Standard Specifications (for most general wards and manual/dual-crank nursing beds)
190cm × 88cm × 8–10cm (most common)
Also frequently listed with approximate dimensions: 190×90cm / 195×88cm / 200×90cm
The total length of the bed frame is around 200cm; the mattress is usually slightly shorter to avoid pressing against the headboard and footboard.
Thickness Reference
Standard coir or foam medical mattresses: 8cm, 10cm (hospital standard)
Static pressure-relief mattresses (anti-bedsore): 10–12cm
Inflatable anti-bedsore mattresses (air mattresses): Generally do not use a fixed-thickness solid mattress
Other Common Specifications
Extra-wide beds (rehabilitation, bariatric patients, elderly care beds)
Mattress: 190×100cm, 200×100cm
ICU beds
Common sizes: 195×88cm / 190×85cm
Pediatric beds
Approx.: 160×70cm, 170×80cm
Neonatal cribs/bassinets
Approx.: 80×45cm
Important Purchasing Tips
There are many bed manufacturers, and there is no single mandatory national standard size. It is best to verify dimensions using one of these two methods:
Measure the inner length and width of the bed frame (the mattress must fit inside the frame; do not measure the outer dimensions of the bed);
Check the bed’s model plate and contact the manufacturer directly regarding the compatible mattress size.
Hospital Bed Mattress Dimensions (Inches)
Standard Adult Hospital Mattresses
190 cm × 88 cm (Most common)
190 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 74.8 in × 34.6 in
Commonly labeled as: 75″ × 35″
190 cm × 90 cm
≈ 74.8″ × 35.4″; often abbreviated as 75″ × 35″
200 cm × 90 cm
≈ 78.7″ × 35.4″; approx. 79″ × 35″
Wider Nursing Bed Mattresses
190 cm × 100 cm ≈ 74.8″ × 39.4″; approx. 75″ × 39″/40″
Thickness (Standard Hospital Specs)
8 cm ≈ 3.15″
10 cm ≈ 3.94″
How to Choose the Right Mattress Based on Your Needs
I. Confirm the Essential Specifications First
1. Dimensions (Prioritize measuring the inner length and width of the bed frame)
Standard inner dimensions for adult hospital beds in China: 190×88cm or 190×90cm.
The mattress must be smaller than the outer frame to prevent jamming or obstruction when the bed is adjusted.
Do not buy standard household single mattresses (which are usually 200×90cm and over 15cm thick).
2. Thickness Standards
Suitable for nursing beds: 8–10cm (medical-grade foam mattress)
Static anti-bedsore mattress: 10–12cm
Avoid: Mattresses thicker than 12cm (household spring mattresses and thick latex mattresses are not recommended).
Thick mattresses tend to arch or slide when the backrest is raised, increasing the risk of the patient falling and reducing the effective height of the safety rails.
3. Key Feature: Must Be Flexible/Bendable
Hospital beds allow for backrest elevation and leg flexion; the mattress must bend along with the bed platform.
3E coconut fiber mats, rigid coconut fiber mattresses, and continuous-coil spring mattresses cannot bend—do not buy them!
4. Fabric Requirements (Essential for hospital environments)
Recommended: Waterproof and stain-resistant PU/PVC medical-grade cover with a removable, washable zipper design.
Allows for easy wiping in case of sweating or fluid spills, reducing the risk of infection. II. Choosing a Mattress Type Based on Bed-Rest Risk (Key Factor)
Type 1: Medical-grade high-density foam mattress (Static/Basic model)
Suitable for: Short-term hospitalization, post-operative recovery, individuals who can turn over independently, and those at low risk of pressure ulcers.
Pros: Silent, requires no power, moderately priced, and bends smoothly with the hospital bed.
Cons: Average pressure-relief capability; prolonged, continuous use without repositioning may cause pressure marks/redness.
Usage scenarios: Adding comfort to hospital beds; mild home care.
Type 2: Multi-layer composite pressure-relief foam / Gel memory foam mattress (Static/Anti-pressure ulcer)
Suitable for: Individuals with limited mobility, those requiring prolonged bed rest, and those at moderate risk of pressure ulcers.
Pros: No inflation required, silent operation, and superior pressure distribution compared to standard foam.
Cons: Higher price; can feel stuffy or hot in summer.
Type 3: Alternating-pressure air mattress (Dynamic/Medical device model)
Suitable for: Individuals completely unable to turn over independently, paralyzed patients, and those with existing pressure ulcers or at high risk.
Principle: Air cells alternately inflate and deflate to continuously shift pressure points.
Buying tips: Look for a silent air pump, a “sleep mode” setting, and independent air cells; models with a bedpan cutout are available for toileting needs.
Note: Place the air mattress over the hospital’s existing firm mattress; do not place it directly on the bed frame slats.
Important Reminder: In public hospital wards, only thin air mattresses may be added on top of the existing mattress; replacing the hospital mattress entirely with a home mattress is not permitted. Always consult the head nurse before admission. Mattress types not recommended for nursing beds
Standard household spring mattresses or thick latex mattresses: Too thick; poor flexibility/bendability.
Solid firm coir (coconut fiber) mattresses: Cannot bend; causes bulging when the bed is adjusted.
Thick foldable tatami-style mats (>12cm): Safety hazard.
III. How to choose the right firmness?
For bedridden patients, medium-firm is the priority.
Too soft: Body sinks in, compressing joints; increases risk of bedsores; makes getting up difficult.
Too hard: Continuous pressure on bony prominences (tailbone, shoulder blades, heels).
Do not assume “softer equals more comfortable”; for nursing beds, support is more important than softness.
IV. Important rules for public hospital stays
Bringing in a standard household mattress is usually prohibited.
Due to infection control protocols, external mattresses cannot be centrally sterilized, and they often fail to fit the bed frame properly.
Viable alternatives (more likely to be approved)
Option A: Rent an anti-bedsore air mattress from the hospital (safest choice).
Option B: Bring a thin inflatable pad (under 5cm) to place over the existing hospital mattress.
Tip: Do not simply lay it down; confirm with the head nurse beforehand.
Quick buying guide (summary)
Can turn over → Medical-grade, high-density, bendable foam mattress (8–10cm thick);
Cannot turn over / High risk of bedsores → Silent alternating-pressure air mattress;
Avoid thick mattresses, solid coir mats, and spring mattresses; ensure dimensions match the bed frame and thickness is within limits.