Bettyann Bird , 2025-06-20 13:55:00
Hospital beds and support surfaces are at the foundation of every hospital stay experience and play a crucial role in care outcomes. Despite their necessity, beds and surfaces do not always receive proportional attention and innovation — even as the risks associated with prolonged bed rest remain a key priority for caregivers. New innovations in frames and surfaces have been shown to reduce caregiver burden and improve patient outcomes by helping caregivers get patients out of bed, moving and on the road to recovery faster.
A growing concern: Falls, pressure injuries and infections
Each year, U.S. hospitals report more than 700,000 patient falls and 3 million pressure injuries due to prolonged bed rest. Studies found that the consequences of fall-related injuries are associated with increased costs of more than $62,000 per injury, impacted reimbursement and extended lengths of stay by six to eight days.
Mattress covers present another potential avenue for patient harm. The majority of hospital mattresses are constructed with top cover materials that break down over time with exposure to harsh chemical cleansers used in hospitals. Damage to the protective top-cover allows patient fluids to penetrate the support surface core, which can harbor pathogens, increasing the risk for healthcare associated infections (HAIs). A study evaluating beds and mattresses in U.S. hospitals found integrity damage to 72% of mattresses studied, with nearly half requiring immediate cover replacement and 25% needing a full mattress replacement.
With the risk of potential harm to patients and caregivers, innovation to support surface construction and materials are critical.
The value of innovation
Advanced materials and innovative construction design in hospital bed technology are increasingly being shown to help prevent HAIs, pressure injuries and falls. Integrated safety features such as auto locking breaks, side rail repositioning and early alert alarms can support better patient outcomes and reduce the burden on caregivers at the bedside. New slide rail technology and ultra-low bed heights provide greater mobility control and help minimize the impact of potential falls. Reinforced footboards can enable patients to begin weight-bearing exercises earlier, contributing to faster rehabilitation. Together, these safety advancements can support better recovery, reduce the risk of complications and ultimately help get patients out of bed faster.
Beyond the frame, the surfaces beneath patients merit attention. Investing in durable surfaces constructed with RF welded seams can lead to fewer replacements over time, especially when compared to outdated models that wear down more quickly. Newer materials and chemically resistant coatings are better able to withstand frequent disinfection while maintaining surface integrity, preventing fluid and contaminant ingress to the mattress.
Surface selection matters, as does ensuring the right mix of surfaces to support different acuity levels. Traditional beds often rely on basic foam mattresses, which are less effective in pressure redistribution. A study published in PubMed Central found foam mattresses increased the risk of pressure injuries compared to air-filled alternatives. Innovative hybrid surfaces automatically adjust pressure in real-time without a caregiver manually repositioning the patient. For example, while it is common practice for caregivers to reposition patients every two hours to prevent pressure injuries, advanced equipment that balances pressure redistribution and moisture control can allow caregivers to focus on other important needs without compromising patient safety.
Clinical providers and caregivers understand the connection between equipment design and clinical outcomes. As hospitals navigate financial pressures and nationwide staffing shortages, investing in the right medical equipment at the bedside can alleviate the burdens of excess time, cost and risk to care teams and patients.
Photo: FS Productions, Getty Images
Bettyann Bird is the Chief Strategy Officer at Agiliti. Prior to joining Agiliti, Bettyann was Vice President of Marketing for the Global Dispensing business at CareFusion. She has held numerous executive leadership roles within the health care industry, including President and CEO of eStudySite, and President of the Consulting and Services business of Cardinal Health. Prior to that, Bettyann held leadership positions with Deloitte Consulting and Ernst & Young. She spent her early years in healthcare as a trauma and intensive care nurse. Bettyann earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University and an MBA from Baylor University.
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