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Dolphin Wound Care Mattress Price Breakdown: Complete Cost Analysis for Clinical-Grade Pressure Ulcer Treatment

The Joerns Dolphin wound care mattress systems are priced at $28,996 for the Standard Low Profile model, $29,916 for the 48-inch Bariatric system, and $29,654 for the DolphinCare Integrated Bed System. All three configurations feature the same proven Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology that has successfully treated over 450,000 patients with stage IV pressure ulcers, post-operative flaps and grafts, and spinal cord injury complications across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare environments.

📋 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Joerns Dolphin FIS mattress systems deliver clinical-grade Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology proven across 450,000+ patients for treating stage III-IV pressure ulcers
  • Three price points address different needs: Standard Low Profile at $28,996 (most versatile), Bariatric 48" at $29,916 (highest capacity), and DolphinCare Integrated Bed at $29,654 (complete home solution)
  • All three share core technology: Same proven FIS technology, 12-hour battery backup, built-in foam safety cells, and fully autonomic microprocessor operation requiring minimal training
  • Documented cost savings: Facilities report $13,000+ savings per unit versus rental arrangements, with over 50% cost reduction versus air-fluidized therapy and VA study showing heel pressure ulcer rates dropping from 11% to 0%

Best for Most Facilities: Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® Low Profile Mattress System

For Bariatric Patients: Joerns Dolphin Bariatric Mattress System (48" Wide)

Complete Bed Solution: Joerns DolphinCare™ Integrated Bed System

Dolphin Wound Care Mattress Systems: Quick Buyer Decision Guide

Choosing between the three Dolphin configurations comes down to patient weight requirements, whether you need a complete bed system, and your specific clinical environment.

Standard Low Profile vs Bariatric vs Integrated: Direct Comparison

Feature Standard Low Profile Bariatric 48" DolphinCare Integrated
Price $28,996 $29,916 $29,654
Dimensions 35"x82"x8" (also 42", EX) 48"x82"x10" 35"x82" bed system
Weight Capacity 500 lbs 1000 lbs 500 lbs
Profile Height 8" (thinnest) 10" Bed frame integrated
Size Options 3 (35", 42", expandable) 1 (48" only) 2 (35", 42")
Auto-Firm Feature No Yes No
Hi-Low Range N/A (mattress only) N/A (mattress only) 7"-30"
Comfort Chair No No Yes (65° back angle)
Installation Not specified Not specified FREE included
Best For General wound care Bariatric patients Home healthcare

What All Three Share

Core Technology:

  • Same Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology treating stage IV pressure ulcers
  • 12-hour battery backup for transport and power outages
  • Built-in foam safety cell preventing bottoming out
  • Fully autonomic microprocessor operation

Clinical Applications:

  • Stage IV pressure ulcers
  • Post-operative flaps and grafts
  • Spinal cord injury complications
  • Complex wound management

Operational Benefits:

  • Minimal training required (just turn on)
  • Fits existing bed frames (Standard and Bariatric)
  • Treats same conditions across all models

Choose Standard Low Profile ($28,996) If You:

  • Treat patients under 500 pounds
  • Already have hospital bed frames
  • Need the thinnest profile (8" height)
  • Want size flexibility (35", 42", or expandable length options)
  • Require ICU or med/surg compatibility
  • Work in general wound care settings

See Full Specifications

Choose Bariatric 48" ($29,916) If You:

  • Treat patients 500-1000 pounds
  • Need the highest weight capacity available for FIS technology
  • Require auto-firm feature for safer staff transfers
  • Address obesity-related wound complications
  • Want to prevent caregiver injury during patient handling
  • Work in bariatric specialty programs

See Full Specifications

Choose DolphinCare Integrated ($29,654) If You:

  • Need complete bed solution (no existing bed frames)
  • Provide home healthcare services
  • Want residential aesthetics (wood finish bed panels)
  • Require hi-low functionality (7"-30" range)
  • Need FREE delivery and installation included
  • Prioritize fall risk reduction with industry-leading 7" low height

See Full Specifications

Understanding Fluid Immersion Simulation® Technology

Joerns Dolphin mattress systems use Fluid Immersion Simulation® technology originally developed for the dry transport of specially trained U.S. Navy dolphins. This technology simulates the healing effects of floating in water.

How It Works:

The surface automatically conforms to each patient's unique body shape rather than forcing the body to conform to the mattress. This maintains near-normal blood flow to compromised tissue, which is critical for healing complex wounds.

Once caregivers power on the system, the built-in microprocessor handles all adjustments as patients move throughout the day. No manual repositioning protocols or complex settings required.

Proven Across 450,000+ Patients:

Clinical reviews document specific outcomes across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare:

  • 49 patients with pressure injury improvement
  • 71% improvement in maceration-related lesions
  • 115 patients reporting enhanced comfort

One VA medical center saw heel pressure ulcer rates drop from 11% to 0% after implementing Dolphin therapy.

Joerns Dolphin Standard Low Profile: $28,996 Detailed Review

Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation Low Profile Mattress System

Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® Low Profile Mattress System

The Standard Dolphin FIS at $28,996 features a space-saving low profile design that's 2 inches thinner than standard Dolphin systems. This configuration includes a lightweight 22-pound therapy mattress paired with a compact 10-pound Dolphin AutoVector Control Unit.

  • Available sizes: Standard 35"x82"x8", UltraWide 42"x82"x8", Expandable 35"x82-92"x8"
  • Weight capacity: 500 lbs
  • Battery backup: 12 hours
  • Mattress weight: 22 lbs
  • Control unit: 10 lbs compact design

Special Pricing Available: Call 833-499-4450

See Full Specifications

Why This Model Works for Most Facilities:

The $28,996 Standard Low Profile addresses the broadest range of clinical scenarios. The three size configurations (35", 42", expandable length) accommodate different bed frames and patient sizes without requiring specialized equipment.

Low Profile Advantage:

At 8 inches thick, this system measures 2 inches thinner than standard Dolphin models. This improves caregiver access during wound care procedures while maintaining full therapeutic capabilities for stage IV pressure ulcer treatment.

Ideal Clinical Settings:

  • Hospital ICU: Complex wound management where patients can't tolerate frequent repositioning due to ventilators or unstable conditions
  • Spinal cord injury rehabilitation: After doctors clear stabilized patients for FIS therapy
  • Post-operative care: Flap and graft healing requiring consistent blood flow without heat or dehydration
  • Long-term care facilities: General wound care with standard hospital bed infrastructure

Joerns Dolphin Bariatric System: $29,916 Detailed Review

Joerns Dolphin Bariatric Mattress System

Joerns Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® Bariatric Mattress System

The 48-inch Bariatric Dolphin at $29,916 delivers full-width pressure redistribution for larger patients with 1000-pound weight capacity, the highest available for Fluid Immersion Simulation therapy systems. This configuration automatically adjusts to bariatric-specific weight distribution patterns.

  • Dimensions: 48"x82"x10"
  • Weight capacity: 1000 lbs (highest for FIS)
  • Auto-firm feature: Safer transfers and repositioning
  • Battery backup: 12 hours
  • Width advantage: Prevents body overhang issues

Special Pricing Available: Call 833-499-4450

See Full Specifications

Understanding the $920 Premium:

The Bariatric model at $29,916 costs $920 more than the Standard at $28,996. This premium delivers critical features for larger patients that the 500-pound Standard model cannot provide.

Exclusive Bariatric Features:

1000-Pound Capacity: The highest weight capacity available for Fluid Immersion Simulation technology accommodates the full bariatric patient population, including individuals whose weight exceeds standard therapeutic surface limitations.

48-Inch Width: Provides full-width pressure redistribution without body parts overhanging bed edges, which creates pressure points along bed rails that compromise therapy effectiveness.

Auto-Firm Function: Temporarily firms the mattress surface during patient transfers, creating stable platforms for caregiver assistance and reducing staff injury risk when working with patients weighing several hundred pounds.

Ideal Clinical Settings:

  • Bariatric hospital units: Patients with stage III-IV ulcers complicated by diabetes, poor circulation, and excess weight
  • Post-bariatric surgery: Recovery from gastric bypass, panniculectomy, or reconstructive procedures
  • Bariatric spinal cord injury: Combined pressure risk from paralysis and obesity
  • Long-term care bariatric programs: Prevention and treatment with 1000-pound capacity

DolphinCare Integrated Bed System: $29,654 Detailed Review

Joerns DolphinCare Integrated Bed System

Joerns DolphinCare™ Integrated Bed System

The DolphinCare Integrated Bed at $29,654 combines FIS mattress technology with a complete hi-low adjustable bed frame. This system delivers hospital-grade wound care for home healthcare environments, with industry-leading 7-inch low height and advanced positioning features.

  • Size: 35"x82" (42" UltraWide available)
  • Weight capacity: 500 lbs
  • Hi-low range: 7" to 30"
  • Comfort Chair: 65° back angle without transfers
  • Auto-Transfer: Automatic optimal exit height
  • Installation: FREE delivery and setup included

Special Pricing Available: Call 833-499-4450

See Full Specifications

Complete System Value:

At $29,654, the DolphinCare costs $658 more than the Standard mattress ($28,996) but includes the complete hi-low adjustable bed frame with advanced positioning features plus FREE delivery and installation.

Exclusive Integrated Features:

Hi-Low Functionality (7"-30"): Industry-leading 7-inch low height minimizes fall injury risk. The 30-inch high setting provides optimal caregiver ergonomics during wound care procedures.

Comfort Chair Function: Patients can sit upright at 65-degree back angles for meals, social interaction, or activities without transferring to separate furniture that could stress healing tissue.

Auto-Transfer Positioning: Automatically positions bed at optimal exit height for patient safety, reducing fall risk during independent transfer attempts.

Roll-at-Any-Height Mobility: Enables patient repositioning at any bed elevation, making caregiving easier throughout the day.

Gravity-Assist Positioning: Reduces physical force required to reposition patients, addressing caregiver safety in home healthcare settings where family members provide care.

Residential Aesthetics: Traditional laminate bed panels in Quartered Oak with Sand Edge finish reduce institutional appearance, supporting patient dignity during extended home healthcare.

Additional Components: UltraLock at head and foot for secure positioning, plus two assist handles to aid patient entry and exit.

Ideal Clinical Settings:

  • Home healthcare: Discharged patients with stage III-IV ulcers requiring hospital-level therapy families can manage
  • Post-surgical home recovery: Flap and graft healing during 4-8 week critical period
  • Spinal cord injury home care: Lifetime pressure prevention with autonomous adjustment
  • Skilled nursing private rooms: Complete bed solution with home-like appearance
  • Hospice care: Comfort for end-of-life patients with existing pressure ulcers

Standard vs Bariatric vs Integrated: Which Delivers Best Value?

For General Wound Care Programs: Standard Low Profile Wins

Why Standard Offers Best Value for Most Facilities:

At $28,996, the Standard Low Profile provides the lowest entry price while maintaining full FIS therapeutic capabilities. The three size options (35", 42", expandable) accommodate diverse patient populations and existing bed frames.

The 8-inch low profile design offers the thinnest configuration, improving caregiver access during frequent wound assessments and dressing changes. The lightweight 22-pound mattress makes installation and repositioning easier for staff.

Cost Per Therapeutic Capability:

All three systems deliver the same core FIS technology treating stage IV pressure ulcers. The Standard model provides this capability at the lowest price point for patients under 500 pounds.

For Bariatric Populations: Bariatric Model Justifies Premium

Why $920 Premium Makes Sense:

The Bariatric model at $29,916 delivers features the Standard physically cannot provide for larger patients. The 1000-pound capacity represents double the Standard's 500-pound limit.

The 48-inch width prevents body overhang that compromises therapy effectiveness on narrower surfaces. The auto-firm feature specifically addresses caregiver safety during transfers with heavier patients, potentially preventing staff injury.

When Bariatric Premium Is Essential:

Facilities treating patients 500-1000 pounds have no alternative, the Standard's 500-pound capacity is insufficient. The $920 premium becomes mandatory rather than optional for this patient population.

For Home Healthcare: Integrated Bed Provides Complete Solution

Why Integrated System Delivers Best Home Value:

At $29,654, the Integrated Bed costs just $658 more than the Standard mattress but includes:

  • Complete hi-low adjustable bed frame
  • Advanced positioning features (Comfort Chair, Auto-Transfer, Gravity-Assist)
  • Residential aesthetics with wood finish panels
  • FREE delivery and installation

Home healthcare agencies would need to purchase a separate hospital bed ($3,000-8,000+) to use the Standard mattress. The Integrated system eliminates this additional cost while adding features specifically designed for home environments.

Home-Specific Value Components:

The 7-inch low height, residential appearance, and Comfort Chair functionality address home healthcare needs the mattress-only systems cannot. Family caregivers benefit from Gravity-Assist and Auto-Transfer features that reduce physical demands and injury risk.

Price-to-Feature Ratio Analysis

Standard Low Profile: Best General Value

What You Get Value Assessment
Core FIS technology Same as all models
500 lb capacity Covers majority of patients
Thinnest profile (8") Unique advantage
3 size options Most flexibility
Lightweight (22 lbs) Easiest installation
Price: $28,996 Lowest entry point

Bariatric 48": Best Specialized Value

What You Get Value Assessment
Core FIS technology Same as all models
1000 lb capacity Highest available
48" width Critical for larger patients
Auto-firm feature Unique safety benefit
Price: $29,916 $920 premium delivers essential features

DolphinCare Integrated: Best Complete Solution Value

What You Get Value Assessment
Core FIS technology Same as all models
Complete bed frame Eliminates separate purchase
Hi-low 7"-30" Industry-leading range
4 positioning features Most functional capability
FREE installation Only model with included setup
Price: $29,654 Best value for home healthcare

Documented Cost Savings Across All Models

Consistent Savings Benefits:

Facilities report $13,000+ savings per Dolphin unit versus ongoing rental arrangements for comparable advanced therapy surfaces. This applies to all three configurations, Standard, Bariatric, and Integrated.

Air-Fluidized Therapy Comparison:

Clinical studies document over 50% cost savings compared to air-fluidized therapy beds. The Dolphin's closed-system design maintains comfortable conditions without hot air and dehydration issues.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention Impact:

One VA medical center saw heel pressure ulcer rates drop from 11% to 0% after implementing Dolphin therapy. This documented prevention capability applies across all three Dolphin configurations using the same FIS technology.

Clinical Outcome Consistency:

The 450,000+ patients successfully treated include users of all three Dolphin configurations. Clinical reviews documenting 49 patients with pressure injury improvement, 71% improvement in maceration-related lesions, and 115 patients reporting enhanced comfort reflect outcomes across the entire Dolphin product line.

What's Included With Your Dolphin Purchase

Standard Low Profile and Bariatric Models Include:

  • Therapy mattress (22 lbs Standard, weight varies Bariatric)
  • Dolphin AutoVector Control Unit (10 lbs, compact design)
  • 12-hour battery backup system
  • Built-in foam safety cell
  • Power cord and all necessary connections
  • 2-year warranty on mattress and control unit

DolphinCare Integrated Bed System Includes:

  • Complete FIS therapy mattress integrated into bed frame
  • Hi-low adjustable bed (7" to 30" range)
  • Traditional laminate bed panels (Quartered Oak/Sand Edge)
  • Two assist handles
  • UltraLock positioning at head and foot
  • Roll-at-any-height mobility
  • Comfort Chair positioning (65° back angle)
  • Auto-Transfer positioning
  • Gravity-Assist repositioning
  • FREE delivery to all U.S. locations
  • FREE in-home installation and setup
  • 2-year warranty

Operational Simplicity Across All Models:

All three Dolphin systems feature fully autonomic operation. Caregivers simply power on the system before placing patients in bed. The built-in microprocessor automatically handles all adjustments as patients move throughout the day.

No complex settings, no manual pressure adjustments, no repositioning schedules. The system works independently once turned on.

Special Pricing and Volume Purchase Opportunities

Listed Prices:

  • Standard Low Profile: $28,996
  • Bariatric 48": $29,916
  • DolphinCare Integrated: $29,654

Special Pricing Available:

All three configurations display "Special Pricing Available: Call 833-499-4450" on product pages. This indicates potential pricing flexibility for:

  • Volume purchases (multiple units)
  • Facility-specific pricing considerations
  • Group purchasing organization (GPO) contracts
  • Budget-year promotions
  • Large-scale wound care program implementations

Contact for Pricing Discussion:

Healthcare facilities should contact 833-499-4450 to discuss specific pricing for their clinical requirements and purchasing volume.

Making Your Final Decision: Selection Framework

Step 1: Assess Patient Population

If treating patients under 500 lbs: Standard or Integrated (both 500 lb capacity)

If treating patients 500-1000 lbs: Bariatric required (only 1000 lb option)

Step 2: Evaluate Existing Infrastructure

Have hospital bed frames: Standard or Bariatric (mattress-only systems)

Need complete bed system: Integrated (includes bed frame)

Step 3: Identify Clinical Environment

Hospital/ICU/Long-term care facility: Standard or Bariatric

Home healthcare: Integrated (designed for home environments)

Step 4: Consider Specific Features

Need thinnest profile: Standard (8" vs 10" Bariatric)

Need caregiver safety features: Bariatric (auto-firm function)

Need fall risk reduction: Integrated (7" low height)

Need positioning flexibility: Integrated (Comfort Chair, Auto-Transfer)

Step 5: Calculate Total Value

Lowest entry cost: Standard ($28,996)

Highest capacity: Bariatric ($29,916)

Most complete system: Integrated ($29,654 with FREE installation)

Recommendation Summary:

Most Facilities Should Choose: Standard Low Profile at $28,996 for versatile, cost-effective wound care across general patient populations.

Bariatric Programs Should Choose: Bariatric 48" at $29,916 for essential 1000-pound capacity and auto-firm safety features.

Home Healthcare Should Choose: DolphinCare Integrated at $29,654 for complete bed solution with home-specific features and FREE installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the three Dolphin models?

The Standard Low Profile costs $28,996, the Bariatric 48" costs $29,916 ($920 more), and the DolphinCare Integrated Bed costs $29,654 ($658 more than Standard). The Bariatric premium reflects 1000-pound capacity and auto-firm features, while the Integrated price includes the complete bed frame plus FREE installation.

Do all three models use the same Fluid Immersion Simulation technology?

Yes, all three Dolphin configurations feature the same proven FIS technology treating stage IV pressure ulcers. The core therapeutic capability is identical across Standard, Bariatric, and Integrated models.

What weight capacity does each system support?

Standard Low Profile and DolphinCare Integrated both support 500 pounds. The Bariatric 48" supports 1000 pounds, the highest capacity available for Fluid Immersion Simulation technology.

Which model offers the best value for general wound care?

The Standard Low Profile at $28,996 offers the best value for facilities treating patients under 500 pounds, providing full FIS therapeutic capabilities at the lowest price with three size options and the thinnest 8-inch profile.

When is the Bariatric model worth the extra $920?

The Bariatric model is essential for patients 500-1000 pounds where the Standard's 500-pound capacity is insufficient. The $920 premium delivers 1000-pound capacity, 48-inch width preventing body overhang, and auto-firm function for caregiver safety during transfers.

What makes the DolphinCare Integrated system worth $29,654?

The Integrated system at $29,654 costs just $658 more than the Standard mattress but includes the complete hi-low adjustable bed frame (7"-30" range), four advanced positioning features (Comfort Chair, Auto-Transfer, Roll-at-any-height, Gravity-Assist), residential aesthetics, and FREE delivery and installation.

Does the pricing include delivery and installation?

Only the DolphinCare Integrated Bed System at $29,654 specifically includes FREE delivery and in-home installation. The Standard and Bariatric mattress-only models do not advertise included installation in their pricing.

Can I get special pricing on Dolphin systems?

Yes, all three configurations show "Special Pricing Available: Call 833-499-4450" indicating pricing flexibility for volume purchases, facility-specific needs, GPO contracts, or special promotions. Contact 833-499-4450 to discuss your requirements.

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