How to Choose a Hospital Bed for Home Use

Author: Helen

May. 06, 2024

How to Choose a Hospital Bed for Home Use

Sleep, or the lack of it, impacts the brain and body on a molecular level. It influences energy balance, intellectual function, alertness, and mood. Sound sleep is necessary to function at your best and maintain optimal health.

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Individuals using a hospital bed at home often contend with medications, illness, and pain, all of which can interfere with quality sleep. Choosing the right bed can facilitate restorative sleep, contributing to overall good health.

This guide compares different types of hospital beds, offers honest customer feedback, and addresses frequently asked questions. It also cautions you on key features to consider before purchasing and recommends the best products.

What is a Hospital Bed for Home?

A hospital bed for home care caters to the needs of individuals recovering from an injury or who need to spend significant time in bed. Their adjustability makes them more suitable than standard beds to provide comfortable support and facilitate high-quality care by caregivers.

Types of Hospital Beds

There are three main types of hospital beds: manual, semi-electric, and full-electric. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of each type along with top-recommended products.

Manual Hospital Beds

Manual hospital beds are the least expensive models and have fewer features than semi-electric or full-electric options. Adjustments are made via a hand crank, making them suitable for scenarios where frequent adjustments are unnecessary.

Pros

  • Least expensive type
  • Ideal if frequent adjustments aren’t necessary

Cons

  • Potential for caregiver strain due to manual adjustments
  • Limited position choices compared to electric beds

Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

A semi-electric hospital bed uses both electric and manual adjustments. Generally, the head and foot sections adjust electrically, while the height is modified with a manual crank. This style suits individuals who do not need to adjust the bed height frequently for transfers.

Pros

  • Easy head and foot position adjustments
  • Cost-effective compared to full-electric beds
  • Supports user confidence and independence

Cons

  • Requires caregiver assistance for height adjustments
  • Hand crank can strain caregivers

Full Electric Hospital Beds

Full-electric hospital beds adjust height, head, and feet positions with the push of a button, enhancing patient independence by reducing reliance on caregivers. Many full-electric beds feature a locking mechanism to prevent unintended adjustments.

Pros

  • Non-straining for caregivers
  • Allows user to adjust the bed independently
  • Addresses various positioning needs (e.g., sleep, circulation, skin issues, pain)

Cons

  • Higher price point

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Specialty Beds

Specialty hospital beds are designed to meet specific patient needs, such as fall prevention, bariatric support, and non-clinical designs.

Sleep to Stand Bed

These adjustable beds are sometimes referred to as sleep-to-stand or sit-to-stand beds. They offer positioning options similar to hospital beds, providing comfort for sleeping, reading, watching TV, or relaxing. They often look like traditional beds and can be ordered in larger sizes.

Pros

  • Adjustability can prevent falls during transfers
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Available in various sizes

Cons

  • Requires a special mattress
  • More expensive than a traditional bed without all hospital bed features

Low Bed

Low beds reduce the distance between the bed and the floor, minimizing fall risk and potential injury. They also make it easier for users to get in and out of bed, reducing caregiver strain.

Pros

  • Reduces caregiver strain
  • Minimizes fall injury risk
  • Electric height adjustability
  • Multiple positioning options

Cons

  • Often have an institutional look

Bariatric Hospital Bed

Bariatric hospital beds support patients weighing up to 1,000 pounds, featuring heavy-duty construction, larger sizes, and height adjustability. They also offer safety rails and provide comfort for larger patients.

Pros

  • Electric adjustability for independent repositioning
  • Durable, heavy-duty construction
  • Specifically designed for larger patients

Cons

  • Requires a special bariatric mattress
  • Difficult to move

Deluxe Hospital Bed

Deluxe hospital beds meet the needs of acute care patients and caregivers, featuring side rails, exit alarms, and user-friendly controls. They are built for long-term, heavy-duty use and offer high adjustability.

Pros

  • User-friendly patient controls
  • Safety features reduce exit and entrapment risks
  • Constructed for long-term use
  • Highly adjustable for care and treatment

Cons

  • High price point
  • Clinical appearance

Residential Design Bed

Residential design beds offer hospital bed functionality with the appearance of a traditional home bed. They offer electric adjustability, pressure point relief, and ergonomic support, making them suitable for home environments.

Pros

  • Styled like home furniture
  • Functional as a hospital bed
  • Reduces fall risk and increases user independence
  • Adjustable for personalized comfort

Cons

  • Heavier than a regular bed
  • May require a non-standard mattress

Fully-Enclosed Safety Bed

These beds provide features to address special needs and medical conditions, offering a secure sleeping space. They prevent falls, unassisted exits, and entrapment, while supporting sensory processing disorders.

Pros

  • Prevents wandering and bed falls
  • Supports medical equipment access
  • Various models for individual needs
  • Calming enclosed space for sensory disorders

Cons

  • Can occupy significant space
  • Not always conducive to wheelchair transfers

Features to Consider Before Purchasing

Temporary vs Permanent

If extended care is required, a full-electric home hospital bed offers long-term comfort and durability while minimizing caregiver strain. Manual and semi-electric beds are less costly and may be better suited for short-term use.

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Mobility of Patient

Patient mobility significantly affects the choice of a home hospital bed. A highly adjustable bed, either electric or semi-electric, suits users at risk of falling or needing assistance with repositioning. A manually adjusted bed may suffice for patients who can transfer independently and are steady on their feet.

Strength of Caregiver

Consider the caregiver's strength and stamina in providing proper care. For patients requiring frequent position changes, an electric bed is ideal. Manual beds may strain caregivers and are less suitable for continuous adjustments.

Size of the Patient

A bariatric bed, wider than a standard bed, provides comfort for heavier users. Pediatric beds ensure safety and comfort for children, while custom-sized beds can accommodate tall patients. Select the optimal bed size for the specific patient needs.

Positioning

For patients who spend most of their time in bed, a hospital bed's positioning features significantly impact comfort and sleep quality. Popular positioning options include:

  • Trendelenburg: Patient supine with head below feet.
  • Reverse Trendelenburg: Patient supine with head raised above the heart and legs.
  • Comfort Chair: Moves patient from a flat to a seated position.
  • Fowler's Position: Semi-upright position for promoting respiration and oxygenation.

Assembly Service

Optional assembly services simplify setting up a hospital bed at home, ensuring correct assembly by professionals. This service reduces stress and contributes to a comfortable environment during a potentially challenging time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I need a hospital bed at home?

A: A hospital bed at home can promote rest and healing, aiding in recovery from injury or managing mobility limitations. Features like head and knee adjustability improve support and comfort, while safety features prevent falls and support independence.

Q: What is the most comfortable hospital bed?

A: Comfort varies for each individual. Hospital beds with multiple positioning options and therapeutic mattress features cater to different comfort needs.

Q: What Is A Full-Electric Hospital Bed?

A: A full-electric hospital bed adjusts height, head, and feet positions electrically, enhancing patient independence and ensuring comfort and safety.

Q: Can I get a hospital bed for home use?

A: Yes. Various retailers offer a wide selection of hospital and home care beds.

Q: What is a semi-electric hospital bed?

A: A semi-electric bed uses a combination of manual and electric adjustments, providing positioning comfort economically. It suits users who do not need frequent height adjustments.

Q: What is a bariatric hospital bed?

A: Bariatric beds meet the support requirements of larger users, accommodating weights up to 1,000 pounds. They feature heavy-duty construction, increased width, and additional safety rails.

Q: Does Medicare cover hospital beds?

A: Medicare covers home hospital beds prescribed by a doctor as medically necessary durable medical equipment.

Q: How much does a fully electric hospital bed cost?

A: Prices range from $500 to $6000. Ensure all essential accessories, including the mattress, are included with the bed purchase.

Q: What's the difference between an electric hospital bed and an adjustable bed?

A: Hospital beds focus on delivering effective care and treatment with patient safety, while adjustable beds prioritize user comfort and support typical activities like sleeping, eating, and watching TV.

Final Thoughts

Proper sleep is essential for mental and physical health. Choose a home hospital bed that meets your comfort and care needs. Explore our selection of the best hospital beds to make an informed decision.

For more information on the best home hospital beds, visit our extensive library at Caregiver University.

To learn more, please visit our website.

Check out electric hospital beds for sale for more details on finding the ideal bed for your needs.

Author:

Hulet Smith, OT

Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Enthusiastic about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform empowering caregivers with innovative devices and interventions for optimal patient recovery.

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