Hospital blankets are durable, institutional-grade linens designed for repeated high-temperature washing. These textiles are engineered to offer warmth while remaining lightweight, often utilizing materials like cotton or specialized synthetic blends. Their structure prioritizes longevity and ease of sanitation, making them distinct from typical household bedding. This guide explores the types of hospital blankets and where to purchase them for personal or institutional needs.
Identifying Different Types of Hospital Blankets
The most recognizable type is the thermal or cellular blanket, which features an open, woven construction, sometimes called a leno or honeycomb weave. This construction traps air for insulation while allowing for breathability, preventing overheating. They are commonly made from 100% cotton or a cotton-polyester blend, balancing natural fiber comfort and synthetic durability.
Standard patient bed linens include durable flat sheets and spread blankets, usually heavy-duty cotton or poly-blends. These are designed to endure the rigorous, high-heat laundering cycles required in clinical settings. Specialized types include ultra-soft fleece for warmth, disposable non-woven covers for infection control, and bath blankets used for patient privacy and warmth during post-care procedures.
Retail and Consumer Purchase Options
For individuals or small-scale consumers purchasing a few blankets, major online marketplaces provide the most convenient options. Searching platforms like Amazon or eBay using specific terms will help filter out generic home goods. Many vendors offer these institutional-grade products directly to the public, often in standard hospital sizes like 66 inches by 90 inches.
Large department stores and superstores with dedicated home or medical supply sections may also stock these durable linens. Look specifically for products marketed as “institutional,” “healthcare,” or “dormitory” bedding, as these terms indicate the necessary durability. Consumer-focused online medical supply stores are another reliable avenue, as these specialized retailers frequently carry the exact brands, like Medline or McKesson, used in clinical environments.
Institutional and Bulk Sourcing
Organizations requiring large volumes, such as nursing homes, clinics, or shelters, should use specialized wholesale distributors for cost-effective sourcing. Textile wholesalers and healthcare linen companies sell in case-pack quantities, which significantly reduces the per-unit price compared to retail options. These suppliers specialize in providing inventory designed to meet commercial laundry standards.
These specialized vendors often require setting up a business account and adhere to minimum order requirements, sometimes mandating the purchase of dozens of units. Healthcare-specific distributors frequently carry accessories like bariatric-sized blankets and products with specific flammability ratings required for institutional compliance. Utilizing a wholesale supplier ensures consistent quality across large inventory orders engineered for high-turnover environments.
Key Factors for Selection and Care
Selecting the correct hospital blanket requires evaluating its material durability against the intended cleaning regimen. Cotton/polyester blends are preferred for their high tensile strength, allowing them to withstand the mechanical stress of frequent industrial washing without pilling or fraying. Since healthcare laundering uses precise temperature control and medical-grade detergents to eliminate pathogens, the blanket must be colorfast and resistant to chemical degradation.
Size is also a factor, as institutional blankets are sized to fit patient beds, differing from standard residential bedding dimensions. The common twin hospital size of approximately 66 inches by 90 inches is designed for easy tucking and management. For institutional use, confirm safety specifications, such as flame retardant certifications, to ensure compliance. Checking the fabric’s weight, listed in grams per square meter (GSM), helps determine the blanket’s warmth and longevity; a higher GSM indicates a denser, more durable textile.