Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Mattress for Hospital Bed

If you have already purchased a hospital bed for home and looking for a stretcher bed mattress, there are a number of options available in the market. To make it easier for you to pick the best, we have created a list of some essential factors that you should consider.  

To assist the care of a recuperating patient, many families purchase a hospital bed for their homes. These beds are different from standard beds found at home and have features to facilitate the patients. Once you have selected a hospital bed, the next step is to pick the right mattress for the bed.

If you are out in the market searching for the best hospital bed mattress, the process would be a lot more confusing than you had imagined. There are now many different types of hospital beds made from different materials, features, etc. to offer the best comfort to the patients.

To make things easier, we have created a step-by-step guide to select the right mattress for hospital bed as per your needs.

1. Type of Mattress

The first step is to select the right type of bed mattress. There are basically three different options available- Foam mattress, innerspring mattress and pressure prevention mattress.

• Innerspring Mattresses- They are known as the most cost-efficient option and are available in varied softness. They are highly recommended for patients who are fairly mobile and not bedridden.

• Foam Mattresses- They are economical as well but do not breathe as much as innerspring mattresses. However, they have better shock-absorption ability. Many them can also shift the body weight of the patient to prevent pressure ulcers and bedsores.

• Pressure Prevention Mattress- This type of mattress for hospital beds is ideal for patients who are bedridden. Made from gel layers and foam, they can evenly distribute the user’s weight to prevent skin breakdown and pressure sores.

2. Size of the Patient

The next important factor is the size of the user. Most of the mattresses are now available in  different sizes and lengths. The thumb rule is to pick a mattress which is at least a few inches taller than the user. Special attention should be given to the size of the mattress if the patient is very tall or is heavyweight.

3. Cleaning Requirement of the Mattress

The cleaning requirement of the hospital bed air mattress is also an important consideration, especially for patients who have a minimum or no mobility at all. There are now mattresses with anti-microbial seams and covers that should be considered for such patients. Also, ensure that the cover and mattress is stain-resistant and waterproof.

4. Movement of the Patient

Most mattresses feature perimeter guards. The guards protect the patient from rolling and falling from the bed. If there are chances that a patient might roll and fall, perimeter guards are a must on the mattress.

5. Mattress Life

Depending on the condition or illness of the patient, you can go for a mattress for adjustable bed with a long shelf-life or something with a short lifespan. If the patient is recovering and the mattress is only going to serve temporarily, it is not required to spend much money on a mattress with many features. Such mattresses are better suited for someone with a degenerative or chronic illness.

Apart from all these factors, make sure that once you have selected a type of mattress that you’d like to buy, you can also research the top brands. This will ensure that you buy a high-quality mattress which will deliver the expected comfort and care to the patient.

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