Hospital Bed Mattress Sizes

If you are looking for hospital bed mattress sizes, there are some things to consider. A hospital bed mattress is technically medical equipment. The people who use these medical mattresses likely have special health conditions. You may also look to buy a medical mattress so you can care for someone at home. Unlike regular mattresses, there are no set sizes for medical mattresses. The manufacturers determine the dimensions. Sometimes they vary depending on specific requirements. Thankfully, medical mattress sizes typically follow the same dimensions as regular ones.

 Twin Hospital Mattress Size

(38″ Inches Width x 74″ Inches Length)

Typical hospital bed mattress sizes come in twin size dimensions. These sizes are good for people with a body mass index (BMI) of up to 35 kg/m². They can comfortably turn left and right in a mattress 38″ wide. A twin mattress is typically 6 to 9 inches thick.

 Special Size Hospital Bed Mattress Size

(48″ Inches Width x 80″ Inches Length)

The special size hospital bed mattress size is a common size for bariatric beds. These mattress are commonly used for larger individuals to allow space and comfort, and they are built heavy duty. The thickness varies depending on supplier.

Full Size Hospital Mattress Size

(54″ Inches Width x 75″ Inches Length)

The full size mattress size is good for a person with a BMI of over 40 kg/m². The longer variants are suitable for a taller person. Full size mattresses are also between 6 and 9 inches thick.

Queen Size Hospital Mattress Size

(60″ Inches Width x 74″ Inches Length)

A queen mattress size is good for a large person with a BMI of more than 40 kg/m2 or two people with a BMI of up to 35 kg/m². A queen mattress is between 6 and 9 inches thick.

King Hospital Mattress Size

(76″ Inches Width x 80″ Inches Length)

Unlike a queen mattress, a king is most suitable for two people. It is difficult to reach and care for a single person on a king mattress because of the extra width. A king mattress can be an option instead of a queen if the room is large enough. A split king is essentially two standard twin mattresses.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Size

Your mattress is there to provide care and support for someone with a medical condition. Thus, the user’s needs should influence by the following:

Height:  The taller the person, the longer the mattress should be. If that person is 7 ft tall, then a long queen or even king mattress may be appropriate. Although a long twin can accommodate a 7-ft person, you also have to consider the person’s arm lengths. A tall person may sleep with their arms stretched out.

Weight:  The right materials can let a mattress give proper comfort and support. Typical mattresses support up to 250 lbs. People 300 lbs or heavier may sleep on their side or back. The mattress comfort level they will need will range from medium-firm to firm. Meanwhile, there are also smaller or average-build people who also sleep on their side or back. They may need a medium to medium-soft mattress because their weight does not compress as much.

Space and Risk of Falling:  Some people move around when they sleep. Others may like to sleep with their arms stretched or their legs spread. The concern here is the risk of falling. A bigger mattress like a queen can give enough space for these people to move around without falling.

Room Size:  The room size also influences which mattress you should buy. But, the user needs must come above this. If the mattress does not fit in the user’s room, then you can move things around or put the mattress in a larger room. For example, a room that is 10’ x 10’ is good for a queen mattress that is 60” x  80”.  This room will give you 5’ of extra width space and around 3.33’ of length space. If your patient needs a wheelchair, then you may need an extra foot. The extra space will help you maneuver the wheelchair around the room. You will also have to consider the space that other furniture occupies.

Final Remarks

Focus on your user’s needs if you thinking of getting a hospital bed mattress. Go over your candidate mattress sizes. See if their features meet your and your user’s circumstances so you can provide the best care for them.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a regular mattress and a hospital bed mattress?

A hospital bed mattress is a medical equipment. It is for people who may lay for extended periods of time.  Thus, a hospital bed mattress offers exceptional comfort and support. It can help align the spine and prevent decubitus ulcer formation. It has good edge support for when the patient sits up on the side. This feature makes it easier for you to transfer your patient from the bed to a wheelchair.  Hospital bed mattresses also offer special features like safety, hygiene, and therapeutic benefits. For example, they can have vinyl covers, making them easier to clean and sanitize. They may also have anti-static, water-resistant, and anti-microbial features.

Can I use a hospital bed mattress on a regular bed?

Yes, you may as long as the mattress still fits in the bed. You may have to improvise if you need features that are on a hospital bed. For example, if the person may fall over the side, you can add more pillows or some portable rails.

What is the weight limit of a hospital bed?

Many typical hospital beds can handle at least 250 lbs and up to 500 lbs. If the user goes beyond this range, then a bariatric hospital bed may be more appropriate.

What sizes are there for a bariatric hospital bed?

A bariatric hospital bed is for extra heavy weight, such as obesity patients. Thus, a bariatric hospital bed is larger and stronger. They still offer the same comfort, support, and utility that regular hospital beds do. Bariatric hospital bed sizes also follow the typical bed sizes, but most start at full size.