Foam, Alternating Pressure and Lateral Rotation Surfaces for Wide Frames
This collection carries 15 bariatric hospital bed mattresses and covers from Joerns, Dynarex, Drive DeVilbiss, Invacare, Lumex, ProActive Medical, Skil-Care and PreserveTech: high-density foam in 42 to 54 inch widths, an expandable foam that adjusts between frame sizes, alternating pressure and low air loss systems with pumps, a lateral rotation surface, and a waterproof zippered cover.
A bariatric mattress is specified by three figures together: width to match the frame, weight capacity, and foam density that will not bottom out under load. The support surface type follows the care team's pressure injury risk assessment.
→ Part of Hospital Bed Mattresses & Support Surfaces. Also see Foam Mattresses, Alternating Pressure Mattresses and Bariatric Beds.
Compare Bariatric Mattress Types
| Model | Type | Width | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive 15301 | Bariatric foam | 42 x 80 x 6.5 | Standard 42 inch bariatric frames |
| Invacare BarMatt42 | Bariatric foam | 42 inch | Invacare bariatric bed frames |
| Joerns BariMatt 1000 Plus | Expandable foam with visco topper | Adjusts between widths | Frames that change or expand |
| Lumex Bariatric Care 650 | Bariatric foam | Wide | Long term care foam surface |
| ProActive Protekt 600 | Pressure redistribution foam | Wide | Moderate risk on a wide frame |
| Skil-Care Pressure Check Bariatric | Gel visco foam | Multiple widths | Ordering to an exact frame size |
| Dynarex Bari-Max AirFloat | Air mattress with pump | 54 x 80 | Widest frames, air support |
| Drive Ultra Care Xtra | Alternating pressure | 42 x 78 | Higher risk on a 42 inch frame |
| Joerns P.R.O. Matt Plus | Powered system with PMP1 control | Bariatric | Facility powered surface |
| PreserveTech Lateral Rotation | Lateral rotation, low air loss | Bariatric | Patients needing turning assistance |
Which Width for the Frame?
Bariatric frames come in 42, 48 and 54 inch widths, and the mattress must match. A narrower mattress leaves a gap at the rail; a wider one will not sit in the frame. 42 inch: the Drive 15301, the Invacare BarMatt42 and the Drive Ultra Care Xtra alternating pressure. 54 inch: the Dynarex Bari-Max AirFloat. Multiple widths to order: the Skil-Care Pressure Check. Where the frame may change, the Joerns BariMatt 1000 Plus expands between widths so the mattress follows the bed. See Bed Rails for matching rail sizes.
Foam, Air or Alternating Pressure?
The support surface type follows the care team's risk assessment, and at bariatric loads foam density matters more than on a standard mattress: standard foam bottoms out under a heavier patient and the frame takes the load. Bariatric foam: the Lumex Bariatric Care 650, the ProActive Protekt 600, the Dynarex Bari-Max HD multizone and the Bari-Max Plus. Air with pump: the Dynarex Bariatric Plus AirFloat and the Bari-Max HD AirFloat 54 x 80. Powered facility systems: the Joerns P.R.O. Matt Plus with PMP1 control unit and the Joerns PrevaMatt Console with 2-way stretch cover and fire barrier.
When Is Lateral Rotation Needed?
A lateral rotation surface turns the patient slowly from side to side on a programmed cycle, which takes the repositioning load off staff. Turning a bariatric patient manually can require two or three people every two hours, and a surface that does it mechanically changes both patient care and staff injury risk. The PreserveTech lateral rotation with on-demand low air loss. Whether rotation is indicated for a particular patient is a clinical decision. For cover replacement on any bariatric foam, the Drive 15034 waterproof vinyl zippered cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bariatric mattress width do I need?
The one that matches the bed frame: 42, 48 or 54 inches. Measure the deck. A mattress narrower than the frame opens a gap at the rail, which is an entrapment concern.
Can I use a standard mattress on a bariatric frame?
No. Standard foam bottoms out under a heavier patient, leaving them on the frame, and a standard width leaves a gap. Bariatric mattresses pair higher density foam with the frame width.
What if the bed frame will be changed later?
An expandable mattress such as the Joerns BariMatt 1000 Plus adjusts between widths, so the mattress follows the frame rather than being replaced with it.
Foam or powered surface for a bariatric patient?
That follows the care team's risk assessment. Foam suits lower and moderate risk; alternating pressure, low air loss and lateral rotation are for higher risk or where manual repositioning is impractical.
Does a bariatric mattress need a special cover?
It needs one sized to it and rated for the load. The Drive 15034 waterproof zippered cover is stocked for bariatric foam. A 2-way stretch cover, as on the Joerns PrevaMatt, lets the surface conform rather than hammocking across the top.
Read the full guide: Expert Buyer's Guide: Top 5 Hospital Beds for Home Use
MediDepot Purchasing Advantages
- Price Match Guarantee: found the same catalogue number for less elsewhere? We will match the verified price.
- Equipment Financing: powered bariatric systems are a capital item; financing spreads the cost.
- Extended Warranty: coverage on pumps and control units beyond the manufacturer term.
- Military Discount: available for qualifying military medical facilities and personnel.
- Request a Quote: frame width and capacity matching, and bed-plus-mattress packages.
Related Buying Guides
- Expert Buyer's Guide: Top 5 Hospital Beds for Home Use
- Patient Lifts: Sit-to-Stand vs Hoyer Guide
- Patient Lift Sling Types
- Medical Equipment Financing Guide