Quick answer: Ask one question: can the patient change position without help? If yes, buy a foam mattress at KSh 12,000. If no, buy a ripple mattress with pump at KSh 6,000. Everything else is detail.
Waterproof covers are not optional
Home care means spills, incontinence and disinfectant. A sealed waterproof cover keeps the foam usable and lets the surface be wiped between changes. Without it, a mattress is disposable within months.
Depth and rails
A very thick mattress reduces the effective height of the side rails. If you buy a mattress separately, check that the rail still stands proud of the surface.
Both, sometimes
Many households run a foam mattress as the base with a ripple overlay on top. That is a reasonable setup and it is what most bed plus ripple orders end up being.
Sizing to the frame
Our beds take mattresses cut to standard hospital dimensions, around 2000mm by 900mm. A mattress that is too short leaves the heels hanging at the foot section, which is exactly where pressure damage starts. Too wide and it bunches against the rails and stops them closing properly. Buy the mattress for the bed.
Frequently asked questions
Which hospital mattress is best in Kenya?
Foam at KSh 12,000 for a patient who can reposition themselves. Ripple with pump at KSh 6,000 for a patient who cannot.
Can I use a normal mattress on a hospital bed?
It rarely fits properly, it is not waterproof and it fights the bed's articulation. It also leaves gaps at the rails.
Ask before you buy
Two minutes on the phone settles most of these questions.
Page updated 2026-09-08. Prices confirmed on the call before dispatch.