There are different configurations, adjustments, and specifications of home hospital beds. This variety and options make it more difficult to make a proper selection. In this text, we will be focusing on the most important differences. Some hospital bed descriptions and classifications include manual, semi-electric, and full-electric.
Let’s explain these terms in details:
One of the most important qualities of a home hospital bed is adjustability. Adjustments could include:
- Adjustment of the foot and head for improved mobility and to help with therapy.
- Adjustment of the height for lowering or lifting the deck of the bed so that the user can easily get into bed or out of bed.
A power source is required to make these adjustments possible. For instance, power is needed to lift the head of the bed so that the user can be sited. A manual hospital bed is not sophisticated, and the user needs to exert energy to change positions. The hand is used to lift or lower the head and foot. A hand crank which is on the side of the bed is used to adjust the height. This is an uneasy process for a patient to do.
Manually adjusting a hospital bed isn’t ideal. It is extremely difficult for patients to adjust this bed while on it. People with mobility problems won’t even be able to make these adjustments. Manual adjustment of a hospital bed is also physically demanding for caregivers.
Electric hospital beds use electric motors for this adjustment. They are remotely operated and the hand-held remote is positioned close to the bed.
Now that we have an understanding of the adjustment of home hospital beds, let us try to dichotomize between a semi-electric bed and a full-electric bed.
Full Electric vs. Semi-electric hospital bed
The head and foot adjustments of a semi-electric bed is facilitated by an electric motor. This doesn’t apply on the height adjustment. What this means is that the user of the bed can alter the position of the foot and head with the aid of electric controls. The height can also be adjusted with a hand crank.
In a full-electric bed, all adjustments are done with electric motors. Adjustment of the foot, head, and height can be done remotely. Full-electric beds are highly sophisticated. They are highly independent, offer so much control and comfort for the occupant of the bed. A full-electric bed also makes it easier for a caregiver to administer care.