Everything You Need to Know When Buying a Hospital Bed Mattress

When circumstances arise that require the use of home hospital beds, we want them to be as comfortable as possible. That's why choosing the right hospital bed mattress is essential for a patient's relaxation, recovery, and overall well-being.

Learn about the different types of hospital bed mattresses available, their features and benefits, and the factors you should consider when choosing a model.

Types of Hospital Mattresses

When it comes to hospital bed mattresses, there are multiple different types to pick from.

Innerspring Hospital Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are made of metal coils covered with padding and fabric. They are heavier than foam mattresses and provide good support, but they may not be as comfortable for patients who need pressure relief.

Foam Hospital Mattresses

Foam mattresses are made of high-density foam, and they come in different densities and firmness levels for comfort. They are a popular mattress choice because they’re lightweight, easy to transport, and designed to contour to the shape of the body to provide optimal support and pressure relief.

Read more about foam mattresses vs. spring mattresses to help decide if either of these would be the right option for you.

Air Mattresses & Alternating Pressure Mattresses

Air mattresses, another popular choice, are made of air cells that can be inflated or deflated to adjust firmness and support. These air cells distribute weight evenly across the surface of the mattress, reducing the risk of developing pressure sores or bedsores.

An alternating pressure mattress, also known as a low air loss mattress, is a type of air mattress that uses a more complex system of alternating air cells to provide even more pressure relief and help circulate blood. Typically electric, these mattresses with many air blisters are often used for patients who are at high risk for pressure sores, or who are already experiencing skin breakdown.

Pressure Redistribution Mattresses

This type of foam mattress uses foam cell cut-outs rather than air cells to help relieve and redistribute pressure. This offers another option for helping to promote circulation and prevent bed sores.

Bariatric Hospital Mattresses

Bariatric mattresses are designed to support larger patients. While the mattress size varies by model, bariatric options are typically wider or have the ability to adjust the width. The weight capacity of the bariatric mattresses in the Shop Home Med selection can range from 500 to 1000 pounds.

Hospital Bed Mattress Sizes

The size of a typical hospital mattress is often similar to that of a regular twin mattress, but there are some differences. This chart shows a comparison between standard hospital bed mattresses and twin mattresses based on several key features:

Hospital bed mattresses are typically longer and can be slightly narrower than twin mattresses, are designed for higher flexibility to accommodate bed adjustments, and have enhanced durability and safety features tailored for patient care. In contrast, twin mattresses offer a moderate level of flexibility and standard features more suitable for general home use.

It's important to note that many mattress models are available in multiple sizes, so you should always read the specifications for each product to determine the proper mattress size for your hospital bed. You can also use the size filters in the left menu to narrow down your search.

Hospital Mattress Features and Benefits

Hospital bed mattresses come with various features and benefits, depending on the type and model. Below are some of the most common features:

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief is crucial for patients who spend a lot of time in bed. It helps prevent pressure ulcers, which can be painful and take a long time to heal. Foam and air mattresses are the best options for pressure relief.

Low Shear and Friction

Low shear and friction are essential for patients who are at risk of developing skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These features help reduce the friction and shear forces that can damage the skin. Foam and air mattresses are again the best options for low shear and friction.

Durability

Durability is important for hospital bed mattresses because they are used daily and undergo a lot of wear and tear. Innerspring mattresses are typically the most durable, followed by foam and air mattresses.

Waterproof Design

Waterproof mattresses are essential for patients who are incontinent or have a tendency to spill fluids. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they help prevent the growth of bacteria and germs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Hospital Mattress

Investing in a quality hospital bed mattress can be overwhelming, but here are some factors to consider that can help you make an informed decision:

Patient Needs

The patient's needs should be the top consideration when choosing a hospital bed mattress. Factors like weight, height, medical condition, and mobility can all impact the choice of mattress.

Comfort

Comfort is important for a patient's overall well-being and recovery. The mattress should be comfortable and provide adequate support and pressure relief.

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