Hospital mattress buying guide & FAQs
What size mattress does a hospital bed use?
All hospital bed mattresses are a standard size in order to meet the standard for hospital beds and that they fit correctly to the hospital bed without any gaps that can cause entrapment. Typically, this size is 900mm wide by 2000mm long. Depth varies from a recommended minimum height of 125mm and above typically being 150mm deep.
In 2010 an updated hospital bed standard was published called the IEC/EN 60601-2-52. The IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Committee. The IEC is the world’s leading organisation for the preparation and publication of International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. By purchasing a bed and mattress combination that conforms to the new IEC/ EN 60601-2-52 bed standard, you can ensure your bed and mattress are compatible with each other and are safe to use.
What is the best hospital bed mattress?
Specialist Mattresses broadly fall into two main categories:
- Pressure-redistributing or Pressure reducing surfaces or mattresses
- Pressure relieving surfaces or mattresses
Pressure-redistributing support surfaces are designed to either increase the body surface area that comes in contact with the support surface (to reduce interface pressure) or to sequentially alter the parts of the body that bear the load, thus reducing the duration of loading at any given anatomical site allowing pressure relief. (EPUAP, 2014)
Pressure redistribution can be achieved in one of two primary methods: immersion/envelopment or redirection/off-loading. (EPUAP, 2014)
Types of pressure redistribution mattresses are:
- High-density foam mattress
- Static air mattresses
- Low Air Loss mattress system
Pressure-relieving mattresses aim to completely relieve the pressure on a localised area of skin by frequently alternating or cycling to offer pressure relief to the skin while supporting the users weight, providing assistance to the entire contact area during each full cycle, as in the case of alternating-pressure air mattresses (APAMs)
Types of pressure relieving mattresses are:
- Dynamic alternating overlays
- Alternating mattress replacement systems
- Hybrid mattress systems
Support surfaces should be chosen on an individual basis depending on the needs of the individual for pressure redistribution and other therapeutic functions. In all cases, the manufacturer’s recommendations for the use and maintenance should be followed. (EPUAP, 2014) We will be happy to talk through the options with you before purchase and also recommend that you seek professional advice from your Nurse, General Practitioner or Occupational therapist.
What is a medical mattress?
Pressure ulcers, otherwise known as bed sores, are caused by a constant pressure against the skin surface that leads to the occlusion of the blood flow to tissues causing a lack of oxygen and other nutrients, essentially causing skin cells to die. Our range of Pressure Relieving mattresses and other medical mattresses are designed to assist in the prevention and treatments of pressure ulcers, as well as giving patients the ability to sleep comfortably. We strive to provide the best medical mattresses on the market.
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