There are so many things to consider when looking for a hospital bed. You want to make sure your choice gives the patient the desired level of comfort and tenderness even at a reasonable cost. However, there is still one more consideration which is perhaps the most important.
Oftentimes, people ask, “what’s the best hospital bed”. To answer this question, the best hospital bed is one that gives you the desired level of comfort and ease. The type of hospital bed you should go for depends on how well you are able to answer some of the questions below:
- Are you tall or short?
- Are you mobile or immobile?
- How long will you be in bed?
- Are you light or heavy?
Don’t forget, when you want to acquire a hospital bed, do not look for the best hospital bed, be on the lookout for the bed that is best for you.
The purpose of this article is to provide answers to some of these questions. We will be tackling some of the toughest questions about mattresses, hospital beds, and hospital bed accessories.
Differentiating between a hospital bed and an adjustable bed
Head and foot heights of a hospital bed can be adjusted, and this applies to an adjustable bed. The hospital bed’s overall height can also be lowered and raised. This hi-low feature isn’t available in a lot of adjustable beds.
An optional side rail may also be added to a hospital bed. These side rails come in different styles and length adding to the security and safety of the bed so that the user doesn’t fall off or sustain injuries. The capabilities and styles of the side rails of an adjustable bed is somewhat limited. Also, hospital beds have different width. If the patient is large, it makes sense to purchase a bariatric hospital bed. A bariatric hospital bed has varying widths with the most common been 42 inches, 48 inches, and 54 inches. A bariatric hospital bed is designed to withstand weight from 500 to 900 pounds. Bariatric beds are heavy duty beds and they are mostly controlled via electrical or remote means.
These beds are more expensive than standard size hospital beds. Adjustable beds are however available in twin XL, queen, and full XL sizes.
What effect does the height of a hospital bed have?
The adjustability of the bed’s height is one of the major advantages of using a hospital bed. This makes it easier for the patient to get in and out of bed. It also makes it less stressful for the patient to be reached by the caregiver as there will be no need to strain or bend. This feature is a good one whether the patient is bedridden or not.
Should I buy an electric hospital bed?
The patient’s size and mobility are the determinants of the kind of bed needed. As far as manual and electric bed adjustments are concerned, below are some options.
Manual hospital beds: This requires physical effort from the caregiver. It is relatively cheaper than the other options. Typically, a manual hospital bed features three hand cranks strategically positioned at the foot of the bed. Each of these cranks serve specific purposes. One for raising and lowering the head, one other for raising and lowering the foot, and the last one for adjusting the overall height of the bed. If a patient isn’t immobile and is capable of shifting without support, a manual hospital bed isn’t a bad option.
Semi-electric hospital bed: This type of hospital bed gives some autonomy to the patient. In terms of price, it is slightly more expensive than a manual hospital bed. It has a single crank for adjusting the bed’s overall height. It also features a hand-held electric control for elevating and lowering the bed’s foot and head.
Full-electric hospital bed: This offers a great deal of independence to the patient. If the patient needs to get in and out of bed often, this is a great option. A full-electric bed is also ideal for patients that are deprived of support from caregivers for lowering and raising the overall height of the bed. If you are thinking long term, this is a cost-effective option. However, it is more expensive than manual and semi-electric hospital beds.
Is it okay to use a regular mattress on a hospital bed?
The simple answer to this question is NO. Some of the reasons why it is not okay to use a regular mattress on a hospital bed includes:
1. A standard mattress will not fit on a hospital bed
2. Hospital mattresses are made to bend as the bed is adjusted
3. Hospital bed mattresses help prevent pressure ulcers and bedsores from developing. This is achieved through the following means:
- It encourages airflow: Bedsores will definitely emerge if heat is trapped in the skin and there is a lack of airflow. Patients with lower body weight are less likely to develop sores than those with higher body weight. Since a hospital bed mattress is contoured for airflow, it will help prevent bedsores.
- It relieves pressure: A mattress should give a patient support. It must also ensure even distribution of body weight and pressure so that excess pressure is not exerted on a single part of the body. If a patient spends a long time in bed, this is an important consideration because they run a high risk of developing bedsores and pressure ulcers. Foam and air mattress is most suitable for these types of patients.
Which type of mattress should I buy for a hospital bed?
You cannot select a type of mattress until you can provide answers to the questions below.
- How much muscle mass does the patient have?
- What is the weight of the patient?
- Does the patient need support shifting positions?
- How long will the patient stay in bed every day?
- How long will the patient need to use a hospital bed?
What other accessories do I need?
Other accessories that can be used with your hospital bed include:
- Bed rails
- Sheets
- Tables
- Trapeze
- Mattress toppers (overlays)