Can You Fit Any Mattress on a Hospital Bed?

Short answer? No — and trying to could cost you comfort, mobility, and even safety.

At Davies Home Healthcare, we get this question all the time “Can I just use a regular mattress on a hospital bed?”

It’s an understandable thought — but here’s why using any old mattress just won’t cut it when it comes to a hospital bed, especially if you're recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or caring for a loved one at home.

Hospital Beds Are Built to Move. Most Mattresses Aren’t.

Hospital beds don’t lie flat like regular beds. They bend, lift, tilt, and raise to support different medical needs — from helping a patient sit up without straining to reducing the risk of pressure sores.

Standard mattresses aren’t made for this. They resist movement, gap in the middle, or slide when the bed adjusts.
A poor fit = poor support.

Here’s What Makes a Hospital Bed Mattress Different

At Davies, we only recommend hospital-specific mattresses for our rental and sale beds. Why? Because they’re:

✅ Flexible – Designed to contour with adjustable frames
✅ Pressure-Relieving – Helps prevent bedsores for those lying down for long periods
✅ Infection-Resistant – Medical-grade covers are easy to sanitize and clean
✅ Perfectly Sized – Typically Twin XL (36” x 80”) to fit hospital beds exactly

Compare that to a queen mattress from your local store — it won’t flex, it won’t fit, and it won’t last under constant repositioning.

Why It Matters: Comfort, Care & Confidence

When it comes to home care, it’s not just about getting through the day — it’s about recovering with dignity. The wrong mattress can cause:

• Disrupted sleep
  

• Back or joint pain
  

• Increased risk of falls or caregiver strain
  

• Early breakdown of the mattress or bed frame
  
  

Choosing the right mattress improves:

• Sleep quality
  

• Ease of transfers
  

• Safety for both patient and caregiver
  

• Longevity of your equipment investment
  
  

Explore our full services — from hospital bed rentals to in-home delivery and installation — and we’ll help guide you to the best-fit solution.

We Make It Easy to Get the Right Setup

At Davies, we’ve supported families across North Vancouver and Squamish for decades. Our experienced team will walk you through the options, explain the pros and cons, and even deliver, install, and fit your hospital bed and mattress in your home.

Need a short-term rental? Long-term care solution? Just have questions?

📞 Call us
 📍  Visit us
🛏 Or browse our home page to get started

Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to your care.

The right hospital bed deserves the right mattress.
Let’s find it together.