SonderCare — Premium Home Hospital Beds
Comparing home hospital beds · US

SonderCare vs MedShop Direct: which bed is right for care at home?

If you’ve found a bed on MedShop Direct and you’re hesitating — there’s a lot of choice, the price looks reasonable, but you’re not quite sure who built it, who stands behind it, or what happens if it’s wrong for the room — that hesitation is worth listening to. A home hospital bed is usually a one-time purchase you’ll live with for years, and the lowest sticker isn’t always the lowest cost. This page lays out the real differences, using facts published on MedShop Direct’s own site, so you can decide with clear eyes.

Quick answer

MedShop Direct is a multi-brand reseller: it curates and ships hospital beds made by other manufacturers — names like TransferMaster, Icare, Proactive Medical, and Medacure — drop-shipped from those makers’ fulfillment centers. SonderCare is the manufacturer of its own home hospital bed, which it designs, certifies, delivers, assembles, and warranties as a single product. These aren’t better and worse versions of the same bed; they’re two different kinds of purchase. The right choice comes down to whether your need is short-term and budget-led, or long-term and lived-in with one company accountable for years.

Key takeaways

  • MedShop Direct resells beds built by many other manufacturers and ships them from those makers’ fulfillment centers; SonderCare manufactures its own. That’s a difference in category, not just a difference in price for the same bed.
  • On their own site, MedShop Direct covers each bed under the manufacturer’s warranty (terms vary by brand), states that hospital beds can’t be returned once delivered, sets a 7-day return window with a minimum 30% restocking fee on returnable items, and offers white-glove in-home setup as a paid add-on rather than the standard.
  • Every SonderCare Aura bed is full-electric with FallSafe ultra-low 10″ height, arrives with white-glove in-home setup, and carries a single 5-year comprehensive parts warranty handled directly by SonderCare.
  • If the need is short-term or strictly budget-driven, a reseller can be a reasonable choice. SonderCare earns its place for long-term care, where caregiver effort, the dignity of the bedroom, and years of single-company support matter most.

The bed you’re looking at on a multi-brand reseller’s page and the bed a manufacturer builds can carry the same words — “hospital bed,” “electric,” “home care” — and still be two very different purchases. Knowing which one you’re actually buying is the difference between a price you weigh once and a decision you live with every day. That’s why it’s worth slowing down before you click “add to cart,” even when the situation feels urgent.

Most people who land on a MedShop Direct review or comparison are mid-decision. A parent is coming home from the hospital, a partner’s mobility has changed, or a recovery is going to take longer than anyone hoped. You’re not loyal to any retailer — you’re trying to make one good choice under pressure, and you want to know whether buying through a reseller is genuinely fine or quietly going to cost you later. That’s the right instinct, and it deserves a real answer.

So this comparison does two things. First, it reframes the question: MedShop Direct and SonderCare aren’t two points on the same shelf — they’re two categories of seller, and the questions you’d ask are different for each. Second, it puts the structural facts side by side, drawn from MedShop Direct’s own published pages, with a plain-language note on what each one means for you. We’ll also be honest about when the reseller is the smarter call, because sometimes it genuinely is.

Two different things are being sold

When you compare SonderCare with MedShop Direct as if they were rival versions of one product, you’re already asking the wrong question. The most useful first step is to notice that they sit in different categories of business — and that the category, more than any single feature, shapes what you experience after the sale.

MedShop Direct is a reseller. Its own About page describes “carefully curated products” and says “We partner exclusively with top-tier medical brands,” and its catalog lists beds from manufacturers such as TransferMaster, Icare, Proactive Medical, Emerald, Medacure, Customatic, Flexabed, and Joerns — rather than a bed it designs and builds itself. Its shipping policy notes that orders ship “from one of the manufacturers fulfillment centers.” SonderCare is a manufacturer: it engineers, certifies, delivers, and warranties its own Aura and Impulse beds as one continuous product and relationship. Neither model is dishonest. They’re simply built to do different jobs.

MedShop Direct

Multi-brand online reseller

Curates and drop-ships beds made by many other manufacturers, spanning a wide range of prices and brands. A fit when selection and upfront budget are the main deciding factors.

SonderCare

Medical-grade bed manufacturer

Designs and builds its own beds, certifies the Aura line to International Hospital Standard, and stands behind each one with white-glove delivery and a 5-year warranty. Built for long-term, lived-in care.

The deciding factor

Who is accountable, and for how long?

A short, functional, budget-first need points one way; years of daily care where one company answers for the bed, the delivery, and the warranty points the other. The category you need follows from your timeline, not the logo.

Read that way, “Is SonderCare better than MedShop Direct?” dissolves into a clearer question: which category fits the care you’re actually providing? The facts below help you answer it.

What the facts show

Everything in the table below is drawn from MedShop Direct’s own live pages — their About page, their hospital-bed catalog, a product listing, their shipping policy, their return-and-refund policy, and their white-glove delivery page — checked on June 25, 2026. We’ve deliberately left out anything we couldn’t source, including any claim about side-rail certification, which their pages don’t confirm either way.

The point isn’t to score points. In fact, on one common worry — hand crank versus full-electric — there’s no real gap here: most of the home hospital beds in their catalog are full-electric, just as every SonderCare Aura bed is. So we’ve set that aside and focused on the structural differences that don’t appear in a price comparison, and that tend to surface only after the bed arrives.

What to checkMedShop DirectSonderCareVerified
Who makes & ships the bedReseller of third-party brands (TransferMaster, Icare, Proactive Medical, Emerald, Medacure, Customatic, Flexabed, Joerns); ships from the manufacturers’ fulfillment centersManufacturer of its own Aura and Impulse beds, shipped and supported directlyVerified 2026-06-25
Warranty & supportManufacturer’s warranty; terms vary by brand (e.g., a Medacure bariatric bed lists 15-yr frame / 3-yr electronics / 1-yr pendant), handled on the maker’s termsOne 5-year comprehensive parts warranty on every bed, handled directly by SonderCare; optional +$199 parts & laborVerified 2026-06-25
Returns on a hospital bedHospital beds “exempt from return upon delivery”; otherwise 7-day window, minimum 30% restocking fee, nothing assembled or used; delivery fees non-refundablePre-purchase consultation with a bed expert to confirm size and fit before you orderVerified 2026-06-25
Delivery & assemblyStandard delivery is curbside; white-glove inside delivery, assembly, and debris removal is a paid add-on routed through a third-party agentWhite Glove Standard ($599): full in-home setup, installation, walkthrough, and debris removal by SonderCareVerified 2026-06-25
Design intentCatalog includes beds positioned for facility / long-term-care settings (e.g., a “Value Bariatric Bed for Long Term Care and Home Care”)Residential design as a primary requirement; Aura Platinum upholstered Slate Gray Crypton panelsVerified 2026-06-25
Geographic coverageFree shipping limited to the 48 contiguous statesServes the United States and CanadaVerified 2026-06-25
Price positionMany brands across a wide range, from roughly $1,300 to over $10,000$3,999 (Impulse) to $12,999 (Aura Companion); Aura Premium $6,999, Aura Platinum $8,499Verified 2026-06-25

What these facts mean for you

Who makes & ships the bed

Because the bed is built by another company and shipped from that maker’s fulfillment center, the seller sits between you and the manufacturer for delivery and for any problem that arises. With a manufacturer, the company that engineered and built the bed is the same one you call.

Warranty & support

What you’re actually covered for, and for how long, depends on which manufacturer made the bed — and a claim is handled on that maker’s terms, not the seller’s. Some component coverage can be short even when a frame warranty sounds long. SonderCare’s coverage is one 5-year comprehensive parts warranty, the same on every bed, handled directly by SonderCare.

Returns on a hospital bed

Here’s the catch most buyers miss: you usually can’t tell whether a bed fits the room until it’s delivered — but a hospital bed can’t be returned once it arrives. That puts the risk of a wrong choice on you, which is why a fit conversation before ordering is worth the few minutes it takes.

Delivery & assembly

By default a bed that can weigh several hundred pounds arrives curbside for you to bring inside and set up; inside delivery and assembly cost extra and are run by a third-party agent. If there isn’t a strong, available helper at home, that’s a real obstacle. SonderCare’s White Glove Standard service brings the bed in, sets it up, walks you through it, and takes the packaging away — done by the company that built it.

Design intent

Some of these frames were designed first for care facilities, then offered for home use. In a bedroom, that can look and feel like a patient room — the opposite of what most families want for a parent or partner. Residential appearance is a primary design requirement for SonderCare, not a finish you add later.

Geographic coverage

Free shipping is stated for the 48 contiguous states, so if you’re in Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada this option may not reach you on the same terms. SonderCare serves both the United States and Canada.

Price position

Because the range is broad and spread across brands, the price you pay is tied to whichever third-party bed you pick — and so is its design, its warranty, and who supports it. With a single manufacturer, the bed, the service, and the warranty come from one place at one known price. If upfront cost is the deciding factor, a reseller can win on the sticker; the honest trade-off is everything around it.

Three questions worth asking before you decide

You don’t need anyone to tell you what to think — you need the right questions to think with. These are the three we’d quietly ask ourselves before buying any home hospital bed, each tied to a fact above.

In year two, whose warranty is it — and who do you call?

It’s worth knowing before you buy. On MedShop Direct, each bed is covered by its manufacturer’s warranty, and the terms vary by brand — one bed’s coverage isn’t another’s, and a claim is handled on that maker’s terms. SonderCare includes a single 5-year comprehensive parts warranty on every bed it makes, handled directly — one company, for five years. Home care often lasts longer than the first year, so the real question isn’t only the price today; it’s who you’ll be calling later, and on whose terms.

How certain are you about fit before the bed ships?

On MedShop Direct, hospital beds are exempt from return once delivered, the return window on other items is seven days, and a returnable item carries a minimum 30% restocking fee, with delivery fees non-refundable. Since you often can’t judge whether a bed suits the room until it’s there, that’s a narrow margin for a wrong guess on size, height, or look. SonderCare offers a consultation with a bed expert to confirm fit before you order, so the decision is made before anything ships.

Who is coordinating the day the bed arrives, and the day something needs fixing?

On a drop-ship reseller bed, standard delivery is curbside from the manufacturer’s fulfillment center, and inside setup is a paid add-on run by a third-party agent — so the bed, the delivery, and any later service can involve more than one company. With SonderCare, one company builds the bed, delivers and installs it with white-glove service, and answers the warranty. The point is to know in advance who picks up the phone.

Which SonderCare bed fits the situation

If you’ve decided this is long-term, lived-in care, the next question is simply which configuration answers your specific worry. You don’t need the most expensive bed — you need the one matched to the concern that’s actually keeping you up at night.

Two worries come up most often among families who start out comparing reseller beds: “I don’t want a clinical-looking frame in our bedroom,” and “the daily lifting and transfers are wearing me out.” Here are the SonderCare configurations built for each, with current prices.

The bedroom that still looks like a bedroom

For families worried about a clinical look
Anchor bed: Aura Platinum Bed$8,499
  • Appearance: Upholstered Slate Gray Crypton side panels, furniture-grade finish
  • Height range: Full-electric hi-lo, 10″ to 39″
  • Fall prevention: FallSafe ultra-low 10″ platform (17″ to mattress top)
  • Certification: Certified to International Hospital Standard
  • Operation: 54 dB(A) — quieter than typical conversation
  • Warranty: 5-year comprehensive parts, included
Recommended add-ons: Underbed Auto-Nightlight for safer night transfers; a pressure-redistribution mattress for extended bed rest.

The bed that does the lifting for you

For caregivers doing daily transfers
Anchor bed: Aura Premium Bed$6,999
  • Operation: Full-electric — height, head, and knee; no hand crank
  • Transfers: 21″ pre-programmed bed-to-wheelchair transfer height
  • Positioning: Zero Gravity, Cardiac Chair, Trendelenburg tilt
  • Fall prevention: FallSafe ultra-low 10″ platform
  • Capacity: 500 lbs weight capacity
  • Warranty: 5-year parts; +$199 for parts & labor
Recommended add-ons: White Glove Standard delivery ($599) for full in-home setup; an overbed table and assist accessories for daily routines.

If the budget needs to start lower, the Impulse Residential Bed ($3,999) brings full-electric head, knee, and hi-lo adjustment in a residential design — an entry point into the manufacturer category, where one company is accountable for the bed, the delivery, and the warranty. For couples who want to keep sleeping side by side, the Aura Companion Bed ($12,999) is a split-king with each side independently adjustable.

When MedShop Direct is genuinely the right call

For a genuinely short-term or purely functional need — a few months of recovery in a spare room, or a basic frame where appearance and long-term, single-company support aren’t priorities — a third-party reseller bed may be all the situation calls for, and paying for furniture-grade design and a five-year warranty handled by the maker would be more than the moment requires. SonderCare is built for the opposite case: long-term, lived-in care, where daily caregiver effort, a bedroom that still feels like home, and one company standing behind the bed for years are what matter.

Frequently asked questions

Is MedShop Direct a good place to buy a hospital bed?

MedShop Direct is a multi-brand reseller that curates and ships hospital beds made by other manufacturers, such as TransferMaster, Icare, Proactive Medical, and Medacure. If your need is short-term or strictly budget-driven and you’re comfortable with a bed that ships from the manufacturer’s fulfillment center and is warrantied on that maker’s terms, it can be a reasonable choice. For long-term, lived-in care where daily caregiver effort, appearance, and multi-year single-company support matter, a manufacturer like SonderCare is built for a different job.

Are MedShop Direct’s hospital beds full-electric, or do they need a hand crank?

Most of the home hospital beds listed in their catalog are full-electric, so on that point they’re comparable to many premium beds. The differences that matter more are who builds the bed, whose warranty covers it, and who delivers and sets it up. Every SonderCare Aura-series bed is also full-electric — height, head, and knee are all motor-driven, with a one-button hi-lo and pre-set positions — and it’s made, delivered, and warrantied by SonderCare directly.

What warranty comes with a bed from MedShop Direct?

The warranty is the manufacturer’s, and the terms vary by brand. Their return policy notes that defects are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty terms, and each bed carries its maker’s own coverage — for example, one Medacure bariatric bed lists a 15-year frame, 3-year electronics, and 1-year pendant warranty. So what you’re covered for, and who handles a claim, depends on which bed you choose. SonderCare includes a 5-year comprehensive parts warranty on every bed, handled directly by SonderCare, with an optional upgrade to a 5-year parts-and-labor warranty for $199.

Can I return a hospital bed to MedShop Direct if it doesn’t work out?

Generally not once it’s delivered. Their policy states that all hospital beds are exempt from return upon delivery for hygienic and manufacturer reasons. For items that are returnable, the window is 7 calendar days, a minimum 30% restocking fee applies, and anything installed, assembled, used, or modified isn’t eligible — and outbound delivery and white-glove fees aren’t refundable. Because a hospital bed usually has to arrive before you know whether it fits the room, it’s worth being sure before it ships. SonderCare offers a pre-purchase consultation with a bed expert to confirm size and fit before you order.

Does MedShop Direct deliver and set up the bed in my home?

By default, no. Standard delivery is curbside, and white-glove service — inside delivery, assembly, a safety check, and debris removal — is a paid add-on that routes the order to a certified third-party White Glove Agent and adds business days. SonderCare’s White Glove Standard service ($599) includes full setup, installation, a feature walkthrough, and debris removal, delivered by the same company that builds the bed, with a rush option available in 1 to 3 business days.

How does SonderCare’s price compare with MedShop Direct?

They sit in different categories. MedShop Direct’s catalog spans many brands and a wide price range, from roughly $1,300 to over $10,000, with the bed, its warranty, and its support all tied to whichever manufacturer made it. SonderCare’s line runs from $3,999 for the Impulse Residential Bed to $12,999 for the Aura Companion split-king, with the Aura Premium at $6,999 and the Aura Platinum at $8,499 — one manufacturer, one warranty, and white-glove delivery from the company that built the bed. If the lowest upfront price is the priority, a reseller can win on the sticker; if single-company accountability across years of care matters more, SonderCare is built for that.

Not sure which bed your situation calls for?

Tell us what’s happening at home — the care needs, the room, who’s doing the lifting — and we’ll recommend the right fit honestly, even if that means a smaller bed than you expected. No pressure, ever.

Experience the SonderCare Difference

Certified medical-grade beds, premium finishes, and professional installation—designed to transform home care into a safer, more comfortable experience.

Customer Reviews (Based on 110 reviews)
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Geri Grove profile picture
Geri Grove
15 September 2026
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We appreciated the prompt response to our inquiry about the SonderCare bed. Victoria's willingness to speak with us on a holiday weekend was outstanding.
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Deyong Cha profile picture
Deyong Cha
8 September 2026
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I purchased a Sondercare bed back in 2021, I called last month to order a replacement mattress. I called twice left messages both times, once with an actual live person. I never received a return callback so I left a bad review today. I guess someone watches their reviews of google, they just called & gave me a deal on a new mattress and said they would follow up on what happened with their poor response. I don’t expect perfection, just “best efforts” so I’m satisfied and revising my review.
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LuAnn Jensen profile picture
LuAnn Jensen
4 September 2026
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I lucked into SonderCare completey at random with an internet search after giving up on insurance coming through. Their salesperson, Hailey, was extremely thorough in her explanation of the bed models and features, and very helpful in helping me make my selection. They also arranged for Rocky Mountain Movers to deliver the bed with white glove service which they did beautifully. They actually built the bed next to his existing rickety bed and then we just moved him over. Absolutely seamless all the way around. I am a stickler for details, and SonderCare didn't miss a single detail. I couldn't be happier knowing that my husband is in a much better bed and far more comfortable than he has been in months. I would recommend this company to anyone!
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Jason Connell profile picture
Jason Connell
6 May 2026
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What sets SonderCare apart is their service. They’re responsive, easy to work with, and genuinely committed to getting things right for both the user and the installer. That alignment between who they are as people and how they operate as a company is rare—and it’s why I continue to trust them. I wholeheartedly recommend SonderCare to anyone looking for reliable, well-designed products backed by a team that truly cares.
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Lane Stone and Larry Korb profile picture
Lane Stone and Larry Korb
15 April 2026
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The bed is beautiful. It has a lot of features but the keypad is intuitive and will be easy to use.
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William PRZYK profile picture
William PRZYK
28 February 2026
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I recently purchased a SonderCare bed for my personal use. As a cancer patient and survivor, comfort and accessibility are incredibly important to me. The bed arrived within a couple of days, and the delivery team went above and beyond. They decided the front entrance would be easier than the back door, and without hesitation, they shoveled a path to make the delivery possible. The setup was quick, and I received a clear demonstration of all the controls. After a few nights of sleep, I can honestly say the bed has exceeded my expectations. The different settings have made a noticeable difference in how my whole body feels, and getting in and out of bed is now so much easier. There was a small issue with my credit card, but it was resolved within a couple of days thanks to the help of Victoria and Ben. Their support was excellent. I would recommend this bed to anyone experiencing pain or discomfort from a regular bed. Great product, great service, and wonderful people at SonderCare. Thank you, William — Bancroft, Ontario
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Cynthia Betances profile picture
Cynthia Betances
24 January 2026
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What a great company to deal with! And the sales rep 'Victoria,' was so much more—a knowledgeable, patient guide through the product options in order to match them to our particular needs! I came away with just what we were looking for without experiencing any push or pressure to purchase. Thank you, SonderCare and thank you, Victoria!
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Carol McLean profile picture
Carol McLean
22 October 2025
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Seyar is simply the best! Very professional knowledgeable and made eveything easy and effortless. Highly recommend to eveyone
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Rhonda K. Perkins profile picture
Rhonda K. Perkins
9 October 2025
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I appreciate your professional presentation today. All my questions and more were answered. Great product!
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Marcella Tironese profile picture
Marcella Tironese
30 September 2025
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I
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Sheila O'Reilly profile picture
Sheila O'Reilly
10 August 2025
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We needed a bed for my Father in Law quite quickly, on a Friday afternoon. We called SonderCare and immediately had our bed ordered, delivery same afternoon. Seyar made the delivery and we couldn't have been more pleased with his service. It was an extremely hot day but Seyar did the delivery and set up with speed, efficiency and very polite attention to detail. I would highly recommend SonderCare and most definitely...Seyar!
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W. M. Amato profile picture
W. M. Amato
28 June 2025
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Michele and the other staff at Sonder Care have been exceptional. I was given two weeks to convert my home into ADA compliant, and somehow I had to find a bed! I came across Sonder Care and was treated with courtesy beyond all expectations. Not only did Michele get me a bed within my time frame, but she upgraded the mattress when the one I ordered was not available, and she dealt with the misery of a credit card snafu that would have impacted delivery. I am proud to say that the product is well worth every penny spent, and the lovely neighbors to the North excel at customer service! Thank you one and all for your kindness and professionalism. It was a bright spot during a difficult time.
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Julie R profile picture
Julie R
3 June 2025
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The SonderCare team is exceptional. Starting with smooth organization and flawless delivery by Seyar. The bed is exceptional and 100X more comfortable than the one in the hospital. Huge thanks to the SonderCare team for looking after our most critical family members and patients! It’s greatly appreciated.
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John Lous Dela Cruz profile picture
John Lous Dela Cruz
27 May 2025
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Great service from start to finish! Seyar was incredibly helpful and professional. The beds are perfectly fine—comfortable, well-built, and exactly as described. Highly recommend Sonder Care for anyone in need of quality home care beds and reliable support.
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Dale Fraser profile picture
Dale Fraser
23 May 2025
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Seyar was extremely informative, careful and professional. He arrived when he said he would, and was very friendly and the bed is everything we were looking h to or and more. Great service!!
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Alan Keil profile picture
Alan Keil
23 May 2025
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Seyar was very professional and very personable. He took lots of time explaining all the functions in the systematic way of how to use the bed and all its benefits. I would highly recommend Seyar and his services and I think the bed is great!
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Deirdre O'Brien profile picture
Deirdre O'Brien
6 May 2025
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I just purchased a bed from Sayar at Sondercare for my mother. It is perfect and works super well. The entire experience was exceptional in a very difficult and stressful time. Seyar took care of everything, delivered and set up the bed with a smile. He treated us with care and compassion. I cannot thank him enough. I highly recommend Sonder Care. Deirdre O'Brien
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Renna Roderick Helman profile picture
Renna Roderick Helman
6 May 2025
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After much research, I decided to purchase a SonderCare hospital bed for my husband; however, ordering a product of this cost online without a person to back this product did not appeal to me. Fortunately, I found Walt and AbleMed in Savannah, Ga. Walt immediately connected me to Zoey, who is amazing. She is knowledgeable and professional. Her level of customer service is second to none, answering all pre-purchase questions and following up on all details post purchase. Walt’s white glove delivery service far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend SonderCare, as it is a premium hospital bed that meets and exceeds my needs; however, the best part of my SonderCare purchase is the customer service of Walt and Zoey.
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Kathy Neumann profile picture
Kathy Neumann
2 May 2025
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Seyar was a pleasure to work with - he was patient with all my questions and answered them well. He is very knowledgeable about the product and is a good listener. Many thanks.
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Jennifer Steele profile picture
Jennifer Steele
25 April 2025
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Had amazing service today, I had some issues with my loaner bed not having the safety precautions from another service provider. I met Seyar, and he was able to help me out with a same day rental. Without his help, I would have had to cancel my transport reservation for my Mom, and she would have had to have a longer hospital stay. I am so grateful and thankful he was able to help me out when I was so stressed. He saved the day! Would highly recommend contacting him to help you.