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AllHands Asked July 2020

Discussion on hospital bed mattresses? Options, thoughts, etc...

We are in the process of setting up a Drive Delta 1000 Item #15235, Ultra-Light Plus, Full Electric Low Bed.


This is mainly in preparation of potential need by a parent but could also be used for one of us if we get laid up. I have zero experience with mattresses for this purpose and unfortunately everything I see online seems to be either a regurgitation of vague company literature or an affiliate site hosting The Eight Best options type thing. The latter are somewhat helpful but not enough to feel certain about purchasing.


All the potential users are folks who don't like sleeping hot. It seems like that rules out foam matteresses.


I don't want to consider the various air mattresses due to longevity and more working parts to go wrong over time.


I think that leaves the choices to inner spring unless someone can make the case for foam. But I've seen a lot of folks say that thinner inner spring mattresses for hospital beds don't last long for use.


I've seen others state that foam mattresses are too stiff.


I've even seen a few people state they just got a good twin mattress and used that. I wonder about the size being appropriate and whether they will work with the beinging hospital bed functions.


Then there is the weight issue. In order to have the widest possible application, it would be best of we could get something rated in the 250-300 lb range.


I've seen references to some mattresses being loud. Thoughts?


And would prefer options with no flame retardants, lead, and or other chemicals used in many mattresses.


So I called Drive using my paperwork that came with the mattress. I think I'd have an easier time getting someone at Facebook or Google. When you call, your choice is #1 - business customer or #2 - consumer. I used #2. Mistake. That gives a recording asking you to use their website which has live chat , info, and email. Nothing in their info allowed me to figure out a best option so I hit the live chat link. It took me to a series of canned questions and answers (which also didn't give new info). It never actually gave me the option for a live chat. So, that left email. The answer I got was short and the writer didn't seem to ready my query and referenced things I didn't ask. Perhaps it was computer generated. Anyway, their customer service avenue isn't. Problem there is they also sell mattresses, However, I'm not sure I want to get into another situation where you can't reach a responsive company should there be an issue.


This is starting to feel like a three bears situation. Is there a just right option? Thanks much if you had the patience to read through all of that.


Hopefully Home Care is the right forum for this...

JoAnn29 Aug 2020
I worked for Sealy Mattress some 35 years ago and we made hospital beds. The are usually foam because they need to be flexable which interspring is not. At the time, the foam we used had a hard inner core and a softer outer core. The cover (ticking) was made of water proof plastic. Things change in 35yrs. Hopefully for the better. My suggestion would be to call customer service of a bedding manufacture. There must be one in your State. Or email telling them what you are looking for.

You may even be able to go to a regular mattress store. These salesman work on commission. As such, they should go out of their way to help you. Which means, them calling the manufacturer they use and finding out if they make hospital mattresses. If so, they can have it shipped to the store.

Here is a list of 10 hospital bed makers. You should be able to contact their customer service with ur questions. I wouldn't buy the cheapist . You get what you pay for. I would go by warrenty. I think the average is 10 years now. 15 would be good. Don't think they do 20 anymore.

https://meticulousblog.org/top-10-companies-in-hospital-beds-market/

AllHands Aug 2020
Figured I'd kick this back up to see if anyone has suggestions. To recap, thus far trying to get answers from Drive Medical is unhelpful. Local supply houses don't have showrooms and don't have much in the way of answers or even criteria on which to base decisions. Gleaning from looking around online, some people use Twin XL mattresses in order to get better sleep options than traditional hospital bed options. However, they are 3 inches wider than hospital beds and I've seen some mentions on it causing issues with hospital bed functionality. So, I wonder if you can use a traditional hospital bed mattress (still don't know how to select best option here) and put on a topper. However, hospital bed sheets would then probably not work. So, Could one use a hospital bed mattress, plus topper, and use Twin XL sheets in hopes the extra width would cover the height of a topper.

I know I'm not the first dealing with this most basic of care options. I am terribly surprised about how little real info is out there and how manufacturers can't even be reached to discuss their own products. If I didn't already have the bed, I'd wonder if I weren't better off just getting regular beds. Certainly seems a better option and with easier pathways to manufacturer input, consumer comparisons, etc.

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AllHands Aug 2020
BTW, just found out that it for a hospital mattress it might not be a good idea to try a Twin XL mattress as the 3 inches of extra width may interfere with the bed functions, may not move with the bed, and may cause wear issues.

That said, would sheet sets for a Twin XL be a better option and topper pad?

Do these sound reasonable on the part of those of you with experience in these matters?

AllHands Aug 2020
I've called most of the supply houses here but none have showrooms and most weren't terribly helpful and seemingly more used to purchases from businesses. Still trying to find decision-making criteria. Even little things like if we do get a spring mattress and use a topper, can you still get a mattress cover that zips both inside? It seems like there is some mention on the forums of mattress covers being very difficult to get open and closed due to poor fit.

Sunnygirl1 Jul 2020
I just saw this thread and wanted to bring it up some, so people can respond. I'm not that familiar with hospital mattresses. I hope others here may be. I might check with a healthcare professional who actually treats patients who stay in bed a lot. Perhaps, a medical supply store who has a rep is familiar with all types and can help you.

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