Hospital Bed

How to Make the Best Hospital Bed Purchase for Home or Clinic

By kelingmedical

Buying a hospital bed at home or for a clinic or hospital is a cumbersome affair. There are so many different types, options, and costs to weigh in making a choice wisely that can give the patient both comfort and safety. The right hospital bed can make a huge difference for the patients’ health and care.

Here’s a look at the most important factors to consider when buying a hospital bed, how to know what you need, and provide advice on how to get the most for your money. You’re purchasing a bed for a family member at home or for a clinic, and this article will help you make the best choice.

Buying a Hospital Bed: Some Factors You Need to Know About
Before buying, know about what factors are important when it comes to hospital beds that you will need to consider. The most important aspects to remember:

Type of Bed: Manual, Semi-Electric or Full Electric.

There are three different types of hospital beds: manual, semi-electric and fully electric. Both types are a bit more or less adaptable and convenient.

Manual Hospital Beds: Manual hospital beds where the user or the caretaker rotates the head, foot and height with a crank or a lever. Although they are the cheapest option, manual beds are also labor-intensive, so not the best solution for patients who need to constantly be repositioned.

Semi-Electric Hospital Beds: These beds can have the head and foot parts motorized but the height has to be manually manipulated. Semi-electric beds fall in the sweet spot between comfort and the higher cost of full-electric beds.

Completely Electric Hospital Beds: Completely electric hospital beds are the most convenient ones, having motors for the head, foot, and height adjustment. They’re usually for patients who have to get back and forth a lot: patients with mobility problems, chronic illness or need for rehabilitation. The beds are 100% electric which is very costly but very comfortable and easy to use.

Weight Capacity and Size

There are hospital beds in various sizes and it is very important that you choose the right size for the patient. Most hospitals have twin beds but for the larger patients, there are also bariatric beds or extra wide ones.

The weight limit of the bed is another thing to consider. Weight-bearing patients (who are overweight or obese) are accommodated by bariatric hospital beds. These beds are reinforced frames and they come in a greater cost range but are required to deliver safe care to heavy patients.

Adjustability Features

For the most part, one of the most crucial things that you’ll want to consider when shopping for a hospital bed is the adjustability. Most hospital beds have adjustable head and foot sections, some have height adjusters as well to facilitate caregiving more efficiently and safely.

There are beds that even have extra functions such as Trendelenburg positions (head lowered, feet elevated) or reverse Trendelenburg positions (head elevated, feet lowered) necessary for some medical conditions or therapies.

Comfort and Mattress Options

Comfort in the bed is critical for patients who will be in the bed for a long time. The mattress must be strong enough to hold but also not feel too hard and cause you to have pressure points. A lot of hospital beds provide the possibility of pressure relieving mattresses for long-term immobility, bedsores or injuries.

The air mattresses, foam mattresses and gel mattresses are popular choices, each one comes with different support levels. Purchasing a hospital bed should not be done without considering the mattress that will have the greatest impact on the patient’s comfort and wellbeing.

Safety Features

The hospital beds should be safe if they’re being used at home. It’s also a must to prevent falling from the side rails and a lot of beds come equipped with fixed or removeable rails. Some beds also come with anti-microbial treatment or are easy to wash — which is especially beneficial for patients with weakened immune systems.

A trapeze bar or bed assist bars can be stowed on the bed for mobility assistance (in case the patient needs to get up or down). These can be important safety and comfort factors for patients.

Ease of Use for Caregivers

A hospital bed must not only be comfortable for the patient but easy to use for the attendants. Make sure the beds have nifty levers to move the bed. If it is an electric bed, make sure you can reach the controls.

Locking wheels and casters on the bed, you can move the bed safely from place to place which is most crucial in your home. Also, a adjustable bed will increase the ergonomics of caregiver’s work and lessen the chances of caregiver strain or injury.

Durability and Build Quality

The hospital beds are built for prolonged use so durability should be on your side. Try to get a bed that is made from sturdy materials such as steel or aluminum, because they can hold the weight of the patient and they are easy to maintain. The bed is also durable to prolong its life, so you get the best value for your money.

If you’re purchasing for a clinic or hospital, make sure the bed is industry-standard for safety and durability. Trafficked rooms need beds that are more durable and able to be used 24/7 without frequent breakages.

How to Make The Most of Your Hospital Bed Purchase.
Set a Budget

A budget is the first step to start shopping for a hospital bed. The cost of hospital beds is from a few hundred dollars for the low-end manual beds to several thousand dollars for fully electric and bariatric models. When you know your budget, you will be able to narrow down the selection and not blow the entire budget.

Consider Rental Options

If you’re not sure if you need a hospital bed for a very long time, or you only need one for a short time, renting a hospital bed is a cheaper option. Renters often get a rent on any length and renters typically have different types and designs of beds.

Check for Insurance Coverage

The hospital bed can be paid in part or fully by some insurances (such as Medicare) for patients who qualify. Check with your insurance company on the requirements and if you are eligible for reimbursement. This may cover the bed expense if it’s more expensive.

Research Multiple Suppliers

Spend the time to shop around and look at prices from different manufacturers. Hospital beds can be found at med-supply shops, online merchants, and even second-hand shops. But always confirm that the used or reconditioned beds are as good as new and under warranty.

Seek out Coupons or Deals.

There are a lot of hospitals bed sellers who provide incentives, discounts or bundles. Don’t miss sales (especially holidays or end of season clearances). Also ask about bulk purchase discounts if you are purchasing beds for a clinic or hospital.

Conclusion
A hospital bed is a large expense whether it is for home or a hospital. You’ll know all about the pricing, features, and durability of the bed so that you can choose for yourself. Consider the type of bed, how adjustable, comfortable, safe, and economical it is, and choose one that can be comforting and safe for the patient while still offering good value for money.

Whether you are purchasing a bed for an emergency situation or to serve your patient for a long time, by making the right choice you will both get a hospital bed that meets all of the essentials.