Your Guide to Purchasing a Hospital Bed

There are many types of hospital beds available on the market, so it’s important to know which one is right for you or your loved one. This guide will help you understand the different types of hospital beds for sale and how they can be used to improve patient care.

1. Manual Hospital Beds

Manual hospital beds are the most basic type of hospital bed. They are manually operated by a caregiver or patient, using a hand crank or lever to raise and lower the head, foot, and height of the bed. Manual beds are a good choice for patients who do not need frequent position changes or for those who have a caregiver available to help them with bed adjustments.

2. Electric Hospital Beds

Electric hospital beds are powered by an electric motor, which allows the bed to be raised and lowered with the push of a button. These beds are ideal for patients who need to be frequently repositioned or for those who do not have a caregiver available to help with manual adjustments. Electric beds also offer more Positioning Options than manual beds, such as the ability to raise or lower the head and foot independently.

3. Bariatric Hospital Beds

Bariatric hospital beds are designed for patients who weigh over 650 pounds. These beds are extra-wide and have reinforced construction to accommodate larger patients. Bariatric beds may also feature special mattresses and bedding to provide additional support.

4. Low Bed Hospital Beds

Low bed hospital beds are designed for patients who are at risk of falling out of bed. These beds are lower to the ground than standard hospital beds, making it easier for patients to get in and out of bed without assistance. Low beds may also feature special mattresses and bedding to reduce the risk of injury if a patient does fall out of bed.

5. Pediatric Hospital Beds

Pediatric hospital beds are designed for children and adolescents. These beds are typically smaller than standard hospital beds, making them more comfortable for smaller patients. Pediatric beds may also feature special mattresses, bedding, and safety rails to keep children safe and secure in bed.

6. Hi-Low Hospital Beds

Hi-low hospital beds are a combination of manual and electric beds. They have a hand crank or lever to raise and lower the head, foot, and height of the bed like a manual bed, but they also have an electric motor that allows the bed to be raised and lowered with the push of a button. This makes it easy for caregivers to adjust the bed height when they are not able to reach the hand crank or lever.

Hi-low beds are a good choice for patients who need frequent position changes, but do not have a caregiver available to help them with manual adjustments. These beds are also a good choice for patients who are at risk of falling out of bed, as they can be lowered to the ground for easy transfer in and out of bed.

7. SleepSurface Hospital Beds

SleepSurface hospital beds are designed to provide a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface for patients. These beds feature special mattresses and bedding that contour to the body, providing support and pressure relief. SleepSurface beds are a good choice for patients who need a comfortable place to sleep, but do not need the extensive positioning options of an electric or hi-low bed.

8. Birthing Beds

Birthing beds are specialized hospital beds that are designed for use during labor and delivery. These beds have extra-wide padded side rails to provide support and comfort for mothers during labor. Birthing beds also have the ability to tilt the head of the bed up or down, which can help position the baby during delivery.

9. Exam Beds

Exam beds are designed for use during medical examinations. These beds have a flat, padded surface that is easy to clean and disinfect between patients. Exam beds may also feature stirrups for use during gynecological examinations.

10. Infusion Therapy Beds

Infusion therapy beds are designed for patients who receive intravenous (IV) medication or other treatments. These beds have special features that allow IV bags and tubing to be easily attached and detached from the bed. Infusion therapy beds also have the ability to tilt the head of the bed up or down, which can help position the IV bags and tubing during treatment.

Choosing the right hospital bed for your needs is important for a comfortable and safe recovery. Be sure to talk to your doctor or medical team to find out which type of bed is best for you.