In a hospital, there are various types of beds.

Hospital beds are meticulously constructed to create a healthy rehabilitation and healing environment for patients while also paying close consideration to their comfort, stability, and safety. However, while one style of bed may perfectly meet the needs of a certain user, some individuals may require a different form of hospital bed.

In general, certain hospital beds may be better suited for various reasons. As a result, to assist you in understanding the many types and designs of beds available on the market, we have compiled thorough information about all of the various sorts of Hospital Beds below. Aside from that, the information provided below will assist you in better comprehending the anatomy of a specialty hospital bed.

A. Hospital Beds, Sorted by Function and Power Source:

Electric Beds Manual Beds Semi-Electric Beds

B. Hospital Beds with Specific Functions:

Low Beds for Bariatric Patients

Gatch Beds Fluid-Air Beds Freedom Beds Hospital Cribs

C. Key Characteristics of a Hospital Bed:

Positioning Alternatives

Railings on both sides

Scale for weighing

Trapeze

Storage Space for Gap Protection

A. Hospital Beds, Sorted by Function and Power Source:

1. Beds that are operated manually

A manual hospital bed is one that does not have the ability to adjust through electrical methods. These beds typically have a manual hand crack that can be used to modify the beds’ settings. The hand crank is normally located near the bed’s foot or head.

Pros:

This is one of the most cost-effective hospital beds available. Much less expensive than electric ones.

Cons:

Only a few positioning possibilities are available with manual beds. They normally only adjust the head or the feet.

They also lack a range of heights.

When changes are needed, a caregiver may be required if the person is not physically capable of using the crank.

It’s ideal for:

Users who do not require frequent position changes

Examine the various types of bed sheets.

2. Beds with a Semi-Electric Power Supply

A combination of manual and electronic adjustments is common with these beds. The height of the beds can usually be altered manually using a hand crank. Head and foot adjustments, on the other hand, can be made by pressing buttons near the user’s hand. Check out the many sorts of pillows as well.

Pros:

Without anyone’s assistance, the user can modify his head and foot positions.

Perfect for folks who require frequent adjustments but don’t want to spend a high price for fully motorised beds.

Cons:

A physically capable caregiver may be required to assist with height changes.

It’s ideal for:

Users who don’t need regular height adjustments but can monitor their head and foot adjustments with the touch of a button.

3. Electric Mattresses

Medical facilities frequently use fully automated hospital beds that can be operated with a single button press. The head and foot adjustments, as well as the height, may all be controlled without the user or caregiver having to use their hands. Aside from that, fully mechanised hospital beds include a few additional positions/transitions, which are listed below.

1. Trendelenburg position: The entire bed platform is tilted at 15-30 degrees in this position, with the user’s feet elevated over his or her head. The goal of this position is to improve blood circulation.

2. Reverse Trendelenburg Position: The user’s head is above their feet in this position, which is the polar opposite of the Trendelenburg position. The purpose of this position is to help with breathing and pressure reduction.

3. Cardiac Chair: It is thought that patients who undergo heart surgery and have respiratory problems may recover faster if they spend the most of their time sitting upright. Many completely mechanised beds come with a built-in place for a heart monitor. With this configuration, the patient or caregiver can transform the bed from flat-lying to cardiac chair with minimal movement by pressing the controls on the bed.

Pros:

Patients can change positions without the assistance of a caregiver.

For caretakers with less physical strength, this is a better option.

Cons:

Extremely costly

Due to equipment failure, the company may have to shut down totally.

For whom is this product recommended?

Patients who require frequent height and posture changes

B. Hospital Beds with Specific Functions:

1. Bariatric Mattresses

General hospital beds are usually smaller and weaker than bariatric beds. To accommodate bariatric patients, these beds include a larger sleeping area and customised mattresses. These heavy-duty beds can support persons weighing up to 1200 pounds and have a 54″ x 88″ footprint.

2. Beds with Low Headboards

Low beds are comparable to hospital beds in appearance. They are available in both manual and fully electric versions. The only added feature is that they may be adjusted to a variety of heights. They make it possible to lower the bed platform virtually to the ground level. These beds are made to keep the patient or user from falling out of bed. They’re designed to make it easier for folks with mobility issues to get off and on the bed.

3. Cribs in Hospitals

Hospital cribs, sometimes known as safety beds, are designed for children who are at risk of slipping out of bed. On all sides of the beds, they normally feature high railings. It stops the child from getting out of bed on his or her own. They are primarily intended to ensure the protection of youngsters who are recovering or requiring medical attention.

Gatch beds are typically utilised by medical outposts and other locales with limited resources. These are medical beds that are both cost-effective and useful. A Gatch bed typically has three adjustable portions, each of which is made useful by a spring mechanism. The head, knee, and foot are the three moving components. Patients can also sit upright in these beds to help with breathing. The sole disadvantage of this type of bed is that it may require the assistance of a caregiver to adapt to various settings.

5. Fluid-Air Mattresses

Medical care centres utilise fluidized air beds for patients who have wounds that are particularly difficult to heal. These mattresses normally distribute the patient’s weight evenly across the entire mattress. To relieve strain on the patient’s body, these beds provide temperature-controlled air through tiny holes.

They’re made to control factors like body friction, temperature, pressure, and moisture to provide an optimum environment for wound healing. These beds are only for usage in specialised hospitals and cannot be utilised at home for long-term recuperation or care.

6. Beds of Liberty

This is one of the most technologically advanced hospital beds on the market. It employs a three-part rotation platform that allows patients to be repositioned in the least disruptive manner feasible. A Freedom bed’s smooth adjustment technology protects long-term bed-ridden patients from pressure injuries. One of the most distinguishing aspects of the Freedom Bed is its air system, which is located between the platform and the mattresses and allows users to be automatically moved even when their upper torso is raised.

By all accounts, this is one of the most modern and comfortable hospital beds available.

C. Key Characteristics of a Hospital Bed:

Different elements may be found in different types of hospitals. Furthermore, different types of patients and users may require different features to be included into their hospital beds in order to ensure their safety and comfort. The numerous major parts of hospital beds, as well as their purposes, are listed below, which may be useful for patients with various health concerns and disabilities.

1. Positioning Alternatives

The majority of ordinary hospital beds are capable of simple position modifications, such as lowering and raising your head or feet. Look for specific beds that allow additional positioning possibilities such as Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg, Cardiac Chair position, or Fowler’s position if the patient requires them.

2. Rails on the sides

Handholds on either side of a hospital bed are known as bed rails. The handrails not only provide support while getting in and out of bed, but they also keep the person from falling out while sleeping. These rails also serve as a form of stability for consumers when they move from one position to another. Some beds have full-length rails that extend all the way to the floor, while others only have half-length rails.

3. Scale of Measurement

Many hospital beds include a weigh scale that allows patients to be weighed without having to be transported to and from the bed. These are particularly useful for patients who need to be weighed at regular intervals.

4. Aerial Trapeze

Trapeze normally has hands over the head over the bed to support the patients while they are being repositioned. This equipment is either built into the bed frame or can be utilised as a stand-alone structure if the bed does not have one. These can be quite useful for people who require assistance adjusting positions or getting in and out of bed.

5. Gap Coverage

For users who have nocturnal movements or seizures, gap assistance is one of the most crucial safety features. The majority of hospital beds are built with effective gap prevention in mind. If you are installing additional railings or the bed does not have bed protection, it is critical to include them to prevent the user or patient from becoming stuck between the sides and the bed.

6. Storage Areas

The majority of ordinary hospital beds do not have any storage space. However, a handful of the most recent versions provide rudimentary storage areas. These areas can be quite beneficial to both the user and the caregiver. Gloves, medical supplies, and other items such as books, remote controls, and periodicals can all be stored in them.

Purchasing a Hospital Bed

If you want a hospital bed installed in your home to help your loved one recover or be cared for, you should carefully consider the factors below to narrow down the ideal option for them.

Examine the user’s mobility:

When looking for a hospital bed, the first thing to consider is the user’s mobility.

If the user is capable of getting in and out of bed without assistance, is stable on their feet without assistance, and has a basic level of arm strength, a low-cost but fully functioning option may be appropriate. However, if they have even the slightest trouble moving around independently, you should consider a semi-automatic or motorised hospital bed.

Determine the length of time you will require the bed:
If the user will be in bed for the majority of the day or will be bed-ridden for an extended period of time, you should opt for a completely electric hospital bed. If the user just needs the bed for a short time, however, you should consider a semi-automatic or manual hospital bed, as well as hiring a part-time carer if necessary.