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.
The term hospital bed is often used interchangeably with terms such as medical bed and hospital-style bed, which can confuse those researching the topic.
Many types of beds are commonly used in hospitals and other medical facilities, including patient beds, labor beds, cardiac care beds, stretcher beds, incubator beds, bariatric beds, and pediatric beds.
Patients often need ongoing care after leaving hospital, so they choose to acquire a hospital bed for home use.
How long should your hospital bed be, and what’s the difference between wide and narrow hospital beds? Which width should you choose? Picking the right size of a hospital bed is crucial if you want to rest comfortably, so we’ve put together this article so you’ll be more informed.
Table of Contents
What is the Size of a Standard Hospital Bed?
Hospital beds may also be referred to as patient care beds and healthcare hospital beds; there are many synonyms for them since these mattresses fall under several categories in hospitals and care facilities. For example, some patients might refer to their hospital bed as a cot or crib.
This may be because they like changing positions frequently without too much hassle from their surroundings, or perhaps they appreciate their newfound privacy after spending time on another mattress alongside someone else.
Whatever type of hospital bed they prefer—extra-long, short, etc.—it should provide them with plenty of restful sleep throughout recovery and healing.
A standard hospital bed is 2 meters by 1.2 meters (or 6’4 x 4’4). Because beds come in different heights, it’s essential to specify that you are talking about an extra-long bed when getting measurements.
Extra-long beds have a height of 73cm, while non-extra-long hospital beds measure 70cm. Therefore, you can see why it’s essential to clarify what kind of hospital bed you need before purchasing or designing.
Different Sizes Of Hospital Beds
Hospital beds come in different sizes because each is designed to suit a different purpose. The different types and sizes of beds we’ll find in hospitals are:
Midwifery Bed Sizes
These accommodate women during pregnancy and childbirth. These midwifery beds are also called birthing beds. They can find them in doctor’s offices, health clinics, and hospitals. The bed is 36 inches wide x 80 inches long, while most birthing tables are 42 inches wide.
Medical Delivery Beds
These beds are also known as delivery beds used for labor and birth. This bed has a maximum weight capacity of 1,500 pounds and a minimum height of 28 inches. The bed size is 36 inches wide x 80 inches long.
Acute Care Hospital Beds
Acute care beds are used for patients staying longer than three days. They’re a bit shorter than birthing or medical delivery beds at only 32 inches wide x 80 inches long, but they have an increased weight capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.
Long-term Care Hospital Beds
These beds are used for patients staying longer than three months. They have a weight capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. Their size is 37 inches wide x 80 inches long.
Hospital Bed Sizes for Standard Double Rooms
They can have one of three sizes. The most common type is a convertible hospital bed, changing from a low-profile hospital bed (with legs) to a high one (without legs). They’re 37 inches wide x 80 inches long when set up with legs and 32 inches wide x 80 inches long without legs.
Hospital Bed Sizes for Standard Single Rooms
Single hospital beds have a weight capacity of 1,500 pounds and can measure 38 inches wide x 80 inches long. These are usually used in ICU units, but they’re sometimes found in patients’ rooms.
Pediatric beds
These are designed with kids in mind.
Average Bariatric Hospital Bed Dimensions
Bariatric hospital beds for obese patients typically have a wider footboard and headboard than standard hospital beds. Additionally, hospitals frequently use electric hospital beds for larger patients because of their ability to help manage a patient’s weight with minimal effort required by medical staff.
Bariatric hospital bed dimensions are typically 28 inches wide by 60 inches long, but they may vary based on several factors, including weight and height. Bariatric patients require more expansive beds to ensure that they do not experience discomfort while laying down and receiving treatment.
Want to know if hospital beds are classified as Durable Medical Equipment: Read our DME insurance guide
How weight capacity Affects Bed Size
Heavier and larger patients mean more extensive beds. So, it’s essential to consider weight capacity when looking at dimensions. If you have a high-capacity bed that can handle 250 pounds or more (that’s often indicated on product details), then there’s no need for concern about hospital bed width.
But what if you don’t know how much your patient weighs? A good rule to stick with is that any extra-wide or bariatric bed should be wider than 48 inches. It would be great to check with your hospital regarding its specific bed size and weight capacity policies.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Q. What widths do hospital beds come?
Hospital beds are manufactured in two standard widths. They are 28 inches and 36 inches wide. There is a choice of a twin bed size or full bed size for most hospital beds. The twin beds have less space at each side of the bed when compared to full beds that measure 56 inches by 80 inches long. Hospital bed sizes are measured according to their width and length, starting from headboard to footboard.
Q. What are the dimensions of a hospital bed for home use?
Hospital beds for home use are available in 27 inches and 36 inches widths. They are also available in full, queen, and king bed sizes ranging from 54 inches by 75 inches up to 79 inches by 79 inches long. Also, you should use a suitable bedspread and bed frame for any dimension you choose.
Q. What are the dimensions of an NHS hospital bed?
NHS hospital beds are available in all sizes, from single, twin, double, and king beds. They are supplied alongside medical equipment for use in both private and NHS hospitals
The single beds measure 56 inches by 75 inches long and 27 inches wide. Full-sized hospital beds measure 56 inches by 80 inches long and 36 inches wide.
Queen-sized hospital beds measure 60 inches by 80 inches long and 36-inch widths, while King sized beds measure 78-inches by 80-inches long and 36-inch wide. It would also make sense if you know hospital bed mattress sizes, traditional bed, adjustable bed, and home hospital bed sizes so you’ll make an ideal choice.
Conclusion
The best hospital standard beds and adjustable beds come in various sizes. Its important to ensure that patients are comfortable in their bed, and to find one that fits your facility, it’s crucial you know what dimensions are available and which will work best for your hospital or home. No matter what size bed you need, there is an option out there that can help.
