6 Best Shower Gurneys for Home and Hospital Use (2025)

For individuals with limited mobility, maintaining hygiene can be one of the greatest challenges to comfort, dignity, and overall health. Shower gurneys offer a safe and supportive solution, allowing patients to bathe while lying down, minimizing the risk of falls, skin breakdown, and caregiver injury.

With so many models available, choosing the right shower gurney can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we review the six best shower gurneys to help you find the perfect fit for your clinical setting, long-term care facility, or home care environment, highlighting key features to look for along the way, like adjustability, weight capacity, and ease of use.

What is the Purpose of a Shower Gurney?

A shower gurney is a mobile, waterproof stretcher designed to safely transport and bathe individuals who cannot sit upright or stand during hygiene routines. It provides a secure, comfortable surface for patients while allowing caregivers to perform bathing tasks efficiently.

The Top Shower Gurneys

1. EZ-Bathe Inflatable Bed Bath

The EZ-Bathe Inflatable Bed Bath is ideal for patients who are fully bed-bound and cannot transfer safely to a bathroom. It inflates easily around the individual to create a watertight environment, allowing caregivers to perform full-body bathing without moving the patient. This protects fragile skin integrity and prevents complications such as pressure ulcers.

Key Features:

• Soft yet durable vinyl material
• The attached drain hose and air pump are included
• Folds compactly for storage

Ideal for:

• Home hospice care
• Acute injury recovery (e.g., spinal cord injuries)
• Bedridden seniors in long-term care

Pros:

• Bedside solution for non-ambulatory patients
• Increases hygiene without risky transfers
• Simple setup with a pump

Cons:

• The caregiver must manually fill and drain
• Not a 1:1 replacement for mobile transport solutions

2. Concerto Height-Adjustable Shower Trolley

The Concerto Height-Adjustable Shower Trolley offers a professional, hospital-grade solution for safe patient bathing. With height-adjustable hydraulic lift functions, it protects caregivers from repetitive strain injuries and makes hygiene routines much safer for larger or heavier patients.

Key Features:

• Hydraulic height adjustment between 20–38 inches
• Water drainage channel integrated into the mattress
• Fold-down safety rails for easier transfers

Ideal for:

• Skilled nursing facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Bariatric patients needing secure transfer and bathing

Pros:

• Ergonomic caregiver access to reduce injury
• Smooth, heavy-duty wheel casters
• High-capacity drainage to avoid water pooling

Cons:

• Requires adequate room size
• Higher upfront clinical investment

3. Heavy-Duty Battery-Operated Bariatric Shower Stretcher

This Battery-Operated Bariatric Shower Stretcher is engineered for users up to 700 lbs, offering a seamless lift and transfer experience for caregivers treating heavier patients. The battery power removes the need for manual pumping, allowing smooth height adjustments at the push of a button.

Key Features:

• Motorized height adjustments
• Wide mattress platform for comfort
• Central locking casters for stability

Ideal for:

• Bariatric clinics
• Hospitals specializing in wound care
• Facilities requiring maximum safe working load options

Pros:

• Battery operation reduces caregiver strain
• Heavy-duty structure ensures patient safety
• Comfortable high-density foam mattress

Cons:

• May require backup batteries
• Bulky footprint in smaller bathrooms

4. Mobi Height-Adjustable Shower Trolley

The Mobi Shower Trolley is designed for both home and clinical use. Available in either manual or powered options, it offers flexibility based on caregiver and facility needs. Its height adjustment range and robust safety features make it particularly helpful for multipatient environments.

Key Features:

• Safety rails and a drainage plug are included
• Durable stainless steel frame with anti-corrosive coating
• Braking system for added control

Ideal for:

• Homecare settings with professional caregiving
• Rehabilitation clinics with variable patient loads
• Pediatric to adult patient transitions

Pros:

• Ergonomic access during patient hygiene routines
• Manual or powered options to suit the budget and the caregiver's strength
• Easy disinfection process for infection control

Cons:

• Manual models may be harder to adjust for heavier patients
• A larger size may not fit into tight home spaces

5. Marina Hydraulic Shower Gurneys by Lopital

Known for durability and performance, the Marina Hydraulic Shower Gurneys by Lopital use a reliable hydraulic system that lets caregivers tilt the stretcher for easy drainage. These models are crafted with a strong, powder-coated steel frame and high-quality mattresses for superior patient comfort.

Key Features:

• Built-in tilting for optimal water drainage
• Soft mattress surface for skin protection
• Easy maneuverability with precision wheels

Ideal for:

• Skilled nursing facilities
• Acute care hospitals with a focus on hygiene and dignity
• High-usage shower rooms

Pros:

• Manual hydraulic tilt reduces caregiver burden
• Top-tier build quality for long-term reliability
• Excellent infection control design

Cons:

• Manual height adjustment still requires physical effort

6. Echo Sling Shower Gurney Without Elevating Headrest

The Echo Sling Shower Gurney offers a basic but highly functional solution for patients needing full supine bathing. Its sling-style design allows quick water drainage and simplifies the cleaning process between uses, making it ideal for lighter clinical or home care needs.

Key Features:

• Non-elevating sling surface with quick-drain fabric
• Lightweight, rust-proof frame
• Four caster wheels with individual locks

Ideal for:

• Home caregivers managing smaller patients
• Small clinics needing simple, easy-to-clean gurneys
• Pediatric patients or smaller adults

Pros:

• Very lightweight and mobile
• Affordable clinical-grade option
• Minimal maintenance required

Cons:

• Basic design limits advanced positioning or customization

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean a shower gurney?

To clean a shower gurney, first remove any detachable cushions or pads. Wipe down all surfaces with a mild disinfectant solution, paying special attention to joints and crevices. Ensure the gurney is thoroughly dried to prevent mold and mildew growth. Regular cleaning after each use helps maintain hygiene and prolong the equipment's lifespan.

What is the weight capacity of a shower gurney?

Shower gurneys typically support weight capacities ranging from 300 to 600 pounds, depending on the model. Bariatric models are available for individuals requiring higher weight limits, ensuring safety and comfort during use.

Are shower gurneys adjustable?

Yes, many shower gurneys feature adjustable components such as height settings, reclining backrests, and elevating headrests. These adjustments enhance patient comfort and provide ergonomic benefits for caregivers during bathing procedures.

Can shower gurneys be used over a toilet?

Some shower gurneys are designed with adjustable height ranges and drainage systems that allow them to be positioned over a toilet, offering a dual-purpose function to streamline hygiene and toileting care in limited spaces.

Are there battery-powered shower gurneys?

Yes, battery-powered shower gurneys are available and allow for easy height adjustments and tilting with minimal physical strain on the caregiver. They are ideal for settings where frequent adjustments are necessary, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or home care environments with complex needs.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating a shower gurney into hygiene routines not only minimizes the physical demands on caregivers but also reduces the risk of patient injuries, skin breakdown, and infection. Selecting a model with appropriate safety features ensures that both the patient and caregiver can focus on providing or receiving care in a safe, efficient, and comfortable way.

By thoughtfully assessing your needs and understanding the options available, you can confidently select a shower gurney that promotes greater independence, enhances quality of life, and supports better health outcomes for individuals with limited mobility.