Hospital Bed Comprehensive Buying Guide - MFI Medical

Author: Helen

Jul. 14, 2025

Hospital Bed Comprehensive Buying Guide - MFI Medical

Hospital, specialty, and long-term care beds are specifically designed to aid in a patient’s recovery and allow caregivers to provide a closer level of care. This comprehensive buying guide will look at the different types of hospital beds, features to look for, the importance of different mattress types, and the top-selling models at MFI Medical.

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Specialty Hospital Beds or Hydraulic?

Hospital beds are available from basic hydraulic models requiring little to no power to state-of-the-art electric beds with built-in computer systems. Hydraulic models may provide the necessary functions for long-term care, nursing, or residential facilities. However, ICUs or medical facilities with more specialized care will require specialty hospital beds. We recommend long-term care beds from Joerns for acute care settings such as nursing facilities or residential care. Beds such as the Joerns Care 100 Bed require little or no power and are designed to be user-friendly.

The Secure II has been a dependable model by Stryker for over a decade. MFI Medical offers both generations of Secure II to provide customers with an economical option for a quality piece of equipment. The 2nd generation model improves upon the design and functionality features of the first generation. Easier to reach foot pedals for caregivers, more ergonomic patient handles for a safer patient exit, and quieter motors make the second generation Secure II Hospital Beds an even better choice for any home or facility. 

For facilities that have patients requiring more specialized care, such as hospitals, surgery centers, and intensive care units, we recommend specialty beds such as the CareAssist (#P) by Hill-Rom. Stryker, a leader in Surgical and EMS manufacturing, has similar specialty hospital beds such as the InTouch Critical Care (#) and S3 Medical Surgical Hospital Beds. 

These specialty hospital beds have features that assist in the rapid recovery of intensive care patients and provide patients with the benefit of therapy mattresses that address pressure ulcers, friction, and temperature. We'll go over the different types of specialty surfaces and mattresses later in this blog. 

Top Features for Hospital Beds

What are the things that you absolutely must have in order to provide the best patient care and recovery setting in your facility? Here are 5 features to keep top of mind when shopping for a hospital bed:

  1. Adjustable Positioning: Caregivers and patients can maneuver hospital beds into various positions not only for the patient's comfort but also to provide the necessary care. Will you require a bed that only maneuvers the patient's head and legs or will the patient need to be placed into a full chair position? Fowler and gatch positioning will also vary by model.
  2. Bed Controls: Where the controls on the bed are located is an important part to consider. Will you want the patient, caregiver, or both to have access to controls? Controls to maneuver the beds can be located on the side rails, headboard, footboard, or with a control wand/pendant. Like the CareAssist (#P), certain models have patient entertainment controls that are only for hospital settings.
  3. Side Rails: Side rails are an important consideration when thinking about patient safety. Will your patient need to exit the bed on their own? If so, certain models like the Stryker S3 Medical Surgical Bed have side rails specifically designed to facilitate patient egress. 
  4. Built-in-scale: Facilities that will be monitoring their patients for long periods of time and require weight readings might consider a model with a built in scale configuration option such as the CareAssist (#P) to reduce patient repositioning. 
  5. Mattress Type: If you require a specialty mattress, consider this when selecting a hospital bed model as only certain types can support an air mattress.

Hospital Mattress Types

Hospital bed mattresses differ from regular mattresses in that they must perform specific functions to aid in patient recovery. The lack of an appropriate mattress type for the patient’s recovery needs may further harm the patient.

Specialty air mattresses are needed when a patient will require a more extended period of care and is susceptible to pressure ulcers or friction resulting in skin rashes. Hospital-grade memory foam mattresses are intended for hospital settings; they are coated in polyurethane or another flame-retardant material that helps sanitize the surface. Memory foam also gives the patient a more comfortable environment while they recuperate. All certified refurbished hospital beds sold by MFI Medical will include a standard 6” hospital-grade memory foam unless specified.

Stryker’s InTouch Critical Care Hospital Bed has two options for therapy surfaces; the XPRT Therapy Mattress and Isolibrium Support Surface. The XPRT mattress is intended to assist with pulmonary complications and prevent and treat pressure ulcers and other complications associated with patient immobility. Caregivers can change the Isolibrium Support Surface as therapies dictate.

Buying a Hospital Bed with MFI Medical

MFI Medical has a team of dedicated experts that are here to answer all of your concerns. For all questions regarding purchasing a hospital bed being delivered to a residential location, we recommend you read our Residential Hospital Bed Waiver. 

All hospital beds are delivered fully assembled, ready to plug in and use! No need to worry about assembly or set-up. We offer commercial and residential white-glove delivery that includes the unpacking, removal, and disposal of materials by the shipping carrier. In addition, each bed sold by MFI Medical includes a parts and labor warranty. You can be sure that your purchase is protected by the MFI Certified Guarantee. Contact your account manager today for any questions about purchasing your next hospital bed. 

Here is a breakdown of all models currently sold by MFI Medical:

(For full details and specifications, please visit the respective product pages)

SKU Name Intended For Mattress Types Features Dimensions (Overall L x Maximum W) Weight Capacity Height Range (Low - High) 1 #MFI-SYK- Stryker Secure II Hospital Bed All facilities Memory foam Available in 1st and 2nd generation, with or without scale system 93" x 42.5" 500 lb 16" - 30" 2 #MFI-HRM-P Hill-Rom CareAssist Hospital Bed Hospital use only Memory foam Patient controls and scale system 94" x 40" 400 lb 15.75" - 32.24" 3 #MFI-HRM-P Hill-Rom VersaCare Hospital Bed All facilities Memory foam, air mattress, P500 therapy surface Scale system and IntelliDrive options available 94.5" x 40" 500 lb 18" - 37" 4 #MFI-SYK- Stryker InTouch Critical Care Hospital Bed Hospital use only XPRT Pressure Support Mattress and Isolibrium Support Surface Motorized Zoom Drive option 90" x 42" 550 lb 16" - 33" 5 #MFI-HRM-PA Hill-Rom Advanta 2 Hospital Bed Hospital use only Memory foam, AccuMax Quantum VPC Surface, P500 Air Mattress Scale system available 100" x 40" 500 lb 15.75" - 32.5" 6 #MFI-SYK-S3 Stryker S3 Medical Surgical Bed All facilities Memory foam Scale system available 95" x 41.5" 500 lb 16" - 30"

Hospital Bed Buying Guide for Healthcare Facilities - CME Blog

Choosing the right hospital bed is essential for ensuring patient comfort, safety, and well-being. With the wide range of options available, including manual, semi-electric, and fully electric beds, as well as various features and accessories, navigating through the choices can be time consuming.

This guide will discuss important considerations such as safety features, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with other medical equipment as well as explore the different types hospital beds, their features, and benefits.

We will cover:

  • Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital Bed
  • Types of Hospital Beds

For this guide, we have used the term “hospital bed” to describe the beds used for patient care. However, it is important to keep in mind that these beds can, and are, used in a variety of healthcare settings including long term care, mental health facilities, or ambulatory surgical centers.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital Bed

To ensure hospital beds meet the needs of both patients and caregivers effectively there are several factors that should be considered.

These include:

Bed Type: Consider whether a manual, semi-electric, or fully electric bed is most suitable for the intended use. Each type offers varying levels of adjustability and ease of use. Selecting the right type of hospital bed based on patient mobility and caregiver preference is important to ensuring the safety of both as well as the comfort of the patient.

Patient Needs: Assess the mobility limitations, medical conditions, and comfort requirements of the facility’s expected patient population. Choose hospital beds that offer the proper support, positioning options, and pressure relief for a wide range of patients and conditions.

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Safety Features: Prioritize hospital beds equipped with features such as side rails, brake systems, and emergency controls. These features help prevent patient falls or other injuries.

Ease of Use: Hospital beds should be easy to operate for both patients and caregivers. Look for intuitive control mechanisms, accessible adjustment settings, and user-friendly features that simplify bed positioning, height adjustment, and other functions.

Durability and Quality: Invest in hospital beds constructed to accommodate a range of weight capacities as well as durable materials that can withstand frequent use and cleaning.

Compatibility with Accessories: Evaluate the hospital bed’s compatibility with accessories and equipment such as IV poles, overbed tables, and patient lifts.

Maintenance Requirements: Choose hospital beds with accessible components, removable parts, and easy to clean surfaces to facilitate sanitizing cleaning, maintenance, and service when needed.

Regulatory Compliance: Verify the hospital bed complies with relevant safety standards, regulations, and certifications set by regulatory bodies such as the Joint Commission.

Budget Considerations: Balance cost considerations with the quality and features best suited to the needs of the facility.

Careful consideration of these factors and conducting research to make informed decisions about the types of hospital beds available in the market can contribute to patient comfort, staff and patient safety, and higher levels of care.

Types of Hospital Beds

Hospital beds are available in several types, each offering different levels of adjustability, functionality, and features to accommodate the diverse needs of patients and caregivers.

Common types of hospital beds include:

  • Manual Hospital beds: Manual hospital beds use hand cranks or levers to adjust the bed’s height, as well as the head and foot positions. These beds are typically more affordable and suitable for patients who do not require frequent position changes.

  • Semi-Electric Hospital Bed: Semi-electric hospital beds feature electric controls for adjusting the bed’s height, while manual mechanisms are used to adjust the position of the head and foot. These beds offer greater convenience and ease of use compared to manual beds but do require some manual adjustment by healthcare professionals.

  • Fully Electric Hospital Bed: Fully electric beds offer effortless positioning with electric controls to adjust the height of the bed as well as the head and foot positions. These beds are ideal for patients who require frequent adjustment to safeguard their comfort as well as for easing the physical strain on the medical staff tending to patients.

  • Low Hospital Beds: With a lower height profile these hospital beds help reduce the risk of falls or injury to patients with mobility limitations. They are ideal for geriatric or extended care settings where the risk of falls is higher.

  • Bariatric Hospital Bed: Bariatric hospital beds are engineered to accommodate higher weight capacities with reinforced frames and wider mattresses to support larger patients safely and comfortably.

  • Pediatric Hospital Beds: Tailored to the unique needs of children, pediatric hospital beds feature smaller dimensions, colorful designs, and features adapted for smaller patients. These beds help ensure the safety of the smallest of patients.

  • Specialty Hospital Beds: Specialty hospital beds incorporate advanced features such as air mattresses, lateral rotation, Trendelenburg positioning, and pressure relief systems. These beds cater to specific medial needs such as intensive care, critical care, maternity, and wound care.

Understanding the distinct types of hospital beds and their respective feature gives healthcare providers and professionals the knowledge to select beds that best serve the comfort and safety needs of their patient populations as well as the physical wellbeing of the medical staff caring for the patients.

Partnering with equipment distributors with hospital bed expertise is essential to assuring the highest quality bed, equipped with the features you need, for your budget.

Shop CME for a comprehensive selection of hospital beds

Partner with CME for Hospital Beds

As a nationally recognized medical equipment distributor and the only one focused solely on medical equipment, CME has built relationships with industry leading hospital bed manufacturers in the United States.

Our expert account managers will work with you and the manufacturers’ representatives to ensure that you are purchasing the best hospital beds for your facility, at the best price for your budget.

Complementing CME’s focus on medical equipment are order management, direct-to-site delivery, and biomedical services. We are the only medical equipment distributor nationwide able to say we are truly a one-stop-shop.

Order Management Services

Working with administrators and procurement professionals, our single point of contact order management team can take the some of the stress out of purchasing hospital beds by working with manufacturers to ensure delivery dates are met and any issue that arise are resolved.

Direct-To-Site Logistics and Delivery Services

In addition to delivering medical equipment fully assembled when it is convenient for staff and clients, CME Direct-to-Site services can help take the stress out of large orders by receiving, inspecting and warehousing the order(s) for a single delivery. Our Direct-to-Site teams will deliver assembled hospital beds to their location in the facility and remove all packing debris, so the equipment is ready for immediate use.

Biomedical Services

Biomedical services have been at the heart of CME for over forty-five years. We are the only medical equipment distributor nationwide with an in-house team of biomedical technicians available to perform asset tagging, asset validation, hospital bed check-in, preventative maintenance, and repair.

Click CHAT to begin a conversation about your hospital bed needs.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of electric hospital beds for sale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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