Medically Edited and Reviewed by Dr. Erin Zinkhan MD, BSBE

Updated: January 11, 2023

 

 

Top Best Hospital Beds for the Home

The best hospital beds are available in many sizes and functions. Modern hospital beds are very adaptable to the changing needs of individual patients as well as from one patient to another. While sleeping, many patients require a flat, level surface to sleep. While awake, many patients require head elevation, or foot elevation and often elevation in the knee area for comfort or for therapy. Hospital beds are better suited to match the needs of recovering patients than standard beds. The key advantage of a hospital bed over a standard bed is the ability to adjust the height of the bed, the mattress head, and the mattress foot. This article will explore many of the best options modern hospital beds offer and the considerations you may want to use in Selecting the Best Hospital Bed for your needs.


Top Best Hospital Beds Ranking List By Category 

Top Best Hospital Beds For Sale Breakouts

Best Full-Electric Hospital Beds

#1  Invacare G5510 G-Series

 

Features

  • Ergonomically designed pendant.
  • Pendant connects to either side of bed.
  • Interchangeable head and foot ends.
  • Easy to clean head/foot boards offer improved infection control.
  • Easy to clean mattress deck.
  • Impact resistant head/foot boards.
  • Supportive slat deck reduces wear and tear on mattresses.
  • Ergonomic head and foot sections with elongated head section.
  • Supports up to 450 pounds.
  • Secure mattress keepers.
  • Advanced electronics.
  • Crank through electronics allows manual operation in case of power outages.
  • Water resistant electrical connections prevent fluid penetration.
  • Meets the voluntary FDA Guidelines for rail entrapment.
  • Meets IEC 60601-2-52 requirements.
  • Meets FDA dimensional guidelines for rails.

#2  Invacare 5410IVC

Features

  • Durable, Impact and Scratch Resistant
  • Interchangeable Parts
  • Lightweight Construction
  • Waterproof Motor Casing
  • Safety Bed Rail Options
  • Ergonomic Hand Pendant
  • IVC Universal Head & Foot Boards
  • Removable Caster Wheels
  • Product Number: 5410IVC
  • 36 x 80 Inch Sleep Surface
  • 176-pounds Shipping Weight
  • 450-pound Weight Capacity
  • HCPCS Code: E0265
  • Manufacturer Warranties: Weld - 5-Years, Mechanical/Electrical - 5 Years

Best Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

#1 Delta Ultra Light 1000

Features

  • Lightweight Durable Construction
  • Battery Backup Included
  • Lightweight Construction
  • Easy Assembly
  • Safety Rail Options
  • Easy-to-Use Pendant Controller
  • Self-Contained Motor
  • Removable Caster Wheels
  • Product Number: 15033
  • 35 x 80 Inch Sleep Surface
  • Weight: 189-pounds
  • 450-pound Weight Capacity
  • Manufacturer Warranties: Frame/Weld - Limited Lifetime, Mechanical - 1 Year, Electrical - 5 Years Motor and Handcontroller

#2  Drive Competitor II

Features

  • Removable Hand Crank for Height Adjustments
  • Emergency Battery Backup
  • Lightweight Construction
  • Silent Motor Operation
  • Side Rail Options
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Hand Pendant
  • Head & Foot Boards
  • Caster Wheels
  • Product Number: 15571
  • 35 x 80 Inch Sleep Surface
  • 138-pounds Shipping Weight
  • 450-pound Weight Capacity
  • HCPCS Code: E0295
  • Manufacturer Warranties: Frame/Weld - Limited Lifetime, Mechanical/Electrical - 1 Year

Best Manual Hospital Bed

#1  Drive Multi-Height Manual Bed

Features

  • Interchangeable Bed Ends
  • Channel Frame Construction
  • Reinforced Frame for Durability
  • Easy-to-Clean
  • Safety Rail Options
  • Heavy-Duty Bed Ends
  • Self-Contained Motor
  • Caster Wheels
  • Product Number: 15003
  • 36 x 80 Inch Sleep Surface
  • 156-pounds
  • 450-pound Weight Capacity
  • HCPCS Code: E0293
  • Manufacturer Warranties: Welds - Limited Lifetime, Frame - 5 Years, Parts - 1 Year

Best Low Hospital Beds

#1  Invacare 5410LOW

Features

  • Durable Universal Low Bed Ends Are Impact Resistant
  • Scratch Resistant Bed Ends
  • Encased Motors
  • Easy Cleaning
  • Safety Rail Options
  • Rubber, Non-marring Locking Casters
  • Full-Electric
  • Ergonomic Hand Pendant
  • Product Number: 5410LOW
  • 36 x 80 Inch Sleep Surface
  • 181-pounds
  • 450-pound Weight Capacity
  • HCPCS Code: E0250
  • Manufacturer Warranties: Welds - 5 Years, Mechanical/Electrical - 2 Years

#2  Medline Alterra 1232

Features

  • 4-Motors for Easy Adjustments
  • Smooth and Quiet Operation
  • Synchronized High-Low Motors
  • Durable Grid/Rib Deck
  • 7.25 Inch Low Position
  • 26 Inch Max Height Position
  • Quiet Operation
  • Caster Wheels
  • Product Number: 1232
  • 345x 80 Inch Sleep Surface
  • 450-Pound Weight Capacity
  • HCPCS Code: E0293

Best Bariatric Hospital Beds

#1  Drive 15300 Bariatric 

Features

  • 35-Inch Width
  • Quite Operation
  • Durable All Steel Construction
  • Split-Pan Design
  • Includes 6-Button Hand Controller
  • Full-Electric
  • Product Number: JOEECCBED
  • 35 x 80 Inch Sleep Surface
  • 165-pounds
  • 450-pound Weight Capacity
  • Manufacturer Warranties: Welds - Limited Lifetime, Frame - 7 Years, Parts/Components - 1 Year

#2  Invacare BAR750 Bariatric 

Features

  • Heavy-Duty
  • Split-Spring Design for Easy Set Up
  • Two Locking Casters on Head Section
  • Two Steering Locking Casters on Footer Section
  • Two Hi-Low Motors
  • Hand Control Pendant
  • Backup Battery
  • Bed Ends and Half Rails All Standard
  • Product Number: BAR750
  • Adjustable Width 39, 42, 48 Inch; 80 Inch Sleep Surface
  • 440-pounds Shipping Weight
  • 750-pound Weight Capacity
  • HCPCS Code: E0302
  • Manufacturer Warranty: Limited, Frame/Structure - 5 Years, Mechanical/Electrical - 3 Years

Best Trendelenburg Hospital Beds

#1  Joerns Ultracare

Features

  • AdvanceCare Technology
  • QuickCare Technology
  • Full and Reverse Trendelenburg
  • Toroidal Architecture
  • Advanced Staff Control and Pendant
  • Double Insulated Motor
  • Height Range 7 to 30 Inch
  • Maximum Back Angle: 65 Degrees
  • Maximum Knee Angle: 35 Degrees
  • Weight: 220 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity:  500 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Warranty: 15-years

#2  Joerns EasyCare

Features

  • AdvanceCare Positioning Technology
  • Full and Reverse Trendelenburg
  • Toroidal Architecture
  • CareLock
  • Roll at Any Height
  • Advanced Staff Control and Pendant
  • Height Range 7 to 30 Inch
  • Maximum Back Angle: 65 Degrees
  • Maximum Knee Angle: 35 Degrees
  • Weight: 230 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity:  500 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Warranty: 15-years

Best Selling Hospital Beds For Sale


Comparing the Different Types of Hospital Beds

 

What is the typical size of a hospital bed?

Hospital bed sizes begin at a width of 35 inches and go up to inches. The most typical width is 35 inches. The length range for most hospital beds is from 75 to 88 inches. The most typical hospital bed length is 80 inches. Wider and longer hospital beds provide a greater degree of comfort for the patient and are more accommodating to different-sized patients. Some hospital beds are adaptable with extension kits to make them larger. Drive Medical makes a Hospital Bed Extension Kit for its Full Electric Hospital Bed (15005) and Ultra Light Semi Electric Bed (15030). The Graham-Field Hospital Bed Extension Kit adds more length to the Patriot Full Electric Hospital Bed. A new innovation in the hospital bed market is beds that can expand their width and length to accommodate individual patients without adding parts. The Invacare CS9 Adjustable Width Bed is an example of this new innovation.

 

What are the types of hospital beds?

These height adjustments allow for better patient recovery as well as comfort. A hospital bed frame in a low position is easier to get in or out of bed. In its highest position, it is easier for caregivers to serve the patient. Elevation of the head and/or foot aids in therapy and with comfort for the patient depending upon whether they are awake or sleeping. There are six major types of hospital beds currently in production--full-electric, semi-electric, manual, low bed, Bariatric, and Trendelenburg.

 

 


 

Best Full-Electric Hospital Beds For Sale

A full-electric bed allows electrical adjustment of the bed frame's height, the header's height, and the footer's height. Most full electric hospital beds can be adjustable by a remote control device, allowing the patient to determine the best position. Many full electric beds can lock out the patient controls to protect the patient from accidental repositioning that could harm them. In these cases, many of these hospital beds have controls embedded in the footer panel, allowing the caregiver to adjust the bed position. The most popular full-electric bed is the Invacare 5410VC.

 

Full-electric Hospital Bed Advantages & Disadvantages

 

Bed Type Advantages Disadvantages
Drive Medical Ultra Light Plus Full-electric Hospital Bed
Full-Electric Hosptial Beds

fully electric
easy adjustments
less physically demanding

slightly higher costs

 

 

Best Semi-Electric Hospital Beds For Sale

Semi-electric hospital beds are very similar to full electric beds, except that the height of the semi-electrical bed frame is adjustable manually by a hand crank. The header and footer adjustments are accomplished electrically. Formerly, semi-electric beds were much less expensive than full-electric beds, but technological advances have brought the prices of these two types of hospital beds closer together. The Invacare 5310IVC is one of the best-selling semi-electric beds. Currently, the Medline Basic Homecare Bed is the lowest-priced Semi-electric. For patients that do not adjust the bed height often, semi-electric beds are a good choice.

 

Semi-electric Hospital Bed Advantages & Disadvantages

 

Bed Type Advantages Disadvantages
Semi-electric Hospital Bed
Semi-Electric Hosptial Beds

easy head and foot adjustments

slightly higher costs
more physically demanding

 

 

Best Manual Hospital Beds

Manual beds do not use electrical power to make adjustments. Hand cranks positioned around the bed provide the mechanism to adjust the bed and mattress height. Manual beds offer the most economical hospital bed solution; however, many hospital bed manufacturers have stopped making these types of beds. In many instances, manual hospital beds can be purchased for less than $600. The Drive Medical Manual Hospital Bed is currently the lowest price manual bed.

 

Manual Hospital Bed Advantages & Disadvantages

 

Bed Type Advantages Disadvantages
Manual Hospital Bed
Manual Hospital Beds

lower cost
adjustable

manual adjustments
burdensome adjustments
more physically demanding

 

 

Best Low Hospital Beds For Sale

Low hospital beds have frames that go adjust to a minimal height just inches from the floor. This low position allows for easier ingress and egress from the bed for patients that may be weak or at risk of fall injuries. Low hospital beds also provide more safety for patients who are at risk of falling out of bed. The Invacare Low Hospital Bed is the best-selling low bed and comes with a minimum 9.5-inch bed deck height.

 

Low Hospital Bed Advantages & Disadvantages

 

Bed Type Advantages Disadvantages
Invacare 5410LOW Low Hospital Bed
Low Hosptial Beds

increased patient safety
low profile
minimizes fall risks
fully electric
easy adjustments
less physically demanding
caregiver friendly

higher costs

 

 

Best Bariatric Hospital Beds

Bariatric hospital beds are heavy-duty beds that can support more weight than other hospital beds. Many of these beds can support 1000 pounds or more. These beds are often wider, providing more room for the patient. The bed deck has a more solid appearance but is still able to adjust the mattress head and foot for the patient. Examples of Bariatric hospital beds include the Graham Field Bariatric Bed.

 

Bariatric Hospital Bed Advantages & Disadvantages

 

Bed Type Advantages Disadvantages
Invacare 750 Bariatric Hospital Beds
Bariatric Hosptial Beds

fully electric
easy adjustments
heavy duty
most durable
increased width
less physically demanding

higher costs

 

 

Best Trendelenburg Hospital Beds For Home Care

Trendelenburg Hospital Beds provide many versatile clinical positions. These beds allow for many therapeutic positioning options and eliminate the need for most pillows and bed wedges. Trendelenburg positioning can provide a recliner chair-type functionality required by many aging patients. These hospital beds offer the most adjustability and function of all the hospital bed options. Hospital beds with Trendelenburg positioning require additional room space to avoid contact with walls and furniture. An example of a Trendelenburg hospital bed is the Joerns UltraCare XT.

 

Trendelenburg Hospital Bed Advantages & Disadvantages

 

 

Bed Type Advantages Disadvantages
Joerns UltraCare XT Trendelenburg Hospital Bed
Trendelenburg Hosptial Beds

fully electric
most adjustments
most utility
less physically demanding

highest cost
requires more room space

 

 

 

 

 

Who are the top U.S. hospital bed manufacturers?

There are a number of hospital bed manufacturers many of which sell their beds exclusively to hospitals and long-term care facilities. There are also manufacturers that supply hospital beds for homecare use. The top hospital bed manufacturers of homecare-type beds are Invacare, Graham-Field, Drive Medical, and Joerns. Invacare is the most well-known manufacturer. Each of these manufacturers is well respected in the industry. These manufacturers supply replacement parts for their beds that can be specially ordered to keep your hospital bed in good working order. Some of these manufacturers use interchangeable parts between their beds, better ensuring that the part you need will be on-hand when you are ready to order.

 

List of the Top Hospital Bed Manufacturers

 

  1. Invacare
  2. Drive Medical
  3. Joerns
  4. Graham-Field
  5. Hill-Rom
  6. Medline

 

 

 

Summary

There are many hospital bed options to meet your specific needs. Balancing the advantages with the disadvantages each type of hospital bed offers will help you identify the best hospital bed for your personal needs. If you have questions about the right options for you, give the staff at Vitality Medical a call at 800-397-5899.

 

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