The Ultimate Hospital Blanket Buying Guide

Blankets
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Finding the right hospital blanket can be a daunting task. To make the best decision, it's important to understand the various types of blankets available and what factors should be considered when making your selection. That's why we've developed this hospital blanket buying guide for healthcare professionals and patients alike – providing essential information about materials, sizes, features as well as other critical criteria that factor into purchasing a hospital blanket. From offering warmth and comfort to helping ensure proper infection control protocols are observed in high-risk settings; this complete guide will help buyers locate just the right product!

KEY TAKEWAYS

There are a variety of different types each designed for a specific purpose. The most common type of hospital blanket is the standard fleece blanket.

They come in a variety of different sizes. The most common size is the twin size, which is typically 60 inches by 90 inches.

They are also available in a variety of different weights. The most common weight is the standard weight, which is typically between two and four pounds.

What Are Hospital Blankets?

Hospital blankets are specially designed blankets used in medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They are made to be durable, easy to clean, and provide comfort and warmth to patients during their stay. Hospital blankets can come in various sizes and materials, including cotton, polyester, wool, or blends. They may also have specific features such as flame retardancy, fluid-resistance, and hypoallergenic properties.

Uses of Hospital Blankets

Hospital blankets serve many purposes beyond providing warmth and comfort to patients. They also play a vital role in infection control by minimizing the spread of bacteria and viruses. Hospitals typically follow strict protocols for laundering and handling hospital blankets to ensure that they are free from pathogens.

In addition to patient use, hospital blankets are also used in medical procedures such as surgeries, where they are draped over the patient to maintain body temperature and prevent hypothermia. Hospital blankets are also used in emergency situations, such as natural disasters, to provide temporary shelter and warmth to displaced individuals.

What Are the Benefits Of Hospital Blankets?

There are numerous benefits of hospital blankets. They provide patients with a sense of comfort and security during a vulnerable time, which can contribute to a more positive hospital experience. Hospital blankets can also help regulate body temperature, which is especially crucial for patients with certain medical conditions. Additionally, hospital blankets can reduce the spread of infection and promote hygiene in medical settings.

The Importance of Hospital Blankets: Comfort, Care, and Infection Control

When it comes to healthcare, hospital blankets may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, they  play an essential role in patient care, providing warmth, comfort, and infection control benefits. 

Hospital blankets are designed to provide comfort and care to patients during their hospital stay. Being in a hospital can be stressful and unsettling, however a warm and cozy blanket can help alleviate some of that stress. Hospital blankets are typically made from soft, comfortable materials that can provide a sense of warmth, security and familiarity to patients.

In addition to providing comfort, hospital blankets also play a crucial role in patient care. They help regulate body temperature, which is especially important for patients with certain medical conditions. They also protect patients' privacy by providing coverage during medical procedures and examinations.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant concern for healthcare professionals and patients alike. These infections can be life-threatening and difficult to treat. Hospital blankets can play a critical role in infection control by reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Hospitals have strict protocols for handling and laundering hospital blankets to ensure that they are free from pathogens. Many hospital blankets are also designed to be fluid-resistant, which can help prevent the spread of infectious materials. 

The Types of Hospital Blankets

The healthcare industry relies upon a variety of hospital blankets to provide warmth and comfort, protect from infection and cross-contamination. But with so many different types available, it can be difficult for medical professionals to determine the ideal blanket selection for their facility.

Thermal Blankets

Thermal blankets are made of a lightweight, synthetic material that traps body heat to keep patients warm. They are perfect for use in cooler environments or for patients who are undergoing surgery or procedures that require anesthesia. Thermal blankets are easy to launder and can be used repeatedly.

Wool Blankets

Wool blankets are constructed of natural fibers that provide warmth and comfort to patients. They are durable and can withstand frequent washing and use. Wool blankets are also hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mildew. They are ideal for use in colder environments.

Cotton Blankets

Made of natural fibers that are soft and gentle on the skin, cotton blankets are breathable and provide excellent insulation without causing patients to overheat. Cotton blankets are also easy to launder and maintain, making them a popular choice in healthcare facilities. 

Quilted Blankets

Quilted blankets are the ideal winter companion, providing both warmth and comfort with their multiple layers of stitched fabric. The perfect insulation for colder climates, these durable wonders also withstand frequent washing without any issue - letting you snuggle up in complete security all season long.

Disposable Blankets

Disposable blankets are perfect for use in emergency situations or for patients who are at risk of infection. They are made of lightweight, synthetic materials that are designed for single-use and can be used to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. 

What sizes do hospital blankets usually come in?

When selecting hospital blankets, it is important to consider their size to ensure that they are appropriate for the patient's needs.

Receiving Blankets

Receiving blankets are the smallest type of hospital blanket, typically measuring around 30 inches by 30 inches. They are used for newborn babies and premature infants and provide warmth and comfort during their stay in the hospital.

Pediatric Blankets

Slightly larger than receiving blankets, pediatric blankets are designed for use with children. They typically measure around 40 inches by 60 inches and provide warmth and comfort to young patients.

Lap Blankets

Just as they sound, lap blankets are used to cover patients' laps during procedures or while they are seated in a wheelchair. They are generally around 50 inches by 60 inches in size and are designed to provide warmth and comfort while allowing freedom of movement. 

Twin Size Blankets

Twin size blankets are larger than lap blankets and are designed to fit a twin size bed. They typically measure around 66 inches by 90 inches and provide warmth and comfort to patients who are confined to bed.

Full Size Blankets

Slightly larger than twin size blankets, full size are designed to fit, you guessed it, a full size bed. They typically measure around 80 inches by 90 inches and provide warmth and comfort to patients who require a larger blanket.

Queen/King Size Blankets

Although not overly common, queen and king size blankets are the largest type of hospital blanket. A queen size is typically 90" x 100" and will fit a 60" x 80" queen mattress, while a king usually measures 108" x 92". It is always a good idea to measure the mattress. 

Accurately measuring a hospital mattress requires much more than just numbers - it involves understanding the patient’s BMI and their overall condition. (1) A typical bed is 80 inches in length, equating to 6 feet 8 inches from inside the edges of headboard and footboard with the average width being 36 inches.(2); yet wider beds are available for larger frames reaching up to 94" long by 54" wide.

In addition to the the sizes, the weight of a hospital blanket can also vary, from light to heavy. Lightweight blankets are typically made from thinner materials, such as cotton or linen. These types of blankets are often used in warmer climates or during the summer months. Heavier blankets, on the other hand, are usually made from thicker materials, such as wool or down. These types of blankets are ideal for patients who are cold or have a low body temperature.

 

Where to buy hospital blankets

When considering where to buy hospital blankets, it is important to consider several factors including the quality of the blankets, the selection available, and the price. Online wholesale retailers, such as Direct Textile Store, are an excellent option for purchasing hospital blankets. Direct Textile Store offers bulk quantity discounts without having to pay to become a member, making it possible to purchase a large quantity at a reduced price. 

With this complete hospital blanket buying guide as your guidepost, we hope you'll be able to find just the perfect product that provides a loving touch to your patients' needs.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Newcentury.

Additional reading:
How is a Below-Knee Prosthetic Leg Attached?

Direct Textile Store ships to all US states, including Alaska and Hawaii, US Territories, Canada, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.

Source

1. Hospital Bed Mattress Sizes & Dimensions | Medtrica. 

2.  What Size Hospital Bed Do I Need? | Transfer Master

 

Anyone sleeping or spending a significant amount of time in a hospital bed is spending a lot of time in contact with their bed sheets. The right sheets can contribute to healthy skin and a comfortable environment, while providing a more pleasant and restful user experience. Not only do they need to be comfortable, they need to promote cleanliness. 

Since hospital beds do not conform to common mattress size specifications, specially sized hospital linens are necessary to fit the unique dimensions of a hospital bed.

There are many available bedding options, and this guide explores the different kinds of hospital sheets and bedding, along with our top recommended products, so you can choose which will work best for you.

What size are hospital bed sheets? 

Standard-sized hospital bed sheets are generally 80 inches long and 36 inches wide, fitting standard mattresses that are usually between 6 and 7 inches deep. Regular twin and twin XL sheets will not fit a hospital bed mattress.

What are the types of hospital bed sheets?

Generally, the three basic types of sheets for hospital beds are draw sheets, fitted sheets, and flat sheets. Ideally, you will have one of each of these sheet types.

Drawsheet

Since people who spend a majority of time in bed are at risk of developing pressure sores, caregivers are often relied on to assist with repositioning. This necessary task, however, can put a significant physical strain on the caregiver. Using a drawsheet, which is a small sheet placed across the middle of the bottom sheet on a mattress, a caregiver can gently and safely turn a patient with less effort. About half the size of a regular sheet, a drawsheet covers the area between the patient’s upper back and thighs and can be made of cotton, plastic, or rubber.

Best Drawsheet : SystemRoMedic WendyLett 4-Way Drawsheet

Fitted Sheet

For the comfort of the patient, a properly sized fitted sheet is essential, and it has to be able to accommodate an adjustable hospital bed. You can’t stretch a fitted sheet if it’s too short, and it’s difficult to keep a fitted sheet that is too long tucked under the mattress, so getting the correct measurement is important. In addition to mattress length, the depth of the mattress - and whether or not it has a cover or topper that adds height - also must be considered when choosing a fitted sheet.

Best Fitted Sheet: Standard Hospital Bed Fitted Sheets

Flat Sheet

Correctly sized sheets aren’t just about comfort. They can impact safety as well. Undersized sheets can come loose and get bunched up under a patient, causing friction and risking a skin wound. Oversized sheets can fall to the floor, creating a tripping hazard, and they can also gather under the patient causing discomfort. A standard top sheet for hospital beds is 66 inches x 104 inches. 

Best Flat Sheet: Hospitex Muslin Flat Sheets, Case of 12

Other Types of Hospital Bedding

Besides the basics, here is a list of other types of linens for hospital beds. 

Sheet Set

For convenience, you can purchase matching sheet sets specifically sized to accommodate adjustable hospital beds. In addition to the flat and fitted sheets, these coordinated sets also include pillow cases and often blankets.

Best Sheet Set: BedMates Home Hospital Bedding Set

Bariatric Sheets

Bariatric sized hospital beds are standard hospital bed lengths of 80 or sometimes 84 inches, but they are 42 to 48 inches wide. Significantly wider than standard hospital beds, they require specially sized bariatric sheets to provide a comfortable and restful environment for the patient.

Best Bariatric Hospital Sheets: Hospitex Bariatric Knit Sheets

Blanket

The best hospital bed blankets are soft, cozy, and hold up well in the laundry. They are lightweight but insulating to provide warmth without being cumbersome for patients or caregivers.

Best Hospital Blanket: Herringbone Spread Blankets by Medline

Disposable Linen

Disposable linens are designed to prevent cross-contamination. Since they are discarded after use, the exposure of other people to contaminants on the sheets is decreased. The single-use construction means no laundering and no patient-to-patient contamination. Caregivers can minimize contact with anything on the sheets by not having to launder them. 

Best disposable sheets: Disposable Flat Bedsheets by Medline

Waterproof Mattress Cover

Waterproof mattress covers - usually made of vinyl/PVC, PEVA/EVA, or Polyurethane - are impermeable barriers that keep mattresses protected from spills and body fluids. This keeps contaminants from seeping into the mattress, maintaining a healthier sleep environment and ensuring the mattress will last longer

Pillow Protector 

Pillow protectors promote a healthy sleeping environment by keeping allergens, mold, mildew, bed bugs, and dust mites from getting into pillows. They can be washable or disposable to maintain a hygienic sleep space.

Best Pillow Protector: AirXchange Antimicrobial Waterproof Pillow Protector

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing

Before you purchase sheets for your hospital bed, there are important factors you must consider. Here is a list of the most important factors we found!

Mattress Depth

Hospital bed mattresses are at least 6 inches deep and can be 9 inches deep. Pressure relief mattresses are deeper. If you’re adding a mattress cover or topper, the additional height will have to be accounted for so you can purchase appropriately sized sheets. 

XL Beds

Standard beds are 80 inches long, but bariatric beds or extra large beds can be 84 inches long. It’s important to know the size of your mattress before purchasing hospital bed sheets.

Material

Hospital sheets are either woven, which means they are constructed by weaving the yarn in and out in opposite directions, or knit, which means they are constructed from a single strand of yarn (thread) that is knitted into rows of loops. Muslin sheets are common in institutional settings. They are woven, at the lower end of the thread-count scale, and are the least expensive. Percale sheets typically have a 180-thread count and are made with 100 percent cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. They are softer and last longer than muslin sheets. Knit hospital sheets will stretch and are thicker, softer, more breathable, and warmer than woven sheets. Jersey knit is the most common knit for hospital bed sheets, followed by Interlock knit. Knit sheets are softer, thicker, and much warmer than woven sheets, but they are more susceptible to small holes and snags. Knit sheets are also preferred if skin shear is an issue. More exotic fabrics like bamboo can be used in home hospital bed sheets. They are more expensive but are breathable, comfortable, and durable. 

Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch. The higher the thread count, the higher the quality - and comfort - of the sheet. Standard thread count for a hospital bed sheet in a clinical setting is 130 (T-130), which is at the low end and helps institutions control costs. Higher quality hospital bed sheets range up to T-180. These higher thread-count sheets are softer and more durable than those at the lower end.

Mattress Topper

Hospital bed mattresses aren’t the most comfortable, so toppers or overlays are often added to create a softer and more restful sleep environment. Mattress overlays can also aid in pressure distribution to protect the skin from pressure ulcers. 

Allergy Relief

Dust mites like to make themselves at home in sheets and pillowcases. For people with dust mite allergies, hypoallergenic sheets made of organic cotton, wool, or microfiber keep dust mites away and create a healthier and more restful sleep space.

Buying in Bulk

Whether in an assisted living situation or caring for someone at home, if you are changing a lot of bedding, buying hospital bed sheets in bulk is more convenient and economical than buying sheets one at a time. Many of our hospital bed sheets can be purchased in bulk.

Bed Bugs

Bed bug mattress covers are different from regular mattress protectors. They encase the mattress in an impermeable barrier. This prevents any existing bed bugs from escaping or multiplying, while keeping new ones from getting into the mattress. made of tough cotton or something similar, and have sturdy seals.

 We offer a bed bug mattress protector. 

Sheets That Prevent Bed Sores

Skin shearing happens when vulnerable skin is exposed to repeated friction, and it can cause bedsores. Treating bedsores includes using a pressure relief mattress and breathable sheets made from percale or bamboo that are sized to fit the deeper style of mattress. Some specialty hospital bed sheets have anti-friction panels to facilitate repositioning patients without skin shear. Ensuring sheets fit properly and don’t get piled up under the patient when the bed is adjusted also helps keep the patient properly positioned and less susceptible to bedsores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best hospital bed sheets?

A: The most durable and comfortable hospital bed sheets are made of cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. These breathable sheets help patients stay cool and are durable enough to be washed and dried multiple times, while still remaining soft and comfortable.

Q: Can I put a bed skirt on a hospital bed? 

A: Although bed skirts are available for hospital beds, they aren’t recommended since they can get caught in the bed while it’s being adjusted or add to the risk of a fall if a patient gets tangled up with a bed skirt.

Q: What kind of sheets fit a hospital bed?

A: It’s easier to make the bed, and create a comfortable and restful environment, with properly fitted sheets. For that reason, sheets that are specially sized for hospital beds are the best option, rather than trying to make standard sheets work on a non-standard mattress.

Q: Where can I buy hospital bed sheets? 

A: Check out the quality hospital bedding at Rehabmart.com to shop for hospital bed sheets and accessories. Discover the features, pros, and cons of each hospital bed sheet to make an informed purchasing decision.

Q: Will twin sheets fit a hospital bed?

A: Twin sheets made for a standard bed will not fit a hospital bed correctly. Using sheets that are too small will keep the bed from being made properly, with fitted sheets not staying wrapped around the mattress and potentially getting entangled with the patient. When people get tangled in their, they are at a higher risk of falling when they get out of bed. Sheets that are too large won’t stay tucked in and patients can get entangled with them or trip over sheets that hang too far off the bed.

Q: What are hospital blankets called?

A: Hospitals generally use thermal blankets, because they are lightweight and trap heat, preventing body temperature drops without using bulky linens. An added benefit to thermal blankets is that they are easy to clean.

Q: What size sheets go on a bariatric hospital bed?

A: The sheet length ranges from 80 to 84 inches, while the width of bariatric size hospital bed sheets can range from 42 to 48 inches wide.

Q: How do you keep sheets on a hospital bed?

A: Sheet straps help keep bedding in place on a hospital bed. For fitted sheets, the straps clip on the sheet corners under the mattress to give the elastic of the fitted sheet extra stability. For non-fitted sheets, there are straps to clip on each side of the sheet under the mattress or that attach to the corners diagonally. 

Final Thoughts

Quality sleep is an important component to optimal health, so creating the best sleep environment possible contributes significantly to overall wellbeing. People who spend a lot of time in hospital beds also need to be comfortable when they’re not sleeping. The temperature, amount of skin friction, and level of surface softness affect a patient’s skin health and comfort. 

Choosing the correct Hospital Bed Linens can have a noticeable impact on the comfort level and potential skin issues that come from spending a significant amount of time in bed. Sheets that are appropriately sized and have a higher thread count will stay put and not create any skin or trip hazards while keeping the patient warm and cozy in breathable comfort. 

Time spent in bed is not time wasted. Resting and sleeping in comfort are both important to good health. Choose the hospital bed for home care and hospital bed sheets that will deliver the most comfort and create the most restful environment for you.

See our Ultimate Guide to Hospital Beds & Mattresses for Home Care for everything you need to know about choosing the best hospital bed, mattress, and other accessories! Similarly, Caregiver University is packed full of resourceful articles that we dearly hope you find helpful. 

Author:

Mike Price, OT

Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.

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