Summary
This blog goes over the main types of home hospital beds on the market and the most loved options from trusted manufacturers like Joerns and Invacare.
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Introduction
Hospital beds are essential for the comfort and well-being of patients who are chronically ill, disabled, or otherwise bedridden. Many choose a hospital bed for home care for high-quality medical care in the comfort of their own home. Patients can choose between three main types: manual, semi-electric, and full-electric beds.
Why Use Hospital Beds at Home?
There are many reasons someone may need a hospital bed at home, including:
- Chronic illness
- Surgery or injury recovery
- More mobility for seniors needing home care
- Severe arthritis
- Stroke recovery
- Limb amputation
Types of Hospital Beds for Home Use
1. Manual Hospital Beds
Manual hospital beds feature hand cranks and levers for adjusting the overall height of the bed and positioning head and foot sections. This type of hospital bed is usually the most affordable and ideal for patients who require less frequent adjustments and have physically capable caregivers, as hand crank adjustment can be labor-intensive.
2. Semi-Electric Hospital Beds
Semi-electric beds use hand crank height adjustments and electrically powered adjustments for the head and foot sections. These beds are suitable for patients who require more frequent adjustments and are seeking a more budget-friendly option than a fully electric hospital bed.
3. Full-Electric Hospital Beds
Full-electric hospital beds feature completely motorized height, head, and foot adjustments. Full-electric hospital beds are ideal for patients with limited mobility who require bedridden or long-term care. These beds often come with extra features like advanced positioning options like Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg, as well as accessories like remote controls and side rail options.
The primary disadvantage of full-electric beds is their higher cost compared to other types of hospital beds; however, they are considered invaluable for long-term care and patient comfort.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital Bed
1. Comfort and Adjustability
Consider comfort when choosing a hospital bed. Adjustable features (e.g., head and foot sections) enable the patient and/or caregiver to find the most comfortable and supportive positions for sitting up, lying down, and getting in and out of bed.
2. Safety Features
Safety features are the most important to consider when choosing a hospital bed. Your choices of safety features include but are not limited to bed rails for fall prevention, locking casters, and emergency hand cranks in case of power failure.
3. Weight Capacity and Bed Size
When choosing weight capacity for a hospital bed, include the mattress weight, any bed accessories, linens, blankets, and the user's body weight.
4. Mattress Compatibility and Accessories
Many beds include convenient accessories for easier healthcare, including overbed tables, IV poles, and trays. Pressure-relief mattresses are a great choice for bedridden patients requiring long-term care, as they enhance comfort and help prevent pressure sores.
5. Cost and Insurance Coverage
The prices of hospital beds vary depending on types, features, size, and brand. You can expect to spend anywhere from $1500 to $6000 (on the lower end for manual beds, and the higher end for fully electric). In many cases, insurance like Medicare or Medicaid will cover at least part of the expense if a hospital bed is medically necessary. Medicare Part B usually covers hospital beds as durable medical equipment (DME).
In some cases, renting is a more cost-effective option than purchasing a new bed, especially if you will only need the bed for a short-term period (e.g., surgery or injury recovery). Many dealers also have gently used beds available for sale at a discount.
Best Hospital Beds for Home Use
There are a wide variety of hospital beds available, and it can be difficult to narrow down your options. We have gathered a list of a few of the most popular, high-quality hospital beds from trusted manufacturers.
Joerns Ultracare XT Full Electric Hospital Bed – Best Overall Electric Hospital Bed
The Joerns Ultracare XT features a weight capacity of 650 pounds, comfortably accommodating most patients. Its adjustable four-section platform provides a wide range of therapeutic and comfort positions, easily controlled by the patient or caregiver with an advanced pendant.
Key Features
- Four-Section Mattress Platform for Complete Adjustability
- Intuitively Designed Pendant Provides User-Friendly Control
- Four Powerful Yet Quiet DC Motors Enable Quick High-Low Positioning
Specifications
- Maximum Back Angle: 65 Degrees to Horizontal
- Maximum Knee Angle: 35 Degrees to Horizontal
- Maximum Knee to Leg Angle: 45 Degrees
- Operating Capacity: 600 Pounds
- Underbed Clearance: 23 ¾ Inches
- Weight Capacity: 650 Pounds
Drive Competitor II Hi/Lo Semi-Electric Bed – Top-Rated Semi-Electric Hospital Bed
The Drive Competitor II has a slat deck design that requires no links for easy maintenance and provides no-sag mattress support. The glow-in-the-dark pendant has a lock-out feature that prevents accidental actuation of head and foot positioning. The ultra-lightweight head and foot frames weigh 41 pounds each, simplifying one-person transport and assembly.
Key Features
- Large Glow-in-the-Dark Remote Pendant Is Easy To Use
- Emergency Battery Backup Can Lower Sections in Case of Power Failure
- Self-Contained Motor Operates Quietly and Reduces Bed Weight
Specifications
- Bed Weight: 138 Pounds
- Width: 35.6 Inches
- Length: 87.2 Inches
- Height: 11 - 20 Inches
- Underbed Clearance: 4.4 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 350 Pounds
FlexaBed Hi-Low SL Adjustable Bed – Most Comfortable Adjustable Hospital Bed
The FlexaBed Hi-Low is a great choice for those looking for the vertical adjustability features of a traditional hospital bed without the institutional appearance. The Hi-Low comes with your choice of a one-touch wireless or wired remote, and locking casters or stationary leg pads, depending on your needs. It is available in a full range of bed sizes, from twin to king.
Key Features
- Elegant Appearance Blends In With Existing Home Decor
- Split King Option Allows Users To Sleep Next to Their Spouse
- Vertical Adjustability with Convenient Remote Control
Key Features
- Bed Options: Twin, Full, Queen, Split King
- Length Options: 74, 80, and 84 Inch
- Weight Capacity: 400 Pounds
Invacare Full Electric Bariatric Bed with Adjustable Width – Best Bariatric Hospital Bed for Heavy-Duty Support
The Invacare Bariatric Bed is a heavy-duty bed with a weight capacity of 750 pounds. This fully electric bed features four super-quiet DC actuators for easily repositioning the head and foot sections.
Key Features
- Split-Spring Design for Easy Setup
- Locking and Steering Casters for Maneuvering
- Quiet and Powerful Motors Quickly Adjust Height
Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 750 Pounds
- Width: Adjustable to 39, 42, or 48 Inches
- Height: 15.5 to 29.5 Inches
- Length: 80 - 88 Inches
- Frame Warranty: 5 Years
Conclusion
The most important thing to consider when choosing a hospital bed is your needs. Can you get out of bed without help and adjust your position on your own? A manual bed may be right for you. Do you have a caregiver who needs to raise the bed to get better access to you? A semi-electric or full electric bed may fit your needs. Assess your list of needs and bring them to your healthcare provider so they can help you find the bed that will work best for your lifestyle, comfort, safety, and budgetary needs. Vitality Medical has a wide range of hospital beds available for purchase. Browse our selection today!
