Which Adjustable Medical Bed Is Best for Your Needs?
An adjustable medical bed maximizes flexibility and improves comfort for those who need to stay in bed for extended periods. Whether recovering from surgery, enduring chronic conditions, or living with mobility issues, an adjustable bed is a valuable piece of equipment.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which is the best fit for your needs, and that’s where we come in. As specialists in medical supplies and equipment, we’ve put together a few key features to consider when making your decision.
Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or a healthcare professional, this guide will provide valuable information to help you choose the right adjustable medical bed.
Why Use An Adjustable Bed?
There are several reasons why people use adjustable medical beds, depending on the unique situation. For example, adjustable beds are useful for recovering from surgery or injury. Being able to adjust the angle of the bed and the position of the head and feet helps to reduce pain and promote healing.
People with chronic conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries also use adjustable medical beds. The beds provide support and comfort for individuals who need to stay in bed for long periods of time, improving the quality of sleep and rest.
People with mobility issues also benefit from adjustable beds as the equipment can be adjusted to make it easier for the individual to get in and out of bed.
Another instance when adjustable medical beds are useful includes helping people with sleep apnea. Those with difficulty sleeping in a flat position can adjust the bed to a slight incline to help with breathing.
Different Types Of Adjustable Medical Beds
Not all adjustable beds are created equal, and each bed is designed for specific purposes. For example, some may need the bed to be lower, some may need it raised so that they can easily transfer out of it, and some need the middle to be able to move.
Depending on your needs, the ideal solution may differ from one to another. As a guideline, adjustable medical beds can be grouped as follows.
Electric Adjustable Bed
Electric beds use electric motors to adjust the position of the head, feet, and overall angle of the bed. For optimal convenience, they can be operated by remote control, making transitions as easy as possible. With semi-electric adjustable beds, the electric motors are used to adjust only the head and feet.
Manual Adjustable Bed
Manually adjustable beds use hand cranks to adjust the position of the head and feet until the desired angle is achieved. These beds are generally less expensive than electric beds but require more effort to adjust the position. Without the help of a caretaker or aide, these beds could put more strain on the individual rather than help with the situation.
Condition-Specific Bed
Some beds are designed with features to meet specific needs. For example, bariatric adjustable beds are designed to accommodate larger individuals and have a higher weight capacity than standard adjustable beds.
In contrast, low-air loss mattress beds are designed to manage pressure ulcers, they use air to circulate and reduce pressure points, and they are often used in hospital settings.
Location-Specific Bed
Hospital beds are usually adjustable and designed specifically for hospital and care facility use. They typically include safety features such as bed rails and are often height adjustable.
An adjustable bed for the home offers the same useful features as a hospital bed, but the aesthetic is more appealing. For example, the headboard and footboards are plusher. Adjustable medical beds for the home are also available as split beds which are designed to be split in half, allowing each person to adjust their half of the bed separately.
How To Choose The Best Adjustable Medical Bed For You
With so many options available, it’s important to consider your specific needs. Keep the following considerations in mind.
- Determine your specific needs and requirements, such as your medical condition, mobility, and any other special needs you may have.
- Consider the weight capacity, and ensure the bed can accommodate your weight.
- Consider safety features such as bed rails and locking mechanisms to prevent accidents.
- Evaluate the adjustability and check if the bed allows for adjustment of the head, feet, and overall angle of the bed.
- Consider the ease of use, and opt for beds that can be easily adjusted by remote control.
- Consider the size and design, ensuring the bed fits in your room (and with your decor).
- Consider your finances and find a bed that fits your needs and budget.
- Consult with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance and advice on which type of adjustable medical bed would be best for your needs.
A Flexible Bed To Meet All Needs
The right adjustable bed for you depends on various factors, but most importantly, it should meet your needs. In addition, it’s ideal to have a medical bed that works like a hospital bed but appears more gentle on the eye.
At Affordable Medical Supply, we’re committed to providing our valued customers with the necessary equipment, including our affordable, adjustable medical bed. We recommend Flex-A-Bed, available in twin, full, queen, dual queen, and dual king sizes.
There is also the option to include a back and leg massage upgrade, with single or pair railings and whisper-quiet motor technology. Give us a call at 866-484-7599 to find out more.
