How to Measure Hospital Bed Dimensions for Home Use
It's important to understand hospital bed widths and dimensions if you are considering purchasing or renting a hospital bed for home use. The length and width of a hospital bed will determine where or if you can fit the hospital bed in your bedroom or if you will need to put it in a different room.
Hospital beds are a great option for patients who spend a lot of time in bed, have trouble getting in and out of bed, are recovering from illness or surgery, or have a condition that affects being comfortable in a standard bed. While regular measurements may be sufficient for most patients, there are different hospital bed sizes for patients who are especially tall or heavy.
Standard Hospital Bed Dimensions
The standard dimensions for a hospital bed for home use are 36″ (wide) x 80″ (long). A hospital bed will typically occupy the same space a regular mattress occupies. To measure a hospital bed's dimensions, measure the length from the headboard to the footboard and the width from side to side.
A general rise in average BMI means hospital beds come in alternative widths. When considering hospital bed rentals, check whether the specifications of a given model are appropriate for the intended user.
Things to Keep in Mind
Apart from the standard width and length of a hospital bed, there are other considerations to take into account when choosing a home hospital bed:
Hospital Bed or Adjustable Bed?
Hospital beds for home differ from adjustable beds in that a patient or caregiver can raise or lower the height of a hospital bed as well as the position of the mattress. Adjusting the height of the bed makes it easier for the patient to get in and out of bed. For additional differences, check out our article comparing hospital beds vs adjustable beds.
Larger Patient Beds Are Available
Due to a patient's size or condition, they may need a larger bed. Being able to change positions in a hospital bed is important, and people must be able to turn from supine to side-lying positions to be comfortable and receive treatment. If a patient isn't able to move easily in their bed, there's an increased risk of pressure injuries and it can impact the ability of the caregiver to administer treatment.
For these reasons, hospital beds come in basic size and extra-wide 39" options. Tall patients can easily add extensions to a standard hospital bed to increase the length.
Patient Size and Weight Limits
Check the size and weight limits of your bed before committing to rental or purchase. The importance of a patient's weight and BMI was noted by Wiggermann et al., who reported the significance of choosing a bed that’s big enough to ensure the safety of both the patient and their caregiver. As a rule:
A patient with a BMI of 45 or less will fit into a standard 36" width bed.
If the patient's BMI is over 45, they will probably need a 39" model.
Mattresses for Hospital Beds
Patients will need a special mattress, as ordinary mattresses don't bend and can’t endure the strict requirements of a hospital bed. Patients need:
A pressure redistributing mattress that's built to contour to the bed.
A mattress that adheres to the requirements of their condition. Make sure the hospital bed mattress comes with features that allow them to eat and drink and support medical equipment, as needed.
A mattress that’s thick enough to be comfortable. The standard thickness of hospital bed mattresses is 6" but some can go up to 7".
Please note that when you rent a hospital bed, an appropriate mattress is typically provided with the frame.
Bed Clothes for Hospital Beds
Properly sized bed linens are important when renting or purchasing a hospital bed. Because beds come in multiple sizes, make sure you buy sheets that are large enough to cover the mattress comfortably and are easy to wash.
Where to Get a Hospital Bed for Home Use
There are many medical equipment supply stores that rent out and sell hospital beds for home use. We offer hospital bed rentals for residents of Denver and the state of Colorado.
For short-term use (up to 20 weeks), it’s generally best to rent a hospital bed. Ensure that the supplier disinfects each bed thoroughly between rentals. For long-term use (over 20 weeks), it’s generally more cost-effective to buy.
Increase Comfort and Safety With a Hospital Bed
Home hospital beds are a great solution for patients with short-term or long-term care needs. When selecting a hospital bed, check the length and width, “ideal user” specifications, mattress thickness, and additional features such as an over-bed table if required.
While most patients will be fine with a standard bed, wider beds and bed extensions are available for patients who need them. To ensure the best fit, consult with a medical supply professional and have the patient try out the bed (if possible) before signing on the dotted line.