Hospital beds play a huge role in patient comfort and recovery.
However, they often get overlooked in
the grand scheme of medical care. They play a key role in helping you get a restful sleep and recover
comfortably. Today, they come in many shapes and sizes, use innovative technology and are designed to
help people with specific health conditions and ailments.
But, they weren’t always as so comfortable or easy to use. Hospital beds have evolved significantly since
they were first introduced in the 1800s. Here we will take a brief look at the types of hospital beds and
dive back into history to provide an overview of the history of hospital beds and their development.
What Is A Hospital Bed?
A hospital bed is designed to provide patients with care and comfort. Also known as a medical bed,
hospital cot, clinical bed, patient bed, or fowler bed, the hospital bed is a primary piece of equipment in
healthcare settings.
Hospital beds can be adjusted up and down, and the angles of their head and foot sections can be
altered to allow for more comfort. Some hospital beds also have specialized safety features, such as
guardrails preventing patients from falling out of bed during treatment.
In general, a hospital bed is an important piece of furniture found in different health facilities, and is
essential for providing comfort and security for patients needing care.
3 Types Of Hospital Beds
Hospital beds are typically divided into three main categories: electric, semi-electric, and manual.
1. Manual Hospital Bed
Manual hospital beds are commonly used in hospitals with long-term care facilities at home to give
caretakers an easy way to perform patient positioning tasks.
In simple terms, a manual hospital bed must be operated manually, requiring hand cranks and levers to
raise and lower the head and foot sections or change the bed's height.
Pros
They are often much less expensive than their electronically powered counterparts and are lighter in
weight and easier to transport - perfect for those needing a more mobile solution.
Cons
Their most significant drawbacks include slower operation speeds when raising and lowering the head or
foot section, as these require additional effort on behalf of the user.
2. Semi-Electric Hospital Bed
A semi-electric hospital bed is adjustable and allows patients to independently move the head and foot
sections to meet their comfort needs. It typically does not offer independent control of bed height, as
this requires a motorized or full electric bed.
Pros
Pros of a semi-electric bed include comfort, customization, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. In
addition, they are generally easier to use than full electric beds due to fewer motors and buttons.
Cons
Cons may include limited control of height, less noise and vibration reduction when transitioning
between positions, and increased effort required to operate the controls compared with other
homecare beds.
3. Electric Hospital Bed
An electric hospital bed consists of a rectangular platform with attached side rails capable of being
raised or lowered to varying heights and angles.
The bed is powered by electricity, enabling caregivers to adjust the frame with a simple push-button
controller.
Pros
Patients can switch from sleeping positions to sitting upright without the assistance of medical staff. This
increases their independence and comfort level. Patients can also receive care without leaving their
beds due to the adjustable height and angle features.
Cons
The cost of an electric hospital bed can be prohibitively expensive for some facilities or families.
Furthermore, they require regular maintenance and may not be suitable for certain types of patients
who require frequent transfers between beds or out of beds altogether.
Ultimately, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons before purchasing an electric hospital bed to ensure
it meets all the requirements for your patient's needs.
Portea
+1800 121 2323
Hospital Beds And Their Types
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Hospital beds are specifically designed with special features to cater to the needs of healthcare facilities
and home healthcare. They differ from regular beds found in homes or hotels. Common features include
adjustable height, electronic buttons, and adjustable side rails. Modern hospital beds may also include
additional advanced features for the well-being, comfort, and convenience of both healthcare workers
and patients. Some additional features include:
Bed Mobility: The inclusion of wheels enables effortless movement of the bed within the room or
throughout different sections of the hospital. These wheels are equipped with safety locks to secure the
bed when patients need to be transferred in or out.
Height Adjustability: The bed offers various elevation options, allowing adjustment of the entire height,
foot position, or headrest. Unlike older models that relied on manual operation, these beds feature
electronic controls for convenient adjustments.
Adjustable Side Rails: The side rails of the bed can be raised or lowered to provide protection and
support. Easy-to-use buttons allow both patients and staff to operate the rails. In some cases, these rails
can also serve as medical restraints.
Bed Alarm System: Hospital beds are equipped with an integrated alarm system within the mattress,
enabling caregivers and hospital personnel to monitor and promptly attend to patients. This feature
enhances patient safety and ensures timely assistance.
CPR Capability: Specialized ICU beds incorporate a CPR function to assist in resuscitation efforts for
individuals in critical condition. These beds are designed to provide optimal support and functionality
during life-saving procedures.
At Portea, we prioritize patient well-being and strive to provide the highest quality healthcare
equipment and services. Our range of modern hospital beds caters to the specific requirements of
healthcare settings, promoting comfort, convenience, and efficient care delivery.
Types Of Hospital Beds
Hospital beds serve diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, home care, nursing homes,
and more. Some of the most prominent medical beds for homeare:
FOWLER BED
Fowler beds are specifically designed beds consisting of four perforated sections that allow patients to
achieve different positions. The fowler’s position, commonly used in medical settings, involves the
patient sitting up with straight or bent knees. Different variations include the high fowler position at a
90-degree angle, semi-fowler position at 30 to 45 degrees, and low fowler position with a slight
elevation of the head. These beds are utilized for immobile patients experiencing respiratory distress,
postpartum women requiring uterine drainage, individuals in need of nasal feeding tubes, and those at
risk of aspiration.
Fowler beds are equipped with motors and cranks for effortless adjustments, collapsible side rails, and
ABS steel foot and head panels. They employ individual or central braking systems and offer functions
for backrest and knee rest adjustments
SEMI FOWLER BED:
A semi-fowler bed is designed to accommodate the semi-fowler position, where the patient’s torso and
head are raised at an angle of 15 to 45 degrees while lying on the back. It offers a smaller angle of
elevation compared to a fowler bed, and it may also involve raising the foot of the bed and bending the
knees. Similar to a fowler bed, the semi-fowler bed is beneficial for patients with respiratory or cardiac
conditions, requiring lung expansion, or having a nasogastric tube. It also provides added comfort for
women in labor during childbirth.
Semi-fowler beds feature ABS or steel foot and head panels and are equipped with motors or cranks for
easy adjustments. They may also have collapsible side rails for enhanced safety and convenience.
ELECTRIC BED:
Electric beds are specially designed beds that offer adjustable positions for both the upper and lower
body, as well as height adjustments. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with various medical
conditions that make sleeping in uncomfortable positions difficult. Electric beds provide relief for people
experiencing swelling, chronic pain, arthritis, respiratory issues, limited mobility, heartburn, and acid
reflux.
Key features of electric beds include collapsible guard rails operated by electricity, multiple resting
position options, compatibility with hospital bed mattresses, detachable head and footboards, and
swivel castors. These beds can be controlled through electric mechanisms, making them versatile for use
in home care settings, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and hospitals. Incorporating advanced
engineering technology, electric beds prioritize patient safety and comfort.
MANUAL BEDS:
A manual bed is a widely used and popular type of bed found in hospitals, nursing homes, and caregiving
facilities. These medical beds feature hand cranks to adjust the bed’s height and raise the head or foot
section. They are suitable for patients who require minimal position changes and offer a cost-effective
solution for long-term care.
Manual beds are a budget-friendly alternative to electric beds, providing affordability. A semi-electric
bed is a variation that serves as a middle ground between manual and electric beds, offering some
electric functionalities alongside manual adjustments.
MOTORIZED BED:
A motorized bed is a hospital bed designed with the capability to be adjusted in height according to the
patient’s requirements. These beds are equipped with removable side rails for added safety. The head
and foot sections of the bed can be raised or lowered, facilitating easier mobility for patients when
sitting or standing up. Some motorized beds are also equipped with lockable wheels, allowing for easy
movement when necessary. These beds incorporate various features to ensure patient comfort and
convenience, including motorized adjustments for the knees, back, and overall height.
RECLINER BED:
These beds can transform a regular home bed into a convenient and adjustable one. Featuring a flexible
frame, they can be positioned at different angles, from low lying to upright. Many of these beds are
designed with a user-friendly remote control and have a compact size suitable for modern homes. They
are especially beneficial for patients seeking relief from acute back pain and aiming for a comfortable
sleeping experience.
