Understanding the Different Types of Hospital Beds for Home Use

21 Jul.,2025

 

Understanding the Different Types of Hospital Beds for Home Use

Understanding the Different Types of Hospital Beds for Home Use

  • Jun 09,
  • Heritage Home Medical Equipment

When choosing a hospital bed for home use, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. But with the right guidance, you can find a bed that’s comfortable, supportive, and suits the specific needs of you or your loved one. A good hospital bed can make a big difference in terms of safety, ease of care, and even quality of sleep. So let’s dive into the different types of hospital beds available for home use, breaking down the features and benefits of each type to help you make the best choice.

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Why a Hospital Bed at Home?

Hospital beds aren’t just for hospitals—they’re a valuable addition to home care, helping individuals with limited mobility or health conditions stay safe and comfortable. These beds offer easy adjustability, better support, and, in many cases, are built to be compatible with various medical devices and accessories. Whether it’s for post-surgery recovery, chronic health management, or simply providing additional comfort and care at home, hospital beds bring a level of flexibility and convenience that standard beds just can’t offer.

Types of Hospital Beds for Home Use

1. Manual Hospital Beds

Manual hospital beds are the most basic option and are adjusted by hand, usually with a crank. They allow caregivers to adjust the bed’s height and angle without relying on electricity, which can be helpful in power outages. However, since these beds require physical effort, they’re best suited for patients with limited adjustment needs or those who have assistance from a caregiver.

  • Pros: Affordable, no electricity needed, dependable in power outages.
  • Cons: Requires physical effort, limited adjustability without a caregiver.
2. Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

Semi-electric beds blend manual and electric functions. Typically, the head and foot of the bed can be adjusted with a remote control, while the bed height is manually adjusted. This type of bed offers some level of independence for users who can adjust their own bed position but still require assistance with height adjustments.

  • Pros: Electric positioning, easier to adjust for the user, affordable compared to full electric.
  • Cons: Height adjustment requires manual effort, still needs some caregiver assistance.
3. Full Electric Hospital Beds

For those who want maximum convenience and independence, full electric hospital beds allow all adjustments—bed height, head, and foot positions—to be controlled by the push of a button. This is ideal for individuals who may not have constant caregiver assistance or want the freedom to adjust their position independently. Full electric beds also reduce the physical strain on caregivers by allowing easy adjustments without manual effort.

  • Pros: Full control over positioning, enhances user independence, reduces caregiver strain.
  • Cons: Higher cost, relies on electricity (though many have battery backup options).
4. Bariatric Hospital Beds

Designed specifically for heavier individuals, bariatric beds provide extra width, strength, and support. These beds are built with durable frames and can accommodate greater weight capacities than standard hospital beds, usually up to 750 pounds or more. They often have wider mattresses and reinforced structures to provide both comfort and safety for larger users.

  • Pros: Heavy-duty, wider mattress options, excellent support for larger users.
  • Cons: Larger footprint, generally more expensive, may require additional setup space.
5. Low Hospital Beds

Low beds are designed closer to the ground, which can be especially beneficial for individuals at risk of falling out of bed. These beds can be adjusted to sit just a few inches from the floor, making it safer for those with mobility challenges or who may be prone to rolling out of bed. Low beds also make it easier for users to get in and out without assistance.

  • Pros: Reduced fall risk, easier access for individuals with mobility issues, improved safety.
  • Cons: Limited height adjustments, may not be as versatile for caregiver needs.
6. Trendelenburg Beds

Trendelenburg beds provide advanced positioning options that include features like head elevation, foot elevation, and a full incline or recline. These beds allow for Trendelenburg positioning (where the head is lower than the feet) and reverse Trendelenburg (feet lower than the head), which can be beneficial for certain medical conditions and therapy needs. Although they’re pricier, they’re ideal for patients with specific therapeutic requirements or chronic conditions that benefit from precise positioning.

  • Pros: Offers advanced positioning for specific therapeutic needs, versatile for medical conditions.
  • Cons: Higher cost, often requires guidance on proper usage, may not be necessary for general home care.

Choosing the Right Bed: Key Considerations

  • Comfort and Adjustability - Consider the level of comfort and the ability to customize positions. A full electric bed offers maximum adjustability, which can be essential for comfort, especially for individuals who need frequent position changes throughout the day and night.

  • Space Requirements - Hospital beds tend to have a larger footprint than standard beds, so make sure you have adequate space. Bariatric and Trendelenburg beds, in particular, require extra room, while low beds and manual beds tend to be more compact.

  • Health and Safety Needs - If fall prevention is a primary concern, a low hospital bed might be the safest choice. For individuals with weight requirements beyond standard beds, a bariatric bed will offer the necessary support. Those with medical conditions that benefit from special positioning may need a Trendelenburg bed for its therapeutic benefits.

  • Budget Considerations - Manual beds are the most budget-friendly, while full electric and Trendelenburg beds are generally more of an investment. Keep in mind that Medicare and some insurance plans may cover part of the cost for certain types of hospital beds if they’re medically necessary, so check your policy to see if you’re eligible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To help you make the best choice, avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Choosing the Wrong Type for Independence: A manual bed may save money but can be challenging if the user wants independence in adjusting positions.
  • Not Measuring Space: Hospital beds are bulkier than standard beds, so measure your room before making a purchase.
  • Skipping Safety Features: Consider all safety needs, such as side rails or a lower profile bed, especially if falls are a concern.

Maintenance Tips for a Lasting Investment

Hospital beds are an investment, and with a little maintenance, they’ll stay in top condition:

  • Regular Cleaning: Wipe down surfaces regularly to keep the bed sanitary.
  • Check Moving Parts: For electric beds, check cords and remote controls regularly for any wear and tear.
  • Schedule Routine Inspections: If you’re using the bed long-term, regular inspections can help catch any mechanical issues early.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Bed?

Choosing the right hospital bed doesn’t have to be complicated. At Heritage Home Medical Equipment, we’re here to make it easier with a wide selection of beds and personalized guidance. Visit our showroom in Wichita Falls, TX, to explore options in person and speak with our knowledgeable team. Or, if you prefer, call us at (855) 227- to discuss your needs—we’re here to help you find the best solution for safe and comfortable home care. With the right bed, you can create a supportive, restful environment at home that’s tailored to your health needs.

Hospital Bed Buying Guide for Healthcare Facilities - CME Blog

Choosing the right hospital bed is essential for ensuring patient comfort, safety, and well-being. With the wide range of options available, including manual, semi-electric, and fully electric beds, as well as various features and accessories, navigating through the choices can be time consuming.

This guide will discuss important considerations such as safety features, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with other medical equipment as well as explore the different types hospital beds, their features, and benefits.

We will cover:

  • Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital Bed
  • Types of Hospital Beds

For this guide, we have used the term “hospital bed” to describe the beds used for patient care. However, it is important to keep in mind that these beds can, and are, used in a variety of healthcare settings including long term care, mental health facilities, or ambulatory surgical centers.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital Bed

To ensure hospital beds meet the needs of both patients and caregivers effectively there are several factors that should be considered.

These include:

Bed Type: Consider whether a manual, semi-electric, or fully electric bed is most suitable for the intended use. Each type offers varying levels of adjustability and ease of use. Selecting the right type of hospital bed based on patient mobility and caregiver preference is important to ensuring the safety of both as well as the comfort of the patient.

Patient Needs: Assess the mobility limitations, medical conditions, and comfort requirements of the facility’s expected patient population. Choose hospital beds that offer the proper support, positioning options, and pressure relief for a wide range of patients and conditions.

Safety Features: Prioritize hospital beds equipped with features such as side rails, brake systems, and emergency controls. These features help prevent patient falls or other injuries.

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Ease of Use: Hospital beds should be easy to operate for both patients and caregivers. Look for intuitive control mechanisms, accessible adjustment settings, and user-friendly features that simplify bed positioning, height adjustment, and other functions.

Durability and Quality: Invest in hospital beds constructed to accommodate a range of weight capacities as well as durable materials that can withstand frequent use and cleaning.

Compatibility with Accessories: Evaluate the hospital bed’s compatibility with accessories and equipment such as IV poles, overbed tables, and patient lifts.

Maintenance Requirements: Choose hospital beds with accessible components, removable parts, and easy to clean surfaces to facilitate sanitizing cleaning, maintenance, and service when needed.

Regulatory Compliance: Verify the hospital bed complies with relevant safety standards, regulations, and certifications set by regulatory bodies such as the Joint Commission.

Budget Considerations: Balance cost considerations with the quality and features best suited to the needs of the facility.

Careful consideration of these factors and conducting research to make informed decisions about the types of hospital beds available in the market can contribute to patient comfort, staff and patient safety, and higher levels of care.

Types of Hospital Beds

Hospital beds are available in several types, each offering different levels of adjustability, functionality, and features to accommodate the diverse needs of patients and caregivers.

Common types of hospital beds include:

  • Manual Hospital beds: Manual hospital beds use hand cranks or levers to adjust the bed’s height, as well as the head and foot positions. These beds are typically more affordable and suitable for patients who do not require frequent position changes.

  • Semi-Electric Hospital Bed: Semi-electric hospital beds feature electric controls for adjusting the bed’s height, while manual mechanisms are used to adjust the position of the head and foot. These beds offer greater convenience and ease of use compared to manual beds but do require some manual adjustment by healthcare professionals.

  • Fully Electric Hospital Bed: Fully electric beds offer effortless positioning with electric controls to adjust the height of the bed as well as the head and foot positions. These beds are ideal for patients who require frequent adjustment to safeguard their comfort as well as for easing the physical strain on the medical staff tending to patients.

  • Low Hospital Beds: With a lower height profile these hospital beds help reduce the risk of falls or injury to patients with mobility limitations. They are ideal for geriatric or extended care settings where the risk of falls is higher.

  • Bariatric Hospital Bed: Bariatric hospital beds are engineered to accommodate higher weight capacities with reinforced frames and wider mattresses to support larger patients safely and comfortably.

  • Pediatric Hospital Beds: Tailored to the unique needs of children, pediatric hospital beds feature smaller dimensions, colorful designs, and features adapted for smaller patients. These beds help ensure the safety of the smallest of patients.

  • Specialty Hospital Beds: Specialty hospital beds incorporate advanced features such as air mattresses, lateral rotation, Trendelenburg positioning, and pressure relief systems. These beds cater to specific medial needs such as intensive care, critical care, maternity, and wound care.

Understanding the distinct types of hospital beds and their respective feature gives healthcare providers and professionals the knowledge to select beds that best serve the comfort and safety needs of their patient populations as well as the physical wellbeing of the medical staff caring for the patients.

Partnering with equipment distributors with hospital bed expertise is essential to assuring the highest quality bed, equipped with the features you need, for your budget.

Shop CME for a comprehensive selection of hospital beds

Partner with CME for Hospital Beds

As a nationally recognized medical equipment distributor and the only one focused solely on medical equipment, CME has built relationships with industry leading hospital bed manufacturers in the United States.

Our expert account managers will work with you and the manufacturers’ representatives to ensure that you are purchasing the best hospital beds for your facility, at the best price for your budget.

Complementing CME’s focus on medical equipment are order management, direct-to-site delivery, and biomedical services. We are the only medical equipment distributor nationwide able to say we are truly a one-stop-shop.

Order Management Services

Working with administrators and procurement professionals, our single point of contact order management team can take the some of the stress out of purchasing hospital beds by working with manufacturers to ensure delivery dates are met and any issue that arise are resolved.

Direct-To-Site Logistics and Delivery Services

In addition to delivering medical equipment fully assembled when it is convenient for staff and clients, CME Direct-to-Site services can help take the stress out of large orders by receiving, inspecting and warehousing the order(s) for a single delivery. Our Direct-to-Site teams will deliver assembled hospital beds to their location in the facility and remove all packing debris, so the equipment is ready for immediate use.

Biomedical Services

Biomedical services have been at the heart of CME for over forty-five years. We are the only medical equipment distributor nationwide with an in-house team of biomedical technicians available to perform asset tagging, asset validation, hospital bed check-in, preventative maintenance, and repair.

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