Nursing bed sales statistics by application type

Nursing beds are more than just pieces of furniture—they're lifelines for millions of patients, caregivers, and healthcare facilities around the world. From hospitals bustling with activity to quiet home settings where families care for loved ones, these beds play a critical role in ensuring comfort, safety, and dignity for those who need them most. As the global population ages, and as healthcare systems shift toward more personalized and home-based care, the demand for nursing beds has never been higher. But not all nursing beds are created equal, and their sales figures vary dramatically depending on their intended use. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of nursing bed sales, breaking down the numbers by application type to understand which segments are thriving, why, and what the future holds for this essential healthcare equipment.

Before we jump into the data, let's clarify what we mean by "application type." Nursing beds are designed with specific settings in mind: hospitals, home care environments, long-term care facilities (like nursing homes), and rehabilitation centers. Each of these settings has unique needs—hospitals might prioritize advanced electric features and durability, while home care beds lean into portability and ease of use. By examining sales statistics through this lens, we can uncover trends that matter to manufacturers, caregivers, and anyone in the market for a nursing bed. So, let's start exploring, beginning with the largest and most established segment: hospital nursing beds.

When most people think of a nursing bed, they probably picture the ones in hospitals—and for good reason. Hospitals are the single largest consumers of nursing beds, accounting for over 45% of global sales in 2023, according to industry reports. These beds are the workhorses of acute care, designed to withstand constant use, support patients with severe illnesses or injuries, and integrate seamlessly with other hospital equipment. But what exactly drives such high demand in this segment, and how are sales trending?

First, let's talk about what makes hospital nursing beds unique. Unlike home care models, hospital beds are built for heavy-duty use. Many are electric, with multiple motors allowing for adjustments to the head, foot, and height of the bed—features that help nurses reposition patients, prevent bedsores, and assist with procedures like feeding or physical therapy. The hospital nursing bed market also includes specialized models, such as bariatric beds for larger patients, low-height beds to reduce fall risks, and critical care beds with advanced monitoring capabilities. These features come at a cost, but hospitals are willing to invest: the average price of a hospital-grade electric nursing bed ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the features.

So, why are hospital bed sales so strong? One key driver is the ongoing expansion and upgrading of healthcare infrastructure worldwide. Emerging economies, in particular, are investing heavily in building new hospitals and replacing outdated equipment. For example, in countries like India and Brazil, government initiatives to improve public healthcare have led to a surge in demand for modern hospital beds. Even in developed markets like the U.S. and Europe, hospitals are constantly upgrading their fleets to meet new safety standards and enhance patient comfort. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role, highlighting the need for flexible, high-capacity bed systems in emergency situations. Many hospitals that expanded their ICU capacities during the pandemic have since made those upgrades permanent, boosting sales even further.

Another factor is the aging population. As people live longer, they're more likely to require hospital stays for chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, increasing the need for beds. In the U.S., the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) projects that hospital admissions for patients over 65 will rise by 15% between 2023 and 2030, directly impacting bed demand. Additionally, hospitals are under pressure to improve patient outcomes, and better beds can help with that. For instance, electric beds with pressure-relief mattresses reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, which are costly to treat and harmful to patients. This focus on quality has led many hospitals to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ older manual beds with electric models, driving growth in the electric nursing bed market .

Key manufacturers in the hospital segment include well-known names like Hill-Rom, Stryker, and Invacare, as well as Chinese manufacturers like Joerns Healthcare and Paramount Bed. These companies dominate the market due to their reputation for durability and compliance with strict regulatory standards (such as FDA approval in the U.S.). In 2023, Hill-Rom alone held a 22% share of the global hospital nursing bed market, thanks to its VersaCare and TotalCare bed lines, which are popular in intensive care units.

Looking at sales figures, the hospital nursing bed market is projected to grow at a steady 5.2% annual rate through 2028, reaching $8.7 billion by the end of the forecast period. This growth is fueled by a combination of infrastructure investments, aging populations, and the shift toward value-based care, where hospitals are incentivized to reduce readmissions by improving patient comfort and safety. For anyone involved in healthcare procurement, understanding this segment is crucial—after all, a hospital's ability to care for patients starts with the bed they lie on.

If hospitals are the largest segment, home care nursing beds are the fastest-growing. In 2023, home care beds made up about 30% of global sales, but that number is expected to jump to 38% by 2028, according to market research. Why the surge? It all comes down to a simple but powerful trend: people want to age at home. More and more seniors and individuals with disabilities are choosing to receive care in the comfort of their own homes rather than moving to a nursing facility, and that's driving demand for home care nursing bed solutions that are both functional and unobtrusive.

Home care nursing beds differ from hospital beds in several key ways. For starters, they're designed to blend into a home environment—think neutral colors, sleek designs, and sizes that fit through standard doorways. Portability is also a priority; many models are foldable or have wheels, making it easy to move them between rooms or store them when not in use. Unlike hospital beds, which are often operated by trained staff, home care beds are user-friendly, with simple remote controls that patients or family caregivers can master quickly. Some even come with features like built-in USB ports, under-bed lighting, or adjustable side rails for added safety.

The rise of home nursing bed manufacturers has been instrumental in this segment's growth. Companies like Drive Medical, Medline, and Invacare (which also serves the hospital market) now offer dedicated home care lines, but there are also smaller, niche players focusing solely on this space. These manufacturers understand that home users prioritize affordability, ease of assembly, and low maintenance. As a result, home care beds are generally less expensive than hospital models, with prices ranging from $800 for basic manual beds to $3,000 for high-end electric ones. This affordability is key: many families pay out of pocket for home care beds, as insurance coverage for non-hospital beds can be limited.

So, what's driving sales in this segment? First and foremost, the global aging population. By 2050, the number of people over 65 will double, and many of them will need some form of long-term care. For many, home is the preferred option. A 2023 survey by AARP found that 76% of adults over 50 want to stay in their current homes as they age, even if they require assistance. This "aging in place" movement has created a booming market for home healthcare equipment, including nursing beds. Additionally, the cost of institutional care is skyrocketing—nursing home stays in the U.S. average over $9,000 per month, making home care a more economical choice for many families. A home care nursing bed, even a high-end one, pays for itself in just a few months compared to the cost of a nursing home.

Another driver is the growing availability of home healthcare services. As more agencies offer in-home nursing, physical therapy, and personal care, the need for proper equipment—like nursing beds—increases. Caregivers also benefit from these beds: features like height adjustment reduce strain on the back when lifting or repositioning patients, lowering the risk of injury. This is especially important as many caregivers are family members with no formal training. In fact, a 2022 study in the Journal of Aging & Social Policy found that 65% of home caregivers reported less physical stress after switching to an adjustable home care bed.

Sales figures for home care beds vary by region, but the trend is clear. In North America, home care bed sales grew by 12% in 2023, outpacing the hospital segment. In Europe, countries like Germany and the UK are seeing similar growth, driven by government policies that subsidize home care equipment. Even in Asia, where multi-generational living is common, the home care bed market is expanding as urbanization leads to smaller households and a greater need for independent care solutions. For example, in Japan, sales of home care beds rose by 8% in 2023, with manufacturers like Paramount Bed introducing compact models tailored to small apartments.

Looking ahead, the home care nursing bed segment shows no signs of slowing down. Innovations like smart beds with sensors that monitor sleep patterns or alert caregivers to falls are on the horizon, and as technology becomes more affordable, these features will likely become standard. For families navigating the challenges of caring for a loved one at home, the right nursing bed isn't just a piece of furniture—it's a tool that allows them to provide better care while preserving their loved one's independence. And that's a trend that's here to stay.

Between hospitals and home care lies another critical segment: long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living centers, and memory care units. These settings house residents who need ongoing care but don't require the acute services of a hospital. As a result, the nursing beds here are a hybrid of hospital and home care models—durable enough for daily use but comfortable enough for long-term residency. In 2023, long-term care facilities accounted for about 18% of global nursing bed sales, a steady share that's expected to grow modestly (3.5% annually) through 2028.

What sets long-term care beds apart? For one, they prioritize resident comfort. Unlike hospital beds, which are often used for short stays, long-term care beds are where residents sleep, eat, and socialize for months or even years. As a result, features like pressure-relief mattresses, adjustable head and foot sections for reading or watching TV, and customizable mattress firmness are standard. Many facilities also opt for beds with low-height settings to reduce fall risks, as residents in these settings are often elderly or have mobility issues. Durability is also key: these beds must withstand daily use by multiple staff members and residents, so high-quality materials and easy-to-clean surfaces are a must.

The demand for nursing beds in long-term care facilities is driven by two main factors: the aging population and the growing number of people with chronic conditions. As life expectancy increases, so does the number of individuals who require long-term care. In the U.S., for example, the number of nursing home residents is projected to reach 1.8 million by 2030, up from 1.4 million in 2020. Each of these residents needs a bed that can support their unique needs, whether that's a bariatric bed for obesity or a low-air-loss mattress for pressure ulcer prevention. Additionally, the opioid crisis has led to an increase in younger residents with chronic pain or mobility issues, further boosting demand for specialized beds.

Unlike home care beds, which are often purchased by individuals, long-term care facilities typically buy beds in bulk, often through contracts with manufacturers. This makes price and scalability important factors for nursing bed manufacturers targeting this segment. Companies like Hill-Rom and Stryker, which already serve hospitals, have adapted their product lines to meet the needs of long-term care, offering beds with lower price points but still maintaining durability. Chinese manufacturers, known for their cost-effective solutions, have also made inroads here, with companies like Guangzhou Carevas Medical Equipment exporting bulk orders to facilities in Europe and North America.

One trend shaping this segment is the shift toward person-centered care. Long-term care facilities are moving away from institutional-style settings and toward more home-like environments, and that includes the beds. Many facilities now opt for beds with wooden frames, upholstered headboards, and neutral colors to create a warmer, less clinical feel. This not only improves resident satisfaction but also helps with recruitment and retention—families are more likely to choose a facility that feels like a home rather than a hospital. As a result, manufacturers are investing in design as much as functionality, leading to more aesthetically pleasing models that still meet clinical standards.

Looking at regional trends, the long-term care nursing bed market is strongest in North America and Europe, where aging populations and well-established care systems drive demand. However, Asia-Pacific is catching up, with countries like Australia and South Korea seeing growth in nursing home construction. In Australia, for example, the government's Aged Care Royal Commission recommended increasing funding for nursing home upgrades, including new beds, leading to a 10% increase in sales in 2023. For manufacturers, this segment offers stability—while it may not grow as quickly as home care, the demand is consistent, making it a reliable source of revenue.

The smallest but most specialized segment of the nursing bed market is rehabilitation centers. These facilities focus on helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or strokes, and their beds are designed to support this goal. While rehabilitation beds account for only about 7% of global sales, they're a niche with outsized importance—after all, the right bed can make a significant difference in a patient's recovery journey. So, what makes these beds unique, and why is this segment starting to grow?

Rehabilitation nursing beds are all about mobility and therapy. Unlike hospital beds, which are often used for resting, rehabilitation beds are designed to facilitate movement. Many have ultra-low height settings, allowing patients to transfer to a wheelchair or stand with minimal assistance. Others feature split frames that allow the bed to bend in the middle, supporting patients as they practice sitting up or transitioning to a standing position. Some even integrate with lower limb exoskeletons or other rehabilitation devices, though this is still relatively rare outside of top-tier facilities. The key here is adjustability: therapists need to be able to position patients in precise angles to target specific muscles or joints during therapy sessions.

Another feature of rehabilitation beds is pressure management. Patients in rehabilitation often spend hours in bed each day, making them prone to pressure ulcers. To combat this, many rehabilitation beds come with advanced mattresses, such as alternating air pressure or foam mattresses, that distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points. Some models also have built-in timers that remind staff to reposition patients, though this is more common in hospital settings.

So, what's driving growth in this niche? One factor is the increasing focus on post-acute care. As hospitals push to discharge patients earlier to reduce costs, more individuals are completing their recovery in rehabilitation centers. This has led to an expansion of rehabilitation facilities, particularly in urban areas, and with that expansion comes a need for specialized beds. Additionally, advances in medical technology have improved outcomes for patients with severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, and these patients often require long stays in rehabilitation centers, boosting bed demand.

Aging populations also play a role here. Older adults are more likely to experience strokes or fractures, both of which often require rehabilitation. In Japan, for example, where the population is aging faster than anywhere else, rehabilitation bed sales grew by 6% in 2023, driven by an increase in stroke survivors. Similarly, in the U.S., the number of people over 65 with mobility issues is projected to rise by 25% by 2030, leading to more demand for rehabilitation services—and the beds that support them.

Manufacturers targeting the rehabilitation segment include specialty companies like Arjo and Permobil, which focus on mobility aids and rehabilitation equipment. These companies often work closely with therapists to design beds that meet clinical needs, resulting in higher price points—rehabilitation beds can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on features. While this makes the segment less accessible to smaller facilities, the high margins and steady demand make it attractive to manufacturers willing to invest in specialized R&D.

Looking ahead, the rehabilitation bed segment is expected to grow at a 4.8% annual rate through 2028, outpacing long-term care but still trailing home care. As tele-rehabilitation becomes more common, we may also see beds with built-in cameras or sensors that allow therapists to monitor patients remotely, adjusting bed settings in real time. For now, though, this segment remains a quiet but vital part of the nursing bed market, supporting patients on their road to recovery one adjustable angle at a time.

To bring all this data together, let's take a snapshot of nursing bed sales by application type in 2023, along with projected growth rates through 2028. The table below summarizes key figures, including estimated sales volume, market share, and the primary drivers behind each segment's performance. Keep in mind that these numbers are global estimates, and regional variations may apply—for example, home care beds are growing faster in North America than in Africa, while hospital beds dominate in developing regions with expanding healthcare infrastructure.

As the table shows, home care beds are the clear growth leader, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%—far higher than the overall market average of 5.5%. This makes sense given the trends we've discussed: aging in place, cost sensitivity, and the desire for independence. Hospitals, while still the largest segment, are growing more slowly, as developed markets have less need for new bed purchases and instead focus on upgrading existing equipment. Long-term care facilities, meanwhile, are growing steadily but modestly, constrained by funding challenges in many regions.

Another way to look at this data is by value rather than volume. Hospital beds, which are more expensive, account for a larger share of the market by revenue—around 55% in 2023, compared to 25% for home care. But as home care bed prices rise with added features (like smart technology), this gap is expected to narrow. By 2028, home care beds could account for 30% of the market by value, reflecting both higher sales volume and higher average prices.

It's also worth noting that some manufacturers specialize in one or two segments, while others aim to serve all. For example, Hill-Rom and Stryker focus heavily on hospitals and long-term care, while Drive Medical and Medline prioritize home care and rehabilitation. This specialization allows companies to tailor their products to specific needs—something that's increasingly important as the market becomes more competitive. For consumers, this means more choice than ever, whether you're a hospital administrator looking for a fleet of electric beds or a family shopping for a home care model that fits your living room.

Beyond the application-specific data, several broader trends are reshaping the nursing bed market, influencing sales across all segments. Let's explore a few of the most impactful ones:

Nursing beds are more than just furniture—they're the foundation of quality care, whether in a hospital, a home, or a rehabilitation center. By examining sales statistics by application type, we've seen how different settings drive demand for different features, from the heavy-duty electric beds of hospitals to the sleek, portable models of home care. The data tells a clear story: the market is growing, and home care is leading the charge, fueled by a global desire to age in place and the rising cost of institutional care.

For manufacturers, this means focusing on innovation—developing beds that are smarter, more customizable, and more sustainable. For caregivers and healthcare providers, it means more choice than ever, with options to fit every budget and need. And for patients and their families, it means better beds that support comfort, safety, and dignity. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the nursing bed market will continue to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of our aging population and the ever-shifting landscape of healthcare. And through it all, these beds will remain the quiet workhorses of care, supporting millions of people around the world every single day.