Beds in a hospital come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the needs of the patients. Some beds are for long-term care, while others are for shorter stays.

Hospitals also use different types of beds to accommodate different types of patients. Some hospitals have private rooms with one bed, while others have shared rooms with several beds, and sometimes, patients share a room with a family member or a friend. They are also used for other purposes, such as providing a place for medical equipment or testing blood samples.

What Is A Hospital Bed?

A hospital bed is designed to provide patients with care and comfort. Also known as a medical bed, hospital cot, clinical bed, patient bed, or fowler bed, the hospital bed is a primary piece of equipment in healthcare settings.

Hospital beds can be adjusted up and down, and the angles of their head and foot sections can be altered to allow for more comfort. Some hospital beds also have specialized safety features, such as guardrails preventing patients from falling out of bed during treatment.

In general, a hospital bed is an important piece of furniture found in different health facilities, and is essential for providing comfort and security for patients needing care.

3 Types Of Hospital Beds

Hospital beds are typically divided into three main categories: electric, semi-electric, and manual.

1.     Manual Hospital Bed

Manual hospital beds are commonly used in hospitals with long-term care facilities at home to give caretakers an easy way to perform patient positioning tasks.

In simple terms, a manual hospital bed must be operated manually, requiring hand cranks and levers to raise and lower the head and foot sections or change the bed's height.

Pros

They are often much less expensive than their electronically powered counterparts and are lighter in weight and easier to transport - perfect for those needing a more mobile solution.

Cons

Their most significant drawbacks include slower operation speeds when raising and lowering the head or foot section, as these require additional effort on behalf of the user.

2.     Semi-Electric Hospital Bed

A semi-electric hospital bed is adjustable and allows patients to independently move the head and foot sections to meet their comfort needs. It typically does not offer independent control of bed height, as this requires a motorized or full electric bed.

Pros

Pros of a semi-electric bed include comfort, customization, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. In addition, they are generally easier to use than full electric beds due to fewer motors and buttons.

Cons

Cons may include limited control of height, less noise and vibration reduction when transitioning between positions, and increased effort required to operate the controls compared with other homecare beds.

3.     Electric Hospital Bed

An electric hospital bed consists of a rectangular platform with attached side rails capable of being raised or lowered to varying heights and angles.

The bed is powered by electricity, enabling caregivers to adjust the frame with a simple push-button controller.

Pros

Patients can switch from sleeping positions to sitting upright without the assistance of medical staff. This increases their independence and comfort level. Patients can also receive care without leaving their beds due to the adjustable height and angle features.

Cons

The cost of an electric hospital bed can be prohibitively expensive for some facilities or families. Furthermore, they require regular maintenance and may not be suitable for certain types of patients who require frequent transfers between beds or out of beds altogether.

Ultimately, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons before purchasing an electric hospital bed to ensure it meets all the requirements for your patient's needs.

Hospital Beds According To The Functions

Hospital beds are further divided based on function. Here's everything you need to know:

1 Function Hospital Bed

A one-function hospital bed is an adjustable medical device that allows a patient to move only the head or foot section up or down. It typically does not offer control of the bed's height, as this requires a motorized or full electric bed.

2-Function Hospital Bed

A two-function hospital bed is a piece of specialized medical equipment consisting of a rectangular platform with attached side rails capable of being raised or lowered to varying heights and angles.

The bed contains two functions – one for the head section and one for the foot section – allowing caregivers to adjust these independently.

3-Function Hospital Bed

A three-function hospital bed consists of a rectangular platform with attached side rails capable of being raised or lowered to different heights and angles.

The bed contains three functions – one for the head section, one for the foot section, and one for the overall height adjustment – allowing caregivers to adjust these independently. This bed provides greater flexibility and allows for fine-tuning the patient's comfort level.

5-Function Hospital Bed

A five-function hospital bed can also be raised or lowered to varying heights and angles. Besides that, the bed contains five functions – one for the head section, one for the foot section, one for overall height positioning, and two additional adjustments for the broad bed angle.

7-Function Hospital Bed

A seven-function bed contains seven functions – one for the head section, one for the foot section, one for overall height positioning, two for adjusting the backrest angle, and two for adjusting the knee-break angle.

Seven-function hospital beds provide even greater control and flexibility, allowing caregivers to create a precisely tailored sleeping position optimized for comfort and therapeutic effectiveness.

10-Function Hospital Bed

A ten-function hospital bed provides a whole range of functions. These include one for the head section, one for the foot section, one for overall height positioning, two for adjusting the backrest angle, two for adjusting the knee-break angle, and four additional functions that allow caregivers to fine-tune the broad bed surface.

How Much Does A Hospital Bed Cost?

The cost of a hospital bed varies, depending upon the features and functions it offers, as well as its size. Generally, manual beds start at around $1000, while electric models range from $2000 to $5000, with more advanced models costing even more.

So, it is essential to research different options and consider your needs before making a purchase. Here is the price of different hospital beds:

Where To Buy Hospital Beds At The Best Prices?

The best place to purchase a hospital bed is from medical supply stores. Many of these stores offer discounts or special deals on specific models, so check around for the best price.

It's also possible to buy a hospital bed online but only purchase from reputable vendors that provide clear descriptions and high-quality products.

Conclusion

There are various types of hospital beds available on the market, each with its features and benefits. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before making a purchase, as they can provide advice and guidance on the best model for your needs.

Many hospitals and care facilities offer used hospital beds for sale at discounts, and some insurance companies might also have a list of providers offering discounted hospital bed prices.