A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hospital Bed

01 Sep.,2025

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hospital Bed

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hospital Bed

Hospital beds provide safety, comfort, and mobility to a broad range of patients who have varying health conditions. They allow healthcare professionals and caregivers to meet the diverse needs of their patients within a healthcare facility, and home hospital beds can be used to assist with recovery or maximize long-term care in the comfort of an individual’s home. But choosing the right hospital bed can be tricky.

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With so many different types of hospital beds out there, deciding on one can be overwhelming, which is why we’re here to help. In this article, we will cover all there is to know about hospital beds to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Hospital Bed?

A hospital bed is a bed specifically designed for those in need of some form of healthcare. Unlike a regular bed, these beds are adjustable and come with special features that help provide comfort and an increased sense of well-being for those who are older people, disabled, or chronically ill.

Plus, adjustable hospital beds make it easier for caregivers to manage a patient’s needs and provide quality care. While typically found in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and outpatient clinics, hospital beds can also be used for home healthcare.

Types of Hospital Beds

There are three main types of hospital beds: manual hospital beds, semi-electric hospital beds, and fully electric hospital beds. Additionally, there are more specialized options, such as bariatric hospital beds. In this section, we take a look at the features, pricing, advantages, and disadvantages of these different types of hospital beds.

Manual hospital beds

A manual hospital bed uses hand cranks to adjust the bed’s height, and raise and lower the head and foot sections. Typically, the hand crank is found at the foot of the bed, and it requires someone physically capable to operate it.

Prices for a manual hospital bed range from $250 – $700. While a manual bed is the cheapest option when it comes to hospital beds, they do lack the more robust features that can be found on semi-electric and fully electric beds.

The following are some pros and cons of manual hospital beds:

Pros of Manual Hospital Beds

  • Most affordable type of hospital bed
  • Great for those who don’t require frequent repositioning

Cons of Manual Hospital Beds

  • Lack of features
  • Manual adjustments can put a physical strain on the caregiver

Semi-electric hospital beds

A semi-electric hospital bed utilizes both electric and manual adjustments. Typically, the bed height is adjusted via a hand crank, while an electric motor operated with a remote raises and lowers the head and foot sections. Pricing for these models ranges from $600 – $. 

The following are some pros and cons of semi-electric hospital beds:

Pros of Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

  • More affordable than fully electric beds
  • Users can adjust head and foot sections

Cons of Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

  • Caregiver needed to adjust height
  • Hand crank can put physical strain on the caregiver

Fully electric hospital beds

A fully electric hospital bed has an electric motor that adjusts the height and head and feet sections. With the push of a button, the patient can control the positioning of the bed, decreasing the reliance on a caregiver and increasing the patient’s independence. Prices for electric hospital beds range from $900 – $. 

The following are some pros and cons of electric hospital beds:

Pros of Fully Electric Hospital Beds

  • Users can adjust bed with no assistance
  • Advanced features, such as the ability to move into the Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions
  • No physical strain put on caregivers to adjust the bed

Cons of Fully Electric Hospital Beds

  • Most expensive type of hospital bed

Bariatric hospital beds

Bariatric hospital beds are designed for larger individuals. These beds are sturdier, reinforced versions of the manual, semi-electric, and fully electric hospital beds, and they are recommended for those who weigh 350 to 750 pounds. 

Here are some pros and cons of bariatric hospital beds:

Pros of Bariatric Hospital Beds

  • Better support and comfort 
  • Safer and prevents shifting and sagging

Cons of Bariatric Hospital Beds

  • Larger size means the bed takes up more space
  • Fully electric models are the most expensive type of hospital bed

Key Features of Hospital Beds

Hospital beds come with a variety of features, and the type of capabilities your bed will need will depend on the mobility and health conditions of the patient or loved one. Here are five important features to consider when buying a hospital bed:

  • Adjustability: Hospital bed frames can be adjusted to higher and lower positions as needed. In addition, the head section can rise up or down independently of the foot section and vice versa.
  • Side rails: These beds have securely attached side rails that can be raised or lowered, and they provide protection and support to help patients feel more secure. Additional assist rails can be added to further help patients with mobility issues get in and out of bed.
  • Mattress types: The type of mattress needed is impacted by the amount of time spent in bed as well as the individual’s health condition. If the patient will be in bed most or all of the day, they will need a mattress that is designed to prevent bedsores and other issues common to prolonged periods of lying down. There are gel or memory foam mattresses and other specialty options depending on needs.
  • Mobility: Hospital beds can come with casters and brakes that make it easy to maneuver the bed. Locks and brakes keep the bed in place and prevent it from moving around. 
  • Accessories: Different accessories that suit a patient’s needs can be added to the hospital bed. Overbed tables provide patients with a flat surface for eating or placing down any of their belongings, and these tables give caregivers a place to set supplies while providing care. IV poles that attach to the legs of hospital beds offer a tip-free means of administering IV therapy or enteral feedings. Overhead trapeze bars allow patients to lift themselves and move in bed if they are weak or injured.

Benefits of Using a Hospital Bed At Home

Hospital beds aren’t just for hospitals and nursing homes. In fact, they are a great option to have at home for your loved one so that they can be in the comfort of their home during periods of illness. Here are five benefits of home hospital beds:

  1. Enhanced patient comfort and support: A good hospital bed mattress will be more comfortable than a standard mattress. They are designed to align with the body’s natural contours, so they help prevent discomfort. Plus, hospital beds allow you to easily adjust positions so that you can find a comfortable position, which also helps improve sleep quality.
  2. Improved caregiver access and safety: Hospital beds make it much easier for caregivers to manage a patient’s needs. These beds can be adjusted to appropriate heights to help better facilitate necessary care, and it helps ease any physical strain a caregiver may encounter from having to move patients.
  3. Facilitation of medical procedures and treatments: Caregivers can better perform any procedures or treatments required for care since patients will be in less awkward or unnatural positions.
  4. Prevention of pressure ulcers and bedsores: Since the angle and position of the bed can be adjusted, hospital beds provide pressure relief and reduce areas that become sore or painful from lying still for long periods of time. 
  5. Keep people home: Most people want to recover in the comfort of their homes. Hospital beds for home allow you to stay out of the often cold, clinical setting of hospitals and stay home despite any health or mobility issues. 

Considerations When Choosing a Hospital Bed

Buying a hospital bed is a big investment, so be sure to properly research the available options. Before buying a hospital bed, here are a few things to consider:

  • Patient needs: Every patient is unique and has different needs depending on their health condition. Weight capacity is also important as serious injuries can occur if a bed frame collapses due to excess weight. When determining weight capacity, consider the weight of the user, mattress, bed linens, and anything else that would sit on top of the bed, such as a loved one relaxing with a patient. Also, consider the patient’s mobility requirements. A highly adjustable hospital bed is best for unsteady patients with balance issues. A fully electric bed may be the best option for someone who cannot operate a hand crank.
  • Space and placement: Make sure there is plenty of space for the hospital bed. While healthcare facilities will typically factor in the amount of space they need for hospital beds, this might be a more challenging issue for home hospital beds. You need room not only for the bed but also for the caregiver so that they can maneuver around the patient and the bed. Don’t forget, you’ll also need space for any additional accessories. Wondering how big a hospital bed can be? Read our guide here.
  • Budget and price: Buying a hospital bed can be costly, so be sure to budget appropriately. If you are unable to buy a new bed, buying a used hospital bed is also an option, as well as renting.
  • Quality and durability of the bed: If a patient is bedridden for an extended period of time, electric hospital beds provide long-term comfort and durability. Semi-electric and manual beds are more suited for short-term use.
  • Supplier reputation and customer service: Make sure to research the suppliers of the hospital beds you are considering. Check customer reviews and consider the quality of customer service, because you might need help with setup, operation, and maintenance.

Buying vs. Renting a Hospital Bed

Should you buy or rent a hospital bed for home? There are pros and cons to both, and it depends on your situation. In this section, we help you determine whether you should buy or rent a home hospital bed.

Renting a Hospital Bed

The following are the pros of renting a hospital bed:

  • Short-term use: If the user is expecting to need a hospital bed for only a month or two, renting is the more practical option. Short-term rentals are a more cost-effective solution for those expecting a quick recovery.
  • Try before you buy: If you are on the fence about buying an at-home hospital bed, renting allows you to try it out before making a long-term commitment. 
  • Maintenance: Renting a hospital bed means you don’t have to worry about any maintenance or repairs. The rental company will take care of any issues that arise.

Here are the cons of renting a hospital bed:

  • Higher long-term costs: Renting is the less-expensive option for short-term needs, but this isn’t the case for long-term illnesses. If you plan on having the bed for a significant period of time, you will likely spend more on renting. On average, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 a month to rent a hospital bed. 
  • Limited choice: Typically, rental companies stock a limited range of hospital beds that they buy in bulk. You won’t have all the options available to you that you would have if you were to buy, which includes customizations and accessories. 
  • Quality concerns: Most likely, any hospital bed you rent will have been used by many different people, so they might not come to you in the best condition. While they are cleaned and disinfected before delivery, there is no guarantee that they are entirely free of other people’s germs. If the user of the hospital bed is immunocompromised, it is even more imperative that you carefully consider if renting is right for you.

Buying a Hospital Bed

Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of renting a hospital bed, let’s look at the pros of buying a hospital bed:

  • Long-term savings: Purchasing a hospital bed is more cost-effective in the long run when it comes to injuries and illnesses that require extended recovery times. Long-term rentals end up being more costly than buying.
  • Freedom of choice: When you buy, you are free to choose whatever type of hospital bed and customize it with the specifications and features you deem the most necessary for your health condition. 
  • Ownership: Buying a hospital bed means you will have complete ownership, so you can modify and personalize it however you want. 

Here are the cons of buying a hospital bed:

  • Upfront costs: Buying a home hospital bed usually means that you have to pay for it upfront, and many companies don’t accept insurance. However, a lot of suppliers offer financing to those who qualify in order to ease the burden of high upfront costs.
  • Maintenance: Should something break or go wrong, you will be responsible for fixing it. Make sure you’re shopping for a bed designed for home use and find out what kind of maintenance they require. A good, reliable supplier should be able to assist you with a repair if necessary.

The Bottom Line on Choosing The Right Hospital Bed

The right hospital bed is important for the well-being of aging, injured, or sick individuals. When looking to buy a hospital bed, be sure to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice before you make a decision.

On the Mend is here to help as well. We have a full selection of hospital beds for you to browse and staff on hand to answer any and all questions. Contact us on our website or by at (844) 470-.

FAQ

What is a hospital bed?

A hospital bed is an adjustable bed specifically designed for those who are older, disabled, or chronically ill. They provide safety, comfort, and mobility to a broad range of patients with diverse needs.

Want more information on Hospital bed manufacturer? Feel free to contact us.

What are the main types of hospital beds?

The main types of hospital beds are manual, semi-electric, fully electric, and bariatric hospital beds. 

What are the key features of home hospital beds?

Key features of hospital beds include adjustability, side rails, mattress types, mobility, and various accessories. 

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What To Know Before Buying A Hospital Bed - Transfer Master

Whether you’re a current hospital bed owner or are considering getting one, picking the right equipment is essential. As the medical needs of the person using it change over time, you may need to make additional purchases like upgrading your bed frame and mattress or buying accessories to help maintain their hygiene, mobility, safety, and comfort.

Before buying hospital bed equipment, it’s crucial to carefully consider the needs of the person who will be using it. What safety features do you need? Will your patient or loved one need side rails to help keep them in bed during the night or to hold onto while getting in and out of bed? Or is having side rails on the bed more likely to lead to them getting injured? Is it better to invest in a trapeze bar, an overhead bar that allows patients to lift themselves by pulling on it? Is it better to invest in a bed and mattress that can be remotely lowered to the ground or tilted? There’s a lot to consider.

Your Hospital Bed or Mattress May Not Be Compatible With Certain Types of Equipment

Some mattresses, even hospital bed mattresses, may not function as intended with certain hospital beds. If you buy a specific hospital bed frame that is designed to shift or bend in a particular way, you must pair it with a hospital bed mattress intended to accommodate these functions. For example, suppose you have a hospital bed designed to do specific tilts involving the mattress bending in its center. In that case, conventional mattresses might not be suitable, as they could damage the mattress or harm the user.

If you are a person with excess weight, you may need a specialized bariatric bed if your weight lying down exceeds 250 pounds. Even if you have a high-quality bariatric mattress, you may also need a bariatric hospital bed frame, or your bed will not be able to support you comfortably and safely.

In addition to mattresses, some hospital bed accessories may not be compatible with every hospital bed, depending on the physical dimensions and features of the bed. Some hospital bed grip rails may be designed so that they won’t fit on some hospital beds. If you decide to get a mobility aid like a trapeze, you should make sure that your bed is designed to allow you to install such overhead fixtures safely.

When you’re shopping for hospital bed equipment, it’s essential to make sure it works as intended. Be sure to do your research before you make a purchase.

Hospital Bed Mattresses Have Features That May Remove the Need for Accessories

Before you spend the money on expensive hospital bed accessories, consider that you may be able to buy a hospital bed mattress that includes specific features. If you are in the market for a hospital bed, shopping for mattresses that have specific features may save you from having to spend more money on accessories as your medical needs change over time.

Hospital bed mattresses often have built-in features that make some hospital accessories unnecessary. A hospital bed mattress that comes with progressive laminated foams removes the need for certain mattress covers. Buying a mattress that includes low air loss or alternating pressure features eliminates the need for a mattress topper that includes these features. If you need help getting in and out of bed, it may be better to invest in a hospital bed that can lower to the ground using a remote control than a regular mattress and a proprietary step stool. It might be safer, too.

Suppose you have fine motor issues or are otherwise unable to use your hands to operate a remote. In that case, some hospital beds are compatible with voice-activated Environmental Control Units (ECUs) like Google Home and Amazon Echo. If you are concerned that having a hospital bed at home won’t mesh with your home decor, many home hospital beds are designed so that the wheels, supports, and other machinery are concealed, so there is no need to buy decorative hospital bed accessories to make your hospital bed look more like a conventional bed.

Make Sure You Have Room For Hospital Bed Equipment

Hospital beds, like regular beds, take up a lot of space. Unlike traditional beds, they may require extra space, particularly if you plan on getting a bed that can raise, lower, or tilt itself. If you plan on getting additional equipment, you need to plan to have space for that as well. 

Using a hospital bed in a room that is too cramped can lead to mobility issues or even serious injuries. Whatever equipment you buy, make sure it doesn’t obstruct any exits to the room, create tripping hazards, make it difficult to get in and out of bed, or make it difficult to administer medical treatment to the person who is using it. 

It’s also a good idea to try to anticipate not only your current needs, or the needs of your patient or loved one, but your future needs as well. Suppose you or the person you care for has mobility issues or a medical condition that may result in mobility issues. In that case, it’s probably a good idea to invest in a bed that includes grip rails or overhead trapeze bars, or at least one compatible with them. If you don’t need equipment like this right now, it’s good to at least verify that the equipment you want to buy will fit in the space you intend to keep it in before purchasing. For example, an overhead trapeze bar may require more vertical space and support than you currently have in your bedroom. Be sure to measure the dimensions of the room in which your hospital bed will be kept. It may also be helpful to draw a diagram to scale to figure out where and how to install new equipment.

Before buying hospital bed equipment, talk to your doctor about your current medical state. They may have suggestions for what type of equipment may be helpful to you or the person you care for. Your vendor may also be able to help you decide what equipment may be beneficial to you.

Some Hospital Bed Accessories Can Make It Easier to Clean and Maintain a Hospital Bed Mattress

Cleaning and maintenance are part of owning any bed, but it is especially important for owners of home hospital beds. They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A similar principle is true for keeping your hospital bed clean; it’s easier to prevent problems with a hospital bed through regular cleaning and maintenance. Some accessories can make the process easier. 

Mattress toppers and covers make it easy to clean the mattress. The more time we spend in bed, the more organic matter that our bodies naturally shed over time ends up in our mattresses and sheets, promoting the growth of bacteria and mold. Mattress toppers, pads, and covers can prevent this by absorbing these materials before they can seep into your hospital bed mattress, and they’re designed to be easily removed for cleaning. Table trays make it easier to have meals in bed while keeping crumbs and other food particles from dirtying your bedsheets.

Some hospital bed equipment can make it easier to clean and bathe people who are bedridden without dirtying or soaking their mattresses. Patient lifting systems like gait belts, which is a belt placed around a patient’s waist so caregivers can use it to pull up or balance a patient, can make it easier to lift a bedridden patient out of bed so their sheets can be changed or to clean their mattresses. Overhead trapeze bars can also be helpful, provided the patient has the physical ability to pull themselves up.

Installing Hospital Bed Equipment Is Physically Demanding

Installing a hospital bed in your home is supposed to make things easier for the people who use them, their caretakers, and their families. That said, the process of installing new hospital bed equipment can be an involved, physically taxing process that may be more difficult than you might think.

If you decide to install hospital bed equipment yourself, be sure to ask your vendor plenty of questions to make sure you have what you need before it arrives at your home, the home of your loved one, or at your care facility.

Keep in mind that the work doesn’t end with installation. Hospital bed equipment and accessories all require regular maintenance to ensure they function as safely and efficiently as they should. 

Consider hiring professional help. Talk to your vendor about what, if any, services they offer. It may cost more to hire professionals to install a new feature on a hospital bed, but it may save you time, stress, and even prevent physical injuries.

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