How to Make a Hospital Room More Comfortable

Staying in a hospital, whether for a short period or an extended stay, can be a disorienting experience. This is true not just for the patient but also for their caregivers and loved ones.

The hospital environment – with its clinical setting and unfamiliar routines – can significantly impact a person’s emotional and mental well-being. It’s in these moments that the small comforts of life, the familiar touches of home, can make a substantial difference.

At CaringBridge, we understand the importance of comfort during a difficult time. From cozy bedding to bringing fun activities, there are many solutions to this making a hospital room feel a little more like home. Here, let’s explore 12 ways you can make a hospital experience more comfortable.

Making a Hospital Room More Comfortable: 12 Ideas

Transforming a hospital room into a more comfortable space involves small but significant changes. Here are 12 ideas to help, keeping in mind that you should always consult with your healthcare team for any hospital restrictions.

1. Bring Cozy Bedding

The importance of cozy bedding in a hospital cannot be overstated. Hospital beds, designed for practicality, often lack the comfort of a bed at home. Bringing your own bedding – a favorite pillow, a soft throw blanket or a well-loved quilt – can make a significant difference. 

The familiar textures and scents of these items can be immensely comforting. They provide a sense of security and warmth in a sterile environment.

“Bring your favorite pillow if you have one, mine is a pillow that was made out of one of my dads shirts after he passed and a comfy, cozy blanket that you use at home all the time!! Makes it feel like home and looks like home!!”

Karen K.

2. Have Personal Toiletries on Hand

Personal care is a critical aspect of feeling comfortable and maintaining dignity during a hospital stay. While hospitals provide basic toiletries, having your own on hand can be a game-changer. Here’s a list of ideas to potentially include:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Hairbrush
• Contact lenses and solution, if used
• Moisturizing lotion
• Lip balm

These items do more than just fulfill basic hygiene needs. They bring the scents and routines of home into the hospital room. By bringing these items to the hospital, you’re providing a comforting ritual that can be especially soothing during long stays.

3. Bring Photos, Plants or Other Items From Home

Creating a space that feels familiar and personal can significantly enhance the comfort level in a hospital room. Personalizing the space with photographs, a favorite plant or a cherished item can transform the feel of the room. 

These items act as a visual and emotional connection to life outside the hospital. They help remind you of happy memories and the support system rallied around you during your health journey.

Related Read: 13 Helpful Things to Bring Someone in the Hospital

4. Decorate for Holidays and Birthdays

Hospital stays that coincide with holidays or birthdays can feel particularly isolating. Decorating to celebrate special occasions can make a big difference. This could be anything from a small Christmas tree, a menorah for Hanukkah, festive lights or even handmade birthday decorations.

Celebrating the special occasions in a hospital room can bring a sense of normalcy and even joy to both the patient and their visitors.

“When my husband was in over the holidays, I took a very small Christmas tree (shelf size), an angel and some touches of home… it made it nicer for everyone.”

Sandy W.

5. Consider Using a White Noise Machine or Speaker

The ambient noise in hospitals – beeping machines, hallway chatter and intercom announcements – can be disruptive and stressful. A white noise machine or a small speaker to play soothing music or ambient sounds can help create a more tranquil environment.

It’s a simple way to mask hospital noises and can aid in relaxation and sleep, which are crucial for recovery.

6. Have a Sleep Mask and Earbuds for Rest

Quality sleep is crucial for recovery, but it can be challenging to achieve in a hospital setting. The environment is often filled with unfamiliar noises and bright lights, which can disrupt sleep patterns and hinder rest. This is where a sleep mask and earbuds, or noise-canceling headphones, can become essential tools.

A sleep mask serves a simple purpose: it blocks out unwanted light. Hospitals are lit at all hours, and the frequent turning on and off of lights can interrupt sleep. 

A comfortable sleep mask can provide darkness, signaling to your body that it’s time to rest. It’s a small, portable, effective way to create a night-like environment, regardless of the time of day.

Earbuds or noise-canceling headphones can improve the hospital experience by providing a barrier to noise. Hospitals are bustling places, and the sounds of medical equipment, conversations and foot traffic are constant. Using earbuds or headphones to listen to soothing music, ambient sounds or even guided meditations can help mask these disruptive noises.

7. Use an Extension Cord and Long Device Charging Cables

In the digital age, staying connected to the outside world is important to most people. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops can be lifelines to family, friends and entertainment. 

However, hospital rooms are not always designed with enough accessible electrical outlets. An extension cord and longer charging cables ensure that devices can be used and charged comfortably, regardless of the room’s layout.

8. Explore Easy Activities to Try in the Room

Staying active and engaged is important for mental health, especially during a hospital stay. Bringing in activities that can be done in bed can provide a welcome distraction and a sense of normalcy. Some ideas include:

• Adult and children’s coloring books
• Crossword puzzles, Sudoku and brain games
• Portable crafts like knitting or crocheting
• Audiobooks and podcasts
• Simple board games or card games
• Handheld electronic games or gaming devices

These activities not only help pass the time but also offer mental stimulation and a break from the hospital routine.

9. Wear Your Own Clothes and Undergarments When Possible

Hospital gowns are designed for medical convenience, not patient comfort. Whenever possible, wearing personal clothes can make a huge difference in how a patient feels. 

It’s about more than just physical comfort; it’s about maintaining a sense of self and normalcy. Even something as simple as wearing one’s own pajamas or a favorite t-shirt can boost morale and comfort.

“Wear your favorite pajamas!”

Betina S.N.

10. Be Prepared for Dry Air

Hospitals often have dry air, which can lead to discomforts like dry skin and chapped lips. Bringing personal care items to combat this problem can be very helpful. Moisturizers, lotions and lip balms can provide relief. They can also add an element of personal care that’s comforting in a hospital setting.

11. Have a Dedicated Laundry Bag

Staying organized in a small hospital room is crucial for maintaining a sense of order and calm. A dedicated laundry bag helps keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones, reducing clutter and the feeling of disarray. 

It’s a small but practical way to maintain a semblance of normal household routines. It may also help keep the items you brought from home separate from items owned by the hospital. 

12. Ask for Support From Loved Ones

The support of friends and family is invaluable during a hospital stay. They can assist in numerous ways, from bringing items from home, delivering favorite foods to simply being present for a chat. Their presence can make a hospital room feel like a space of care and love, rather than just a medical facility.

To coordinate this support, consider using a platform like CaringBridge. It’s a tool that helps in communicating with loved ones, organizing help and updating friends and family about the patient’s condition. CaringBridge simplifies the process of requesting and coordinating support, making it easier for both the patient and their caregivers.

Making the Most of a Hospital Stay

A hospital stay can be a challenging experience, but small changes in the environment can make a significant difference. By incorporating comfort items, personal touches and the support of loved ones, a hospital room can become a more comforting space.

These ideas are just a starting point; everyone’s needs and preferences are unique. We encourage you to share your own tips and experiences on how to make a hospital room more comfortable. Your suggestions could be immensely helpful to others facing a similar situation. 

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, and help us build a community of care and support.