Blog The Complete Cheat Sheet for Buying a Hospital Bed

A hospital bed might have to be purchased for patients with temporary physical conditions or who are suffering from dementia. From the perspective of a healthcare procurement professional or an individual buyer, it could be a rather demanding and tiresome task. However, it could be accomplished with awareness of what to look out for. 

Make a List

Hospital beds come in different makes and varieties. The ones for home use can be made from wood, have electric features, have different height adjustments, and have a profiling mattress platform. If you have specific features that are a must for your design, it is best to make a list detailing them all in one place (e.g., side rails, height adjustment), and along with it, a list of extras (e.g., dark wood color, low height range). Possible features that should be considered include 

1. Adjustable height feature
2. Rails on the side
3. Profiling a mattress platform
4. It can be operated electrically with remote control.
5. Tilting feature.
6. It can be customized to fit the needs of the user.
7. You should be able to adjust an air mattress. 
8. Fully-enclosed wooden headboard and footboard

A hospital bed at home isn't just useful for the patient. It also makes things easier for caregivers. Safety for the patient and the caregiver is and should be the number one priority.

Patient Safety and Comfort are the Fundamental Requirements

Selecting the right type of bed with the right set of features requires careful consideration of numerous personal factors. Most beds come with a standard set of features, but you can acquire other customizable options based on the patient’s needs. Attention must be given to:

1. Why is the bed needed to begin with?
2. What is the essence of the illness or disease?
3. How long would the person stay in bed daily?
4. What is the patient’s mobility level?
5. Can they get out of bed themselves, or do they need assistance?

What Type of Mattress Is Used in a Hospital Bed?

We must consider the patient's condition and the duration of their bedtime. Many patients are required to stay in bed for over 24 hours. These conditions can cause bedsores and other such problems caused by a prolonged and lengthy period of staying immobile. This is why you must get a bed that prevents this from happening to the patient.

Types of Hospital Beds to Consider 

Manual Hospital Bed

Manual beds utilize hand cranks to raise and lower the head and foot of the bed. This entails adjusting the bed height to the most suitable setting. Manual beds are generally more affordable than beds that use electric modifications. 

Semi-electric Hospital Bed

A semi-electric bed is made with the feature of an electric engine that can change the settings of the head and foot; moreover, in these types of beds, height changes have to be done manually by using a hand wrench, typically situated near the foot of the bed. Head and foot alterations are made with remote control. 

Full Electric Hospital Bed

Full-electric beds use a remote control system that is similar to that of semi-electric beds; however, the remote for full-electric beds controls the height of the entire bed as well as the head and foot adjustments. Full-electric beds use a pulley framework with steel links to secure and adjust the height for patients who require the bed to be brought down or lowered so that they can get up easily without much of a stretch and for care providers who want the bed to be higher for feeding, medicating, etc., or to change materials. 

Choose Your Supplier Carefully, and Ask Questions

Buying a hospital bed must not be done hastily. If you are looking for a bed, ensure you have a clear idea of what you need. Make sure that the person you choose when buying a hospital bed offers you the desired post-sales services. Choose a supplier who provides delivery and installation service as a package, and it must be ensured the bed comes with a warranty. Ask the supplier about their post-sale service. To get a sense of the product, get a few reviews or ask clients directly. Buying a brand-new bed is expensive for some, so a second-hand hospital bed would also do the job.

Preferably, the bed and mattress should be purchased together. It is advisable to find a supplier who would provide both items. This is a better way to go about it. If a fault occurs in the bed, it could also damage your mattress, or vice versa; this could lead to complications. A cooperative supplier who has supplied both items would be more helpful. 

The mattress must come with a warranty and should come with a quality certification of some sort. The supplier should also provide valuable insights on the available beds and which ones would best fit a patient's needs, given the nature of the ailment and physical condition.

Make Sure You Know What is Involved in Installing the Hospital Bed

Now that you've chosen a mattress that suits you, it's time to learn how to get it to your desired location and set it up. A professional could set up the bed, or the buyer may do it himself. In this regard, it's advisable to choose a supplier who offers installation services with the bed. The bed should come with a detailed instruction manual and installation guidebook.

Conclusion and Closing 

Purchasing a hospital bed or a homecare bed for patients that need home care can make their and their caregivers' lives more comfortable. 

Getting a comfortable bed with multiple options and safety features is recommended. In summary, to make the right choice, one must consider its parts, the patient’s needs, bed positioning options, availability of spare accessories, convenience, and reliability. With all these factors in mind, purchasing a safe, comfortable, and reliable bed should become easier and safer. Sky Medical Supplies provides various options to buy or rent a hospital bed. We have affordable weekly, daily, and monthly rates for rent. Call our store to find out more at our Denver, Colorado, location.