Hospital beds come in a variety of lengths and widths, which can cause confusion if you need to order a bed for a family member who’s coming out of hospital.
Typically, when it comes to selecting a bed size there are three widths to choose from:
- Twin / 3 ft
- Wide Twin / 3 ft 6 in
- Small Double / 4 ft
However, if you are measuring a bedroom to size up which bed will best fit, remember that the bed will naturally be wider than the stated mattress size.
How wide is a hospital bed?
Hospital beds can vary in size, but the most common is around 32-36" in width. At Opera, our range of hospital beds are available in three widths. Our Solo Home Hospital Bed is available at 36" Twin, 42" Wide Twin and 48" Small Double, where we specify a mattress width, an internal width and external width.
If you are trying to determine whether a hospital bed will fit in a room you should use the external width.
Mattress Width |
External Width |
|
---|---|---|
Opera Solo Home Hospital Bed Twin | 35 1/2" | 36 1/4" |
Opera Solo Home Hospital Bed Wide Twin | 41 1/2" | 42" |
Opera Solo Home Hospital Bed Small Double | 47 1/4" | 48" |
How long is a hospital bed?
Most hospital beds are around 78-79" inches in length, meaning most standard size mattresses can be used with the bed. Our range of hospital beds can be extended by around 8 inches by using an extension platform, making them accessible for taller users.
Our whole range of home hospital beds can be bought and delivered within a week of purchase or installed by our team of expert engineers, usually within 3-4 weeks. You can view the whole Hospital Beds range online or call our helpful support team who will be happy to advise on 888-553-0605.
Built in extension kit
The Opera Solo collection of home hospital beds offers a built in extension platform, ideal for users that exceed 6ft, to accommodate their need for a longer mattress platform. Get in touch with our expert advisors today to discuss your needs and find the best solution for you.
How do I get a hospital bed for home?
If you or a loved one is coming out of hospital, it's likely you'll need to source a care bed at home before the move can be made. Here's a few ways you can do this:
- Apply to the council for a bed
- Apply to the hospital for a bed
- Purchase at bed for yourself
- Rent a hospital bed
Read our more detailed guide on how to get a hospital bed for at home.
Can I get a hospital bed for free or at Low Cost?
Hospital beds significantly improve health, mobility, and quality of life. If cost is a concern, explore these options:
Insurance Coverage
Check with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Many plans cover rental or purchase with a doctor's prescription.
Government & State Assistance Programs
- Medicaid Waivers: Many states offer home modification grants or waivers for medical equipment.
- Veteran Benefits: The VA may provide hospital beds for eligible veterans.
- State Health Programs: Agencies like Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) often have funding for durable medical equipment (DME).
Nonprofits & Charities
Organizations like ALS Association or local disability groups may offer grants or donated beds.
Affordable Alternatives
Rent a bed for short-term needs.
NOTE: Always consult your doctor, a prescription is usually required for insurance or program approval.