Written by Hulet Smith, OT
We help you sort through the many brands and types of hospital bed sheets by comparing their best features, performance, and durability through multiple washings. Additionally, we analyzed hundreds of real-life customer reviews to determine the top hospital bed sheets available today. Whether for institutional or home care, this article will guide you in choosing the best hospital bed linens to meet your needs.
Although our comprehensive buying guide provides much more in-depth information about hospital bed sheet features and other aspects to consider, here are some of the most important features to keep in mind when choosing the best hospital bed sheets and bedding to fit your particular requirements:
As one of the most crucial aspects of choosing the best hospital bed sheet, you should measure the length and width of the hospital bed mattress, along with the depth, or thickness. While most standard hospital bed mattresses measure 36 inches wide by 80 inches long with a 6-7 inch depth, bariatric hospital bed mattresses are often wider and/or longer. Pressure relief and other specialty mattresses may also be thicker, requiring a deeper gusset, or corner pocket, on the sheet.
It's crucial to consider the type of hospital bed the sheets will be used on. If the bed has an adjustable foot and head section, the fitted sheet must accommodate this movement to stay in place on the mattress. Fabrics like jersey knit with stretchability and sheets with deeper gussets are ideal for adjustable hospital beds. These design features prevent the sheet from slipping off as the bed is adjusted for comfort and positioning.
To optimize user comfort, selecting hospital bed linens that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft is important. Cotton and cotton/polyester blends are two of the most popular options and can come in woven and knitted styles. Knitted fabrics tend to be warmer, thicker, and softer than woven textiles, making them a good choice to optimize comfort in the colder months.
A pressure-reduction mattress on your hospital bed can help prevent pressure injuries and skin friction. Some sheets are specially designed for hospital bed mattresses to promote better circulation and reduce the shear and pressure forces that can lead to bedsore development. Breathable fabrics, like percale and cotton/poly blends, can also help prevent pressure and friction injuries, as can sheets made with built-in anti-friction panels. Ensuring the fitted sheet fits snugly with no wrinkles or bunching can also help lessen pressure and irritation against the user’s skin.
Bariatric sheets for hospital beds come in wider and/or longer dimensions to fit larger bariatric hospital beds. While most standard hospital beds measure 36 inches wide by 80 inches long, bariatric hospital beds typically measure 48 inches wide by 80 to 84 inches long. Therefore, they require specially designed fitted sheets configured to fit those parameters.
Hospital bed sheets are mostly made from a cotton/polyester blend or 100-percent cotton. These materials ensure strength and durability to withstand repeated washing and drying at high temperatures while offering softness, moisture-wicking, and breathability to optimize user comfort. Other fabrics like silk and bamboo are great options but are usually more expensive. Synthetic materials such as acrylic or nylon are not a good choice, as they are not nearly as durable and will tend to break down, pill up, and tear with frequent washing and drying.
Whether used in hospitals, care facilities, or at home, most standard hospital beds have a bed surface that measures 36 inches wide by 80 inches long. Specially designed fitted sheets for hospital beds provide these measurements, or you can find longer and/or wider sheets to fit bariatric hospital beds. The usual twin, full, king, and queen fitted sheets that fit regular beds will NOT work with a home hospital bed, as they will generally be too short or too wide and will not stay on the mattress.
You can buy quality bed sheets for hospital beds from trusted medical supply companies like Rehabmart. While most mattress stores carry regular bedding to fit the regular beds they sell, they typically do not offer hospital bed sheets. An online search can help you find reputable medical suppliers who provide various hospital bed sheets to fit your specific requirements.
Fitted Twin XL sheets can be a good option for some hospital beds, as their measurements of 38 to 39 inches wide by 80 inches long will still work with standard hospital bed mattresses measuring 36 inches wide by 80 inches long. The extra width can be especially suitable for hospital bed mattresses that are a little thicker, while it also helps with keeping the fitted sheet in place for articulating mattresses with adjustable head and foot sections. Twin XL sheets are also known as extended twins, twin 80s, or extra-long twin sheets.
To create the most restful, comfortable, and secure hospital bed, special fitted sheets made specifically for hospital beds deliver the most effective option. Their deeper gussets, or corner pockets, specialized contours, and knit or woven fabric all help to keep the bottom sheet in place, even when the head or foot sections are raised. Hospital bed sheets are also made in different dimensions than standard bed sheets, providing just the right length and width so they don’t bunch up underneath a user, helping to prevent skin shear and pressure wounds.
Although Medicare typically pays for mattress covers to prevent bedsores, hospital bed sheets used for at-home care must usually be purchased at your own expense. As a hospital in-patient, Medicare will cover bed sheets and other bedding utilized for the bed you use in the hospital.
 | Hospital and Homecare Bedding for Manual, Semi-Electric and Full Electric Hospital Beds View Product |
Earning the number 5 spot in our review with its all-around comfort, durability, and versatility, the Hospital and Homecare Bedding by Drive Medical offers great value. Choose from a set of two fitted sheets that cost less than what many other manufacturers ask for, just one sheet, or a complete 4-piece hospital bedding set at a much more affordable price than competitors offering lower quality. Including a fitted sheet, top sheet, pillowcase, and blanket, the bedding box set offers everything required to ensure a good night’s sleep for the user.
Durably constructed with high-quality cotton and polyester, the fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillowcase help to optimize user comfort with their breathable, moisture-wicking material. The blanket is made with 100 percent cotton to ensure ultra-soft warmth and insulation. Featuring the smallest gusset on our list with its 5 to 6-inch depth, the fitted sheet is especially suitable for thinner hospital bed mattresses, preventing the sheet from slipping off the mattress and providing a snug, friction-free fit.
Conveniently machine-washable and dryable for simple maintenance, these hospital bed linens are soft but strong. They retain their shape and softness even after numerous washing and drying, delivering a comfortable and affordable long-term solution for most kinds of hospital beds, including manual, semi-electric, and fully electric models.
 | PillowSheets Hospital Bed Sheets with Bolster Pockets for Patient Positioning View Product |
Our number 4 option, PillowSheets Hospital Bed Sheets is an innovative option for nursing homes, hospitals, and home care settings, designed to maximize patient comfort and improve blood circulation. These sheets provide gentle elevation to improve circulation, reduce the risk of pressure sores and ulcers, offer lumbar support, and prop up patients' feet to improve breathing. These sheets combine pillows and sheets into a single, convenient format, taking pressure off sensitive areas and helping to prevent pressure ulcers and sores. Their hypoallergenic design prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, ensuring a clean and safe sleeping environment. Additionally, PillowSheets are machine washable, making them easy to care for in high-volume settings. They can be used on various bed sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, and queen, to optimize patient care and positioning. Patients benefit from the soft, supportive design, while caregivers appreciate the convenience of adjustable pillow inserts that provide customizable support and stability.
 | Drive Medical Extended Fitted Sheets View Product |
The Extended Fitted Sheets by Drive Medical are our number 3 choice for hospital and healthcare settings. These sheets are designed to easily fit most manual, semi-electric, and full-electric beds, making them a versatile option for various types of medical equipment. Constructed from a high-quality cotton and polyester blend, these sheets offer both durability and comfort, ensuring a soft and improved patient experience. Each pack includes two fitted sheets ideal for extended-length or extended-width beds with 8-inch thick mattresses. Additionally, their machine washable construction and no-ironing-needed design make them easy to maintain, which is crucial for high-volume healthcare environments.
 | McKesson Jersey Knit Bariatric Bed Sheets - Hospitex View Product |
The Hospitex Bariatric Knit Sheets from McKesson take the 2nd spot on our list with their convenient capability to fit larger, wider hospital beds. While most hospital bed sheets are designed to fit standard-sized hospital bed mattresses and measure 36 inches in width, the Hospitex bariatric fitted hospital bed sheets measure 48 inches in width to accommodate bariatric-width hospital bed mattresses. They’re also specially formulated to optimize bariatric user comfort, using 7-inch gussets for the corners to ensure the sheet stays in place for thicker mattresses and extra padding.
These fitted sheets are constructed with a 60-percent cotton and 40-percent polyester knitted weave for maximum softness and comfort and exceptional, long-lasting durability and strength. Machine-washable and dryable, the attractive bone-colored sheet is easy to clean and maintain. It has an orange hem to ensure easy identification, a feature especially helpful when used for institutional care and/or multiple patients.
Coming in at number 1 in our review, the Hermell Products Hospital Bed Sheet Set is sold in single and bulk quantities to meet residential and institutional demands. Including a contoured fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and a pillowcase, this bright white hospital bed linen set from Hermell Products is constructed in a 55-percent polyester and 45-percent cotton blend that’s moisture-wicking and breathable to optimize user comfort. Boasting a 190-thread count, these soft sheets and pillowcases are conveniently machine-washable and dry for easy care and maintenance.
The fitted sheet is specially contoured, with 6-inch gussets and elastics placed only in the corners, ensuring a perfect fit for standard hospital bed mattresses and dorm-size Twin XL mattresses. Contouring helps keep the fitted sheet in place, minimizing wrinkles and bunches that can aggravate sensitive skin and lead to skin shear injuries. Durable and strong, these quality sheet sets also save buyers money when purchased in cost-saving case quantities.
Hospital beds are sized differently than the typical twin, full, queen, and king-sized beds, requiring specially-sized sheets made just for hospital bed mattresses.
Although all of the hospital bed sheets we featured in this article are excellent options for various users, our product experts selected the Hermell Products Hospital Bed Sheet Set as the top choice. This set includes a contoured fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and a pillowcase made from a 55-percent polyester and 45-percent cotton blend that is moisture-wicking and breathable to optimize user comfort. Boasting a 190-thread count, these soft sheets and pillowcases are easy to care for. The fitted sheet's special contouring, with 6-inch gussets and elastics placed only in the corners, ensures a perfect fit for standard hospital bed mattresses and Twin XL mattresses.
We invite you to check out our comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Hospital Beds & Mattresses for Home Care article to help you determine the perfect hospital bed and mattress to suit your needs. You can also find a wealth of helpful information and caregiving tips on a variety of topics over at Caregiver University!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
