Types of Hospital Bed Mattresses
When choosing the best mattress for Hospital Beds, it’s important to understand the different types available. Each one is designed to meet specific patient needs.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are a cost-effective option, similar to traditional mattresses. They are made with evenly distributed coils that improve airflow, creating a cool, dry, and comfortable surface. These mattresses tend to offer more support than foam mattresses.
- Example: Drive Medical Ortho-Coil Super Firm Support Innerspring Mattress – provides maximum support for individuals weighing up to 350 pounds, with good airflow, easy cleaning, and fire resistance.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses offer excellent pressure relief by molding to the patient’s body. Made from high-density foam, these mattresses are durable and effective at reducing pressure points.
- Example: MedMattress Pro Care Hospital Bed Mattress – made with CertiPUR-US® certified foam, ensuring high quality and safety.
- Example: Graham-Field’s Standard Care Foam Mattress – features a fluid-resistant, flame retardant, and anti-fungal cover, with anti-static and non-allergenic properties.
Alternating Pressure Mattresses
Alternating Pressure Mattresses help prevent and heal pressure ulcers by alternating air pressure. These mattresses often include features like timed cycles and low-pressure pump alerts for better patient care.
- Example: Grace Medy Anti-bedsore Alternating Pressure Mattress.
- Example: Drive Medical Med-Aire Plus Heavy Duty Alternating Pressure Mattress.
Grace Medy offers a range of products beyond hospital anti-decubitus air mattresses, including hospital bed,wheelchair,Operating table,surgical light,emergency trolley, and hospital furniture solutions, all designed to improve patient comfort and recovery. Their focus is on enhancing healthcare quality through innovative and reliable products.
Air Mattresses
Air mattresses, such as Air Jet Mattresses and Low Air Loss Mattresses, redistribute pressure through air cells to help reduce the risk of pressure sores. Low Air Loss mattresses allow air cells to adjust to the patient’s weight.
- Example: Comfort Zone Cell-On-Cell Low Air Loss Mattress – has forty air cells in a 20 x 20 grid design, making it water-resista nt and easy to clean.
Bariatric Mattresses
Bariatric mattresses are designed for patients who weigh over 400 pounds. These mattresses offer extra support to ensure comfort and safety.
- Example: MedMattress Bari Care Hospital Bed Mattress.
- Example: Span-America Geo-Mattress Atlas Bariatric Foam Mattress.
These mattresses are made to meet different patient needs, from providing comfort and support to helping prevent health issues like pressure ulcers.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a mattress for a hospital bed, focus on features that improve patient comfort and safety.
Pressure Redistribution and Comfort
- Mattresses that redistribute pressure help prevent pressure sores. Memory foam mattresses and alternating pressure mattresses are ideal for this purpose as they relieve pressure on critical body areas.
- Alternating pressure mattresses are especially useful for patients with limited mobility because they regularly adjust pressure to promote skin health.
Compatibility with Adjustable Bed Frames
- The mattress must work with adjustable bed frames to allow for different positions that increase comfort and assist medical procedures.
- Thicker mattresses offer better support but may not adjust as easily to varying bed angles. Balance support and flexibility for the best fit.
Hygiene and Durability
- Waterproof and antimicrobial covers are essential to maintain hygiene and avoid infections. These covers help keep the mattress clean and safe for long-term use.
- Hospital mattresses must also be durable enough to handle frequent use and different patient weights without losing support over time.
Firmness and Safety
- Mattresses with firm edges prevent patients from rolling off the bed. These edges also help patients get in and out of bed safely.
- Ensure there are no large gaps between the mattress and side rails to avoid safety risks, particularly for elderly patients.
Mattress Size and Fit
- Ensure the mattress fits the hospital bed properly. The standard size for hospital beds is typically 36” wide and 80” long, though some models offer extensions up to 84” for taller patients. Proper fit ensures stability and comfort.
These factors are crucial for ensuring the patient’s comfort, safety, and health while using a hospital bed.
Price Range
When choosing a hospital bed mattress, prices can vary based on the type and features of the mattress. Below is a breakdown of price ranges for different mattress types:
Innerspring Hospital Bed Mattresses
- Price range: $130 to $300
These mattresses are affordable and offer basic support.
Foam Mattresses
- Foam mattress toppers: Starting around $100
- Full foam mattresses: Typically priced between $175 and $540
These mattresses provide better comfort and pressure relief, making them ideal for long-term care.
Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattresses
- Price range: $300 to $7,000
These mattresses are designed for patients with complex needs, such as preventing bed sores and improving airflow.
Mattress Toppers
- Vive Alternating Pressure Mattress Pad: Around $75
- Drive Medical Premium Guard Gel Mattress Overlay: Around $139
These price ranges show the variety of Mattress Options, catering to different needs and levels of comfort. Whether you’re looking for a basic foam mattress or a high-end air pressure system, there are options available to fit different budgets and medical needs.
Durability and Lifespan
When choosing a hospital bed mattress, durability and lifespan are important factors, as they impact both comfort and long-term costs. Here are some key points about the expected lifespan of different types of mattresses and factors that affect their durability.
Expected Lifespan of Hospital Bed Mattresses
- Innerspring Mattresses: Typically last around 8 to 10 years, although they are not the best option for patients who spend most of their time in bed. These mattresses may wear out faster in such settings.
- Foam Mattresses: Known for their firm support and pressure-relieving properties, foam mattresses can last up to 10 years.
- Low Air Loss and Alternating Pressure Mattresses: These mattresses provide a cooler, drier sleep environment and generally last between 8 to 10 years.
Factors Affecting Mattress Lifespan
- Material Quality: The materials used in the mattress affect its durability. For example, latex mattresses tend to last the longest, followed by high-density foam and hybrid models. Low-density polyfoam mattresses wear out faster.
- Mattress Type: Latex mattresses last longer than innerspring options, which last about 5.5 to 6.5 years.
- Usage and Maintenance: How a mattress is used and cared for significantly impacts its lifespan. Proper cleaning and maintenance can extend its life, while neglect can shorten it. Some mattresses may need replacing as early as five years, while others can last up to 20 years.
How to Maximize Durability
- Regular Cleaning: Dust and allergens can build up over time, affecting the mattress’s condition and the user’s health. Regular cleaning can help extend its life.
- Proper Usage: For heavier users, mattresses may sag faster, and sleep positions can cause uneven wear. Keeping these factors in mind when choosing a mattress can prevent early damage.
In conclusion, selecting a high-quality mattress and maintaining it properly will help ensure a longer lifespan and better performance over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some common questions about the best mattress for Hospital beds:
1. Can I use a regular mattress on a hospital bed?
No, regular mattresses do not fit hospital beds. Hospital beds need mattresses that are specifically sized to fit the 39 inches by 80 inches (Twin XL) dimensions. Using a regular mattress can interfere with the bed’s features and mechanisms, such as side rails, and may compromise the patient’s comfort and safety.
2. What should I consider when choosing a hospital bed mattress?
- Patient Needs: Understand the patient’s medical needs. If the patient is at risk of pressure sores, choose a mattress that provides good support and comfort.
- Size Compatibility: Ensure the mattress fits the hospital bed frame. Most hospital beds use a Twin XL mattress (39 inches by 80 inches).
- Budget and Insurance: Consider the cost and check if insurance covers durable medical equipment (DME), including the mattress.
- Warranty: Look for a good warranty (1 to 5 years) that covers defects and, in some cases, the air pump system for alternating pressure mattresses.
3. What types of mattresses are available for hospital beds?
- Innerspring Mattresses: These mattresses have steel springs for support and a comfort layer on top. The firmness varies based on the spring thickness.
- Foam Mattresses: These mattresses have multiple layers of foam and border protection to prevent slipping.
- Pressure Relief Mattresses: These include air-flow, low air loss, or alternating pressure mattresses, which use inflatable air cells to adjust pressure and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
4. Are there any special features I should look for in a hospital bed mattress?
- Pressure Relief Materials: Look for materials like low air loss and alternating pressure technologies that help prevent pressure sores.
- Adjustable Features: Some hospital bed mattresses are adjustable, allowing caregivers to customize the bed to suit the patient’s comfort and care needs.
- Temperature Regulation: Some mattresses feature systems that regulate temperature for added comfort, especially for patients who may overheat or feel too cold.
5. What are the weight capacities for hospital bed mattresses?
- Standard Mattresses: Most standard hospital bed mattresses support patients up to 500 pounds.
- Bariatric Mattresses: Bariatric mattresses are available for heavier patients, supporting up to 750 pounds, often through special orders.
6. Can hospital bed mattresses help prevent falls or slipping?
Yes, many Hospital Bed Mattresses have higher-density foam along the edges to prevent patients from slipping out of bed or getting caught in the bed rails.