What is a Hospital Bed?

A hospital bed is a specialized bed designed for use in a healthcare facility such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. Hospital beds are designed to provide a safe and comfortable resting place for patients who may be ill, injured, or recovering from a medical procedure.

Main types of hospital beds

All hospital beds are versatile, and patients can adapt them to their changing needs. What separates the different types of hospital beds is what powers their functions. There are three main types of hospital beds: manual, semi-electric, and fully-electric. However, more types of medical beds exist and they are listed below.

Manual hospital bed: These beds use hand cranks to adjust the bed’s height and raise and lower the head and the foot. Hand cranks are typically found at the foot of the bed and require a person that is physically capable of operating. These beds are the most economical options and are a good choice for people who do not require frequent repositioning.

 Semi-electric hospital bed: Semi-electric beds have an electric motor to raise and lower the head and foot portions of the bed. Patients and caregivers adjust the positioning by pressing buttons using a hand pendant. The height of the bed is adjusted manually with a hand crank.

Fully-Electric hospital bed: Full-electric beds have an electric motor that can raise the head and foot sections of the bed as well as the entire height and positioning of the bed. They are controlled by the patient or caregiver using a hand control. Some models can also move into more positions, such as the Trendelenburg (tilt) position.

Hospital Beds According to Patient needs

There are several types of hospital beds, each designed to meet specific patient needs. Here are some common types:

Standard hospital bed: This is the most common type of hospital bed, designed for general medical use. It has a manual or electrically adjustable headrest, footrest, and height.

Ultra-low hospital bed: The low bed is designed for patients at risk of falling out of bed. Lower to the ground than a standard bed.

Bariatric hospital bed: This type of bed is designed for larger patients, with a wider frame and higher weight capacity than a standard bed.

Pediatric hospital bed: This type of bed is designed specifically for children, with smaller sizes than a standard bed. Special features such as full length side rails and cartoon style.

ICU bed: Used in the intensive care unit. This type of bed is designed for critically ill patients who require open monitoring and specialized medical equipment such as ventilators and infusion pumps.

Birthing bed: This type of bed is designed for use during labor and delivery, with adjustable positions and features to support the mother and baby during the birth process.

Orthopedic Traction Bed: This type of bed is designed for diagnosis, orthopedic surgeries, correction, traumatic treatment for the patient with disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons. Multiple function and the accessories perform expanding traction to different parts of the vertebra and the extremities without moving the human body. 

These are just a few examples of the types of hospital beds available. The specific type of bed used will depend on the patient’s condition, medical needs, and other factors.

Hospital Beds According To The Functions

Hospital beds are further divided based on function. Here is the thing you need to know.

1 Function Hospital Bed

A one-function hospital bed is a medical bed that allows a patient to move only the head or foot section up or down.

2-Function Hospital Bed

A 2 function hospital bed typically refers to a type of medical bed that has two adjustable functions to help patients in hospitals or care facilities. These functions usually include:Backrest adjustment and Footrest adjustment.

3-Function Hospital Bed

A 3 function hospital bed typically refers to a type of medical bed that has three adjustable functions to help patients in hospitals or care facilities. These functions usually include:Backrest adjustment,Footrest adjustment and Height adjustment.

5-Function Hospital Bed

A 5-function hospital bed is a type of medical bed that has five adjustable features for the comfort and care of patients. The five functions typically include: Backrest /Footrest / Height adjustment, Trendelenburg/Reverse Trendelenburg position.

7-Function Hospital Bed

A 7-function ICU bed is a type of medical bed that provides several adjustable functions to support critically ill patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). The seven functions typically include:

Backrest adjustment: The backrest can be adjusted to various angles to help the patient sit up or lie down comfortably.

Footrest adjustment: The footrest of the bed can be raised or lowered to reduce pressure on the lower back and promote circulation.

Height adjustment: The bed can be raised or lowered to make it easier for patients to get in and out of bed, and for caregivers to provide care.

Trendelenburg position: The entire bed can be tilted to promote blood flow and circulation in the body.

Reverse Trendelenburg position: The bed can also be tilted in the opposite direction to promote blood flow and circulation in the upper body.

Lateral tilt: The bed can be tilted to one side to facilitate patient positioning and drainage.

CPR function: The bed can be quickly flattened to facilitate CPR procedures in emergency situations.

Final thought

There is a wide range of hospital beds available today, all with different styles, designs, and features to fit a wide array of budgets. While virtually all hospital beds can offer some comfort and relief, less expensive beds will often forgo some of the safety, style, and advanced positioning features.

Related Blogs

  1. What Size is a Hospital Bed?

  2. How Much Does a Hospital Bed Cost?

  3. Why Do Hospital Beds Have Side Rails?

  4. What Are The Main Hospital Bed Parts?