Hospital bed sheets will usually need to be sized for a 36" by 80" long bed, with mattresses typically being 6" thick. However, not all hospital beds are the standard size, especially if length extenders or additional padding are used.
Standard Hospital Bed Sizing
The standard size of a hospital bed is 36" wide and 80" long, with a standard mattress thickness of 6". Some mattresses are designed to have more cushioning, adding an additional inch to that standard thickness. In other words, this means the average hospital bed is close to twin XL sized (38" by 80").
Additional bed sizing options exist, primarily aimed at patients who may need larger beds because of their body size or health. Importantly, these larger beds aren’t just for comfort. Improper sizing can potentially cause injuries in the most severe cases and may impact the ability of doctors to properly move and position a patient.
Nonstandard Hospital Bed Sizing
Not all hospital beds come in the standard size. It’s important that a facility have at least some beds that are larger than the standard for patients of an atypical body size or who may have certain health issues.
There are hospital beds sized at 39", 42", 48" and 54" wide. It is also possible to get special length extensions on some beds, allowing for extensions up to at least 88" in length, although the specifics will depend on where the hospital is sourcing its beds.
Sheet Types
Hospital beds should have at least three types of sheets:
Fitted
Fitted sheets are what many people imagine when they hear the word “sheet.” Fitted sheets are intended to snugly fit around a mattress, meaning the sizing of these sheets is arguably the most important of the sheet types discussed. A fitted sheet that is too small cannot fit around a mattress and one that is too large may clump strangely and be uncomfortable.
Draw
A draw sheet is a special type of sheet, used to assist medical professionals when they need to move a patient, reducing the strain required to do so.
Sizing varies on draw sheets, which don’t have to cover the full length of the bed. What’s important is that the sheet is long and wide enough to allow a patient to be properly moved. These sheets also need to be sturdy enough to support a patient’s weight consistently as they are moved.
Flat
A flat sheet, or top sheet, is relatively thin and can serve multiple purposes. Typically, a flat sheet is used as one extra layer between a person and their mattress cover, with an individual lying on the sheet with blankets over them for warmth. However, it is also sometimes used like a blanket itself when the weather is warm, with a patient sleeping under it without other blankets.
Infection Control and Hospital Linens
Bed linens are one of the most frequently touched surfaces in a healthcare setting, which makes them a potential vector for pathogen transmission. Properly sized sheets are easier to secure, less likely to come loose or drag on floors, and help maintain a sanitary environment. Sheets that fit well are also more effective in staying in place during movement or procedures, reducing the risk of cross-contamination between surfaces or patients.
Beyond sizing, laundering and handling practices play a vital role in infection control. Linens must be washed at the appropriate temperatures with disinfecting agents that meet healthcare standards. At Alsco Uniforms, we follow rigorous hygiene protocols that align with these standards. Our NSF-certified processes ensure linens are not only cleaned but hygienically maintained and safely delivered—supporting your facility’s infection prevention goals at every stage.
How Often Should Hospital Bed Sheets Be Changed?
Bed sheets in healthcare settings should be changed more frequently than those in residential environments. As a general rule, sheets should be changed between every patient use and at least every day for inpatients, especially in high-acuity or post-surgical care units. Additional changes are necessary after surgical procedures, if a patient is experiencing heavy perspiration, or in the event of visible soiling.
Immunocompromised patients or those in isolation may also require more frequent linen changes to maintain a safe and sterile environment. In high-turnover areas such as emergency rooms or outpatient surgical centers, timely sheet replacement helps minimize the risk of infection and ensures a consistent standard of care. Partnering with a reliable linen provider like Alsco Uniforms makes it easy for healthcare facilities to maintain proper change frequency without overburdening internal staff or supply storage.
Let Alsco Uniforms Help with Your Hospital Bed Sheets
Well-fitted hospital sheets can help deliver a better experience to patients. Clean linens are important in a general context, but they become even more important in a medical context. To reduce the spread of disease, medical facilities must stay vigilant to keep sheets clean.
At Alsco Uniforms, we can supply your medical facility with clean, high-quality linens of all kinds through our rental services. We can provide not only pillowcases and sheets but also towels, surgical drapes, thermal blankets and more. If you want help equipping your facility, explore our site and see what we can offer you. You can also contact us today to learn more.
If you’re looking to read more content similar to this, we recommend reading our article on the disinfectants most appropriate to use in hospitals.
References
What Are the Dimensions of Home Hospital Bed Help Mobility.
What Sizes Do Hospital Beds Come In? SonderCare.