what is the difference between Medical Beds and a standard bed

It is known that hospital beds are specially designed for medical purposes. A bed is chosen depending on the type of sicknesses a patient manifests. Initially, these specially designed beds were manual and only had a few adjustable positions. However, as medical equipment manufacturing design evolves, these devices have transformed from manual to semi and full electric medical beds. 

Recent scientific achievements and technological advancements have significantly changed medical equipment. Due to these advancements, the previous manual hospital beds were replaced by highly advanced electric beds with more adjustments, safety, comfort, mobility, and other special functions. 

Types and functions of Medical Beds

Manual: Hand cranks raise and lower the head and foot of the bed and adjust the bed's height. These beds are the most economical and a good choice for people that do not require frequent repositioning. Hand cranks are typically found at the foot of the bed and need a physically capable person to operate.

Semi-electric: An electric motor is used to raise and lower the head and foot portions of the bed. Patients and caregivers adjust the positioning by pressing buttons on a hand pendant. The bed height is adjusted manually with a hand crank and will require someone physically able to use it. Semi-electric beds are ideal for people who do not require the height of the bed to be adjusted often but will benefit from a touch-of-a-button positioning.

Full Electric:  Height and positioning of the bed is controlled by the patient and or caregiver with a hand pendant and does not require the use of a hand crank (unless there is a power outage, but many beds now have a backup battery that would power the bed in emergencies). Full electric beds make it easier for patients to get in and out of bed or raise the bed to a comfortable height for the caregiver to tend to the patient or change linens. Often full electric beds have more positions available such as Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, and cardiac chair classes. Read more

Besides the quality, price, and durability of a product, patients looking forward to purchasing a medical bed should be able to identify the type that suits well for that specific purpose, and consulting a medical expert is critical since there are many considerations taken before purchasing. For instance, mattresses don’t come with a hospital bed and choosing the right type of bed from an expert. At the same time, mattresses don’t come loaded with the bed; selecting the right bed requires expert advice.  

Types of Mattresses

It is essential to understand that there are four types of bed mattresses in use today.

InnerSpring MattressInnerspring mattresses feel more like traditional mattresses and are economical. However, these mattresses can increase pressure and temperature in specific areas, causing bedsores if the patient is immobile or spends most of the day in bed. Innerspring mattresses are not recommended for patients that spend more than 10 hours a day in bed. For these reasons, innerspring mattresses are not a popular choice anymore for hospital beds.

Therapeutic foam Mattress

Therapeutic foam mattresses are designed to alleviate pressure on the areas of the body that commonly develop bedsores. These mattresses have softer foam in the pressure point of the body (such as heads, heels, elbows, etc.) and more rigid foam around the edges of the mattress.

Alternating pressure mattresses

Alternating pressure mattresses consist of individual air cells and manage pressure and skin moisture by inflating and deflating these air cells. As a result, these mattresses relieve pressure points and improve blood flow and circulation. In addition, alternation of pressure helps prevent bedsores and promotes the healing of existing sores.

Low air loss mattresses

Low air-loss mattresses, similar to alternating pressure mattresses, consist of individual air cells that alternate inflation and deflation to relieve pressure points on the patient’s body. The difference is that each of the cells in this type of mattress has tiny holes that release small amounts of air to cool hot spots and control the skin moisture levels on the patient’s body. These mattresses provide ideal pressure and skin moisture conditions for the patient, especially those prone to or with a history of bedsores. 

Considering these considerations to purchase your next hospital bed or mattress is essential. Thanks to technology, not only for the advancement of this medical equipment but also for easy access to the purchase and the consultancy service, you are within reach of experts. DME (durable medical equipment) experts nowadays can provide you with the assistance to place your order easily from the comfort of your home. A single DME company can facilitate your next order and delivery to meet your needs.