memory foam and can support up to 350 lb.

Available in the standard size of 80 in L x 36 in W x 6 in H, this mattress ships free and arrives in approximately 1 week. Choose from three interest-free financing plans from Amazon Prime Visa, Amazon Store Card, or Affirm. This item is not eligible for returns unless it’s damaged or defective upon arrival.

Best fluid-resistant mattress

• Price: $387.60 (standard size)
• Materials: high density foam
• Type: foam
• Firmness: firm
• Financing available: yes

The Invacare Softform Premier Mattress has multiple features that protect both the mattress and the skin from moisture. These moisture-fighting features include a coated polyurethane cover, welded seams to prevent fluid from seeping into the mattress, and a 1-in flap that covers and protects the zipper.

This firm mattress can hold up to 500 lb and has a foam U-core that can be replaced if it wears down over time.

Get free shipping and free returns with an Amazon Prime membership. This mattress is available in standard size (80 in L x 36 in W x 6 in H) and long size (84 in L x 36 in W x 6 in H). Choose from three interest-free financing plans from Amazon Prime Visa, Amazon Store Card, or Affirm.

-Price*MaterialsTypeFirmnessFinancing available$304.99latex free foam, memory foammemory foam plushyes$342.98 high density memory foam, viscose elastic foammemory foam plush yes$174.99memory foamhybridmedium yes$387.60high density foamfoamfirmyes

*Prices are accurate at time of publish.

Our picks for hospital mattresses were selected based on price, customer reviews, construction and materials, and product availability. We also made sure that every mattress listed is registered with the FDA. For this article, we looked at over 10 mattresses, and these four passed our rigorous vetting process. When possible, we looked for retailers that offered free shipping, easy returns, and financing options.

Hospital mattresses are considered medical supplies and are often not returnable unless they are damaged or defective.

Are you a caregiver?

Here are some articles to help remind you to take care of yourself. You are important, too!

• How to Care for Yourself When You Have Caregiver Burnout
• 9 Ways to Set Boundaries as a Caregiver

Hospital beds are beneficial for preventing injury in both the person using the bed and the caregiver supporting their needs.

For an expert opinion on hospital beds, we consulted Bryan George, a full-time physical therapist assistant at a major hospital system in Portland, Oregon.

He has extensive experience working with people in hospital beds and told us, “The patients I see present at all different levels of mobility. Hospital beds are an incredibly versatile tool as they relate to mobility.”

George points out that hospital beds can be beneficial for all mobility levels: “For instance, some people sleep in a recliner and have a hard time transferring from laying flat in a bed to sitting upright at the side, but can walk laps around the hospital once they’re up.

“In this case, we might use the mechanical bed to help them elevate their torso and get them up and moving. The hospital bed helps us to better meet patients where they currently are, and assist them to a higher level of function.”

There are a variety of health conditions that would make someone a good candidate for a hospital bed, such as a stroke, COPD, or paralysis. A doctor or another trusted healthcare professional can answer questions and help determine if a hospital bed is right for your loved one.

“Quite frequently, a hospital bed is ordered for patients who aren’t expected to regain a great deal of function. Profound strokes, for instance,” says George. “They’re a huge help to caregivers as you can raise and lower the bed surface, easily roll a patient to one side or the other to change the linens or assist with hygiene.”

George also stressed the benefits of hospital beds for a person’s strength and sense of safety. “I come back to the same phrase often, ‘It’s safer for you to be stronger.’

“Patients who need hospital beds have often lost trust in their body, for extremely understandable reasons. Rebuilding that trust can be so hard, but it’s so important. From a rehabilitation standpoint, a hospital bed is a tool that helps patients to safely regain function, not replace it.”

• Body size: Consider the individual’s height and weight and if they would benefit from a wider or longer mattresses. According to George, the risk of developing pressure ulcers increases if the mattress is too small: “I’m 6’4 and people my height can very easily end up with our feet against the foot plate. That kind of prolonged pressure on hard plastic is a recipe for a pressure ulcer forming.”
• User mobility: Different beds have different features. Folks who are not mobile may benefit from a bed with extra features.
• Cleaning and maintenance: Easy clean options — like removable, washable mattress covers — make it easier to keep the bed clean and dry. It’s also helpful to research maintenance and warranty. What happens if the bed breaks? Do you have to schedule regular maintenance checks?
• Budget: How much can you afford to spend on a hospital mattress? Will insurance cover all or part of the cost? Can you pay over time with a low or no interest financing plan? Before researching options, it’s best to consider what you can pay and how much insurance will cover.
• Time in bed: If you will be using the hospital bed 24/7 or anticipate using it for many years, you may benefit from a higher end bed with a multi-year warranty. If you need the bed for a few hours a day or overnight, or will only use it in the short term, it may not be necessary to purchase one with extra features.

Pros

• Caregiver safety: Hospital beds help reduce the caregiver’s risk of repetitive stress injuries or back strain when moving loved ones.
• Independence: Adjustable beds with buttons can help folks sit up or move positions without help.
• Fall prevention: They can help reduce the risk of falls and related injuries.

Cons

• Pressure sores: Pressure sores are common when spending time in bed and can lead to infection, pain, and other complications.
• Cost: Hospital beds can be expensive, especially if insurance isn’t helping to cover the cost.
• Bulk: They may be bulkier than traditional beds take up more space.

Hospital bed mattresses can be an effective tool for various health conditions and mobility issues, but there is a risk of side effects with prolonged use. Pressure sores or pressure ulcers can be a concern for people who spend a lot of time in bed.

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“We tend to think of pressure ulcers as things that happen to someone’s heels and sacrum, but they can form anywhere there’s skin,” George explains. “Someone who tends to lean their head to the right too much can get a pressure ulcer on their forehead if it sits against the plastic.”

He adds, “There are two main ways a person might develop a pressure ulcer: Either they lack the physical ability to move their body, or they lack the sensation that prompts them to do so. Without precautionary measures, it is a medical certainty that immobility will result in pressure ulcers due to diminished blood flow to the tissue.”

George outlined his hospital’s protocol, which involves “assessment of a patient’s sensation and mobility, regular visual skin checks, mobilization as tolerated, and a dedicated wound care team.

“Patients who are unable to move themselves might get a ‘Q2 turns’ order, in which we offload a different side of their body every 2 hours with pillows to change where the pressure of their body sits. We also use a ‘waffle’ mattress, which is an inflatable cushion between the mattress and the patient.”

Folks who are not mobile have a higher risk of deconditioning, which is the decline of physical function — including weakening of the muscles — due to lack of physical activity.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help reduce the risk of deconditioning. Other common concerns include blood clots, poor circulation and constipation, or other digestive issues.

If prescribed by a doctor, insurance will often cover at least part of the cost of a hospital bed mattress. Check with the insurance company to determine coverage.

Most hospital bed mattresses are between 6 and 7 in thick. This allows for them to be flexible enough to move with the adjustable bed frame.

In hospital settings, hospital bed mattresses are very similar to the consumer grade mattresses described in this article. Most hospitals will have a variety of mattresses on hand, and their mattresses may be heavier duty in order to withstand years of use.

Some hospital bed mattresses are the same size as a twin mattress, but most are longer in length, equivalent to a twin XL, or wider.

The biggest concern for people who are not mobile is pressure sores. A mattress specifically designed to alleviate pressure and allow for airflow is likely the best mattress for their needs.

The right hospital bed mattress can help with mobility, safety, and independence. Take into account your budget and your medical needs to find the best option for you or your loved ones. If you’re still unsure about which option to choose, ask a doctor for guidance.

How to Choose the Best Medical Beds

Investing in quality medical beds is crucial for any senior resident room. The right beds can significantly enhance staff satisfaction and facility efficiency in both short-term and long-term care settings, including specialized units. 

Types of Medical Beds

Standard Adjustable-Height Beds  

• Adjustable travel heights; typically don’t go lower than 9″
• Most adjustable-height beds offer standard functions, including articulating head and knee sections for resident comfort

Adjustable-Height Low Beds

• Adjustable-Height Low Beds have the best combination of features for Senior Living
• Same functions as Standard Adjustable-Height beds, but can be set to a low height of 10″ or less to help protect fall-risk residents 
• Can go higher; a bed at 30″ combined with a 6″ mattress provides a safer working height for caregivers
• Some models offer five functions, including Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg

Bariatric Beds

• Bariatric hospital beds are specifically designed for larger residents
• Wider and often longer than other beds to accommodate weight capacities up to lbs.

Acute Care Beds

Acute Care Beds include more advanced features than many beds, including:

• Built-in fall management systems
• In-bed scales
• Siderails with built-in controls
• Angle indicator for head elevation
• Advanced positioning options such as Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg

Home Care Beds

• Can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development or other health problems associated with prolonged bed use
• A cost-effective solution for residential communities

Key Considerations for Medical Beds

Bed Width & Length 

• Standard senior living beds are typically 35″ or 36″ wide, narrower than the standard twin bed (39″ wide), providing less space than residents are used to.
• A wider bed (39″ or 42″) offers more room for sleeping and repositioning, reducing fall risks and enhancing comfort.
  • Extra-wide beds may have: 
    • A fixed width
    • Built-in adjustments for multiple width options
    • Add on kits to expand the bed width
• Bed lengths also vary, with common fixed lengths of 76″, 80″, or 84″. Some models offer adjustable lengths or length extenders.

Quick Tip: Larger, safer, more comfortable beds can distinguish your community and attract potential residents.

Mobility & Rolling Position

• Mobile-at-Any-Height Bed:

• • • Convenient for caregivers as beds can be rolled without repositioning.
    • Many models feature single-step locking mechanisms, while some require locking all four casters
    • Note: There is a risk of leaving the bed in a mobile position, which can be unsafe for residents using it as support.

• Roll-in-Low Bed:

• • Generally safer, as the bed is always locked, requiring the bed to be lowered before moving
  • Minimizes risks associated with human error or forgetting to lock the bed casters

Positioning

• Auto Contour:
  • Simultaneously moves the head and knee sections, preventing residents from sliding and reducing shear and friction injuries
• Trendelenburg Positioning:
  • Elevates legs above the heart for better cardiac and circulatory support, aiding in postural drainage and reducing caregiver strain
• Reverse Trendelenburg:
  • This position elevates the head above the heart, which aids in improving respiratory function by facilitating better lung drainage, particularly beneficial in pneumonia cases. It also reduces pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing easier for patients with respiratory conditions
• Comfort Chair Positioning:
  • Aligns hips and shoulders, improving comfort and aiding in swallowing, breathing, and circulation
• Manual Leg Lift:
  • Elevates the foot section, adding positioning options and making heel care easier for caregivers

Height Range

• Low heights reduce injury risk from roll-out falls
• Higher positions minimize staff injury risk during bedside care

Weight Capacity

• Most beds accommodate 450 to 600 pounds, suitable for most residents. Bariatric models support higher weights
  • Quick Tip: Consider the combined weight of the resident, bedding, mattress, assists, and accessories

Horizontal Movement

• Beds without horizontal movement can be raised or lowered without drifting, preventing potential damage to walls in tight spaces
  • Note: Some height-adjustable beds may drift outward up to 9″, which can be problematic in confined spaces

Medical Bed Accessories

Assists

Bed assists make repositioning, rolling over, egress and ingress more convenient for caregivers, safer and more comfortable for patients

Underbed Lights

Can help reduce the risk of falls for residents getting in and out of bed

USB Charging

Allows residents to conveniently charge personal devices from bed

Bed Scales

Bed scales allow monitoring and recording of weight without the need for resident to leave bed

Bed Dollies

Designed to make moving and storage of beds easier and more efficient

Medical Bed Safety

Safety should be your top priority when selecting medical beds. Ensure that any bed you consider meets all relevant safety standards and is constructed from high-quality materials designed to withstand the demands of a busy healthcare facility.

Compliance with FDA entrapment guidelines can help decrease the risk of bed entrapment in your community.

All beds sold by Direct Supply meet FDA standards when used with a properly fitting mattress. For more information on these guidelines, including tips for creating safe bed systems, please download a free copy of our Entrapment Guide today.

Medical Bed Warranty

Medical beds are pieces of sophisticated equipment that you should expect to perform in demanding healthcare environments for years at a time. All reputable manufacturers will stand by their products and offer ample coverage should problems arise. Look for warranties that include coverage for Frames, Welds, and Electronics.

Medical Bed FAQs

What is a medical bed?

A medical bed is a specialized bed designed to provide comfort, support, and safety for patients and residents in healthcare settings. These beds offer features such as adjustable heights, head and foot sections, and built-in safety mechanisms.

How do medical beds improve patient and resident safety?

Medical beds improve safety by reducing fall risks through adjustable heights, providing sturdy side rails, and ensuring stable construction. Some models also offer alarm systems to alert caregivers if the bed is in an unsafe position.

Are medical beds easy to move within a healthcare setting?

Many medical beds are designed for mobility, with features like wheels and locking mechanisms. Some models allow movement at any height, while others require the bed to be in a low position before moving.

How do I maintain a medical bed in a senior living facility?

Regular maintenance includes checking for loose parts, ensuring all mechanical functions work properly, cleaning surfaces according to manufacturer guidelines, and replacing any worn or damaged components.

Direct Supply®  makes finding the right medical beds easy

When it comes to medical beds, we know there are hundreds of choices on the market today and finding what’s best for your facility can be a challenge. That’s why Direct Supply offers a vast assortment of top quality models in one convenient place…plus this guide to help you sort through all the important considerations and features. Once you’ve made your pick, you’ll find easy ordering, convenient delivery and installation services, budget-friendly financing options, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

Of course, if you need assistance you can count on our expertise to help you find exactly the right match for your specific requirements and budget.

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