Hospital Bed

Hospital Bed Price Comparison: Finding Affordable Options

By kelingmedical

For you when it comes to buying a hospital bed, the cost is the most important consideration. Whether you are looking for a bed in a hospital or a bed at home, you will be able to see which one works best for your needs based on pricing. Hospital beds come in different types and are highly varying in terms of features, functionality, and the cost is generally indicative of this.

In this post, we’ll see how the prices of all types of hospital beds compare, what affects their price and how you can find them at an affordable price without sacrificing on quality or safety.

Factors that Drive Hospital Bed Costs.
Prices of hospital beds can vary significantly with various key considerations such as the bed model, material used to build it, and additional services that are included. These are just some of the most significant influences on hospital beds cost:

Type of Hospital Bed

Manual Hospital Beds:
Manual hospital beds are the simplest and also the least costly. These beds were normally adjusted by hand for head, foot and height, by cranks or mechanical devices. They’re a good option for patients who do not need more complex positioning or motorised features. Manual hospital beds average $500 to $1,500 per bed, depending on quality and design.

Semi-Electric Hospital Beds:
Semi-electric beds offer some motorised adjustment, but not enough for some movements. These beds will usually have head and foot section that you can move electrically, but height must be manually moved. Semi-electric hospital beds are about $1,000-$3,000, depending on weight capacity, adjustability, and overall quality of construction.

Fully Electric Hospital Beds:
Fully electric hospital beds are the best options with electric foot, head, and height control sections of the bed. Such beds are generally used in hospitals and in a home care facility for patients who require frequent repositioning or specialized care. The most expensive are full electric beds, which run anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the brand, the materials and extras.

Bariatric Hospital Beds:
Bariatric hospital beds are made for patients who need a bit more support because of their bigger size. They are typically heavier beds with strengthened legs. Bariatric hospital beds are more costly because of their specialised design, running you $3,000-$7,000 or more.

Bed Features and Adjustability

It’s a major factor of the cost of a hospital bed that there are and types of customizations on a bed. Manual beds with a few controls come with only limited adjustment options; Electric and semi-electric beds can have head, foot and height adjustments. Beds with a bit more sophistication, like side rails, integrated monitoring systems, built-in IV poles, even mobility (wheels) assist, will cost more.

A few hospital beds also have extra comfort amenities like pressure-sensing mattresses, gel or air mattresses and extra padding to keep the patient comfortable. All of these add to the price of the bed.

Material and Construction Quality

The materials that are used to make the hospital bed affect the price too. The more durable the steel or aluminum frame, the more expensive the bed, while also making it last longer and safer for the patient. Beds with top-quality motors, intuitive controls, and sturdy mattresses sell for more money.

Beds constructed of lesser quality materials or less durable components might cost less upfront but could cost you more in maintenance later on.

Customization and Accessories

Some hospital beds can be ordered with extras and add-ons, so that can add to the price. Accessories may include:

Adjustable side rails
Trapeze bars
Built-in storage or tables
Adaptive mattresses (for example, for pressure relief)
Oxygen or IV poles
Patient lifts
Those extras can make the bed more versatile and comfortable, but they will also add up in price.

How to Choose Low Cost Hospital Beds?
The search for low-cost hospital beds has to do with balance between cost, features and safety. Here are a few tricks to make sure you get the best deal without sacrificing features:

Research Different Bed Types:
Beginning with the specific demands of the patient or hospital. If you don’t need a high degree of adjustability or motorized functions, then a manual or semi-electric hospital bed can be just fine for less. But if repositioning or comfort is essential, then an electric fully equipped bed is probably your best bet (though it’s a bit more expensive).

Consider Refurbished or Used Beds:
There are cheaper alternatives that you can take advantage of, which is to buy a refurbished or a used hospital bed. There are several good sellers who will provide you with used or reconditioned beds that are still in good condition for a little bit less than new. Just be sure to read the warranty and returns policy before buying.

Look for Bulk Discounts:
If you are buying a lot of hospital beds for a hospital or an institution, some vendors have volume discounts. Buy multiples of it and save a lot of money. Ask for any coupons or deals that can help cut the overall cost.

Consider Rental Options:
You can get a hospital bed from rental instead if it is only for a short term or you do not want to buy a hospital bed for the long term. Hospital beds rent from $100 to $300 per month depending on the type of bed and equipment.

Check Insurance Coverage:
Many insurance companies (for example, Medicare) reimburse hospitals for beds that are needed medically. Check with your insurance company if they will pay for the bed in full or in part. Sometimes, you’ll also need a doctor’s order or a medical necessity letter in order to receive reimbursement.

Shop Around:
Hospital beds cost very differently in different retailers so make sure you shop around. Check prices from different suppliers and look for discounts, sales, or promo codes to get the best price. In online auction sites and specialty shops, new and used hospital beds can be found at very competitive rates.

Conclusion
Price of hospital beds vary from several hundred dollars to many thousand dollars depending on what kind of bed you need and how advanced the bed is. When buying a hospital bed, take into account patient’s needs, adjustability, safety and durability of the bed. You can research and comparison shop to select an affordable hospital bed that is economical and also adequate for your medical needs.

Whether you’re buying a hospital, a medical facility or a home bed, the price/utility ratio needs to be right for the patient’s comfort and safety at the same time that doesn’t exceed your budget.