Hospital Bed Mattress

Hospital Bed Mattress FAQs & Buying Guide

What is a hospital bed mattress?

The best hospital bed mattresses are designed to provide the patient with the best possible comfort during their stay. A hospital bed not only has different features than an average bed, but it also provides greater safety and accessibility features, because patients may need care under special conditions at any time of the day or night.

With such a specialised bed, it is important that the mattress is also of the highest quality to provide the best possible care experience. A hospital mattress is typically made to be lightweight, easy to clean, durable, comfortable, and designed for use in healthcare facilities. They are constructed to improve blood circulation and increase blood flow but soft enough for quick changes of position but firm enough not to cause the patient pressure sores. 

What are hospital bed mattresses made of?

Hospitals use a type of mattress called an open coil or wire mesh topper, which provides necessary relief from pressure placed on the body. Hospital bed mattresses are made of many different materials, but most are latex, foam mattresses or fibre based. The type of material depends on the anticipated use of the mattress.

Health care context dictates what sort of material is best for a mattress in hospitals and extended daytime care facilities (long periods). Hospital mattresses are often made of either synthetic or natural fibres for optimal firmness, softness, and durability. Each type of material has its own particular strengths and weaknesses, yet mattress manufacturers can use a combination so you get the best for your needs.

What should you look out for when buying a hospital bed mattress?

When buying the best hospital bed mattress, there are a number of advantageous features to look out for. You want your mattress to be antimicrobial to prevent the build up of dirt and bacteria and it is also recommended that you get one that is waterproof for easy cleaning. 

Most hospital bed mattresses are made of similar materials to regular mattresses, including standard foam, innerspring, air and gel, however, they are designed to meet specific requirements and reduce pressure on certain parts of the body to increase comfort and reduce the high risk of pressure ulcers.

Can you use a regular mattress on a hospital bed?

Regular mattresses are not recommended for use with a hospital bed. They may be the correct dimensions to fit the bed, however as hospital beds are moveable, the mattress needs to also work with this adjustable configuration. Hospital mattresses are designed to fit the contours of an adjustable bed and move into the desired position with minimal jostling of the patient. While doing this, hospital bed mattresses effectively provide pressure relief by redistributing body weight to prevent discomfort and the possibility of pressure ulcers associated with lying down for prolonged periods of time.

A regular existing mattress would not be able to fold in the same way making it a bad alternative. If a patient is receiving care at home and does not require a hospital bed, it is possible to buy a topper to fit correctly over regular mattresses for providing comfort and additional support that is not received when using a regular mattress. However, this is not recommended as a long term solution.

How do you clean medical mattresses?

As they typically have a waterproof cover and are designed to be water resistant, cleaning therapeutic mattresses requires a specific process. Chemical cleaners are not recommended as they can break down the support surface that comes in contact with the skin increasing the risk of bacteria build up. A gentle detergent and water can be used regularly to maintain hygiene, however, if deeper cleaning is necessary, a disinfectant with an appropriate pH should be used. This will be specified by the manufacturer.