6 Facts to Know Before You Buy a Hospital Bed in 2022

In need of a home hospital bed for yourself or a loved one? The myriad of choices available online can be overwhelming. From the decision between a home hospital bed and an adjustable bed to understanding which adjustments are necessary, a lot needs to be considered. Will the bed fit in your room, and how do you pick the best one to meet the patient's needs?

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In this guide, we break down the essential facts and frequently asked questions to help you make an informed choice.

Start with the Patient

Identifying the needs of the person who will use the bed is a crucial first step. Create a list of requirements by discussing with the potential user or consulting a medical professional. Consider their experiences and specific features that would improve their safety and quality of life.

When compiling requirements, consider the following:

• The type of disability or physical limitation the patient has.

• Whether they use a wheelchair and need assistance transferring to and from the bed.

• Do they find it hard to get in and out of bed without help?

• Do they need assistance sitting up or lying down?

• Does their treatment plan require them to sleep in a specific position, like the cardiac chair position for certain heart conditions?

• Are they bedridden, and if so, how much time will they spend in bed each day?

• Will they share the bed with someone else, potentially benefiting from a Dual King adjustable bed?

• Is the patient’s weight a concern, necessitating a bariatric hospital bed?

Once you have a clear picture of the needs, you can start looking for beds that meet those criteria. Below are answers to common questions asked by first-time buyers.

1. Hospital Bed vs. Adjustable Bed: What’s the Difference?

You might notice terms like "hospital beds" and "adjustable beds" being used interchangeably. The distinction isn't strictly defined, but generally, a hospital bed might offer more advanced adjustments, such as height changes, compared to adjustable beds that might only adjust head and foot positioning.

No matter the terminology, ensure the bed has the features you need and comes from a reputable manufacturer.

2. Hospital Bed Adjustments Explained

Adjustable beds come with various functionalities. Basic models offer head adjustments, while more advanced ones include:

• Foot adjustments with a knee break.

• Height adjustments for easier transfers and safety.

• Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg adjustments for tilting the bed frame.

Top-end models, such as the Transfer Master Supernal 5, offer a full range of adjustments. Key features to consider are:

• Range of height adjustability. Ensure the height range suits the user, especially if they use a wheelchair.
• Wall-hugging capability. Wall-hugging beds keep the user close to the wall when the head is raised.
• Massage feature. Some beds include built-in massagers for added comfort.

3. Manual vs. Electric Hospital Beds?

Hospital beds can be manual or electric. Electric beds, controlled via remote, offer more convenience compared to manual beds that require physical effort to adjust. We recommend electric beds as they offer easier control and better comfort, especially for bedridden individuals.

• No physical effort needed for adjustments.
• Greater independence for those with mobility issues.
• Adjustments can be made while still in bed.

Though they are pricier, electric beds significantly enhance quality of life.

4. Do I Need a New Mattress for a Home Hospital Bed?

Traditional mattresses often aren't flexible enough for hospital bed adjustments. We recommend using mattresses designed for hospital beds, like the Supernal range, which provide comfort and conform to bed adjustments.

5. How Big Are Adjustable Hospital Beds for the Home?

Hospital beds come in various sizes to fit different spaces and needs:

• Full-size beds (54 inches wide) suit most adults.
• Twin-size beds (38 inches wide) are ideal for smaller rooms or children.
• Queen-size (60 inches wide) and King-size beds (76 inches wide) cater to couples or larger individuals.
• Extra-long models (84 inches) are available for taller users.

Dual King beds offer independent control for each side, perfect for couples.

6. What Is the Weight Capacity of a Home Hospital Bed?

Weight capacity is crucial to prevent damage to bed mechanisms. Verify weight limits before purchasing:

• Supernal 5 supports up to 300 lbs.
• Supernal Hi-Low supports up to 500 lbs (full and queen sizes).
• Bariatric beds support up to 700 lbs for heavier individuals.

We hope this guide provides clarity in choosing the right hospital bed for your home. For further questions, check our Home Hospital Bed FAQ or contact our sales team for assistance.

For more details, check out Hospital Beds.

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7 Tips to Guide You When Buying a Home Hospital Bed