Innovative Hospital Bed by Agiliti Advances Patient Care with $35 Million Investment

Agiliti, a leading provider of hospital equipment services, has invested over $35 million in the development of a next-generation hospital bed designed to improve patient comfort and reduce physical strain on healthcare providers. This significant investment included four years of research and $30 million allocated to product development, along with $5 million for manufacturing upgrades.

Traditionally focused on renting and servicing hospital beds from other manufacturers, Agiliti has now ventured into manufacturing its own model, the Essentia bed, after acquiring extensive manufacturing capabilities from Sizewise in 2021. The name 'Essentia' reflects its focus on essential workers and aims to make hospital staff's jobs easier while enhancing patient care.

The design of the Essentia bed addresses key needs identified through years of feedback from both healthcare workers and patients. Its features include adjustable height, repositionable side rails, and customizable alarms, aiming to streamline care and improve safety. A notable aspect is its ability to tilt up to 20 degrees, which supports early mobilization of patients, aiding recovery and preventing pressure sores.

Constructed with a durable frame built in Kansas and surfaces manufactured in California and Mexico, the bed employs a business model likened to razor blades, where the frame is a long-lasting component, and mattresses or surfaces are replaceable. This approach aligns with the industry’s typical 10-year lifespan for frames and 3-7 years for mattresses.

The Essentia bed's versatility and innovative features are expected to make it a significant product for Agiliti, which reported $1.2 billion in 2024 revenue—around 30% of which is related to hospital bed management. The company's strategic move into manufacturing is also supported by its U.S.-based production, which minimizes disruptions caused by tariffs and international sourcing.

Founded in 2015 as Universal Hospital Services and rebranded to Agiliti in 2018, the company has experienced rapid growth, expanding its workforce and geographic footprint. Today, it manages over a million pieces of medical equipment across more than 130 U.S. service centers, ensuring hospitals and healthcare facilities stay equipped and operational.

With the new Essentia bed, Agiliti leverages extensive industry experience, combining feedback from service history with advanced manufacturing to create a system that benefits both patients and caregivers. Its features, including the ability to properly position patients and prevent pressure injuries, are designed to support modern, mobility-focused care practices.

This innovative hospital bed exemplifies how continual investment and industry expertise can lead to meaningful improvements in healthcare infrastructure, promising enhanced patient outcomes and operational efficiencies for hospitals nationwide.