There is a difference between shopping for a hospital bed and doing same for a traditional bed or mattress. It is easy to notice that while normal beds have a range of size options, hospital beds do not and this brings about the question, “What is the size of a hospital bed?”
In this article, we will be answering this question. We will also be giving you some useful tips for your hospital bed purchase.
Common types of hospital beds
- Standard hospital beds: These are inexpensive but very common. This bed features a simple design, but it is very efficient and durable. The height of the bed is adjusted with a motor. This motor is also used for leg and head elevation as well as for getting the bed user into a sitting position. For the safety of seniors, it is best to use the bed in a very low position. However, giving the bed a bit of height or elevation helps to reduce strain on the legs and hips.
- Bariatric hospital beds: Bariatric beds are made for bariatric patients. It has more strength and width than a standard hospital bed albeit there is no difference in their functionality. The maximum weight capacity of a standard hospital bed is between 300 and 450 pounds while a bariatric bed can withstand weight up to 600 to 750 pounds. Therefore, a bariatric bed works better for heavier users who may not get the desired level of safety from a standard hospital bed. The fact that they have more width also improves their overall comfort.
- ICU-Style hospital beds: These are made for more serious medical needs. A typical ICU-style hospital bed features more stable rails which makes them easier to transport. It also improves accessibility so that caregivers can administer care without any hindrance. This type of bed is perfect for seniors and people that need consistent medical attention. This hospital bed is not just for stability and comfort.
Types of hospital bed mattresses
- Memory foam mattresses: This is the most common type of hospital bed mattress. It is very soft and comfortable and does a good job of distributing the weight of the user evenly across the surface of the mattress. This mattress is also easy to bend.
- Air mattresses: Air mattresses have small air chambers (which provide a form of air massage) that can be deflated or inflated with a control pump. This mattress is effective for reducing the risks of bedsores and muscular atrophy.
Hospital bed dimensions
What is the weight of a hospital bed?
Typically, these are not light beds. The lightest models of hospital bed weigh 182 pounds (the weight of the mattress isn’t inclusive). An example of a light model is the Drive Ultra-Lite hospital bed. An averagely weighted hospital bed (such as Invacare 5180) weighs between 220 and 320 pounds.
Bariatric hospital beds and ICU-style are heavier. They can weigh up to 500 pounds. These beds are quite weighty but can still be pushed because of their wheels. The presence of the wheels is to counteract the bed’s heavy weight.
What is the length of a hospital bed?
Normally, a hospital bed has a length of 80 to 84 inches. The dimension of the bed’s sleeping surface is 80 inches. The length of the bed frame can measure up to 84 inches because of the thickness of the headboard and footboard.
What is the width of a hospital bed?
The standard width of a hospital bed is 36 inches. However, narrower and wider options exist. The width of bariatric bed ranges between 36 and 48 inches because they are constructed to accommodate wider users.
What is the size of a hospital bed mattress?
The size of a hospital bed mattress is similar to the Twin XL mattress. Therefore, Twin XL mattresses can fit comfortably on hospital beds. These mattresses have a dimension of 36 inches (width) by 80 inches (length). This length makes them comfortable for users of different height. They are also wide enough for a patient to sleep on.
Top manufacturers of hospital beds
- Invacare: This brand is known for producing nice and durable hospital beds. They also specialize in the production of high-quality wheelchairs and similar medical products. Invacare is renowned for safety, longevity, and comfort.
- Medline: This company has been in business for over a century. They are one of the top producers of medical equipment in the United States of America. They have fewer hospital bed options than other companies but the available options are affordable and top-quality.
- HopeFULL: HopeFULL is a large global brand. They specialize in production of ICU-style beds used in medical facilities, hospitals, and private home care. They also produce standard and bariatric beds. The company is known for producing stable and safe beds.