Written by Brittany Ferri, OTR/L
If you are suffering from immobility, injury, or movement-limiting disease, having the right mattress can make a world of difference in your quality of life. Often, a homecare hospital bed mattress is 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 a variety of patient needs, but there are a few that consistently rank highly in terms of patient satisfaction.
It’s crucial to think about the amount of weight the bed will need to accommodate before purchasing, since this is a basic safety consideration. An accident could have detrimental effects on 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 a variety of materials, including innerspring support (metal coils), memory foam, alternating pressure air composition, and low-air-loss technology (sometimes these last two are featured in the same mattress design). It’s important to consider the needs of the individual who will be using the mattress as you compare options; for example, medium-support foam mattresses are great for relieving low back pain, whereas alternating pressure mattresses with low-air-loss are best for preventing pressure sores.
Most hospital beds come with a warranty of between 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 stages of pressure ulcers, which are 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 an existing pressure ulcer, it’s important to find a mattress that can accommodate the correct grade 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.
| Weight Capacity | # of Sizes | Mattress Composition | Warranty | Pressure Ulcer Stage | |
| #1 Solace Prevention Therapeutic Foam Mattress | 350 lbs | 3 Sizes | 2 Layers of Foam | 5 Year Foam, 1 Year Cover | Stage 1 |
| #2 Comfort Zone Cell-On-Cell LAL (Low Air Loss) Mattress | 400 lbs | 1 Size | Air | 2 Year | Stage 4 |
| #3 MedMattress Pro Care Med-Surg Mattress | 350 lbs | 3 Sizes | 2 Layers of Foam | 1 Year | Stage 2 |
| #4 PremiumAir Low Air Loss Mattress for Pressure Ulcer Treatment by Obbomed | 450 | 1 Size | Air | 1 year for Mattress and Top Cover, 2 years for Control Unit | Stage 1, 2, 3, & 4 |
| #5 Comfort Zone Bariatric Alternating Pressure Mattress with Low Air Loss LAL |
1,000 lbs | 4 Sizes | Air | 2 Years for Mattress, Pump, and Cover | Stage 4 |
| #6 UltraAir Alternating Pressure Mattress for Pressure Ulcer Prevention | 550 lbs | 1 Size | Air | 1 year for Mattress and Top Cover, 2 years for Control Unit | Stage 1, 2, 3, & 4 |
| #7 Ortho-Coil Super Firm Support Innerspring Mattress | 350 lbs | 1 Size | Innerspring | 1 Year | N/A not a medical-rated mattress |
Our #7 pick is the Drive Medical Ortho-Coil Super Firm Support Innerspring Mattress by Drive Medical.
This mattress is a great option for bariatric patients due to its ultra-robust design. 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. It’s also a great fit for orthopedic patients or patients with low back pain, due to its enhanced support and firm design.
The core of the mattress is composed of evenly distributed inter-mattress coils, which provide extra support and makes 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 that 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.
The UltraAir Alternating Pressure Mattress can help bedridden users by reducing the pressure on their bodies, which can help prevent bedsores or pressure ulcers. These types of mattresses are designed to distribute the weight of the body evenly across the surface of the mattress, which can help alleviate pressure points. This can be especially important for individuals who are unable to change positions on their own, as it can help prevent the development of painful and potentially dangerous skin breakdown.
This mattress stands out from the rest due to its top-of-the-line features. To start, its patented warmer helps to increase body temperature and metabolism. Its patented massager helps ease pain, reduce tension, and increase metabolism. Other great features are 13-inch side bolsters and inflatable guardrails.
This mattress can help bedridden users by providing a constant flow of air through small holes in the mattress. This airflow can help keep the skin cool and dry, which can reduce the risk of skin breakdown and infection.
To grant even more assistance to bedridden users, this bed comes with an exclusive Easy-Go opening that allows patients to use the bedpan without moving! This convenient feature is helpful for healthcare providers as well since it allows quick access and removal of the bedpan for cleaning. The UltraAir Alternating Pressure Mattress is committed to offering patients an opportunity to access full recovery while staying in bed.
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Coming in at #5 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.
The PremiumAir Low Air Loss Mattress for Pressure Ulcer Treatment by Obbomed is a medical-grade alternating pressure mattress designed to provide pressure relief and prevent pressure ulcers in patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility. The mattress features a series of air cells that alternate in inflation and deflation, redistributing pressure and promoting blood circulation. It also includes adjustable rotation angles to suit individual patient needs, “EASY GO” bedpan, and inflatable guardrails.
The ObboMed hospital mattress is commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare settings to provide effective and comfortable pressure relief.
Alternating pressure mattresses work by redistributing pressure across the body's surface to prevent pressure ulcers. The mattresses use a series of air cells that alternately inflate and deflate, creating a cyclical pattern of pressure and release. This cycle promotes blood circulation and prevents localized pressure from building up for an extended period, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers. The mattresses may also have adjustable settings to customize the pressure and cycle time based on the patient's individual needs.
Alternating pressure mattresses are recommended for individuals who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers, such as those who are bedridden or have limited mobility. This includes patients with spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, and those who are recovering from surgery. Alternating pressure mattresses are also suitable for elderly patients who spend extended periods of time in bed or those who have fragile skin.
The 3rd-ranked choice is the MedMattress Pro Care Med-Surg Mattress for Pressure Relief by DiaMedical. This high-quality foam mattress is ideal for patients who have a “moderate” risk of developing a pressure sore, including older adults with limited mobility or individuals recovering from activity-limiting injuries. This pressure-relieving mattress features a dual-layer foam core for extra support and is topped with a 2-inch layer of cool gel for increased comfort and to prevent sagging.
The bed also has a distinctly firm edge compared to other foam models on the list, which helps with easily getting into and out of the bed. This is especially helpful for fall reduction in older adults, so it would be a great choice for anyone at a higher risk of falls who needs a moderately-supportive foam mattress. Finally, it has a slope heel section to prevent sores in this area.
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.
Finally, earning #1 place is the Solace Prevention Therapeutic Foam Mattress by Invacare. This is a great all-around mattress; it 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.
A: Standard hospital mattresses are 36” x 80”, or 2-3” less in width than a twin size bed. Some companies are able to make beds in custom sizes, however. Bariatric mattresses are usually wider than 36” to accommodate heavier individuals.
A: There are a few types of mattresses that are well-suited to hospital beds at home. These include: innerspring mattresses, foam mattresses, low air loss (LAL mattresses), bariatric mattresses, and alternating pressure mattresses.
A: No. Only a twin XL will fit a hospital bed, but using normal mattresses is not recommended for individuals at a high risk of developing pressure sores. You will also need special sheets for most hospital beds since the dimensions do not fall within typical bed size ranges.
A: Alternating pressure mattresses with low-air-loss technology continually re-distribute weight using circulating air inside the mattress and allow air out of the mattress to keep the skin cool and dry, so these are best for individuals at risk of developing pressure sores. Foam mattresses also do a better job at re-distributing weight compared to an innerspring mattress, so they are good for pressure sore prevention as well.
A: A low-air-loss mattress is designed to keep skin dry to aid in the prevention of pressure ulcers. These mattresses have holes that allow air to seep out slowly, which prevents the skin from getting too warm or sweaty.
A: Bariatric hospital bed mattresses are designed to accommodate more weight, so they 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.
A: In one study, medium-firm mattresses provided the most relief for individuals with back pain. In general, foam mattresses are a good idea because they conform to the body and provide increased back support.
In summary, if you or a loved one is increasing the amount of time spent in bed due to reduced mobility, it’s important to choose a supportive mattress that will promote rest and decrease the chances of developing a pressure injury. As we outline in this article, there are a range of hospital-grade mattresses available for home purchase.
The main factor you need to determine before you make a selection is what type of mattress is best-suited to you: innerspring, foam, alternating-pressure (with or without low-air-loss), or bariatric. The best all-around models for basic pressure ulcer prevention and total body support are the foam mattresses like our #1 pick: the Solace Prevention Therapeutic Foam Mattress. Those with existing pressure sores will likely need an alternating-pressure mattress with low-air-loss like the Comfort Zone Cell-On-Cell LAL (Low Air Loss) Mattress.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about our nine top picks for hospital bed mattresses. For more information about hospital mattresses, take some time to 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.
