Hospital beds provide safety, comfort, and mobility to a broad range of patients who have varying health conditions. They allow healthcare professionals and caregivers to meet the diverse needs of their patients within a healthcare facility, and home hospital beds can be used to assist with recovery or maximize long-term care in the comfort of an individual’s home. But choosing the right hospital bed can be tricky.
With so many different types of hospital beds out there, deciding on one can be overwhelming, which is why we’re here to help. In this article, we will cover all there is to know about hospital beds to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Hospital Bed?
A hospital bed is a bed specifically designed for those in need of some form of healthcare. Unlike a regular bed, these beds are adjustable and come with special features that help provide comfort and an increased sense of well-being for those who are elderly, disabled, or chronically ill.
Plus, adjustable hospital beds make it easier for caregivers to manage a patient’s needs and provide quality care. While typically found in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and outpatient clinics, hospital beds can also be used for home healthcare.
Types of Hospital Beds
There are three main types of hospital beds: manual hospital beds, semi-electric hospital beds, and fully electric hospital beds. Additionally, there are more specialized options, such as bariatric hospital beds. In this section, we take a look at the features, pricing, advantages, and disadvantages of these different types of hospital beds.
Manual hospital beds
A manual hospital bed uses hand cranks to adjust the bed’s height, and raise and lower the head and foot sections. Typically, the hand crank is found at the foot of the bed, and it requires someone physically capable to operate it.
Prices for a manual hospital bed range from $250 – $700. While a manual bed is the cheapest option when it comes to hospital beds, they do lack the more robust features that can be found on semi-electric and fully electric beds.
The following are some pros and cons of manual hospital beds:
Pros of Manual Hospital Beds
- Most affordable type of hospital bed
- Great for those who don’t require frequent repositioning
Cons of Manual Hospital Beds
- Lack of features
- Manual adjustments can put a physical strain on the caregiver
Semi-electric hospital beds
A semi-electric hospital bed utilizes both electric and manual adjustments. Typically, the bed height is adjusted via a hand crank, while an electric motor operated with a remote raises and lowers the head and foot sections. Pricing for these models ranges from $600 – $1000.
The following are some pros and cons of semi-electric hospital beds:
Pros of Semi-Electric Hospital Beds
- More affordable than fully electric beds
- Users can adjust head and foot sections
Cons of Semi-Electric Hospital Beds
- Caregiver needed to adjust height
- Hand crank can put physical strain on the caregiver
Fully electric hospital beds
A fully electric hospital bed has an electric motor that adjusts the height and head and feet sections. With the push of a button, the patient can control the positioning of the bed, decreasing the reliance on a caregiver and increasing the patient’s independence. Prices for electric hospital beds range from $900 – $8000.
The following are some pros and cons of electric hospital beds:
Pros of Fully Electric Hospital Beds
- Users can adjust bed with no assistance
- Advanced features, such as the ability to move into the Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions
- No physical strain put on caregivers to adjust the bed
Cons of Fully Electric Hospital Beds
- Most expensive type of hospital bed
Bariatric hospital beds
Bariatric hospital beds are designed for larger individuals. These beds are sturdier, reinforced versions of the manual, semi-electric, and fully electric hospital beds, and they are recommended for those who weigh 350 to 750 pounds.
Here are some pros and cons of bariatric hospital beds:
Pros of Bariatric Hospital Beds
- Better support and comfort
- Safer and prevents shifting and sagging
Cons of Bariatric Hospital Beds
- Larger size means the bed takes up more space
- Fully electric models are the most expensive type of hospital bed
Key Features of Hospital Beds
Hospital beds come with a variety of features, and the type of capabilities your bed will need will depend on the mobility and health conditions of the patient or loved one. Here are five important features to consider when buying a hospital bed:
- Adjustability: Hospital bed frames can be adjusted to higher and lower positions as needed. In addition, the head section can rise up or down independently of the foot section and vice versa.
- Side rails: These beds have securely attached side rails that can be raised or lowered, and they provide protection and support to help patients feel more secure. Additional assist rails can be added to further help patients with mobility issues get in and out of bed.
- Mattress types: The type of mattress needed is impacted by the amount of time spent in bed as well as the individual’s health condition. If the patient will be in bed most or all of the day, they will need a mattress that is designed to prevent bedsores and other issues common to prolonged periods of lying down. There are gel or memory foam mattresses and other specialty options depending on needs.
- Mobility: Hospital beds can come with casters and brakes that make it easy to maneuver the bed. Locks and brakes keep the bed in place and prevent it from moving around.
- Accessories: Different accessories that suit a patient’s needs can be added to the hospital bed. Overbed tables provide patients with a flat surface for eating or placing down any of their belongings, and these tables give caregivers a place to set supplies while providing care. IV poles that attach to the legs of hospital beds offer a tip-free means of administering IV therapy or enteral feedings. Overhead trapeze bars allow patients to lift themselves and move in bed if they are weak or injured.
Benefits of Using a Hospital Bed At Home
Hospital beds aren’t just for hospitals and nursing homes. In fact, they are a great option to have at home for your loved one so that they can be in the comfort of their home during periods of illness. Here are five benefits of home hospital beds:
- Enhanced patient comfort and support: A good hospital bed mattress will be more comfortable than a standard mattress. They are designed to align with the body’s natural contours, so they help prevent discomfort. Plus, hospital beds allow you to easily adjust positions so that you can find a comfortable position, which also helps improve sleep quality.
- Improved caregiver access and safety: Hospital beds make it much easier for caregivers to manage a patient’s needs. These beds can be adjusted to appropriate heights to help better facilitate necessary care, and it helps ease any physical strain a caregiver may encounter from having to move patients.
- Facilitation of medical procedures and treatments: Caregivers can better perform any procedures or treatments required for care since patients will be in less awkward or unnatural positions.
- Prevention of pressure ulcers and bedsores: Since the angle and position of the bed can be adjusted, hospital beds provide pressure relief and reduce areas that become sore or painful from lying still for long periods of time.
- Keep people home: Most people want to recover in the comfort of their homes. Hospital beds for home allow you to stay out of the often cold, clinical setting of hospitals and stay home despite any health or mobility issues.
Considerations When Choosing a Hospital Bed
Buying a hospital bed is a big investment, so be sure to properly research the available options. Before buying a hospital bed, here are a few things to consider:
- Patient needs: Every patient is unique and has different needs depending on their health condition. Weight capacity is also important as serious injuries can occur if a bed frame collapses due to excess weight. When determining weight capacity, consider the weight of the user, mattress, bed linens, and anything else that would sit on top of the bed, such as a loved one relaxing with a patient. Also, consider the patient’s mobility requirements. A highly adjustable hospital bed is best for unsteady patients with balance issues. A fully electric bed may be the best option for someone who cannot operate a hand crank.
- Space and placement: Make sure there is plenty of space for the hospital bed. While healthcare facilities will typically factor in the amount of space they need for hospital beds, this might be a more challenging issue for home hospital beds. You need room not only for the bed but also for the caregiver so that they can maneuver around the patient and the bed. Don’t forget, you’ll also need space for any additional accessories. Wondering how big a hospital bed can be? Read our guide here.
- Budget and price: Buying a hospital bed can be costly, so be sure to budget appropriately. If you are unable to buy a new bed, buying a used hospital bed is also an option, as well as renting.
- Quality and durability of the bed: If a patient is bedridden for an extended period of time, electric hospital beds provide long-term comfort and durability. Semi-electric and manual beds are more suited for short-term use.
- Supplier reputation and customer service: Make sure to research the suppliers of the hospital beds you are considering. Check customer reviews and consider the quality of customer service, because you might need help with setup, operation, and maintenance.
Buying vs. Renting a Hospital Bed
Should you buy or rent a hospital bed for home? There are pros and cons to both, and it depends on your situation. In this section, we help you determine whether you should buy or rent a home hospital bed.
Renting a Hospital Bed
The following are the pros of renting a hospital bed:
- Short-term use: If the user is expecting to need a hospital bed for only a month or two, renting is the more practical option. Short-term rentals are a more cost-effective solution for those expecting a quick recovery.
- Try before you buy: If you are on the fence about buying an at-home hospital bed, renting allows you to try it out before making a long-term commitment.
- Maintenance: Renting a hospital bed means you don’t have to worry about any maintenance or repairs. The rental company will take care of any issues that arise.
Here are the cons of renting a hospital bed:
- Higher long-term costs: Renting is the less-expensive option for short-term needs, but this isn’t the case for long-term illnesses. If you plan on having the bed for a significant period of time, you will likely spend more on renting. On average, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 a month to rent a hospital bed.
- Limited choice: Typically, rental companies stock a limited range of hospital beds that they buy in bulk. You won’t have all the options available to you that you would have if you were to buy, which includes customizations and accessories.
- Quality concerns: Most likely, any hospital bed you rent will have been used by many different people, so they might not come to you in the best condition. While they are cleaned and disinfected before delivery, there is no guarantee that they are entirely free of other people’s germs. If the user of the hospital bed is immunocompromised, it is even more imperative that you carefully consider if renting is right for you.
Buying a Hospital Bed
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of renting a hospital bed, let’s look at the pros of buying a hospital bed:
- Long-term savings: Purchasing a hospital bed is more cost-effective in the long run when it comes to injuries and illnesses that require extended recovery times. Long-term rentals end up being more costly than buying.
- Freedom of choice: When you buy, you are free to choose whatever type of hospital bed and customize it with the specifications and features you deem the most necessary for your health condition.
- Ownership: Buying a hospital bed means you will have complete ownership, so you can modify and personalize it however you want.
Here are the cons of buying a hospital bed:
- Upfront costs: Buying a home hospital bed usually means that you have to pay for it upfront, and many companies don’t accept insurance. However, a lot of suppliers offer financing to those who qualify in order to ease the burden of high upfront costs.
- Maintenance: Should something break or go wrong, you will be responsible for fixing it. Make sure you’re shopping for a bed designed for home use and find out what kind of maintenance they require. A good, reliable supplier should be able to assist you with a repair if necessary.
The Bottom Line on Choosing The Right Hospital Bed
The right hospital bed is important for the well-being of aging, injured, or sick individuals. When looking to buy a hospital bed, be sure to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice before you make a decision.
On the Mend is here to help as well. We have a full selection of hospital beds for you to browse and staff on hand to answer any and all questions. Contact us on our website or by phone at (844) 470-6363.
FAQ
What is a hospital bed?
A hospital bed is an adjustable bed specifically designed for those who are elderly, disabled, or chronically ill. They provide safety, comfort, and mobility to a broad range of patients with diverse needs.
What are the main types of hospital beds?
The main types of hospital beds are manual, semi-electric, fully electric, and bariatric hospital beds.
What are the key features of home hospital beds?
Key features of hospital beds include adjustability, side rails, mattress types, mobility, and various accessories.
