Used Hospital Beds Buying Guide: Electric, Manual & Specialty (2026)
Hospital beds represent one of the highest-volume used medical equipment categories — and one of the best values. With "hospital beds for sale" generating 27,000+ monthly searches and new electric beds running $8,000–$30,000, the used market delivers exceptional savings for facilities, home care providers, and long-term care operators.
This guide covers every bed type, the top brands, current pricing, and exactly what to inspect before you buy.
Types of Hospital Beds
Semi-Electric Beds
The most common used bed type. Head and foot adjust electrically; height is manual. Good balance of cost and convenience.
- Best for: SNF, LTC, home care, medical/surgical floors
- Typical used price: $400–$1,800
- New price: $2,500–$6,000
Full-Electric Beds
All three positions (head, foot, height) controlled electrically via pendant or integrated controls. Standard for acute care.
- Best for: Acute care, post-surgical, ICU step-down
- Typical used price: $800–$3,500
- New price: $5,000–$15,000
Manual Beds
All adjustments made by hand crank. Lowest cost, zero electrical failure risk.
- Best for: Home care, developing-country clinics, low-acuity settings
- Typical used price: $150–$600
- New price: $800–$2,500
ICU / Critical Care Beds
Full-electric with advanced features: continuous lateral rotation therapy (CLRT), cardiac chair position, built-in scale, CPR release, siderail-integrated controls, X-ray cassette slot, trendelenburg and reverse trendelenburg. These are the Cadillacs of hospital beds.
- Best for: ICU, SICU, MICU, PICU
- Typical used price: $2,000–$8,000
- New price: $15,000–$35,000
Bariatric Beds
Wider frame (typically 48" vs. standard 36"), higher weight capacity (500–1,000 lbs vs. standard 450 lbs). Reinforced frame and mattress platform.
- Best for: Bariatric patients, high BMI acute care
- Typical used price: $1,500–$5,000
- New price: $8,000–$25,000
Low Beds / Ultra-Low Beds
Adjustable to near floor level (as low as 7–9 inches) for fall-risk patients. Often combined with perimeter bed exit systems.
- Best for: Geriatric, psych, fall-risk patients
- Typical used price: $1,200–$4,000
- New price: $6,000–$18,000
Specialty Beds
- Stretcher-chairs (convertible transport/exam)
- Birthing beds (OB labor/delivery/recovery)
- Cardiac/procedure chairs
- Air-fluidized beds (Kinetic Concepts/Arjo) for wound care
Top Hospital Bed Brands
Hill-Rom (Now Baxter)
The dominant brand in US acute care. Known for reliability, extensive service network, and integration with nurse call systems.
Popular models:
- Progressa — Advanced ICU bed with rotation therapy; used prices $3,500–$8,000
- VersaCare — Workhorse acute care bed; used $1,200–$3,500
- TotalCare / CareAssist — Full-featured, excellent used availability $800–$2,800
- P500 — Entry-level full-electric; budget-friendly used $400–$1,500
Stryker
Strong competitor to Hill-Rom, especially in ICU and surgical settings. Excellent build quality; parts widely available.
Popular models:
- InTouch — Flagship ICU bed; used $3,000–$7,000
- Secure II — Popular med/surg bed; used $600–$2,000
- Big Wheel — Low-profile transport/ICU; used $1,500–$4,500
- Go — Lightweight transport bed; used $800–$2,500
Invacare
A major DME manufacturer, strong in home care and SNF settings. More affordable than Hill-Rom/Stryker but clinically capable.
Popular models:
- 5-Function Electric — Full-electric home/SNF; used $300–$1,200
- Bariatric Full-Electric — 600 lb capacity; used $800–$2,500
Graham Field / Lumex
Budget-tier hospital and home care beds. Good for home health agencies, hospice, and cost-sensitive SNF operations.
- Typical used range: $150–$800
Linet
European manufacturer with growing US presence. Excellent ICU beds; used availability increasing.
Comparison Table: Key Features by Bed Type
| Feature | Manual | Semi-Electric | Full-Electric | ICU Bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Position | Crank | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Height Adjust | Crank | Crank | Electric | Electric |
| Weight Capacity | 350–450 lbs | 400–500 lbs | 450–600 lbs | 500–1,000 lbs |
| Built-in Scale | No | No | Optional | Common |
| CPR Release | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lateral Rotation | No | No | No | Premium models |
| X-Ray Cassette | No | No | Some | Yes |
| Typical Used Price | $150–600 | $400–1,800 | $800–3,500 | $2,000–8,000 |
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Frame & Structure
- No cracks or weld failures in the frame
- Siderails lock securely in up and down positions
- Siderail hinges undamaged, no excessive play
- Casters roll smoothly; locking casters engage positively
- Mattress platform undamaged (no bent metal or broken slats)
Electric System (for electric beds)
- All motors operate smoothly without grinding
- Controls respond without delay
- Pendant cord undamaged; connector secure
- Nurse controls function independently of patient pendant
- Bed moves through full range of motion without binding
- CPR release functions instantly
Safety Features
- Bed exit alert system functions (if equipped)
- Bed position limits function (prevents over-extension)
- Weight scale calibrated (if equipped)
Mattress
Most used beds are sold without mattress or with a worn mattress. Budget separately:
- Standard foam mattress: $150–$400
- Alternating pressure mattress: $400–$1,500
- Low-air-loss mattress: $1,500–$5,000
Pricing Guide (2026 Used Market)
| Bed Model | New Price | Used / As-Is | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hill-Rom VersaCare | $10,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Hill-Rom Progressa | $22,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $5,000–$9,000 |
| Hill-Rom P500 | $5,500 | $400–$1,200 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Stryker InTouch | $18,000 | $2,500–$5,500 | $4,500–$8,000 |
| Stryker Secure II | $7,000 | $600–$1,800 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Invacare 5-Function | $3,500 | $300–$1,000 | $700–$1,800 |
| Invacare Bariatric | $8,000 | $800–$2,200 | $1,800–$4,000 |
| Graham Field Full-Elec. | $2,500 | $150–$600 | $400–$1,200 |
Accessories & Add-Ons
When buying used hospital beds, budget for accessories:
| Accessory | Used Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard foam mattress | $100–$350 |
| Alternating pressure overlay | $200–$600 |
| Overbed table | $50–$200 |
| IV pole (bed-mount) | $40–$120 |
| Trapeze bar | $60–$200 |
| Bed exit alarm system | $80–$250 |
Check patientsupply.net for patient supply accessories, DME components, and mattress overlays.
Shipping & Logistics
Hospital beds are heavy (150–400 lbs) and bulky. Shipping logistics matter:
- LTL freight is typically required; expect $150–$600 per bed depending on distance
- Liftgate service ($75–$150 extra) is needed if you don't have a loading dock
- Pallet requirements: Most beds ship disassembled on a pallet; reassembly is straightforward
- Local pickup from hospital liquidators can save significantly on shipping costs
Where to Buy Used Hospital Beds
eBay
Largest online selection, from individual beds to bulk lots. Hospital liquidators frequently sell entire floors of beds. Filter by type, brand, and location to minimize shipping costs.
Shop Used Hospital Beds on eBay →
Amazon
Good for home care and SNF-grade electric beds, primarily through third-party sellers.
Shop Hospital Beds on Amazon →
Dealer Networks
For bulk procurement (10+ beds), contact IAMERS-certified dealers directly. usedhospitalequipment.org lists verified dealers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the weight capacity of a standard used hospital bed? A: Standard hospital beds are rated for 350–500 lbs. Bariatric beds handle 500–1,000 lbs. Always check the model's rated capacity before purchase — frame modifications can void safety ratings.
Q: Do used hospital beds come with mattresses? A: Usually not, or with worn/soiled mattresses. Budget $150–$400 for a replacement foam mattress. For pressure injury prevention, plan on a therapeutic mattress ($400–$1,500).
Q: Can I use a hospital bed at home for a family member? A: Absolutely — this is one of the largest markets for used hospital beds. Home care electric beds are typically semi-electric (manual height). Look for models with low height settings and removable siderails. Check with Medicare: new hospital beds are covered under Part B DME for qualifying patients — used beds are not usually covered, but may be cheaper out-of-pocket. Visit patientsupply.net for home-care DME information.
Q: How long do used hospital beds last? A: Hill-Rom and Stryker beds are built to last 15–20+ years with proper maintenance. Most used beds on the market are 5–12 years old with many service years remaining. Check that replacement parts (motors, pendants, siderail latches) are still available for the model you're buying.
Q: What should I look for in an ICU bed vs. a med/surg bed? A: ICU beds add: continuous lateral rotation therapy, built-in weight scale, cardiac chair position, integrated nurse call, side rail-integrated CPR release, and X-ray cassette slot. These features are clinically essential in ICU but unnecessary and costly in general ward settings.
Related Guides
- Complete Guide to Buying Used Hospital Equipment
- Hospital Equipment Maintenance Guide
- Certified Refurbished vs Used Medical Equipment
- Used Patient Monitors: Prices & Where to Buy
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