can i get a bed or mattress on prescription?

Question

i have severe rheumatoid arthritis and have been told that i need a new bed or at the very least an orthopaedic mattress. can a gp or consultant prescribe one on a private prescription. if not is there any other way that i can at least get help towards the purchase of said item. I do work but cannot afford the extortionate prices. I recieve higher rate mobility allowance and i live in bham uk

Answer 1

District Nurses have access to home loans that include hospital beds- get your GP to say you need one and refer you.

Answer 2

I don't think you can get a bed/mattress on prescription, but my recollection, from working in a small department store, was that if the mattress was needed for medical purposes, and your GP was willing to verify this, the bed/mattress becomes VAT exempt.

I don't know if the rules have changed, but this was certainly true until 2003.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I've seen this type of question dozens of times, though it's usually related to the spouse snoring, but it's basically the same thing here. Judging by the answers I've seen online, you would be surprised how many people sleep in separate beds in private, but won't breathe a word of it in public/real-life. Trust me when I say this, you are not the only person to face this problem and deal with it in the same way. As far as morality goes... You should do what works for your family, so that you can both be happy. That's the right thing to do. However, I would suggest getting an actual second bed, instead of trying to sleep on the couch. I can't imagine that the couch is very comfortable!

Answer 4

I'm a medical assistant, and we have patients in your same situation. Yes you can get a mattress on prescription if it's deemed medically necessary. But you will have to get it from one of those home medical supply companies. And if you have insurance, and your Dr. says yes you need this, they have to pay for it. Good Luck :)

Answer 5

if you have a medical note saying you need a new mattress you might get a grant for it from the social - ok this isnt "on prescription" something you can try is putting a piece of chipboard under your mattress

Answer 6

If it's on a private prescription you'll pay the same price for it anyway. I'm uncertain, but a HC1 form may entitle you with help paying for it if you're on a low income.

Answer 7

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long term disease which is caused when the immune system attacks the human body. More information on rheumatoid arthritis, home remedies and treatment is available at http://tinyurl.com/z5vx5

Answer 8

Yes. A matress for bad backs.

Answer 9

no, but i think you might get a hypo alergenic mattress

Answer 10

it's possible