Many individuals buy hospital beds at home usage so that their elderly, crippled, or ill family members can stay with them for extended periods. If that’s the case, you’ll want to select the comfiest bed for your cherished one.
Why? Because they’ll be spending a lot of time in it throughout the day and night. The capacity to alter the elevation of the framework overall and the foot and head sections make hospital beds exceptional.
This helps the patient heal from numerous medical issues by preventing bed sores and offering a firm bed surface. Read our evaluations and buyer’s guide to choose the finest home hospital bed for your close one.
We will also address the most frequently asked questions about hospital beds and the most important characteristics.
If you are interested in other bed-related accessories that might be beneficial for you, check out our other guides on how to find the best orthopedic pillows and Home Hospital Bed Sheets Guide
What Is A Home Hospital Bed?
Hospital beds are a sort of adjustable bed. They are intended to help the elderly and those bound to a bed for an extended period. Such beds include the ability to alter the leg and back elevation and also the height.
These are comparable to adjustable beds in several ways. IV poles, wheels, and side rails are three elements that distinguish hospital beds from regular beds. The side rails are necessary for persons who cannot get in and out of bed sans help.
They’re also helpful for moving the occupant; hospital beds have wheels that allow the person to be transported without getting out of bed. IV poles prove to be useful for patients who require an IV for the treatment of fluids.
The pole allows you to attach the bag to the bedside and hold it in place. The aim of hospital beds differs from that of other sorts of beds. Home hospital beds are made to make it easier for caregivers to gain access to the concerned patient.
These beds are also designed to adapt to the patients’ physical demands and have medical supplies close by. Hospital beds with adjustable heights are also helpful in avoiding falls. They also decrease the chances of hip/knee strain whenever moving in and out of bed!
Benefits of Hospital Beds for Home?
There are multiple benefits of home hospital beds for people with chronic conditions. From guaranteeing safety to giving multiple adjustability options, you’d be doing a favor to your loved one.
Adjustability
These beds contain several articulation elements identical to those seen on adjustable beds. With just a push of a button, you may elevate your legs, head, or both together. Now, you may perch in your bed as if you would on a chair.
The remote (or pendant since it is normally connected to the bed with a cable) allows the occupant to navigate the bed without aid. This feature allows them to maintain some freedom despite being bound to the bed.
Transportation
Hospital beds are created to allow patients to transfer from one place to the other without getting out of bed. When transporting somebody from a bed to a wheelchair, this reduces the possibility of a hard fall.
Moreover, it also facilitates reacting to emergencies quicker in some situations.
Safety
In comparison to a regular bed, hospital beds ensure their occupants are safe at all moments. Hospital beds are ideal for isolating a part of the body. For instance, if the patient’s leg has recently undergone surgery, the home hospital bed will ensure its safety.
Likewise, hospital beds are a much more sturdy and efficient choice than adjustable beds. Whenever you want to lift your legs, head, or back for rehabilitation or comfort, you can do so easily.
The rails on such home hospital beds keep the patients steady when accessing and leaving the bed by themselves. They can place your bodyweight on the rails. It is a much better alternative to taking support from the soft mattress or other additional furniture.
Thus, the chances of falls minimize significantly. Automatic lowering and raising of home hospital beds is the most crucial safety feature. Being able to decrease or increase the height rapidly reduces the danger of falling significantly.
This is critical for persons with leg or back problems who need a set bed height for safe exit and entry.
The Top 5 Picks For Hospital Beds for Home At A Glance
- Best Queen Size Home Hospital Bed: Transfer Master Supernal 5000 This Transfer Master hospital bed is one of the most comfortable available. It’s among the very few that’s available in a true queen size. The best part about it? It’s also extremely fashionable!
- Best Adjustable Home Hospital Bed: HopeFULL Premium 5-Function Hospital Bed The bed is designed for persons who need more extensive medical care and at-home assistance. If your patient has special medical demands a bed that can meet them, this is the option for you.
- Best Bariatric Home Hospital Bed: Invacare Bariatric Full-Electric Bed The Invacare Bariatric Bed is a full-electric bed frame created specifically for bariatric patients. If you want a Bariatric option, this one is for you!
- Best Small Home Hospital Bed: Drive Medical Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Bed The Drive Medical Delta Ultra is the way to go for people looking for a sturdy yet affordable hospital bed. Moreover, if you have space crunch, this bed is quite compact.
- Best Home Hospital Bed With Most Features: Span America Encore Bed The Span America Encore Bed is a stunning, high-tech design with a plethora of add-on options. If you don’t have budget restrictions, be sure to give it some serious consideration!
The Top 5 Picks For The Best Home Hospitals
Let’s look at all the best five best home hospital beds in detail and discusses their features and pros and cons.
Best Queen Size Home Hospital Bed: Transfer Master Supernal 5000
This Transfer Master hospital bed is among the most relaxing in the marketplace. It is one of the very few that comes in a real queen size. The bed is simple to customize to the requirements of an elder and is large enough to accommodate two persons!
The less medically oriented adjustable beds, which are common nowadays, have a memory foam mattress with a massaging function. It is, however, first of all, a hospital bed. This bed may rise and descend and lift the legs and head.
It can even shift to a “Reverse Trendelenberg” posture, making transferring a person from a bed to a wheelchair very easy. The Supernal 5000’s favorite aspect is that it’s designed to cover all the electrical components.
This transforms it from a hospital bed to a fashionable queen-sized one that can accommodate all medical demands! This might be the bed for you if you’re seeking a comfortable, laid-back, home hospital bed.
Pros
- It offers ultimate flexibility.
- It is extremely fashionable and doesn’t at all look like a hospital bed.
Cons
- Very Expensive
Best Bariatric Home Hospital Bed: Invacare Bariatric Full-Electric Bed
Invacare is regarded as one of the greatest manufacturers of solutions for the elderly. Their home care bariatric bed is no exception. To begin with, it features a split-spring structure that allows the bed to flex while also providing relaxation and support.
Furthermore, the bed sports universal ends, meaning there is no specified footboard or headboard or footboard. Both ends are identical. There’s no requirement to twist or turn the bed to have the headboard in the appropriate place.
Why? Because it’s easy to put up and move. You just have to switch the provided bed rails to the opposite side, and you’d be good to go! Lastly, this bed includes a 6.5-inch deep mattress that fits well. It’s built sans latex, so it’ll be safe for folks who have latex allergies.
Also, it features a nylon cover to keep fluids from damaging the bedding. If you need a bariatric hospital bed, the Invacare model offers all you need, along with a 600-pound weight capability!
Pros
- It is built to last
- Has a wonderful spit-spring design to increase adjustability
- Has a firm, waterproof bedding
Cons
- It is huge, not suitable for compact spaces.
Best Small Home Hospital Bed: Drive Medical Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Bed
For those looking for a dependable yet economical hospital bed, the Drive Medical Delta Ultra Light ticks several boxes. This all-electric model comes with a wired remote control and a backup 9-volt battery for power outages.
The footboard and headboard are also detachable. When not being used, the complete bed folds up for easy storage. The bed’s total weight capacity rounds up at 450 pounds. Hence, it is adequate for most single users.
Clients can purchase half- or full-length side rails. They can also go for therapeutic support, foam, or an innerspring foam mattress, at the time of purchase. These added features raise the price a little. However, it’s still within reach for budget-conscious shoppers.
After the first assembly, the bed spans around 88 inches long. However, users may reduce it to 80 or 84 inches with a “Drive Medical extension kit.” A lifetime warranty covers the welding and frames.
The remote has a five-year warranty of its own. All other equipment are covered for a year under warranty.
Pros
- Extremely economical
- Easy to store
- Comes with warranty
Cons
- Different accessories have separate costs.
Best Adjustable Home Hospital Bed: HopeFULL Premium 5-Function Hospital Bed
The bed is made for people who require more comprehensive medical attention and home care. It’s based on ICU beds so that it won’t be the most fashionable bed on the planet. However, that would be the last thing on your mind.
This hopefully variant is for you if your patient has major medical needs and wants a bed that can accommodate them. The best feature of the bed is that it has a battery backup during any event of a power outage.
If the power goes out due to a storm, it can rescue you from a stressful and even hazardous scenario. In this example, many beds feature a manually controlled lever. However, not everyone has the capacity or assistance to utilize the manual controls.
Pros
- Ideal for patients with intensive medical needs
- Battery backup for cases of a power outage
Cons
- Not very fashionable
- Very heavy
Best Home Hospital Bed With Most Features: Span America Encore Bed
The Span America Encore Bed is a beautiful and high-tech layout with a wealth of add-on possibilities. It is for customers with a greater budget who desire to get a more sophisticated hospital bed.
GlideAlign tech, for example, allows the retractable deck to be raised or lowered. There is a multitude of settings sans affecting the vertical alignment of the bed. This technique also aims to minimize accidents and severe skin-shearing in sensitive places, prevalent problems among patients.
The average bed is 36 inches wide by 76 inches long. Extenders which can stretch these measurements up to 39 inches by 84 inches are accessible for an additional fee.
The other options are a trapeze mounting frame, a dolly set, ½ side rails, and a built-in backup battery. Since the bed sports a 600-pound weight capacity, the percentage of individuals would fall asleep safely and comfortably in it.
Although the price of this bed is higher than typical, its robust build guarantees that it will last a long time. Along with all electronic systems, the whole bed is covered by a lifetime warranty for increased peace of mind.
Pros
- An extremely advanced hospital bed with amazing possibilities
- Offers lifetime warranty
Cons
- It is very expensive.
Buyer’s Guide: What Should You Look For While Buying A Good Home Hospital Bed?
The main reason for purchasing a good home hospital bed is to make things easier for older citizens and people with chronic medical issues. They are bound to the same bed, and thus their lives revolve around it.
Therefore, when looking to purchase a home hospital bed, you must check for a few key factors to ensure you get your money’s worth. Listed below are a few of those factors to help you make the best decision!
Feel free to use this as a checklist while browsing through the products today.
Types of Hospital Beds
All of the hospital beds are movable. The kind of hospital bed is determined by how adjustments are made and the number of adjustments accessible:
Full-Electric Hospital Beds
Electronics are used to power these beds. Buttons or remote control on the bed’s surface can modify the height of the feet, the head, and the frame region. The patient can adjust the settings themselves using the remote control. If caretakers are worried that the patient would manipulate themself into a dangerous position, the remote control could be removed. Now, only the caregiver will have the power to make adjustments by using side buttons. A full-electric hospital bed requires no manual work from the caregiver or patient to enable adjustments. Thus, these beds are more expensive.
Semi-Electric Hospital Beds
They function similarly to the full-electric hospital beds. The only exception is that the bed’s elevation must be manually adjusted with the hand crank present on the side. Thus, such beds necessitate more work on the carer, making these beds a more affordable alternative. They are not the cheapest alternative, though, because certain electronic adjustments are still accessible.
Manual Hospital Beds
Every adjustment for the bed’s foot, head, and height must be made manually with manual ones. Such beds are among the most cost-effective hospital beds accessible since there is no electricity. These beds, though, necessitate the most physical exertion from the caretaker.
Bariatric Hospital Beds
These are full-electric beds designed to accommodate larger patients. Such beds have a far larger weight capacity than typical hospital beds. Bariatric beds offer a larger mattress area than standard beds since they are built for larger individuals. Bariatric beds are quite expensive solutions because to their highly robust structure and complete motorized functionality.
Trendelburg Hospital Beds
Such beds are developed for recovery, treatment, or aging and give the maximum versatility in modification options. Aside from the foot and height adjustments, each region can be adjusted to more high altitudes. It enables for positions such as a head lower than the feet or recliner chair. Patients usually do not need to utilize special wedge pads or pillows to attain proper alignment since these beds are very adaptable. But, since these beds have more adjustment choices, they normally require more space to work. Therefore furnishings might have to be eliminated, or they might have to be relocated to a larger room.
Low Hospital Beds
These beds have similar foot and head adjustments as conventional beds. However, the full profile of the bed is substantially lower. The bed frame is intended to be around a foot off the ground. The elevation can still be altered, however, only to a limited extent. These beds are suitable for patients at risk of falling while napping or who desire to get in and out of bed more frequently. The lower frame height enables them to do so safely. Electricity is available in low hospital beds.
Mattress Size
One person can sleep soundly in a hospital bed. Usually, hospital beds are around the length of a Twin XL mattress at 35 inches broad and 80 inches long. These are like the ones you’d see in a university residence.
There are longer and wider models to suit taller or larger patients. However, a conventional hospital bed mattress is usually a twin size. Numerous patients on hospital beds are at risk of falling.
Hence, the mattress height is lower—around 6 inches vs. 9 or 10 inches on a conventional mattress.
Patient’s Size
A specially built bariatric bed, which is broader than a conventional bed, is much more pleasant for larger users. A child-sized bed is more secure and pleasant for a pediatric patient. Beds may even be ordered to suit particularly tall patients.
It is possible to find the appropriate bed size for the user.
Caregiver’s Strength
The requirements of the caregiver must be evaluated to ensure that the appropriate degree of care can be given. A manual bed might not be the greatest option for a person who needs constant adjustments.
A caregiver will indeed be relieved of the most stress by using an electric bed. When determining which home hospital bed might be the perfect option, evaluate the stamina and strength of the carer.
Permanent Vs. Temporary
A full-electric home hospital bed will offer long-term durability and comfort. It will minimize the physical toll on carers. It is for cases where the patient will be looked for in bed for a long period.
These are the most costly models as well. Semi-electric and manual beds demand more caregiver work and allow less freedom for patients. However, they are less expensive and maybe better for short-term use.
Elevation
The gap between the floor and the bed frame is referred to as the height of the hospital bed. Every hospital bed may be adjusted in height to make it simpler for the user to get in and out. It also enables the caregiver to provide better care.
A low hospital bed could be a preferable alternative if your dear one gets in and out of bed frequently. On the other hand, you’ll like to make sure the bed’s height range allows them to move comfortably.
Moreover, it should be allowing the caregiver to care for them without hurting their back.
Patient’s Mobility
The patient’s movement heavily influences the type of home hospital bed that is selected. Those who are shaky on feet and are in danger of falling when moving in and out of bed needs highly adjustable beds.
Users who cannot reposition themselves sans help and can’t move in and out without the height being adjusted need it too. Such patients should use a highly adjustable bed, either electric or semi-electric.
A highly adjustable bed may not be required if a user can travel to and fro from the bed independently. Even patients who are stable when upright don’t necessitate such beds. A manually adjustable bed is a more cost-effective option.
Assembly Service
Optional assembly services eliminate the uncertainty and time spent putting together a home hospital bed. Getting a hospital bed into your home is likely to be a difficult period of transition.
Thus, ensuring the bed has been properly installed by expert installers can help to ease some of that stress. It will contribute to a relatively calm and more pleasant environment.
Side Rails
Side rails are available on some hospital beds to reduce accidents and safeguard the user within the bed. Full rails run the length of the bed. On the other hand, half-rails guard the patient’s body. Since these rails are detachable, your dear one can move in or out of the bed as needed.
You should pay attention to this function if your beloved one is in danger of falling off the bed or fleeing the bed. It can be possible in the case of Alzheimer’s or some sleeping disorders.
FAQs On Home Hospital Beds
We have discussed almost everything home hospital beds. However, we are sure you still have certain lingering questions. Don’t worry! In this section, we will address all the commonly asked questions to clear your doubts.
Answer: Hospital beds are complex gadgets that help people with a variety of medical conditions. A hospital bed can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars, based on the type and brand of bed.
The cost will also depend on whether it’s supplied as a package (with rails mattress included).
Moreover, yes. Medicare would fund the bed As a “durable medical equipment,” hospital beds are reimbursed under Medicare Part B. Both your prescribing doctor and bed supplier and your prescribing doctor should be Medicare members for the bed to be insured. More information is available at Medicare.gov.
Answer: Several manufacturers, who previously only supplied beds to care centers and hospitals, produce models for home use customers. Several of the manufacturers featured in our ratings, like Drive Medical, Invacare, are among them.
Answer: There are broader and longer variants available for taller and heavier, and taller patients. However, most hospital beds are 80 inches long and 35 inches wide. Certain beds have expansion kits that may expand the bed and make it broader or longer.
In addition to the mattress’s surface area, the bed’s load capacity should be checked. It is to verify that the bed can appropriately hold the patient. Remove 100 pounds from the bed’s listed weight capacity to be cautious.
It must hold the user if the figure is still higher than their body weight. A hospital bed with a 450-pound weight capacity, for instance, can securely support individuals weighing around 350 pounds.
Answer: The hospital bed might endure wear and tear through time based on how long it’s being used. The bed will come with care tips from the maker. Read and adhere to these guidelines to maintain the bed in good working order.
You might be able to order replacements from the company’s site or Amazon if needed.
Answer: There are extra sleep items you may purchase in addition to hospital bed rails to keep your dear one more comfortable. It will also protect the lifetime worth of your buy. Floor pads may be placed around the bed to give a soft, protected surface if the patient falls.
If they are getting out to use the loo alone at night, you may also buy nightlights to help them find their way. You also get pads that can be purchased to place over the rails themselves. These roads ensure that your beloved one is not injured if they slide onto the rail while sleeping.
You can get a waterproof mattress and linens for the bed itself. If there is continuous incontinence, these are meant to be readily cleansed and do not produce an odor.
Partial Thoughts
Home hospital beds can make a caregiver as well as their loved one’s life much easier. They are an integral part of any bed-ridden or older person’s life. Hence, you need to do a lot of research before getting the ideal home hospital bed.
In this article, from Invacare to Drive Medical, we reviewed the top 5 best home hospital beds. Remember to check the multiple factors we listed in the buyers’ guide before finalizing your decision.
If you are looking for a budget option but one that is of supreme quality, go for the Drive Medical model.
If your patient has intensive medical needs, we’d recommend the hopeFULL model. Though it is a bit expensive, it is one of the most sophisticated hospital beds out there.
That is about it from our side! We hope you find the perfect home hospital bed for your loved one.
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