Agiliti, a US-based healthcare technology management company, has invested over $35 million in the development of a next-generation hospital bed designed to enhance both patient comfort and caregiver efficiency. The result of four years of research and co-creation with frontline healthcare workers, the new Essentia bed marks Agiliti’s first major step from equipment services into medical device manufacturing.
The Essentia bed was developed in direct response to the ongoing challenges facing post-COVID healthcare systems, particularly around staffing shortages, workplace injuries, and rising patient acuity. By focusing on real-world feedback from caregivers and patients, Agiliti created a bed system that offers advanced ergonomics, enhanced safety, and improved usability. “We combined years of service experience with thousands of user insights into one integrated platform,” said Kristen Thurman, VP of Product Management and Clinical Affairs at Agiliti.
Smart Features to Support Recovery and Efficiency
The Essentia system includes a modular frame compatible with various pressure-relieving surfaces. It is equipped with:
- Ultra-low height (11.5 inches) to support safe patient transfers
- Adjustable frame width and length to fit diverse body types
- Side rails that provide stability but remain easily adjustable for staff access
- Tilting up to 20 degrees, enabling early mobilization in immobile patients
- Customizable alerts and intuitive controls, accessible from both sides of the bed
These features are designed to reduce the risk of pressure injuries, improve recovery times, and ease the physical strain on healthcare staff.
Strategic Shift
Agiliti’s transition into manufacturing was made possible through its 2021 acquisition of Sizewise, a specialist in bariatric hospital beds. The company has since invested heavily in US-based manufacturing, with bed frames produced in Kansas and mattress systems in California.
This local production strategy also reduces dependency on global supply chains and minimizes tariff-related disruptions. “Our decision to manufacture in the U.S. has proven to be a strategic advantage,” said CEO Tom Leonard.
Scalable Model
Agiliti envisions a razor-and-blade model, where durable bed frames are paired with replaceable surfaces. While a frame can last up to 10 years, the surfaces are typically replaced every 3 to 7 years, creating a sustainable revenue stream.
With the US market accounting for 50,000 to 70,000 new hospital beds annually, and a total bed market valued at $2.5 billion, the Essentia bed is positioned to become a key growth driver for Agiliti, which reported $1.2 billion in revenue in 2024.
A Decade of Transformation
Since CEO Leonard joined the company in 2015, Agiliti has grown from a financially troubled rental firm to a national player managing over 1 million healthcare assets, from surgical instruments to emergency stockpiles.
Today, more than 90% of US hospitals are located within 100 miles of Agiliti’s 130+ service centers, including the newly opened 32,000 sq. ft. Eagan facility, which supports thousands of medical devices across 150 regional healthcare sites.
By integrating its vast experience in medical equipment services with hands-on user feedback, Agiliti has developed a product that goes beyond functionality. It enhances the quality of care, supports clinical workflows, and helps reduce the physical toll on healthcare workers. “This is just the beginning,” said Leonard. “We don’t see Essentia as our last product, we see it as the first of many innovations designed for modern care environments.”
