Key features and functions

• Motorized adjustments: 

  An electric remote control allows for easy and effortless adjustments of the head and foot sections. 
• Height adjustment: 

  The entire bed’s height can be raised or lowered electronically, which is crucial for patient transfers and caregiver comfort. 
• In-bed chair position: 

  Many models can be adjusted to a more upright position, which can improve breathing for some patients and is helpful for sitting up in bed. 
• Manual override: 

  A manual hand crank is often included as a backup for power outages. 
• Safety features: 

  These beds are designed with durable frames and often include safety rails to prevent falls. 
• Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions: 

  Advanced models can tilt the entire bed, which is useful in critical care or post-surgery settings. 

Benefits for patients and caregivers

• For patients: 

  Allows for greater independence and comfort by enabling them to change their position without assistance. 
• For caregivers: 

  Simplifies caregiving tasks like changing linens or assisting the patient, as the bed can be raised to a more convenient height. 
• Promotes safety: 

  The ability to lower the bed to a safer height helps prevent falls, while the adjustable features make it easier to get in and out of bed. 

Benefits for patients

• Enhanced comfort: 

  Patients can easily adjust the bed to find a comfortable and supportive position, improving circulation and overall well-being. 
• Greater independence: 

  Remote controls allow for self-adjustments, giving patients more autonomy over their position. 
• Improved recovery: 

  Proper positioning, like elevating the head or legs, can support healing, improve breathing, and help prevent pressure ulcers. 
• Increased safety: 

  Features like height adjustment and safety rails can help prevent falls. 

Benefits for caregivers

• Reduced physical strain: 

  Motorized controls eliminate the need for manual adjustments, which saves caregivers energy and reduces the risk of injury. 
• Easier patient care: 

  Adjusting the bed’s height and position is simple, making it easier to help with bathing, dressing, or other care tasks. 
• Increased efficiency: 

  The ability to make quick, precise adjustments makes bedside care more efficient. 

Other considerations

• Home use: 

  Electric beds allow for hospital-level care in a home setting, which can help patients recover in a familiar environment instead of a facility. 
• Cost: 

  While often more expensive than manual beds, they may be covered by insurance or available for rent. 
• Power and space: 

  These beds require an electrical outlet and can need extra space for the caregiver to move around the bed. 

Semi-electric beds

• Adjustment: Use electric motors to adjust the head and foot sections of the bed. Height is adjusted using a manual hand crank.
• Best for: Those who need help with head and foot positioning but don’t need frequent height adjustments that require the caregiver to physically lift the bed.
• Caregiver effort: Moderate physical effort is required to raise and lower the bed’s height. 

Full-electric beds

• Adjustment: 

  Use electric motors for all adjustments, including the head, foot, and the overall height of the bed.
• Best for: 

  Patients or caregivers who need to make frequent height adjustments for comfort, easier transfers, or to tend to the patient.
• Caregiver effort: 

  Minimal physical effort is needed, as all adjustments are done via a hand pendant, unless the power is out and there is no battery backup. 

Specialized electric beds

• Bariatric beds:

  Built with a higher weight capacity and often wider dimensions to safely accommodate larger individuals. They typically have the full-electric adjustment features. 
• Trendelenburg beds:

  High-end, full-electric beds that can tilt the entire bed so the patient’s head is lower than their feet (Trendelenburg) or vice versa (reverse Trendelenburg). These positions can be beneficial for certain medical conditions and therapies. 
• Ultra-low beds:

  Designed to lower to a much smaller height, which can help reduce the risk of falls for some patients. 
• Standing beds:

  Special models that can transition a patient between sleeping, sitting, and standing positions with the touch of a button. 

1. Assess patient needs and space

• Patient condition: 

  Consider the duration of use, mobility level, weight, and specific medical needs for features like tilt or extra support. 
• Space: 

  Measure the room to ensure there is enough space for the bed and for caregivers to move around it comfortably. 
• Budget: 

  Determine what you can afford. Semi-electric beds are often more affordable, while fully electric beds offer more convenience. 
• Healthcare provider consultation: 

  A healthcare professional can help identify the best bed based on the patient’s condition. 

2. Evaluate key features

• Adjustability: 

  Look for beds with adjustable head, foot, and height settings. A fully electric bed offers the most flexibility. 
• Weight Capacity: 

  Ensure the bed can support the patient’s weight. Bariatric options are available for heavier patients. 
• Safety features: 

  Look for side rails for fall protection, lockable casters for mobility and stability, and a battery backup for power outages. 
• Mattress compatibility: 

  Check that the bed is compatible with the mattress you plan to use, especially if a specialized pressure-relief mattress is needed. 

3. Consider long-term use and maintenance

• Durability: Choose a bed made from high-quality materials that is durable and easy to clean. 
• Maintenance: Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and maintenance to ensure longevity and safety. 
• Ease of use: Ensure the controls are simple for both the patient and caregivers to use. 

4. Check safety standards and certifications

• Certifications: 

  Make sure the bed meets safety standards like FDA or ISO certification for reliability. 
• Manufacturer reputation: 

  Read customer reviews and research the manufacturer’s reputation for quality and service. 

Hospital and clinical settings

• Patient care and recovery: 

  Electric beds allow caregivers and patients to make precise adjustments to position, which is critical for managing pain and promoting healing after surgery or for chronic conditions. 
• Respiratory support: 

  Elevating the head of the bed improves breathing and lung expansion, which is especially important for patients with respiratory conditions. 
• Preventing complications: 

  Raising the legs can improve blood circulation and reduce swelling, while features like lateral tilting can help prevent pressure ulcers and aid in hygiene care. 
• Advanced monitoring: 

  Some beds feature built-in scales for accurate weight measurement and integrated sensors that can monitor vital signs, sleep patterns, and patient movement. 
• Infection control: 

  Beds can be designed with features to aid in infection prevention, such as surfaces that are easy to clean or specific positions that help prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. 

Home and community care

• Home-based care: 

  For patients who need to spend significant time in bed, an electric hospital bed offers crucial comfort and support in their own home, helping them perform daily tasks like eating, reading, or watching TV. 
• Elderly and disabled assistance: 

  They help elderly or disabled individuals maintain a greater degree of independence by making it easier to get in and out of bed safely, often with the help of side rails or other assistive features. 
• Palliative and end-of-life care: 

  These beds are used in palliative care to maximize comfort and dignity. Features like pressure relief and easy caregiver access are vital for improving quality of life. 

Hospitality and wellness

• Luxury hospitality: High-end hotels and wellness centers use advanced electric beds as a luxury amenity to enhance guest experience through greater comfort and personalized control. 

Technological integration

• Data-driven healthcare: 

  The “smart” beds of the future will integrate with hospital systems, using AI and IoT to provide real-time data and potentially automate certain care actions, like repositioning a patient to prevent a pressure sore from forming. 
• Advanced interfaces: 

  Beyond basic controls, some systems offer touchscreens, voice commands, and even brain-computer interfaces to allow patients with limited mobility to operate the bed. 

Maintenance schedule

• Daily:

  • Visually inspect the bed for signs of damage, wear, or tear.
  • Wipe down high-touch areas like side rails and hand controls.
• Weekly:

  • Test adjustable features such as head and foot elevation.
  • Lubricate any moving parts.
  • Replace bedding.
• Monthly:

  • Inspect mechanical and electrical parts for wear or damage.
  • Clean articulating sections and lubricate any moving parts.
• Annually:

  • Schedule a professional inspection to ensure the bed meets safety regulations. 

After-sales support

• Find a service provider: 

  Contact the manufacturer or an insurance provider to find a certified technician in your area. 
• Troubleshoot common issues: 

  Before calling a technician, check basic things like electrical connections and power cords. 
• Use trained technicians: 

  Only trained biomedical technicians should perform repairs on electric hospital beds. 
• Request a service record: 

  Keep a log of all maintenance and repairs performed on the bed.