Quick Guide To The Best Hospital Beds For Home

What Is a Hospital Bed For Home?

For those who have recently returned from the hospital or are looking at palliative care at home, a good investment is a hospital bed. It allows anyone who has spent some time in the hospital to return home much quicker than usual and sleep safely.

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Simply put, a hospital bed for home is a specially designed bed that includes various features to improve the comfort of the individual and the convenience of the carer.

What Features Should I Look For In The Best Hospital Bed?

We have decades of experience assisting people in finding the best hospital bed for their needs. We’re here to help you find a comfortable and cost-effective solution. It's important for those in recovery to be as comfortable as possible. Being in your own home has been proven to help speed recovery.

Key Features to Look For

1. A Comfortable Profiling Base

The most important component of a hospital bed is its frame. Ensure that you have a profiling frame that can adjust to a comfortable sleeping and resting position. It needs to be sturdy to withstand plenty of use, particularly if recovery time is long or you are looking at palliative care.

2. Safety Features

The bed should have an anti-entrapment mechanism that senses obstructions, such as a carer's hand, and stops bed movement to prevent injuries. Additional safety features like side rails can help with grip and reduce the chance of falling out of bed.

3. Accessibility

The bed needs to be easily accessible for someone in recovery or palliative care. Research the adjustable bed mechanisms to ensure you choose the right bed. Here are a couple of mechanisms to look for:

Hi-Lo Mechanism

This mechanism enables the bed to be raised and lowered to help the user get in and out of bed.

Tilting

A tilting mechanism allows the bed to be tilted to help with conditions such as swollen joints and high blood pressure.

If you don't need these features, a standard adjustable bed might be the answer, including the standard five-point mechanism.

4. Appearance

Hospital beds for home use do not have to look like traditional clinical beds. They come in various styles to suit your home and bedroom. For example, the Adjust4Sleep Home Care Bed has a fully upholstered surround while maintaining the height adjustment and profiling functionality of a hospital bed. It can also be personalized to suit your needs.

5. Easy to Use Controls

Look for a bed with simple-to-use controls, whether the individual or the carer will operate it. The handset should have large, well-spaced buttons and clear labeling. Top tip: Try using the buttons during your demonstration to ensure they are easy to use.

6. Helpful Accessories

Consider a bed that can be personalized with various optional extras. Popular accessories include:

• Cot sides: These bed rails help prevent falling out of bed at night.
• Reading Lights: Directional lights for reading.
• Inbuilt drawers: Useful for additional storage space.
• Cut-out sides: An option if you need to use a hoist to get in and out of bed.

7. Other Considerations

Payment: Consider your budget, whether you can pay in installments, and if a deposit is needed. Can you try the bed before buying it?

Dimensions: Ensure the bed fits comfortably in the room with easy access in and out of the door.

Installation: Check if the company delivers and installs the bed and if they can take your old bed away.

Upkeep: How does the bed need to be maintained, and is any servicing recommended?

What Are The Benefits Of Having a Hospital Bed For Home?

Height and Position Adjustability

An electric hospital bed is perfect for those with limited mobility who need a similar level of comfort and mobility to that provided by a hospital bed. Profiling hospital beds are useful for those needing help sitting up, lying down, or those having difficulty moving, turning, or getting in or out of bed due to surgery.

Improved Accessibility

Full height adjustability makes it easier to get in and out of bed, reducing reliance on carers. Adjustable height beds also help with wheelchair transfers and can help lift you from a sitting to a standing position effortlessly by pressing the appropriate button on the electronic handset.

Health Benefits

Hospital beds can greatly improve the quality of sleep, essential for recovery after surgery or for those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Helpful For Carers Too

Hospital beds make it easier for the care team as they can be adjusted easily, preventing the carer from getting into difficult positions when moving the patient.

Whatever you decide, ensure you conduct proper research before ordering a hospital bed for your home. Try out different beds to see which one suits your needs. At the Adjustable Bed Factory, we have two beds within our homecare range that can be customized to suit your needs.

In addition to adjustable head and foot sections, the bed platform on some hospital beds can be raised and lowered vertically. This is advantageous if the patient is cared for by a caregiver while lying in bed (for which a raised position is preferable) or might fall out of bed (for which a lowered position is preferable).

When looking for the best hospital beds for home use, consider:

• Whether the patient will use the bed independently or with help
• Whether the bed will be used temporarily or permanently
• The patient's height and weight
• The patient's specific abilities and limitations
• Any additional features required

Power Options: Manual, Semi-Electric, and Full-Electric

The power source of a hospital bed affects the ease of making adjustments and the price of the bed. Manual beds are usually the most cost-effective but require a caregiver with sufficient strength to operate a hand crank. Semi-electric and full-electric hospital beds come with a higher price tag but can be adjusted without help.

Manual Hospital Beds

Manual hospital beds with hand cranks were the norm before powered beds were invented in 1945. Like powered versions, a manual hospital bed has head and foot sections with hinges that can be raised and lowered independently. Most manual beds can also be raised and lowered relative to the floor using a hand crank.

Best For...

A manual hospital bed could be suitable if you want to rent an adjustable bed temporarily and have a caregiver to operate the cranks. It may also be appropriate if the bed frame won't need to be adjusted often, such as if it's intended just as a place to rest and read in the afternoon.

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Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

Semi-electric beds typically use powered controls and a motor to adjust the head and foot sections of the bed frame, with a manual crank to change the bed's height. The controls are located on a handset. Note that some semi-electric beds have a fixed height.

Best For...

A semi-electric hospital bed is best for a patient who can operate it independently or whose caregiver isn't strong enough to operate hand cranks. The patient should also be mentally sound and unlikely to fall out of bed.

Full-Electric Hospital Beds

Full-electric hospital beds offer the same head and foot adjustability as semi-electric beds, without manual cranks. They can be adjusted at the head, feet, and the entire bed frame can be moved up and down at the touch of a button. Some full-electric models allow for Trendelenburg or reverse-Trendelenburg positioning, helpful for blood-flow issues and mobility but should be used under medical supervision.

Best For...

A full-electric hospital bed is best for long-term home use, for those receiving assistance from a caregiver, or for those who prefer to operate the bed independently. These beds are practical for caregivers and patients using a mobility device.

Specialty Hospital Beds

There are two kinds of specialty beds typically of the full-electric variety.

Low Hospital Beds

Low hospital beds sit a mere foot off the floor when fully lowered, ideal for patients with dementia who might try to climb over bed rails. They also help with safe floor-to-stand transfers.

Bariatric Hospital Beds

Bariatric beds are for patients needing a higher weight capacity, typically up to 500 lbs. They are made with reinforced materials and a wider frame for comfort and support.

Mattress Type

Mattresses for hospital beds are usually made from memory foam, latex, or a hybrid material and are around 6 inches thick. Inn-spring mattresses are too rigid for hospital bed frames, hence the use of foam mattresses. Look for one that fits the frame and has a waterproof vinyl covering for easy cleaning. For long-term use, consider a pressure redistribution mattress to prevent bed sores.

Accessories

Most hospital beds come with handrails, a trapeze bar for changing positions, and over-bed tables for eating. If there are particular accessories you value, check if they are included or available for purchase separately.

New vs. Used

When in the market for a home hospital bed, consider choosing between a rental, a new bed, or a second-hand bed. If purchasing second-hand, ensure the bed is not infected and is functioning correctly. It's generally recommended to buy a new bed or rent one from a reputable company that thoroughly cleans each bed before delivery.

FDA Entrapment Guidelines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidelines in March 2006 to reduce the risk of patient entrapment. While these are not mandatory, look for a bed that meets these safety guidelines.

Recommended Hospital Beds for Home Use

By now, you probably have some idea of the type of hospital bed that might be suitable. Here are a few hospital beds we particularly recommend:

Invacare Semi-Electric Hospital Bed

This sturdy bed is made from reinforced steel with riveted joints and has washable, scratch-resistant bed panels. The hand pendant containing the power controls is ergonomic, water-resistant, and has a heavy-duty cord. Rubber casters protect floors and prevent slipping. Beds manufactured after August 1, 2007, meet the voluntary FDA guidelines for bed rail entrapment.

Specifications:

• Size: Twin (80" x 36")
• Weight capacity: 325 lbs
• Height capacity: 6'5"
• Adjustments: Head and foot
• Mattress: Therapeutic foam
• Power: Electric
• Availability: Rental and sale

Transfer Master Supernal 3-Function

This full-electric hospital bed can adjust in height, foot, and vertical positions. It combines the functions of a hospital bed with the appearance of a traditional bed, hiding the electronic components.

Additional Features:

• A range of massage settings
• A backlit wireless hand control
• Wall-hugging design for easy nightstand access
• European-style head tilt
• Emergency power-down function

Specifications:

• Size: Twin (38" x 80"), Full (53" x 80"), Queen (60" x 80"), Dual King
• Weight capacity: 400 lbs or 500 lbs
• Height capacity: 6'5"
• Adjustments: Head (65°), foot (35°), hi-low
• Mattress: Ascent Mattress (cloth or vinyl), Soft Touch Mattress (cloth or vinyl), Pressure Guard Mattress
• Power: Electric
• Availability: Purchase
• Extras: Optional half rails (head only), bamboo rail covers, and battery backup.

Transfer Master Supernal 5-Function

If you're looking for the complete range of hospital bed and adjustable functions with an elegant finish, the Transfer Master Supernal 5-Function has it all. It includes all the features of the Transfer Master Supernal 3-Function plus Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, and cardiac chair positions. This top-of-the-range model is both aesthetically beautiful and medically versatile.

Specifications:

• Size: Twin (38" x 80"), Full (53" x 80"), Queen (60" x 80"), Dual King
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs
• Height capacity: 6'5"
• Adjustments: Head (65°), foot (35°), hi-low, Trendelenburg (10°) and reverse Trendelenburg (10°), cardiac chair
• Deck-to-floor height range: 12" – 24"
• Mattress: Ascent Mattress (cloth or vinyl), Soft Touch Mattress (cloth or vinyl), Pressure Guard Mattress
• Power: Electric
• Availability: Purchase
• Optional extras: Half rails (head only), bamboo rail covers, cherry finish headboard, and battery backup
• Compatible with most low-profile Hoyer patient lift systems.

Comfort and Convenience Are Close at Hand

There is an excellent range of hospital beds for home use with various features, functions, power options, positions, and styles. Determining the best hospital bed for home use depends on your timeline, medical needs, budget, and personal preference.

For temporary use, the Invacare semi-electric hospital bed is a solid and cost-effective choice. For permanent use, the Transfer Master series is hard to beat. With their stylish elegance, comfort, and full adjustability (not to mention built-in massage!), these beds are the clear winners in every respect.

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