4 Advice to Choose a medical beds for sale

Are you or a loved one due to come out of hospital soon? You’ve probably been given a list of assistive equipment by your care team, including a hospital bed or electric bed, which needs to be installed in your home before they’re able to discharge you.

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The prospect of purchasing the equipment and installing it can be daunting at first, so we've created this handy guide to help you through the process.

And if you need any more advice, our helpful team are on hand to help - Contact us today to find our more!

This article will take you through the following:

1. How to get a hospital bed at home
2. Top considerations before buying a hospital bed

Firstly, there are two ways to get a medical bed at home...

The first thing to research before going forward is how to get a medical bed, as you want to ensure that you're getting the best option for your loved one. You have two main options - we understand that every situation is different, largely dependent on the patient's needs and the cost involved.

1. Apply for a bed from the hospital or local council

The NHS, your hospital or local council may be able to provide you with a hospital-style bed or funding for a medical bed. You may want to go down this route if you don't have the funds available to purchase your own bed.

Hospital beds can be hired from private companies on a temporary basis - whilst this can get quite expensive on a long-term basis, temporarily hiring a bed might also be a good idea for short-term care - particularly if the patient only needs the bed for a short period of time.

Hospital beds can be temporarily hired in these situations:

• Temporary Accommodation - If a relative is temporarily staying at someone else's home whilst they recuperate, it might be easier to hire equipment instead of moving it from their home.
• Short-term Illness - If the equipment is only needed for a short period of time, it might be more worthwhile hiring it, instead of making a purchase.
• Holidays - If you're going away on holiday, you may be able to hire bed equipment for temporary use while you're away.
• Hotel Use - Some hotels will have disabled rooms that cater more to people with illness and disabilities, but you can also hire beds for use whilst you're away.

You'll have to work out the cost of hiring the equipment, as well as the installation. Hiring beds can be quite expensive in the long run, so if long-term care is needed or you suspect there might be ongoing circumstances, purchasing a bed for the patient might be more cost-effective.

You could check with your local authority to see if they offer equipment rental for free, some authorities offer this service as long as they're for short-term use. The installation and fitting of the bed could also be free of charges in these cases. If you'd like to find out more about this, speak to your hospital discharge team or your local authorities to see how they can help.

If your home needs to be adapted due to disability or old age, you can also check with your insurance provider on how you can get support.

For further advice, speak with your occupational therapist, district nurse, or GP to find out if you're eligible. If you're eligible, a request will be sent to the hospital or council to arrange for either funding or for a hospital bed to be delivered to your home.

The only issue with this route is that it could involve a lengthy process to secure your bed, and therefore you may have to wait longer to be discharged. Hospital waiting times can be lengthy and hospital beds are in short supply, so if you're looking for a quick discharge, this option may not be viable.

Additionally, the bed provided may be only temporary until you can purchase your own assistive equipment.

2. Purchase a hospital bed

Investing in your own medical bed is a more feasible option for some, and it gives you greater control over delivery times and design. If you think the bed will be needed for long-term use and you're concerned about waiting times, then buying a bed might be a better option for you.

Whilst hospital beds might seem quite expensive at first, we have a range of different options available, with something suitable for every price point.

Beds provided by the council/hospital are very functional and clinical whereas purchasing privately means that you can choose something that fits both your medical needs and home surroundings. You can choose the style, wider width and a more comfortable mattress, allowing you greater choice over your bed. Our beds are designed with both comfortability and attractiveness in mind, making them the perfect choice.

It's also an excellent option for those who want a quick discharge from the hospital, as suppliers like Opera Beds can achieve much fast delivery and installation. We offer a fantastic delivery and installation service, aiming to have everything completed within a week.

Hospital beds vary in price with various features and styling options. Our helpful cost guide will take you through what to expect. If cost is prohibitive to buying a bed, you can explore the possibility of funding. This will take some time but a good place to start is to speak with your hospital discharge team, an occupational therapist or a charity related to your medical condition (e.g. Parkinson's UK, Alzheimer's Society etc)

Video: How Opera can help you get a hospital bed for home

Before buying a hospital bed it’s important to consider the following:

1. What do you need a hospital bed to do for you?

The main thing to consider before buying a hospital bed is what it's needed for, in relation to the illness the patient has. For example, some hospital beds can go up and down to help to get in and out of bed. Hospital beds with extensive height ranges can be raised to the carers waist level, which is a great feature for those who have home-visit carers.

We have different types of bed available - each one is slightly different and aimed at the individual needs of patients with differing illnesses.

2. How quickly do you need the bed?

Hospital beds bought directly from suppliers are quicker than applying through the NHS or council. Be sure to check the lead times for hospital beds with the supplier before you buy. Most companies provide an installation service that you may wish to purchase, making the process easier for you overall.

Some hospital beds are more complex than others to install, which is something to bear in mind. We provide an installation service with all our hospital beds where our crews can come to your home and aim to install your new bed within 3-5 days from purchase.

3. Make sure you get advice from an expert

Before committing to purchasing a hospital bed it is always worth speaking to your occupational therapist or discharge team. Hospital beds are a big investment and it’s important you choose the most suitable bed for the level of care needed.

At Opera Beds, we have over a decade of experience providing hospital beds, with many being reviewed and approved by therapists themselves. Our dedicated team of expert advisers is available by to take you through the whole process of choosing a hospital bed. 

Video: Opera Beds Classic Collection

See which hospital bed is for you

If you're ready to buy a hospital bed, you've come to the right place! Complete our online bed selector tool and receive hospital bed recommendations based on your needs. Simply answer a few needs-based questions and get your results instantly.

We understand that being at home with a medical condition that can be addressed with the appropriate care and equipment is preferable to a hospital stay. Since sleep is crucial to recovery and maintaining good health, the appropriate hospital mattress for home use is an important component to successfully managing home care and staying out of the hospital. The right mattress for a hospital bed at home can address medical issues and facilitate quality sleep in ways that a standard mattress cannot.

What is a hospital bed mattress for home use?

A hospital bed mattress, sometimes called a medical mattress, or therapeutic mattress, is designed to fit home hospital beds. They specifically address issues we know bed-bound users contend with such as pressure sores, back pain, risk of falling out of bed, and maintaining a healthy sleep environment. They are sized to fit a hospital bed and designed to move as the bed’s platform moves to provide comfort and body support wherever the user needs it.

What kind of mattress can you use on a hospital bed?

In our experience, most hospital beds are the equivalent size of a twin XL bed. However, even if the size is comparable, a standard mattress won’t be able to adjust to the bending/flexing of the hospital bed frame in an elevated or seated position. Traditional mattresses aren’t designed to accommodate users who spend more time in bed than out of bed and their medical needs. Hospital bed mattresses, which are generally six to eight inches thick, are more durable than standard mattresses and come in innerspring, foam, low air loss, and alternating pressure designs.

Do you need a special mattress for a hospital bed?

Yes, you do need a special mattress for a hospital bed. A regular mattress isn’t designed to bed along with an adjustable bed platform. We recommend a mattress created for a hospital bed as it’s also more hygienic and is designed to be easily cleaned and sanitized.

How much does it cost for a hospital bed mattress?

In our experience, innerspring hospital bed mattresses range from about $130 to $300. For foam sleep surfaces, mattress toppers start at about $100 and foam mattresses range from $175 to $540. Standard Low-Air Loss and Alternating Pressure mattresses can range from about $300 to about $

Want more information on medical beds for sale? Feel free to contact us.

How long does a hospital bed mattress last?

Innerspring mattresses last about eight years, foam mattresses last up to 10 years, and low air loss and alternating pressure mattresses are expected to last between eight and 10 years.

Can you put a regular twin mattress in a hospital bed?

Hospital beds are larger than regular twin beds, so we don’t recommend a regular twin-sized mattress because it wouldn’t fit the frame correctly, nor would it be able to accommodate the bed’s adjustability.

What size is a bariatric hospital bed mattress?

A mattress wider than 36" is usually considered a Bariatric Mattresses. They come as wide as 76 inches and as long as 94 inches.

What is a hospital bed overlay?

A hospital bed overlay is attached to the top of a mattress to improve circulation and help prevent pressure sores from developing. Overlays can be filled with water, air, foam, gel, or a combination and they can be dynamic or static. We provide overlays filled with various substances such as water, gel, air, foam, or any of these in combination.

Will Medicare pay for a hospital bed mattress?

Medicare will cover hospital bed mattresses for home use when there is a doctor's order stating a condition exists that requires a hospital bed, and the bed itself qualifies as a durable medical device and meets any other Medicare criteria. We don’t accept insurance. Upon your request, we can provide you with an itemized receipt for you to submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. 

What size mattress goes on a hospital bed?

A regular-size hospital bed is 80 inches long and 36 inches wide, or the size of a twin XL mattress. But there are beds to accommodate larger frames for bariatric patients that range up to 94 inches long and 76 inches wide. 

Things to Consider

Bed Size

A regular-sized hospital bed is 80 inches long and 36 inches wide, or roughly the size of a twin XL mattress. But there are beds to accommodate larger frames that range up to 94 inches long and 54 inches wide. Typically we know a bariatric hospital mattress will be bigger and provide a higher weight capacity. Choosing a mattress that is longer than the user is tall will contribute to the patient’s comfort and ensure plenty of room for position adjustments. 

Support

Proper alignment, created by the appropriate level of support in a mattress, will defend against back pain and provide the most restful environment for a user. The mattress should push up on the curves and contours of the body to counteract body weight and keep the body aligned. In our experience as occupational therapists, mattresses that are too firm won’t fill in the body’s contours with proper support, and a mattress that is too soft won’t support the body’s neutral alignment.

Age and Lifestyle

The effects of aging are often what makes a hospital bed a necessity, so choosing a hospital bed mattress for home use often includes considering a senior’s needs. Chronic sleep issues are common in the elderly, often due to pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. We recommend a mattress that provides the proper amount of structural support that will help minimize aches and pains and contribute to a more restful sleep.

Types of Hospital Bed Mattresses

With so many options and design features, we know choosing the best hospital mattress for home use depends on the user’s health, what features will provide the most comfort and the budget. Thoughtful consideration will help you narrow down your options so you can find the mattress that is the best fit for the bed and the patient.

Innerspring Hospital Mattress

Innerspring mattresses, made with evenly distributed coils, are best for users who aren’t entirely bedridden and don’t spend several hours each day out of bed. They are our least expensive type of home hospital bed mattress and come in your choice of firmness, so patient comfort and preference can be accommodated. This design promotes good airflow, which keeps the user cool and dry, creating a more comfortable sleep environment that also supports skin health.

Pros

• Attractive price point
• Can choose firmness for personal comfort
• Conducive to airflow to promote a cool and dry sleep surface

Cons

• Not the best choice for bedridden users 
• Do not address skin issues that can arise at pressure points

Best Innerspring Hospital Mattress: Vinyl Innerspring Mattresses by Medline

Foam Hospital Mattress

Foam mattresses have shock-absorbing qualities, cradling the user in cozy comfort, which can help decrease the incidence of back pain that patients who spend a lot of time in bed sometimes experience. These mattresses are an economical option, and although they don’t conduct airflow as well as an innerspring model, they are more lightweight. We know in models that have different layers, zones, and densities, pressure is redistributed to help prevent pressure ulcers. 

Pros

• Attractive price point
• Absorbs shock from motion
• Defends against pressure sores
• Comfortable support helps alleviate back pain

Cons

• Not a lot of airflow 
• Not as helpful for more severe pressure wounds

Best Foam Hospital Mattress: Solace Prevention Therapeutic Foam Mattress by Invacare

Low Air Loss Hospital Mattress

With tiny laser-drilled surface holes, low-air loss mattresses constantly blow out air, causing the patient to “float” on top of the mattress. Reducing the pressure of the skin on the mattress surface reduces pressure on weight-bearing areas and helps heal bedsores. We love that the airflow also keeps moisture away from the skin, helping to maintain a dry, healthy, and comfortable sleep environment. Low-air loss mattresses are beneficial for people who have developed bedsores and are unable to reposition themselves regularly.

Pros

• Improves blood flow to areas with pressure ulcers, actively helping to heal bedsores
• Immerses patient into the surface rather than on top of the mattress
• Minimizes the development of moisture and has wicking properties to ensure skin stays dry

Cons

• Requires constant power supply
• It uses pump and motor that make noise and can disrupt sleep

Best Low Air Loss Mattress: ObboMed OB- StandardAir Mattress - Alternating Pressure and Low Air Loss | Self-Lateral-Wave Rotation

Alternating Pressure Hospital Mattress

Alternating pressure mattresses provide active therapy for bedsores. They keep the pressure points alternating throughout the body, with air bladders positioned laterally or lengthwise that inflate and deflate and inflate slowly up and down the length of the mattress. This redistribution of pressure over the air bladders stimulates blood flow and supports skin healing when pressure sores are present. We love that they also keep fluids and lung secretions moving, making them suitable for people who spend the majority of their time in bed and can’t reposition themselves. 

Pros

• Actively heals bedsores by stimulating blood flow to areas with pressure ulcers
• Prevents new pressure wounds from developing
• Keeps lung secretions and other fluids circulating

Cons

• Must have a constant power supply
• Requires motor and pump to constantly run, possibly disturbing sleep

Best Alternating Pressure Hospital Mattress: Drive Medical Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress System

Hospital Bed Mattresses for Medical Conditions

Side Sleepers

We know side sleepers require more pressure relief, so an innerspring mattress isn’t the best choice for side sleepers. With foam or air mattresses, one with a perimeter or bolster will help keep a side sleeper from rolling out of bed. Check out How to Choose the Best Pressure Relief Mattress and our article 5 Best Pressure Relief Mattresses for more in-depth information.

Best Hospital Mattress for Side Sleepers: Drive Medical Gravity 7 Pressure Relief Mattress

Pressure Sores

In our experience, users who spend most of their waking hours in bed are at a higher risk of developing pressure wounds. A hospital bed mattress that redistributes weight will defend against bedsores. Innerspring mattresses are the least effective choice for preventing and healing bedsores. Foam mattresses that accommodate weight and pressure in different areas of the body help prevent bedsores. Low air loss and alternating pressure mattresses prevent skin shearing and keep pressure ulcers from forming, while helping heal bedsores that are already present.

Best Hospital Mattress for Pressure Sores: Low Air Loss Mattress Alternative by United Mattress

Back Pain

Foam mattresses are the most common type of hospital bed mattress because of the support they offer, which helps alleviate patient back pain. For hospital bed users with back and pelvic issues who spend time in bed for more than just sleeping, we recommend layered foam mattresses, because they have a soft top layer with small air channels and a firm bottom layer providing necessary back support.

Best Hospital Mattress for Back Pain: Pressure Reducing Mattress Series Dynamic Elite

Fall Risk

Falling from bed has the potential to cause serious injury. Home hospital bed mattresses with bolsters also referred to as perimeter mattresses, are designed to minimize the risk of a fall by guiding the sleeper away from the side of the bed and toward the middle of the mattress. We know this is typically accomplished with foam inserts around the perimeter either built into the mattress or in the form of a mattress cover.

Best Hospital Mattress for Fall Risk: PremiumAir Low Air Loss Mattress for Pressure Ulcer Treatment

Long-Term Use 

Innerspring mattresses can be counted on for about eight to ten years of service, keeping in mind they are not meant for people who spend the majority of their time in bed. Based on our experience, foam hospital bed mattresses have the longest lifespan, with up to 10 years of expected service. They are best for users who will benefit from firm structural support as well as some pressure-relieving features. Air bed mattresses have an expected service life of eight to 10 years, are the most expensive type of mattress, and are generally the most comfortable for users who benefit from the support plus a cooler sleep surface and drier sleep environment.

Best Long-Term Use Hospital Mattress: UltraAir Alternating Pressure Mattress for Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Cold Sensitivity 

Much attention is paid to airflow and accompanying cooler sleep surfaces. But for people who get cold easily or who have a lower body temperature, a heat-retaining mattress is preferable. We recommend a foam mattress because they are the best at holding heat and creating a warmer sleep space.

Best Hospital Mattress for Cold Sensitivity:  Solace Resolution Glissando Heavy Duty | Mattress by Invacare

Final Thoughts

Choosing home care when dealing with a medical condition has many benefits. It also brings along some additional stressors and challenges, like ensuring you have done all you can to create the healthiest possible environment. Choosing the correct mattress for a home hospital bed helps ensure proper rest for the patient, eliminates strain on caregivers, and addresses physical issues like safety, pain, and pressure ulcers. 

Are you interested in learning more about hospital trolleys? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!