How to Choose the Best Medical Beds

Standard Adjustable-Height Beds  

• Adjustable travel heights; typically don’t go lower than 9″
• Most adjustable-height beds offer standard functions, including articulating head and knee sections for resident comfort

Adjustable-Height Low Beds

• Adjustable-Height Low Beds have the best combination of features for Senior Living
• Same functions as Standard Adjustable-Height beds, but can be set to a low height of 10″ or less to help protect fall-risk residents 
• Can go higher; a bed at 30″ combined with a 6″ mattress provides a safer working height for caregivers
• Some models offer five functions, including Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg

Bariatric Beds

• Bariatric hospital beds are specifically designed for larger residents
• Wider and often longer than other beds to accommodate weight capacities up to 1000 lbs.

Acute Care Beds

Acute Care Beds include more advanced features than many beds, including:

• Built-in fall management systems
• In-bed scales
• Siderails with built-in controls
• Angle indicator for head elevation
• Advanced positioning options such as Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg

Home Care Beds

• Can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development or other health problems associated with prolonged bed use
• A cost-effective solution for residential communities

Key Considerations for Medical Beds

Bed Width & Length 

• Standard senior living beds are typically 35″ or 36″ wide, narrower than the standard twin bed (39″ wide), providing less space than residents are used to.
• A wider bed (39″ or 42″) offers more room for sleeping and repositioning, reducing fall risks and enhancing comfort.
  • Extra-wide beds may have: 
    • A fixed width
    • Built-in adjustments for multiple width options
    • Add on kits to expand the bed width