Choosing the right hospital bed size for home use can be surprisingly confusing — especially when even healthcare professionals sometimes use the wrong terminology. At MedEquip Health, we’re here to clear up the confusion and guide you toward the best fit for your loved one’s comfort and safety.
Are Hospital Beds Twin Size? Not Exactly.
It’s common for customers to say they need a “twin size hospital mattress.” In reality, hospital beds rarely match standard consumer mattress sizes. Here's a breakdown:
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Standard Twin: 75" x 38" or 75" x 39"
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Twin XL: 80" x 38" or 80" x 39"
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Standard Hospital Bed: 80" x 35" or 80" x 36"
While the lengths may appear similar, the width of a standard hospital bed is narrower than a true twin. This can lead to confusion, especially if doctors or nurses refer to the bed as a “twin” out of habit.
Why Are Hospital Beds Narrower Than Twins?
Hospital and long-term care beds were originally designed for clinical environments — where space is limited and bedside access is critical. Narrower beds make it easier for caregivers to assist with repositioning, wound care, or transfers.
How to Measure for the Right Mattress
If you're buying a mattress for an existing hospital bed, measure the sleep surface (not the frame or side rails). That’s the best way to ensure a proper fit.
If you're placing a therapeutic mattress on a traditional bed frame (like a twin or twin XL), confirm the actual frame size to avoid mismatches.
Other Sizing Considerations
Before selecting a bed or mattress, ask:
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Does the user move much at night or need help repositioning?
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Is there a need for wound offloading?
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Is the user overweight or have limb positioning needs?
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Do you need a specialty size like 80" x 42", 80" x 48", or 80" x 54"?
Important safety tip:
Never use a mattress that's too large for the bed frame — this can cause overhang and increase the risk of falls. A mattress that’s too small can also be dangerous if it creates entrapment gaps, especially with side rails.
Consumer-Size Medical Beds & Trusted Brands
Some manufacturers offer medical beds and mattresses in twin XL or other consumer sizes, including:
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Transfer Master
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Assured Comfort
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Span America (including specialty surfaces with low air loss or alternating pressure)
These options are ideal when you want both clinical functionality and familiar sizing.
A Note About Bedding
If you're using 80" x 35", 80" x 36", or other non-standard sizes, be aware: You won’t find sheets for these at traditional stores. Look for sheets made specifically for hospital bed sizes, available online or through medical retailers.
Let MedEquip Help You Get It Right
We know that caring for a loved one is stressful enough — you shouldn't have to become an expert on hospital bed dimensions. That’s why our team asks detailed questions and provides clear guidance to ensure you get the right size the first time.
Explore our hospital beds and mattresses or contact us with any questions.