Learn which hospital beds are best for home use, whether you’re on a budget, or need bariatric care
We are fan-funded. When you buy through links below, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Read Full Disclaimer.
NAOMI GALLANT
Senior Care Consultant
Dr Naomi Gallant is an Occupational Therapist with the King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, specialising in the care of people with dementia. She holds a Clinical Academic PhD in Dementia Care from the University of Southampton. Learn more about our team.
Are you looking to buy a hospital bed for your loved one and want to know which one is best for home use?
Home hospital beds are multifunctional and offer more advantages than regular beds – they’re similar in many ways to the best adjustable beds, with some extra features to help with medical care.
They are essential and contribute to patients’ recovery because they offer more comfort, safety, functionality, and adjustability.
A proper hospital bed can help improve the patient’s recovery, dependence, and quality of life, especially patients who have had an extended stay in the hospital.
Most hospital beds available today for home care are designed to look like regular beds, but they offer many more features than standard beds.
Choosing the best hospital bed for home use can be complicated and overwhelming. This is due to a large number of hospital beds available on the market, each promising to offer the best features.
So in this article, I’m going to share with you the seven best hospital beds for home use, their key features, and their pros & cons to help you make a better buying decision.
I’ll also share with you a guide on choosing the best hospital bed for home use so that you’ll know which hospital bed is best for your loved one.
So let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Hospital Bed Comparison Table
Overview:
If you are looking for the best hospital bed for your loved one, the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ offers all the features needed in a medical bed. This adjustable bed provides head & foot articulation which lets the patient adjust to the most comfortable sleep position.
The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ is a fully electric hospital bed and can be a perfect choice for anyone looking for a luxurious, comfortable, and convenient hospital bed.
The bed comes with additional features which can help alleviate or improve certain sleep conditions like sleep apnea, acid reflux & heartburn, snoring, back & neck pain.
Key Features:
- Head & foot articulation
- Relaxing full-body massage
- Customizable settings
- Wireless remote & mobile app controls
- Free shipping & in-home setup
- 10-year warranty
Pros:
- Can be adjusted to the most comfortable sleep condition
- Provides comfort and convenience
- Compatible with memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses
- Help reduce acid reflux, snoring, sleep apnea, and other sleep-related conditions
- Anyone can operate it
- Maximum functionality, adjustability, and fully-electric features
Cons:
- Higher price tag
The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ has a head & foot articulation feature that you can use to adjust to the most comfortable sleep positions (such as the zero gravity position).
The body massage function of the bed has three intensity levels which can help soothe the patient from head to toe and help them drift off to sleep in no time.
The bed base is made of polyester upholstery and a steel retainer bar, while the frame and the legs are steel.
The medical bed has a wireless remote control feature. It supports Alexa, Google Home, and mobile app controls, which the patient can easily adjust the bed according to their needs without getting off the bed. This is a plus feature, especially for older people, bedridden, paralyzed, or patients with mobility problems.
The patient can easily adjust the torso to read or watch television in total relaxation. Which can help reduce stress for the patient and the caregiver because it let them easily modify the bed from where they are without having to leave what they are doing and coming to adjust the bed.
The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ features a USB port that the patient can use to charge their phone and keep it close, all without getting off the bed. A helpful feature if the patient is bedridden or has mobility issues.
The bed comes with an under-bed LED lighting, which can help the patient safely get out of bed at night and also for the caregiver to quickly locate the bed and provide the necessary support to the patient.
There is a non-skid fabric and a retainer bar, which holds the mattress and ensures it stays in place no matter how often the head and foot sections of the bed are adjusted.
Overview:
This adjustable hospital bed from Zoma is another best medical bed for home care. The bed is packed with premium features that will help provide comfort, convenience, and safety for your loved one.
This Zoma Adjustable bed is lightweight and assembles quickly without additional tools. The bed has a built-in head & foot adjustment, which provides extra comfort and convenience to the patient and relieves stress.
The bed has a smart home capability that lets you control and gives voice commands through Alexa, Google Home, or using your smartphone. It also comes with a wireless remote control which you can use to your favorite position just by a click of a button.
- Lightweight
- Head & foot adjustment
- Wireless remote, Alexa, Google Home, and mobile app controls
- Multiple USB charging ports
- Under-bed LED lightning
- Free shipping
- 10-year warranty
Pros:
- Assembly is quick and easy, with no tools needed
- Various pressure-relieving positions
- Can sit the base on your current bed
- Smart home capability
- The base can fit inside multiple bed frames
- Help minimize heartburn & acid reflux
- Aid clear the airways to alleviate snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea
Cons:
- Higher price tag
The Zoma Adjustable hospital bed is built to work for you and adjust your sleep needs. It offers full head articulation by helping you sit up quickly, which helps reduce snoring and improves air circulation.
The versatile design of the base makes it sit without legs; this is a fantastic feature as it lets you set the base on your current bed frame. This is particularly important, especially if there isn’t enough space in the room to accommodate an additional bed.
The foot articulation feature of this hospital bed can help ease discomfort, reduce pressure on the lower back, and improve circulation by letting you adjust your legs up to 35 degrees.
The programmable remote control of the bed lets you save your favorite sleep position and adjust your comfort with just s click of a button.
The bed also comes with USB charging ports which allow you to charge your phones comfortably without getting off the bed.
The Zoma Adjustable Bed’s massage feature provides three intensity settings that let you treat yourself to a relaxing massage from head to toe so that you can fall to sleep with more outstanding restoration.
You can also adjust the bed height as the Base is separated into 3-inch increments so you can start as low as 6″ or increase the size to 9″ or 12″. The base is also thick to adjust the height up to 15″ tall.
No matter your sleeping needs, the Zoma Adjustable Bed provides you with the comfort and flexibility needed in the best hospital beds for home use.
Overview:
The Drive Medical Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Hospital Bed is one of the best hospital beds for home today. The bed is super lightweight, portable, interchangeable, and easily assembled.
The bed comes with a new universal style, crack-proof, and interchangeable head and boards and features high-impact composite panels.
This best hospital bed for home use has a self-contained single motor and junction box, which will help reduce noise and prevent distractions or disruptions.
This Zoma Adjustable bed is lightweight and assembles quickly without additional tools. The bed has a built-in head & foot adjustment, which provides extra comfort and convenience to the patient and relieves stress.
The bed has a smart home capability that lets you control and gives voice commands through Alexa, Google Home, or using your smartphone. It also comes with a wireless remote control which you can use to your favorite position just by a click of a button.
- Lightweight and portable
- 9-volt Battery controller
- High impact composite end panels
- Plastic arms
- 5-year warranty on motor and hand control plus a 1-year warranty on all parts & components
Pros:
- It comes with a backup battery controller in case of power failure
- Easy to assemble
- It easily opens and folds
- No installation required
- Portable for transportation
Cons:
- The crank doesn’t adjust the angle but only lowers and raises the entire bed as a whole.
The Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Hospital Bed is one of the most lightweight and portable hospital beds for home use. The self-contained motor and foot area of the bed makes it lighter and easily open, and fold for storage and transportation.
The bed comes with a 9-volt backup battery which can lower the head and foot sections of the bed up to nine times in case of power failure. This is a plus feature if you live in an area that is likely to have a disruptive power supply.
This home hospital bed offers enhanced safety and comfort and is ideal for those who need a hospital-styled bed at home.
The Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Bed features a channel frame construction that is less heavy and provides superior strength. It also comes with interchangeable, high-impact, and crack-proof composite end panels and a hand pendant.
The pendant is equipped with easy-to-use controls to allow both the patient and caregivers to raise and lower the bed as needed.
If you’re looking for the best lightweight and portable hospital bed for home use, the Drive Medical Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Bed will make a perfect choice.
Overview:
If you’re looking for advanced safety, mobility functions, and comfort of the best hospital bed, the Aura Premium Hospital Bed by SonderCare has the essential features of the best hospital beds for home use.
Unlike other beds on the market, the SonderCare Aura Premium Home Hospital Bed has all the functions of a hospital bed designed for home care.
The Aura Premium Hospital bed can achieve virtually any position with unique high-low, backrest, and knee features. It even allows you to achieve extreme comfort positions like Chair and Zero-G.
This hospital bed is Trendelenburg Hospital Bed, meaning it has the highest number of adjustments, offers maximum adjustability, functionality, and fully electric features.
This medical bed would be ideal for older people, people with mobility issues, paralyzed, injured, or therapy patients.
Key Features:
- Advanced comfort, safety, and mobility functions
- Fully electric features
- Remote control clips
- Integrated bed frame extensions
- Four-wheel central brake
- Preprogrammed transfer positions
- Automatic contour setting mechanism
Pros:
- Free set up
- Allows extreme comfort positions like Chair and Zero gravity
- A high number of adjustment options
- Infinite positions
- No need for special pillows
- Maximum functionality and adjustability
- Safe ultra-low & convenient high height
- Caregivers can work at comfortable and ergonomic heights
Cons:
- Expensive
This premium home hospital bed by SonderCare provides added luxury and desired comfort & look that only a residential bed can provide.
The bed provides hospital functionality home-like design, supports infinite positions, and a patented comfort system.
The comfort deck system of this Aura Premium hospital bed uses 50 individual flexing composite springs, which can provide added luxury and achieve optimal support and relief.
The Aura Premium Hospital bed includes simple hand control clips which illuminate with the touch of a button. This can help provide easy visibility in the dark so that the patient can easily adjust the bed for comfort and convenience.
The multi-zone design of this hospital bed comes with a firm foundation layer that offers strength and durability to the life of each mattress and a firm perimeter edge that provides support during transfers in and out of the bed.
SonderCare further offers additional add-ons such as an over-bed reading light, additional set of assist rails, overhead trapeze helper bar, premium & luxurious sheet sets to let you personalize this bed and add little extra comfort.
If you’re looking for a luxurious and best hospital bed for home use, or if your patient is injured, paralyzed, or in therapy, the Aura Premium Hospital bed can be a great choice.
The pendant is equipped with easy-to-use controls to allow both the patient and caregivers to raise and lower the bed as needed.
If you’re looking for the best lightweight and portable hospital bed for home use, the Drive Medical Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Bed will make a perfect choice.
Overview:
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty bariatric hospital bed, this Full Electric Bariatric Hospital Bed by Drive Medical ensures strength and safety.
The bed has all-steel construction and a heavy-duty frame, which can withstand up to 600 pounds weight capacity.
This Full Electric Bariatric Hospital bed has a broader sleep surface than conventional beds and features a split span with removable ends for easy setup.
The hospital bed also come with a manual crank for emergency purpose and in case of power failure, making it one of the best hospital beds for home use.
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty frame
- Hand control
- Electric head, foot, and hi-low height control
- Two locking and two non-locking casters
- All-steel frame construction
- Emergency manual crank
- Wider than standard hospital beds
Pros:
- Emergency manual crank in case of power failure
- Can withstand a weight capacity of up to 600 pounds
- Wider mattress area
- Guarantees strength and safety
- Head and footboards
Cons:
- Doesn’t lower to the floor or close to the floor
- Heavy and difficult to assemble
The Drive Medical Full Electric Bariatric Hospital Bed has a wider mattress area and heavy-duty steel frame, which provides optimum strength and safety.
The hand control has a split span design and operates smoothly, making it easy to adjust the patient into the proper position, and provides for multiple positioning of the patient.
A manual crank is also included with this hospital bed to make it possible to adjust the bed in case of emergency or power failure.
This best hospital bed for home use has a quiet and smooth operation and doesn’t make noise. This will help ensure that the bed doesn’t cause unpleasant noise and distractions that can make the patient uncomfortable or even worsen their conditions.
The Deck height of the bed can only be adjusted from 18.25″ to 26.25″ but doesn’t lower to the floor or close to the floor, which can be a setback and when the patient needs to be close to the floor.
A head & footboard are included with this Full Electric Bariatric Hospital Bed by Drive Medical, which provides additional comfort and convenience to the patient.
The home hospital bed has a split span design with removable ends, making it easy to set up. But the downside is that it is pretty heavy due to the all-steel construction, making it difficult to assemble.
However, this hospital bed for home use contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, congenital disabilities, or other reproductive harm. So you may need to consult with your doctor before purchasing this bed.
Overview:
If you’re looking for an all-in-one, full electric, heavy-duty, advanced features, and Trendelenburg home hospital bed for home use, the Span America Encore Bed has it all.
The Span America Encore hospital bed comes with advanced high-tech features like Trendelenburg, comfort chair, GlideAlign, auto-contour, hand control, under-bed lightning, hi/lo vertical movement, and more.
The GlideAlign retractability features of the bed will improve care and comfort for both the patient and the caregiver. It also helps maintain vertical alignment and prevent falls by preventing the patient from trying to egress from a dangerously low level.
The foot end controls of this Span America Encore Hospital Bed for home use will make it easier to lower the bed into low height zones.
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty
- Advanced clinical positioning
- Head & knee articulation
- Trendelenburg
- Hand control
- GlideAlign
- Comfort chair
- Auto-contour
Pros:
- Advanced features
- Choice of style and color of the standard head and footboards
- Optional extension kits
- Provides right fit for every user and the ability to change later
- All-in-one bed
Cons:
- High price tag
You can easily adjust this bed to advanced clinical positions with just a click of s button, making it easy for the patient and the caregiver to adjust the bed accordingly.
Some of the clinical positions supported by this Span America Encore Bed include comfort chair, Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, and auto contour positions.
The GlideAlign retractable technology helps maintain vertical alignment, prevent falls, and less need for repositioning, which helps reduce harmful skin sheer to protect the patient and the caregiver.
There is an intelligent smart stop that auto-locks when the deck is lowered to 12.5″ and helps avoid egress and reduces the caregivers’ exposure to bedside emergencies.
The Span America Encore bed is a high-performance hospital bed. It provides an enhanced level of comfort and safety to the patient and better ergonomics & protection to the caregiver.
The retractable deck technology of the medical bed makes it stand out to offer superior protection to the patient and the caregiver.
The bed has superior sheering protection, which can help protect sensitive skin areas such as heels, elbows, and sacrum from shearing induced by friction with the sheets.
There is a ready-wide integration expansion system that can navigate narrow doorways, expand the width, and make bariatric when needed.
The smart support feature of the hospital bed will help improve low bed safety and ergonomics. The lowering will automatically stop when the deck reaches 12.5″ (318 mm) and resumes via foot end control, which the caregiver can only use.
This will help eliminate potential hazards lowering the bed onto unseen objects, and aids in reducing injuries.
If you’re looking for a hospital bed for home use that is packed with high technology and protective features, the Span America Encore Bed has more to offer.
Overview:
Are you looking for the best budget hospital bed for home use? The Lumex Patriot hospital bed by Graham-Field offers the essential features of a medical bed at an affordable price.
The bed has a complete welded frame construction and features a motor unit and bed design to provide optimum comfort and convenience.
The bed is semi-electric and comes with a pendant hand control which you can use to lower the bed head and foot. There is also a crank at the center foot of the bed which can be used to adjust the bed manually.
Key Features:
- Pendant hand control
- Crank operation
- Grid deck
- Hi-lo motor
- Safe sleep surface
- Stronger frame
Pros:
- Affordable
- Assembles easily
- Easy to clean
- Better mattress support
- Two-year warranty for defects in workmanship and materials of mechanical components, frames, and electronics.
Cons:
- The caster lock needs to be improved
The Lumex Patriot hospital bed by Graham-Field is simpler, solidly built, and very easy to set up, making it one of the best hospital beds for home use.
The head and foot sections of the bed can be easily raised and lowered to enable the patient and caregiver to adjust the bed to the maximum comfort level.
You can lower the bed to its lowest height and disengage the hi/lo rod by just compressing the spring and removing the hi/lo button from the bed end. Likewise, you can also raise the bed to its highest height by following the same procedure.
Each button on the pendant hand control has a different function, which you can use to raise or lower the head and foot sections of the bed.
In the event of power failure, a 9v battery can be used to lower the head and foot sections of this semi-electric hospital bed. While the crank can be used to change the bed height and lower or raise the entire deck.
The Graham-Field Lumex Patriot home hospital bed has a frame that can withstand a maximum patient weight of 350 lbs or an evenly distributed total weight of 450 lbs including, patient, rails, mattress, and accessories.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hospital Bed for Home Use
Hospital beds are essential medical equipment that provides patients with the comfort and safety needed to recover from illness.
Home hospital beds enable patients and loved ones to recover from illness while comfortable at home.
However, hospital beds are expensive and come in different sizes, designs, styles, and optional features to suit your needs.
This is why I’m sharing this guide with you to help you choose a hospital bed that’s best suitable for your loved one. So Make sure to read this guide before making a buying decision.
Types of Hospital Beds for Home Use
Full Electric Hospital Beds
Full electric hospital beds are designed to work electronically. These beds are fully electric and come with a remote control or buttons on the side of the bed, which can be used to raise or lower the bed’s height and adjust the comfort level.
Electric beds are becoming more popular because they make it easier for patients and caregivers to adjust the bed without any manual work.
Full electric beds are usually the best option, especially for older people or people with mobility problems.
However, full electric hospital beds are more expensive and have high price tag than other types of hospital beds.
Semi-Electric Hospital Beds
Semi-electric hospital beds have parts that are operated electronically and parts that are operated manually. These beds have manual cranks alongside a remote control.
The remote control is used to adjust the smaller features of the bed that requires less power. While the manual crank is used to raise or lower the heights of the bed.
Semi-electric hospital beds are not suitable for patients with mobility problems and will require a second person to adjust the manual parts.
However, they are less expensive than fully electric hospital beds and more costly than manual beds.
Manual Hospital Beds
Manual beds require adjustments to be made manually and don’t have any electrical components.
All adjustments to the bed’s height, head, foot, and positions have to be made manually, which will require additional effort from the caregiver.
Because they don’t have electrical components, manual beds tend to have lower prices but may lack significant features available on electric beds.
Specialty Beds
Specialty beds are designed to meet specific needs, such as low hospital beds and bariatric beds.
- Bariatric hospital beds are heavy-duty beds, wider mattress areas, and designed to withstand a substantial amount of weight. They are stronger and more durable than other hospital beds because they are designed for heavier or overweight individuals.
- Low hospital beds have an overall lower profile but offer the same head & foot articulation as other hospital beds. They are ideal for patients who are at risk of falling during sleep or who want to get in and out of bed quickly.
- Trendelenburg hospital beds have more functionality, adjustability, and flexibility. They are designed for individuals in therapy, recovery, or aging. These beds have extreme adjustability options and allow for various positions like Chair and Zero-G (zero gravity). Almost any part of the bed can be adjusted to suit the patient’s needs. However, they are usually more expensive than other hospital beds types.
Features to Consider When Buying a Hospital Bed for Home Use
Safety
Safety is the first thing to consider when buying a hospital bed for home use. Always check to make sure the bed can offer maximum safety and protection to your loved one before making a buying decision.
There are hospital beds that contain chemicals that are known to cause health hazards. So it’s important to have this in mind and consult with a doctor when buying such type of beds.
However, we’ve already vetted these hospital beds for safety and protection. But you should also make sure appropriate safety procedures are followed when using the bed or during maintenance.
Elevation
Most hospital beds have adjustable elevations, meaning the height can be lowered to the floor or raised to make it taller.
Always consider the patient’s needs, whether they need a bed close to the floor to get on and off easily, or they are at risk of falling.
Some individuals, especially taller individuals, may need a slightly taller bed. So always consider the elevation based on mobility and height of the individual or if they are at risk of falling down during sleep.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the essential features of hospital beds, which contributes to patients’ recovery.
The patients will be spending all their time on the hospital bed, so a comfortable and stress-free bed can increase their happiness, which can, in turn, boost their immunity and speed up their recovery.
Many features make a hospital bed for home use comfortable such as head & foot articulation, full-body massage, adjustability, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About best hospital beds for home use
What Should I Look for in a Hospital Bed?
When buying a hospital bed, you should look for a bed that offers the essential features needed from a hospital bed, such as comfort, protection, head & foot articulation, various positions, electric, side rails, among other key features of Hospital beds.
What is the Most Comfortable Hospital Bed?
SonderCare Aura Premium Home Hospital Bed is probably the most comfortable hospital bed available. The bed offers various comfort positions like Chair and Zero-G, has many adjustment options, offers maximum functionality and adjustability, and lets caregivers work comfortably at ergonomics heights.
Does Medicare Pay For Hospital Beds at Home?
Medicare can pay for 80% of your hospital bed at home when it’s deemed necessary. This requires a doctor’s order stating that your condition requires a hospital bed. It is possible to rent an adjustable bed directly if you have the budget.
However, Medicare only pays for your hospital when your doctor or DME supplier is enrolled in Medicare. If your doctor or DME supplier is not enrolled in Medicare, they won’t pay for your hospital bed. You should ask your supplier if they are enrolled in Medicare or not. Refer to our detailed article on home hospital bed rental for more information.
What Does a Good Hospital Bed Cost?
A good hospital bed can cost anything from $1,000 and above, depending on the type and features needed. It’s always possible to rent one if you don’t need it permanently.
