Best Drive Medical Hospital Beds (2022): Top Ranked Models & Buying Guide -

By kbeveridge

Our Top Recommendations

Budget friendly

Drive Medical Full Electric Hospital Bed

Drive Medical Full Electric Ultra Light Plus Hospital Bed, Brown, Full Rails and Innerspring Mattress, 36 Inch

Buy on Walmart

Easy to Use Controls

Drive Medical Semi Electric Hospital Bed

Drive Medical Delta Ultra Light Semi Electric Hospital Bed Mattress, Full Rails & Foam

Buy on HPFY

Heavy-duty frame

Drive Medical Bariatric Hospital Bed

Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Hospital Bed, Brown, 42"

Buy on Walmart

Drive Medical is one of the largest and most reputable manufacturers of hospital beds and accessories. If you’re looking for an in-home hospital bed, you may be considering this brand. So, which model should you choose from the product catalog?

The best Drive full electric hospital bed is the Drive Medical 15033 Full Electric Ultra Light Plus Hospital Bed. It is excellent value for money without compromising on quality. It is height adjustable, compatible with most mattresses, and durable to prevent you from falling or hurting yourself.

This guide examines the best Drive Medical hospital beds and accessories. We discuss the leading models and help you decide if they fit your needs. Lastly, we look at the Drive Medical company and what makes it different from other brands.

Table of Contents

Our Top Recommendations

What Are the Different Kinds of Hospital Beds?

At a Glance: Best Drive Medical Hospital Beds

Best Drive Medical Hospital Beds

Drive Medical Hospital Bed Resources

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Drive Medical Hospital Bed

Conclusion

What Are the Different Kinds of Hospital Beds?

There are a few different kinds of hospital beds:

Full electric hospital bed: These models use electricity to control the height and any other adjustments. You utilize the settings from a remote or keypad that is wireless or connected to the frame. Full electric models are advantageous because you don’t have to use physical strength to change the bed frame.
Semi-electric hospital bed: These beds use electricity to control the positioning of your head, knees, and sometimes feet. However, they have a manual crank to control the bed’s height. Therefore, they are the midway point between a full electric and a manual hospital bed.
Manual hospital bed: Manual hospital beds do not use electricity to operate. They have a manual crank that you must move to change the frame’s height or any positioning. These are the most limiting but also usually the most affordable variety of hospital beds.
Bariatric hospital bed: These heavy-duty models have a higher weight capacity than standard hospital beds. They are also usually wider to accommodate broader frames. However, they are heavier and can be more challenging to assemble because of the extra weight.
Hi-low hospital bed: This variety lowers all the way to the floor or just a few inches above. It can be an excellent investment to prevent falls and to ease transfers. However, it has a different design to other hospital beds and may not be compatible with all accessories.

At a Glance: Best Drive Medical Hospital Beds

Name	Length	Width	Height	Weight	Best For	Header
Drive Medical Full Electric Hospital Bed	88.5"	37.5"	37.5"	162 lbs	Channel Frame Construction	Buy on Walmart
Drive Medical Delta Semi Electric Bed	88"	36"	21.5"	163 lbs	Easy to use controls	Buy on HPFY
Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Bed	88"	42.5"	39.37"	276 lbs	Heavy-duty steel frame	Buy on Walmart
Drive Medical Aire Low Mattress	80"	36"	8"	30.84 lbs	Pressure Ulcers Prevention	Buy on Amazon
Drive Medical Half Length Bed Rail	38"	20"	6"	2.51 lbs	Help prevent falls	Buy on CWIMed

Best Drive Medical Hospital Beds

Best Drive Full Electric Hospital Bed: Drive Medical 15033 Full Electric Ultra Light Plus Hospital Bed

Drive Medical Full Electric Hospital Bed
Length	88.5"
Width	37.5"
Height	37.5"
Weight	162 lbs

Pros

It has a backup battery in case of power cuts.
You can adjust the height, head, and foot sections.
The motor is isolated to minimize noise.
It has straightforward bed controls.
The frame is relatively lightweight but strong.
It is excellent value for money.
It includes the footboard, headboard, side rails, and mattress.

Cons

The included rails are not the most stable options.
It doesn’t have the most attractive aesthetics.

The Drive Medical 15033 is the best Drive full electric hospital bed. Because it uses electricity to control all sections, you don’t need any strength to manipulate the different parts. However, it also has a backup battery that allows you to make nine adjustments in a power cut.

It lets you change the bed’s height and the positioning of the foot and head sections. You can do this from the large controls, which are simple and easy to use, even for beginners. All of the parts are also straightforward to put together, and you can install the motor after someone is already in the bed.

It has an isolated motor to reduce any noise while using it. This could be beneficial if you sleep in the same room as a loved one and you don’t want to disturb them during the night. We also appreciate that it is a fully inclusive model with the headboard, footboard, mattress, and protective side rails.

The main downside of this bed is that the side rails are not the most secure option. We recommend swapping them out for a more premium model if you are concerned about falling out of the bed.

Overall, the Drive Medical 15033 is excellent value for money and reasonably lightweight at this price point. It can also support up to 450lb (204.1kg), making it a sturdy option.

We recommend this Drive Medical hospital bed for: someone looking for value for money and a user-friendly hospital bed.

Buy on Walmart

Best Drive Semi Electric Hospital Bed: Drive Medical Delta 15030 Semi Electric Hospital Bed

Drive Medical Delta Semi Electric Bed
Length	88"
Width	36"
Height	21.5"
Weight	163 lbs

Pros

It has universal compatibility with bed headboards and footboards.
It is pretty affordable.
The wooden sections are resistant to scratching and other damage.
The motor is self-contained to make it quieter.
It is durable and supportive.
You can change the height, foot, and head sections.
It has a backup battery.
It has simple controls.
The bed includes full-length rails and a foam mattress.

Cons

You have to use a crank to adjust the bed’s height.
The assembly instructions are missing some details.

The Drive Medical Delta 15030 is the best Drive semi-electric hospital bed. It uses electricity to adjust the foot and head sections, but you have to change the height with a manual crank. Therefore, it needs some strength to operate.

You can control the electric portions from a remote with large, clear buttons. Therefore, it has a short learning curve to operate this model. Like other Drive Medical hospital beds, it has a backup battery if you have a power cut and need to adjust the different sections.

It is a durable model that can support up to 450lb (204.1kg). The included headboard and footboard are also resistant, able to withstand regular wear and tear without scratching or breaking. The bed also has full-length rails and a mattress, making it excellent value for money.

The main limitation of this semi-electric hospital bed is the assembly instructions. They are missing some details and can be confusing if you have never put together a unit like this before. We recommend using a video tutorial if you find yourself stuck.

Overall, this hospital bed mixes the best elements of full electric and manual models. Once you have built it and mastered the controls, it is easy to use and shouldn’t pose any issues.

We recommend this Drive Medical hospital bed for: anyone who wants a durable and straightforward hospital bed model.

Buy on HPFY

Best Drive Medical Bariatric Hospital Bed: Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Hospital Bed

Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Bed
Length	88"
Width	42.5"
Height	39.37"
Weight	276 lbs

Pros

It is much broader and more robust than other Drive Medical models.
It has full electric operation.
The bed includes a backup manual crank for power cuts.
You can change the foot and head sections, plus the bed’s height.
It operates smoothly and quietly.
It has detachable ends, and you can assemble it without tools.
It has half-length bed rails for protection.

Cons

It is a lot less affordable than non-bariatric models.
It can be challenging to assemble because of its weight.

The Drive Medical Heavy Duty model is the best Drive Medical bariatric hospital bed. It has a much higher weight capacity of 600lb (272.2kg), making it an excellent option if you are too heavy for regular beds. Furthermore, it has a wider, 42-inch (1.07m) frame that can accommodate your body and keep you comfortable.

It is fully electric, meaning that you don’t need any strength to adjust it. It also allows you to change the head and foot sections and the frame’s height. If you do have a power cut, you can control the structure with a manual crank.

The bed moves smoothly, and you shouldn’t notice any motor noise. It also includes bed rails to protect you and prevent you from falling. Overall, it is a solid and user-friendly option from Drive Medical.

The main drawbacks of this hospital bed are the price and the weight. It is significantly more expensive than the other Drive Medical models in this article, but this tends to be the case with bariatric beds. It can also be challenging to assemble because each piece is pretty heavy. We recommend enlisting a second person to help you with this process.

We recommend this Drive Medical hospital bed for: someone who wants an adjustable and heavy-duty hospital bed.

Buy on Walmart

Best Drive Medical Hospital Bed Mattress: Drive Medical Med Aire Low Air Loss Mattress

Drive Medical Med Aire Low Air Loss Mattress Replacement System with Alternating Pressure, Dark Purple, 8"

Drive Medical Aire Low Mattress
Length	80"
Width	36"
Height	8"
Weight	30.84 lbs

Pros

It can keep you cool while you sleep.
The alternating pressure prevents bedsores.
The air pockets are removable and deflate rapidly.
The mattress has a waterproof and resistant cover.
The head section is static to reduce discomfort.
It is silent and free from vibrations while it operates.
It has safety alarms for low pressure.

Cons

It is a pricey investment.
It doesn’t have a backup battery system.

The Drive Medical Med Aire is the best Drive Medical hospital bed mattress. It is a low air loss mattress, meaning that it can cool your skin and reduce sweating while you sleep. Furthermore, it provides alternating pressure to reduce the likelihood of bedsores or lesions.

It includes 20, 8-inch (20.3cm) air pockets, inflating and deflating on a rotating schedule. However, the three underneath the head section do you not move. Therefore, it doesn’t wake you up or disturb you while you’re sleeping. You can also set the entire mattress on static mode if you just want to use the low air loss features.

This mattress is a very durable option. It has a PVC cover that is waterproof and resistant to damage. This protection is essential considering how expensive the mattress is. Therefore, it could be an excellent long-term investment.

It uses a silent motor that has vibration-isolation. Therefore, you shouldn’t hear or feel it while in use. However, it lacks a backup battery system. If you have a power cut, the mattress will stop immediately.

Overall, this is a sophisticated and durable mattress that can address many potential medical issues. If you have the money to spare, it could be a worthwhile investment.

We recommend this Drive Medical hospital bed mattress for: someone who spends several hours a day in their hospital bed and wants to avoid injuries.

Buy on Amazon

Best Drive Medical Hospital Bed Rails: Drive Medical Half Length Bed Rail

Drive Medical Half Length Bed Rail, Tool Free Adjustable Width, with Brown Vein Finish, Brown Vein, Half Length

Drive Medical Half Length Bed Rail
Length	38"
Width	20"
Height	6"
Weight	2.51 lbs

Pros

It is lightweight but strong.
It has universal compatibility with most bed types.
You can easily adjust the width.
There are small gaps between the bars to prevent you from getting stuck.
The steel is resistant to scratches.

Cons

The rail is not compatible with pan-style beds.
It does not stretch the entire length of the bed.

The Drive Medical Half Length Bed Rail is one of the best options from this brand. Bed rails can be beneficial if you have a history of falling out of bed. They provide a physical barrier that keeps you on the mattress and protects you from accidents.

This model stretches half the length of the bed and allows you to adjust the width. Without using tools, you can shift it between 36 and 42 inches (91.4 and 106.7cm). However, it is not full-length, and so you should keep this in mind.

It is resistant and robust, made of scratch-proof steel that is not easy to break. Although durable, the rail is lightweight and portable, with simple installation. You can install it with most bed types, but it does not work with pan-style models.

The bed rail is FDA compliant and has small gaps between the bars. This reduces the risk of you getting parts of your body stuck and injuring yourself. This is an essential feature because large spaces can be dangerous.

Overall, this is a simple but effective bed rail with a durable design. We recommend it for anyone that wants extra security and protection. If you have the money to invest, it can give you peace of mind.

We recommend this Drive Medical hospital bed rail for: people who want to avoid falling out of bed while asleep.

Buy on CWI Medical

Drive Medical Hospital Bed Resources

Drive Medical Hospital Bed Instruction Manuals

Drive Medical Hospital Bed Assembly

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Drive Medical Hospital Bed

What Is the Background of Drive Medical?

Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare (Drive Medical) started as a company in 2000. It initially operated in the United States but quickly became a multinational company that serves customers worldwide. Drive focuses on durable medical equipment and sells to providers and retailers within the healthcare world.

Where Are Drive Medical Hospital Beds Made?

Because it is an international company, Drive Medical manufactures its products all over the world. It makes hospital beds in various countries across North America, the UK, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

What Is the Price Range for Drive Medical Hospital Beds?

The cheapest Drive Medical hospital bed is the Drive Medical 15033, which costs just under $650. The most expensive model is the Drive Medical 48 Inch Heavy Duty Bariatric Hospital Bed, which costs almost $5000. However, you can find several models for less than $1000.

Can I Get a Drive Medical Hospital Bed for Free?

If you have private medical insurance, you may be able to get a Drive Medical hospital bed for free. Furthermore, Medicare defines hospital beds as durable medical equipment (DME). Provided that you meet the following criteria, you may get up to an 80% subsidy on your model:

Your doctor determines that you have a medical need for a hospital bed in your home.
Your doctor is a member of the Medicare program.
The hospital bed supplier is a member of the Medicare program.

Alternatively, you may be able to rent or buy a secondhand Drive Medical hospital bed if you will only use it in the short-term.

What Are the Advantages of Drive Medical Hospital Beds?

Like other hospital bed brands, there are a few advantages of the Drive Medical models:

They can prevent falls. Particularly if you choose a bed with rails, it can stop you from falling off the mattress. If you keep the bed lowered, too, it can reduce the risk of serious injury if you do accidentally fall. Therefore, it can serve you if you have mobility problems or have suffered falls before.
Hospital beds are often adjustable. Depending on the model, a hospital bed allows you to change the angle of your head, knees, and sometimes feet. Changing the positions can help reduce inflammation, let you lie more comfortably, and reduce the likelihood of bedsores.
They are portable. Most hospital beds have locking caster wheels at the base. These features allow you to wheel the unit to different rooms without having to use your strength. Therefore, they can be helpful if you will use the model in the long-term.
They can increase your independence. By combining a hospital bed with accessories like a bed grab bar, transfer pole, or bed trapeze, you can move around with limited assistance. This can reduce your dependence on other people to get in and out of bed.
Drive Medical is reputable. It is one of the most prominent international companies and puts hours of expertise and work into the construction of the beds. The brand also has a dynamic customer service team to help you with any problems or queries.
Most models are affordable. Although there are some premium options, most Drive Medical hospital beds have an accessible price. Particularly if you have private insurance or Medicare, one shouldn’t put too significant a dent in your wallet.

Tips for Buying a Drive Medical Hospital Bed

Drive Medical hospital beds have a few different factors for you to consider:

Electric operation: You can choose from either full electric, semi-electric, or manual units. If you are looking for the most control and minimal effort, then full electric is your best bet. However, it is usually the most expensive variety, so many people opt for semi-electric. If you are in bed long-term, then investing in the most convenient model might serve you.
Adjustability: Some beds only allow you to change their height. More sophisticated models let you adjust the positioning of your head, knees, and feet. You should consider your physical limitations and needs when determining how much adjustability you need.
Safety features: Side rails can be an excellent accessory if you are worried about falling out of bed. Locking wheels can prevent the bed from sliding across the floor. Lastly, a backup battery can be a lifesaver if you lose power and need to adjust an electric bed.
Dimensions: You need to check if the bed is long and tall enough to accommodate your body. You should also ensure that it is not too bulky to fit in your bedroom or through your doorways.
Durability: Hospital beds have a maximum capacity that they can support. If you weigh more than the standard limit, you should look into getting a bariatric model. It is wider and has a higher weight capacity.
Price: You can spend a few hundred or a few thousand dollars on a Drive Medical hospital bed. Determine your budget and if your health insurance can subsidize some of the costs before you choose your preferred model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Drive Medical 15033 is the best Drive Medical full electric hospital bed. It is affordable, adjustable, and has a durable frame to support you.

Drive Medical hospital beds could benefit you if you need in-home medical care. They can adjust to your comfort and medical needs, as well as prevent falls and other accidents. Hospital beds are also portable and could decrease your dependence on loved ones or carers.

When choosing a Drive Medical hospital bed, decide if you want an electric, semi-electric, or manual model. You should also identify if the frame is adjustable and durable enough for your needs.

Overall, Drive Medical is one of the most famous hospital bed brands. They have a variety of different models that suit different needs and lifestyles. By investing time in proper research, you can select the correct option for you.

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