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 Hospital Bed / 3 ft
- Wide Twin Hospital Bed / 3 ft 6 in
- Small Double Hospital Bed / 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.
Take the hassle of out finding a new mattress, at Opera Beds, we stock a wide range of specially designed products, including twin mattresses for hospital beds and mattresses for large beds.
How wide is a hospital bed?
At Opera Beds, we design and manufacture various hospital bed accessories to ensure they work and fit around our full range of beds.
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.
