Written by Brittany Ferri, OTR/L
If you are suffering from immobility, injury, or movement-limiting disease, having the right mattress can improve your quality of life. A homecare hospital bed mattress is often needed to prevent pressure sores, improve sleep, and provide maximum comfort. Mattresses for hospital beds come in a wide range of materials and sizes to suit various patient needs. Still, a few consistently rank highly in terms of patient satisfaction. Let’s review our top 7 picks, what to consider, and how they can improve your comfort and care at home.
 | 1) Comfort Zone Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress with Low Air Loss LAL View Product |
Considering the amount of weight the bed will need to accommodate before purchasing is crucial since this is a basic safety consideration. An accident could harm a patient’s recovery and/or long-term health. Standard hospital beds typically have a maximum weight capacity of 300-450 pounds, but bariatric beds can hold more (some will support between 600-750 pounds). Make sure to keep weight capacity in mind as you compare mattress options.
Most hospital beds measure 36” in width by 80” in length. Bariatric mattresses are usually wider than standard hospital beds, measuring up to 54” in width and 88” in length. Keep these measurements in mind as you consider which beds might be suitable for your patients. Some beds may also be adjustable, providing extra width or length when needed.
Hospital mattresses are made from various materials, including innerspring support, memory foam, alternating pressure air composition, and low-air-loss technology. When comparing options, it’s important to consider the needs of the individual who will be using the mattress. For example, medium-support foam mattresses relieve low back pain, whereas alternating pressure mattresses with low air loss prevent pressure sores.
Most hospital beds come with a warranty of one to two years. This may be an important factor to consider since hospital beds are a big investment. While there is no reason to expect any of these highly-rated hospital beds to falter, a longer warranty can give you peace of mind if anything were to occur.
Hospital mattresses are designed to accommodate specific pressure ulcer stages, graded on a scale from 1-4. Stage 1 indicates a pressure ulcer that has not yet broken through the skin, whereas a stage 4 ulcer is a deep wound that might involve the underlying muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones. If you or a loved one has a pressure ulcer, finding a mattress that can accommodate the correct grade is important to ensure proper healing. This is especially important for higher-grade pressure ulcers, which may take longer to heal on a mattress designed for lower-grade ulcers.
Standard hospital mattresses are 36” x 80”, or 2-3” less wide than a twin-size bed. Some companies can make beds in custom sizes, however. Bariatric mattresses are usually wider than 36” to accommodate heavier individuals.
A few types of mattresses are well-suited to hospital beds at home. These include innerspring, foam, low air loss, bariatric, and alternating-pressure mattresses.
No. Only a twin XL will fit a hospital bed, but normal mattresses are not recommended for individuals at a high risk of developing pressure sores. You will also need special sheets for most hospital beds since their dimensions are outside typical bed size ranges.
Alternating pressure mattresses with low-air-loss technology continually re-distribute weight using circulating air inside the mattress and allow air out to keep the skin cool and dry, so they are best for individuals at risk of developing pressure sores. Foam mattresses also do a better job at re-distributing weight than an innerspring mattress, so they are also good for pressure sore prevention.
A low-air-loss mattress is designed to keep skin dry and help prevent pressure ulcers. These mattresses have holes that allow air to seep out slowly, preventing the skin from getting too warm or sweaty.
Bariatric hospital bed mattresses are designed to accommodate more weight and are wider than standard hospital bed mattresses. Most bariatric beds are 42 inches wide rather than the standard 36, and even larger beds (up to 54 inches wide and 88 inches long) are available.
In one study, medium-firm mattresses provided the most relief for individuals with back pain. At the same time, foam mattresses are also beneficial as they conform to the body, providing enhanced back support.
 | Drive Medical Ortho-Coil Super Firm Support Innerspring Mattress View Product |
Our number 7 pick is the Ortho-Coil Super Firm Support Innerspring Mattress by Drive Medical. Due to its ultra-robust design, this mattress is a great option for bariatric patients. It can support up to 350 pounds and has maximum firmness due to the two polyester fiber pads integrated on the top and bottom of the mattress. Due to its enhanced support and firm design, it’s also a great fit for orthopedic patients or patients with lower back pain.
The mattress's core is composed of evenly distributed inter-mattress coils, which provide extra support and make this mattress most suitable for patients who aren’t bedridden and who will spend at least a few hours out of bed each day. Its supportive, firm design means the bed won’t sag over time, so it’s a good long-term investment.
The bed also has a strong safety profile: it is fire-resistant and comes with a fluid-proof vinyl cover, making it ideal for patients who may be prone to accidents. It also has a one-year warranty on manufacturer defects. The Ortho-Coil Mattress will fit any standard-size hospital bed.
_(1).jpg&newwidth=365&maxheight=200 "United Pressure Relief Hospital Bed Mattress") | United Pressure Relief Hospital Bed Mattress View Product |
The Low Air Loss Mattress for Wound Healing and Reduced Pressure by United Mattress, our number 6 choice, is an excellent option for those needing consistent, reliable wound care and pressure relief without the dependency on electricity. This mattress is entirely power-free, perfect for traveling or locations prone to power outages, and is ready to use with no setup required. It features independent air cells that provide customizable low air loss to effectively treat and prevent pressure wounds up to stage 4, enhancing comfort and speeding up healing.
 | Protekt Aire 5000 Alternating Pressure Low Air Loss Mattress System View Product |
The Protekt Aire 5000 by Protekt, ranked number 5 in our review, is an advanced hospital bed mattress designed to prevent and treat stage I-IV pressure ulcers through dual therapeutic methods. It features alternating pressure air bladders that redistribute pressure to relieve vulnerable areas, combined with a low air loss function that helps keep the patient's skin cool and dry. This innovative approach significantly enhances patient comfort and accelerates the healing of existing wounds.
 | Solace Prevention Therapeutic Foam Mattress by Invacare View Product |
Earning 4th place is the Solace Prevention Therapeutic Foam Mattress by Invacare. This great all-around mattress is highly rated, provides exceptional comfort and support, and is cost-effective compared to other models. It features two-layer foam to redistribute weight and prevent pressure ulcers. The unique convoluted foam design also circulates air around the mattress and keeps the surface cool, further reducing the risk of pressure injuries. This is a great preventive option for those with a medium to high risk of developing a pressure sore.
The nylon cover is specially formulated with a non-skid component so it doesn’t slide around on top of the mattress. The mattress itself is water and fire-resistant, making it safe and easier to clean.
 | Invacare microAIR MA900 Lateral Rotation True Low Air Loss Mattress with Pump View Product |
The microAIR MA900 Lateral Rotation True Low Air Loss Mattress with Pump by Invacare, our number 3 pick, offers superior therapeutic benefits for patients requiring prolonged bed rest. This advanced mattress combines inflatable air cells with lateral rotation technology and true low air loss to significantly reduce pressure points, enhance circulation, and promote faster healing of pressure ulcers. Designed to prevent pulmonary complications, the MA900 is equipped with customizable settings and a powerful pump to ensure optimal patient comfort and care.
 | Comfort Zone Cell-On-Cell LAL (Low Air Loss) Mattresses by Medacure View Product |
Taking 2nd place is the Comfort Zone Cell-On-Cell LAL (Low Air Loss) Mattresses by Medacure. This alternating-pressure mattress with low-air-loss technology has 40 air cells in a 20-by-20 design, which makes it easy to replace air cells if they should give out. The company constructs its pressure-reducing mattress products using EZ Snap-On construction. For added safety, the pump also has an alert system to notify caregivers when the pressure is low.
What sets this model apart is its ability to be customized; when programming the pump, clinicians or caregivers can either use a standard pressure range or the patient's weight. The pump also has options for alternating pressure or static function operating on 10, 15, 20, or 25-minute cycles. This personalizes the mattress to each patient and further decreases the chances of pressure sores.
 | Comfort Zone Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress with Low Air Loss LAL View Product |
Coming in at number 1 is the Comfort Zone Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress with Low Air Loss LAL by Medacure. Alternating pressure mattresses are great for individuals who may be prone to pressure sores because they continually redistribute weight. Since pressure sores are most likely in warm, moist environments, the low-air-loss feature adds additional pressure sore prevention by introducing a steady airflow to keep individuals cool and dry. This mattress allows for a range of pressures depending on the patient’s comfort and needs.
Although the mattress is high-tech, it is user-friendly and features an auto-firming inflation pump that ensures it will not get deflated. The mattress also features Medacure's EZ Snap-In Snap-Out system, which makes the parts easy to replace if one of the air cells on top of the mattress were to become dysfunctional. The mattress comes in two sizes (42 inches or 48 inches in width and 80 inches and 84 inches in length) and has a two-year warranty.
If you or a loved one is spending increased time in bed due to reduced mobility, choosing a supportive mattress that promotes rest and reduces the risk of developing pressure injuries is crucial. As outlined in this article, there is a range of hospital-grade mattresses available for home use. Topping our list at number 1 is the Comfort Zone Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress with Low Air Loss LAL by Medacure. This mattress excels in preventing pressure sores by continually redistributing weight and enhancing comfort with its alternating pressure feature.
Additionally, its low-air-loss technology maintains a cool and dry environment, further preventing pressure sores by introducing a steady airflow. Whether for recovery or long-term use, this mattress offers versatile pressure settings to meet various comfort and therapeutic needs, making it an exemplary choice for ensuring a safe and restful healing environment. Before you make a selection, you need to determine what type of mattress is best suited for your specific needs; innerspring, foam, alternating pressure, with or without low air loss, or bariatric.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our 7 top picks for hospital bed mattresses. For more information about hospital mattresses, check out our page on hospital and home care beds. And be sure to visit Caregiver University for more information about products and caregiver resources!
Brittany is an occupational therapist who has worked in a variety of rehab facilities. She has always expressed an interest in patients’ internal motivation for therapy and the use of assistive devices, which led her to pursue a PhD in Integrative Mental Health. This research-based training has also led her to develop her writing career to educate patients of all ages on how to improve their health. Brittany has published four books, written over 300 articles, and has been quoted in media outlets such as WebMD, Healthline, and NBC News.
_(1).jpg&newwidth=365 "United Pressure Relief Hospital Bed Mattress")
