Medical Beds: The Transformative Healthcare Equipment for Patient’s Quick Recovery

Global healthcare has been ever-evolving, and the main role of medical equipment used for patient recovery has taken the front seat. With the availability of myriad technologically upgraded medical tools, medical beds stand out as a cornerstone of any patient’s pre-and-post operative care. These are some of the advanced pieces of medical equipment that are not used to provide mere comfort. 

But what exactly makes these medical beds so pivotal? Or in what way can the medical bed suppliers in Canada ensure that the caregivers and healthcare specialists choose the best? 

Medical beds are instrumental in accelerating a patient’s health while assuring safety, and necessary support for caregivers. Nevertheless, there are several aspects connected to a medical bed, its usage, types, benefits, selection criteria, and after-care which we will be unfurling in the following segment of this detailed guide. Let’s take a deep dig! 

What Exactly are Medical Beds?

Medical beds are specially designed beds for patients hospitalized for moderate to critical health issues. It provides both the care and comfort required for medical functions. As compared to general beds, a medical bed is well-equipped with vital features like the adjustable height of the entire bed, head and footboards, side rails, and electronic buttons. 

Operating medical beds is easy. The caregiver or the nurse should use the electronic controls for lowering or raising the bed. To modify the patient’s lying position, they should modify the head, foot, or the entire angle of the bed with the aid of a remote. Further, to make it safe for the patients, they can engage the side rails and lock wheels once static. 

Using Medical Beds and its Advantages

Medical Beds come loaded with numerous benefits. Here are the significant few: 

• Increased patient comfort: The adjustable positions of a medical bed act as a pain reliever while improving the comfort level.
• Improves safety: The vital features like the side rails and inter-locking wheels stop any fall
• Movement assistance: The vital features, like the wheels and handles, improve the patient's mobility which is crucial for fast recovery. It also allows the careers to perform any healthcare-related processes with care. 

Types of Medical Beds and Their Features

In an ever-busy healthcare center, and hospitals, medical beds play a crucial role. Being the real unsung heroes of these bustling Medicare, these beds are remarkable healthcare mobility equipment that are available in varied types suiting a patient’s requirements and preferences. 

To streamline the process, here are the seven medical bed models to choose from: 

1) Geriatric Beds

These medical bed types are made especially for old-aged patients. Being the marvel of modern healthcare engineering, this bed offers total comfort and support. These beds offer enhanced comfort and support for prolonged periods. Here are some of its significant features: 

• Comfortable: Made with special materials, the geriatric bed’s ergonomic design lessens the pressure points and improves the general well-being.
• Supportive: The adjustable sections support the patient’s head, back, and legs, providing optimal body position.
• Secured: Equipped with side-rails, and ease controls, these geriatric beds prioritize user safety.
• Easy to use: Its intuitive controls have easy manoeuvrability, for efficient patient care. 

Geriatric Beds: Specifics 

• Ergonomic design
• Adjustable sections
• Equipped with side rails for extra safety
• Easy mobility.

2) Full-Electric Bariatric Bed (42")

The Full-Electric Bariatric Bed (42") gives thorough comfort to individuals with good stature. This feature-rich healthcare bed boasts a bodyweight capacity of 600 lbs. and a spacious 42-inch sleep surface. Here are some of its significant features:

 

• Electronic-enabled: Its electric adjustability adjusts the bed’s height and position for ultimate comfort.
• Made of solid steel: For superior bariatric support, this medical bed is made of sturdy steel frame supports up to 600 lbs.
• Spacious: The sleep surface provides ample room for enhanced comfort.
• Ease of use and mobility: It has easy setup features that are tool-free with removable bed ends.
• Easy to use: The bed’s all-hand control system gives easy positioning of the same.
• Secured: Its emergency crank is compatible with T-rails which gives extra security. 

Full-Electric Bariatric Bed (42"): Specifics 

• Secured
• Comfortable
• Electronic-enabled
• Supports up to 600 lbs of body weight
• Good sleep surface
• Easy control systems
• Compatible with T-rails, for extra safety 

3) Pediatric Beds

Pediatric beds cater to the needs of children globally, thanks to their practicality and user-friendly controls. Here are some of its significant features: 

•   Secured: It's side-rails and round edges prevent accidents or any injuries.
•   Comfortable: The mattress options are tailored for growing bodies for a pleasant night's sleep.
•   Adjustable bed height: Its height and angles can easily be adjusted for varied medical requirements.
•   Aesthetic design: The fun designs and bright hues make them attractive medical bed options.
•   Durable: It is made with solid materials that can withstand daily uses. 

Pediatric beds: Specifics 

•   Secured
•   Comfortable
•   Durable
•   Adjustable bed height
•   Aesthetic design and color

4) Long-Term Care Beds

Long-term care beds are made with both the patient and caregiver in mind, blending practicality with comfortable luxury. Here are some of its significant features: 

•   Ergonomic: Reduces pressure points, while providing the utmost comfort over long periods.
•   Easy height: It's adjustable height and side rails cater for safe transitions for patients.
•   Mobile: Its smooth-rolling casters move the bed without bothering the patient.
•   Durable: The long-term bed’s high-grade materials can withstand everyday wear and tear.
•   Hi-tech built: The optional bed features built-in monitoring systems that track vital signs round-the-clock. 

Long-term Care Beds: Specifics 

•   Ergonomically designed
•   Adjustable height with side rails
•   Easy mobility
•   Withstands everyday wear and tear.
•   In-built monitoring systems track vital signs

5) Psychiatric Beds

Psychiatric Beds are made keeping patient safety in mind. These medical beds prevent the self-harm of the patients and also a caregiver’s safety. Here are some of its significant features: 

•   Secured-built: Its safety features prevent self-harm for patients and caregivers alike.
•   Durable: These healthcare beds are built with durable materials that withstand rigorous use with a non-institutional look.
•   Adjustable: Made to meet specific patient needs, these beds provide comfort without compromising on security.
•   Easy access: Crafted for easy entry and exit, it makes the bed mobility simple and safe. 

Psychiatric Beds: Specifics 

•   Secured-built
•   Durable
•   Adjustable without compromising on security.
•   Easy entry and exit 

6) Maternity Beds

Maternity beds ensure the mother and their newborn baby’s best start. Here are some of its significant features: 

•   Adjustable: These medical beds transition through all the stages of labor, delivery, and postpartum.
•   Ergonomically designed: It prioritizes safety with designs supporting the natural process of childbirth.
•   Easy mobility: It adjusts all positions, catering to managing pain and facilitating smooth deliveries.
•   Complete care: The bed’s postpartum support gives the mothers a comfortable and well-cared bonding with their newborns. 

Maternity beds: Specifics 

•   Adjustable designs
•   Ergonomic
•   Adjusts all positions for smooth deliveries
•   Complete mother and child care 

7) Prime Care P503 Medical Recovery Beds

 

Prime Care P503 Medical Bed, offers a high-quality height range for easy patient transfers. Weighing 400 lbs, this ergonomically designed recovery bed meets the healthcare facility's specifics. This recovery bed is loaded with valuable features. Here are some of its significant features: 

•   Good bed height: It offers a varied height spectrum ranging from 7.8 to 30” for easy manageability for both the patients and the healthcare personnel.
•   In-built extension: This medical bed is available in 2 individual lengths, 76 and 80, along with an in-built extension. This system accommodates users of various heights.
•   Easy-to-use operation panels: It consists of a hand-held pendant with 8 functions that permit seamless control over the bed adjustments, like height alterations, head and foot positioning, and a comfortable auto-contour feature.
•   No-sound functioning: Its DC motors ensure smooth and no-sound functioning for a quiet sleeping environment for the patients.
•   Stable features: Equipped with 8 high-quality casters with 4 interlocking mechanisms, the bed is stable hospital equipment for any surface.
•   Secured features: Equipped with rails or bars, it reduces any wall damage risks. These provide extra support during the bed’s entry or exit.
•   Sturdy built-ins and durability: This bed has a warranty of 10 years on its frame, 15 years on its welds, and 2 years for the electrical parts promising durability all through its lifespan. 

Prime Care P503 Medical Recovery Beds: Specifics 

•   Exceptional bed height
•   In-built extension for the medical bed size
•   Good bed width
•   Good Weight-carrying capacity 

Medical Beds and Its Comparisons

While contemplating investing in medical beds, it is important to get a detailed comparative statement on its features. An investment for the same varies relying upon varied factors, such as its model, customizing alternatives, and usage techniques. 

Below is a comparative analysis of the same, along with a tabulated format for an easy read.

 

Medical Bed Model	Specific features	Brief overview
Geriatric Beds	Ergonomic design; Adjustable sections; Equipped with side-rails for extra safety; Easy mobility	Perfect for aged patients
Full-Electric Bariatric Bed (42")	Safe and comfortable support; Electric adjustability; Supports up to 600 lbs of body weight; Spacious; User-friendly controls; Compatible with T-rails, for extra security	Mainly designed with patients with large
Pediatric Beds	Safety features enabled; Comfortable; Durable; Adjustable; Aesthetically made	Caters to secure comfort for children
Long-Term Care Beds	Ergonomically designed; Adjustable height with side rails; Easy mobility; Withstands everyday wear and tear; In-built monitoring systems track vital signs	Ideal for patients in need of pro-longed care
Psychiatric Beds	Secured-built; Durable; Adjustable without compromising on security; Easy entry and exit	Mainly built with all the safety features for psychiatric patients
Maternity Beds	Adjustable designs; Ergonomic; Adjusts all positions for smooth deliveries; Complete mother and child care	Facilitates all the maternity stages till childbirth
Prime Care P503 Medical Recovery Beds	Exceptional bed height; In-built extension for the Medical Bed Size; Good bed width; Good weight-carrying capacity	Assists in speedy post-operative recovery

 

Selecting the Right Medical Bed

As a healthcare and medical professional, selecting the right one from the medical bed suppliers in Canada is crucial to cater to patient’s comfort and pre-and-post operative care. 

While, a few fundamental criteria to be taken into account when selecting medical beds: here are some of the significant criteria, worth noting while selecting the right one. 

• Homecare: Similar to hospital beds, these medical bed types are easy to use and modular. These features make daily use for any caregiver easier, like electric tilting, easy backrest tilting, and quick disassembly. Also, models with removable bed panels, clip-on bed rails, etc are available too.
• Care facilities: While selecting the right medical bed, one can opt for the ones with patient support and ergonomic designs. These assist in the everyday usage of the healthcare and hospital caregiver.
• Intensive Care Units: For the critical units or the ICCUs, the medical beds are fitted with advanced features for on-time ease of use.
• Nursing Homes: An important piece of medical equipment, these beds combine comfort with the carer’s convenience, courtesy of its advanced features.

Available Alternatives for Medical Beds’ Selection

While selecting the perfect medical beds, there are several alternatives available related to the patient and the caregivers’ comfort, ease of transport, and safety. Here are the significant few: 

• Patient’s comfort and support: Several elements are important to accommodate patient positioning and comfort. These can include, bed sections, tilting and reclining options, sitting position, and a leg rest. Further, the bed’s height can make the patient’s moving around easy.
• Ergonomics: The caregiver’s comfort is directly related to the bed’s ergonomics like the adjustable backrest and bed height, an integrated weighing scale, and storage space.
• Easy transportation: This healthcare bed offers varied options for transporting patients between different hospital sections.
• Patient security: Its design enhances patient security and prevents falls, with the bed’s additional features, like, removable bed rails, safety alarms, low height, and CPR mode.
• Price: The bed’s price depends on the choices as per the required use while balancing with the budget constraints.  

Medical Beds and Pneumonia Prevention

Pneumonia, is an inflammatory infection taking root in the lungs, affecting small air sacs known as alveoli, tiny hollow cavities, that serve to exchange carbon dioxide gases to and from the bloodstream. This infection type can seriously affect individuals on extended bed rest or long-term immobility. High-end medical beds mitigate these risk factors via: 

• Positions with adjustable options: Its adjustable positions promote proper lung expansion and lessen accumulation of fluid.
• Relieves pressure: Medical beds prevent the occurrence of bedsores, leading to severe infections.
• User-friendly designs: Thanks to its user-friendly design, it assists in regular repositioning while improving the fast-spreading lung infection.

Assemble and Maintenance of Medical Beds

For medical beds’ longevity and functionality, proper assembly and maintenance are required. For the same, below are the related tips, bed assembly, and de-assembly process. 

• Visual hardware maintenance: The caregiver or the nurse has to regularly check for any loose parts or screws to avoid any mishap.
• Inspection of electrical parts: They should also make sure that the electronic components are functioning in the right manner. 

Assembling and Disassembling of Medical Beds

Here is the step-wise process of assembling and disassembling medical beds. 

For disassembling, a nurse has to unplug the bed, take off the mattress, and read the user manual for disassembling of the bed-frames. 

Assembling the medical beds is also easy. The nurse or the caregiver has to organize all the parts, assemble the bed frame as per the given instructions, and connect the electronic parts to test their functioning. 

Medical Bed Positioning in Healthcare Centers

Medical bed positioning is a common procedure in the hospital. This involves various positions for patients in bed, determined by their condition, preference, or treatment related to an illness. The same comes with several benefits, like good blood flow, less pressure on the body parts, and improved respiratory functions. 

Here are the varied positionings that look after the patient’s requirements: 

• Supine position: This bed position allows the patient to lie on their back.
• Prone position: This position allows the patient to lie on their stomach.
• Lateral position: This allows the patient to lie on their side.
• Sims position: This is a semi-prone position, which allows the patient to partially lie on the stomach.
• Fowler’s position: Here the patient can sit with a backrest at an angle of 45 to 60 degrees.
• Trendelenburg position: This lets the patient lie flat on their stomach with feet higher than their head.
• Reverse Trendelenburg position: This is the reverse bed position with the patient lying flat with their head higher than their feet.
• Knee-chest position: This bed position denotes the kneel-down position of the patient with their chest underneath. 

Medical Beds vs. Surgical Beds

Medical and surgical beds are important healthcare equipment. Featured with advanced technology, these two are user-friendly on their terms. Here are some of the basic similarities and differences among medical and surgical beds:

 

Medical Beds	Surgical Beds
·   Specially designed for patients hospitalized for moderate to critical health issues.	·   Specially used for surgical procedures and patient recovery.
·   Adjustable bed height, head and footboards	·   Superior adjustability for varied surgical positions.
·   Supportive side-rails	·   Improved sterilizations
·   Electronic buttons for the bed functioning	·   Improved mobility towards operation theatres.

 

Buying Guide for Medical Beds

Before investing in medical beds, you require some assistance. Whether it is required for any hospital or homecare, there are certain key factors that you should consider before investing. Here are some of the significant ones: 

•   Check requirements: Assess your requirements that need to be navigated for the ones with physical immobility. This will assist in choosing ideal medical beds.
•   Check bodyweight capacity: Checking on the bodyweight carrying capacity will ensure which bed can accommodate the intended user’s body weight capacity securely.
•   Check the safety features and accessories: Check out the safety features like bed height, side rails, electronic buttons, and width along with the complete accessories that will prevent accidents and/or any injuries.
•   Ease of use and comfort level: Choose a medical bed with easy controls for a smooth and more enjoyable transfer for both the patient and the caregiver.
•   Budget: Keep a tab on your spending capacity for medical beds. Before buying, try exploring different options within your financial range, without compromising on its quality.
•   Check the reviews and user ratings: Look for the product reviews and their user ratings. The positive feedback will assist you in making a sound decision. 

Wrapping up

It is crucial to invest in an ideal medical bed for the patient’s physical comfort, security, and effective health recovery. For the patient’s pre-and-post operative care, understanding the medical bed types and their features is important for any homecare or hospital facility. 

MedSupply is one of the well-known medical bed suppliers, courtesy of their varied range. Designed to meet several requirements, as a medical bed supplier in Canada, MedSupply ensures the best patient care. You can visit their official website for product exploration and make an informed purchase aligning with your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a medical bed cost on average?

The medical bed cost varies between $500 to $10,000. The cost is based on its features and bed types. 

Is there any time frame for inspecting a medical bed?

Yes, a medical bed should be inspected, with regular inspections to be conducted every month. While the detailed checks should be done once or twice annually. 

Are medical beds ideal for home care?

Some medical bed types can be used for home care, as they are mainly made for these general set-ups. 

While purchasing a medical bed for an elderly patient, what features should be looked into?

During the purchase of a medical bed for aged patient care, you should check the features like adjustable bed positions, security, and easily controllable buttons. 

What are the methods to clean a medical bed?

You can use mild soap-water and disinfectants to clean the bed frame and machine-wash the bed and pillowcases. 

What is the difference between a pediatric bed and a maternity bed?

A pediatric bed is curated for children’s comfort and safety. While a maternity bed ensures the mother and their newborn baby’s best start. 

Is there any difference between hospital beds and medical beds?

Hospital bed is mainly used in healthcare or hospitals, while medical beds can be used at various health and homecare set-ups. 

Which is the easiest way to transport medical beds?

A8) For transporting medical beds, a caregiver or nurse should lower the bed’s position, lock the bed wheels, and use correct bed-lifting tactics. 

Is there any maximum body-weight capacity of a bariatric bed?

Yes, there is a maximum body-weight capacity of a bariatric bed ranging up to 600 lbs.

Does any of the medical bed suppliers give a warranty on this healthcare equipment?

Medical bed suppliers do give warranty on their healthcare equipment, which varies between brands and models.