Bed Tips
Factors to Consider about Hospital Beds
A hospital bed is specifically designed and/or customized for patients who need health care. These beds will usually include features for a patient's comfort, as well as for the convenience of caregivers and health care workers. Hospital beds are most often used for those with illnesses, or who are recovering from an illness at home.
Bed Placement
Establish where the bed will be placed before beginning the process of hospital beds. A hospital bed should never be squeezed into a small area ' there should be ample room for it in any bed position. Adequate space on each side of the bed should also be left so that caregivers have easy access to the patient. If the patient is mobile, placing the bed near a bathroom will provide convenience. However, avoid placing the bed near windows or doors in case of drafts.
Manual, Manual Hydraulic, or Full-Electric beds
When considering a hospital bed, it is important to know the difference between manual, manual hydraulic, and full-electric beds.
- Manual Bed
A manual bed is adjusted by hand using cranks to change the bed's position. These beds may pose problems for those who lack sufficient hand strength to turn the cranks. Additionally, some of these beds require bending or kneeling to make adjustments, and are not suitable for those with knee and/or back problems.
- Manual Hydraulic Bed
Manual hydraulic hospital beds are easier to operate. The patient is still not able to operate the bed functions. They have gas spring assisted backrests, foot operated hydraulic height adjustment and manual tilting functions to raise or lower the feet called (Trendelenburg and anti Trendelenburg tilting) most beds available are 2 section beds.
- Full-electric Bed
Full-electric hospital beds are best for the patient, as a simple click of a button allows all needed adjustments. The electric beds are all supplied with sides, over bed pole and more advanced mattress options. The electric beds have 4 section mattress platforms. Fowler, cardiac and vascular positions are possible adjustments. Not all the electric beds have the Trendelenburg tilting options or all ICU functions.
Hospital Bed Mattress Size
Average size mattress 900 mm wide and 1980 mm long
Height adjustable
All the beds that we rent are height adjustable although some beds can go lower than others.
Low beds settings are advised for those who may fall out of the bed, such as Alzheimer's patients, and other elderly users.
It is safer and it is easier to transfer patients from the bed if it is adjustable in height.
Additional Equipment & Accessories
Our Hospital beds are equipped with accessories that help provide optimal patient support and comfort.
The beds are not supplied with linen.
Mattress are modular foam laminated with nylon waterproof covers. Mattresses may vary depending on the bed rented.
Side rails help patients get in and out of bed, and provide a place to affix bed controls. Half-Rails are usually standard with most bed rentals. Mobile Overbed tables are also an option to consider.
Nursing Tips
For patient safety and comfort, the wheels of the bed should always be locked, except for those times when the bed needs to be
moved.
If electric call buttons are not available, keep a bell and a telephone on a table where the patient can easily reach them.
do not smoke, or light candles or matches near the bed.
Adjust the bed height to help the patient to get in and out of bed. Consider using a night light if the patient is mobile, as this may prevent falls during the night.
Determining which type of bed will best suit both the patient's (and the caregiver's) needs is crucial when choosing a hospital bed.
Related equipment
- Pressure care air Mattresses
- Designed to prevent pressure sores and assist healing. (See Mattress section for more options)
- Pressure Cushions
- Pressure Mattresses
- Patient moving and handling
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers & Frames
- Toileting aids and accessories
- Commodes mobile and stationery
- Raised toilet seats
- Urinals and urine bag stands
- Shower Stools
- Shower Transit Chairs
- Tables and chairs
- Chairs / high back chair with a tray or reclining chairs
- Backrests