How to Choose the Best Medical Beds

Types of Medical Beds

Adjustable-Height Low Beds

• Adjustable-Height Low Beds have the best combination of features for Senior Living
• Same functions as Standard Adjustable-Height beds, but can be set to a low height of 10″ or less to help protect fall-risk residents 
• Can go higher; a bed at 30″ combined with a 6″ mattress provides a safer working height for caregivers
• Some models offer five functions, including Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg

Acute Care Beds

Acute Care Beds include more advanced features than many beds, including:

• Built-in fall management systems
• In-bed scales
• Siderails with built-in controls
• Angle indicator for head elevation
• Advanced positioning options such as Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg

Key Considerations for Medical Beds

Bed Width & Length 

• Standard senior living beds are typically 35″ or 36″ wide, narrower than the standard twin bed (39″ wide), providing less space than residents are used to.
• A wider bed (39″ or 42″) offers more room for sleeping and repositioning, reducing fall risks and enhancing comfort.
  • Extra-wide beds may have: 
    • A fixed width
    • Built-in adjustments for multiple width options
    • Add on kits to expand the bed width
• Bed lengths also vary, with common fixed lengths of 76″, 80″, or 84″. Some models offer adjustable lengths or length extenders.

Quick Tip: Larger, safer, more comfortable beds can distinguish your community and attract potential residents.

Mobility & Rolling Position

• Mobile-at-Any-Height Bed:

• • • Convenient for caregivers as beds can be rolled without repositioning.
    • Many models feature single-step locking mechanisms, while some require locking all four casters
    • Note: There is a risk of leaving the bed in a mobile position, which can be unsafe for residents using it as support.

• Roll-in-Low Bed:

• • Generally safer, as the bed is always locked, requiring the bed to be lowered before moving
  • Minimizes risks associated with human error or forgetting to lock the bed casters

Positioning

• Auto Contour:
  • Simultaneously moves the head and knee sections, preventing residents from sliding and reducing shear and friction injuries
• Trendelenburg Positioning:
  • Elevates legs above the heart for better cardiac and circulatory support, aiding in postural drainage and reducing caregiver strain
• Reverse Trendelenburg:
  • This position elevates the head above the heart, which aids in improving respiratory function by facilitating better lung drainage, particularly beneficial in pneumonia cases. It also reduces pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing easier for patients with respiratory conditions
• Comfort Chair Positioning:
  • Aligns hips and shoulders, improving comfort and aiding in swallowing, breathing, and circulation
• Manual Leg Lift:
  • Elevates the foot section, adding positioning options and making heel care easier for caregivers

Height Range

• Low heights reduce injury risk from roll-out falls
• Higher positions minimize staff injury risk during bedside care

Weight Capacity

• Most beds accommodate 450 to 600 pounds, suitable for most residents. Bariatric models support higher weights
  • Quick Tip: Consider the combined weight of the resident, bedding, mattress, assists, and accessories

Horizontal Movement

• Beds without horizontal movement can be raised or lowered without drifting, preventing potential damage to walls in tight spaces
  • Note: Some height-adjustable beds may drift outward up to 9″, which can be problematic in confined spaces

Medical Bed Accessories

Medical Bed Safety

Safety should be your top priority when selecting medical beds. Ensure that any bed you consider meets all relevant safety standards and is constructed from high-quality materials designed to withstand the demands of a busy healthcare facility.

Compliance with FDA entrapment guidelines can help decrease the risk of bed entrapment in your community.

All beds sold by Direct Supply meet FDA standards when used with a properly fitting mattress. For more information on these guidelines, including tips for creating safe bed systems, please download a free copy of our Entrapment Guide today.

Medical Bed Warranty

Medical beds are pieces of sophisticated equipment that you should expect to perform in demanding healthcare environments for years at a time. All reputable manufacturers will stand by their products and offer ample coverage should problems arise. Look for warranties that include coverage for Frames, Welds, and Electronics.

Medical Bed FAQs

What is a medical bed?

A medical bed is a specialized bed designed to provide comfort, support, and safety for patients and residents in healthcare settings. These beds offer features such as adjustable heights, head and foot sections, and built-in safety mechanisms.

How do medical beds improve patient and resident safety?

Medical beds improve safety by reducing fall risks through adjustable heights, providing sturdy side rails, and ensuring stable construction. Some models also offer alarm systems to alert caregivers if the bed is in an unsafe position.

Are medical beds easy to move within a healthcare setting?

Many medical beds are designed for mobility, with features like wheels and locking mechanisms. Some models allow movement at any height, while others require the bed to be in a low position before moving.

How do I maintain a medical bed in a senior living facility?

Regular maintenance includes checking for loose parts, ensuring all mechanical functions work properly, cleaning surfaces according to manufacturer guidelines, and replacing any worn or damaged components.