Hospital Beds for Home: How to Choose the Right One

hospital bed

Hospital beds are an essential part of medical care, providing comfort and support to patients in a variety of settings. While they are most commonly found in hospitals and medical facilities, there is a growing demand for hospital beds in home care settings. Hospital beds for home use offer many benefits to patients, allowing them to receive the care and comfort they need in a familiar environment.

There are several types of hospital beds available for home use, but they all aim to provide the same level of support and functionality as those found in medical facilities. Features such as adjustable heights, head and foot support, and side rails ensure that patients can maintain a comfortable position while resting, recovering, or being cared for. These beds also cater to the needs of caregivers, making it easier to monitor, provide care, and assist with daily activities.

When looking to purchase a hospital bed for home use, it is crucial to consider several factors such as the patient’s needs, available space, and budget. Some critical details to pay attention to include weight capacity, adjustability options, and ease of cleaning. It’s important to choose a bed that can safely support the patient’s weight and size while offering the right flexibility and comfort.

After researching and evaluating numerous hospital beds for home use, we have narrowed down the top contenders to help you make an informed decision. Whether for short-term recovery, long-term care, or better sleep quality, finding the right hospital bed for your home will make all the difference in comfort and convenience.

Best Hospital Beds for Home

We have compiled a list of the best hospital beds for home use to help you find the perfect fit for your needs and ensure maximum comfort for your loved ones.

ProHeal Full Electric Hospital Bed

ProHeal Hospital Bed

The ProHeal Full Electric Hospital Bed is an ideal choice for long-term in-home care with its fully adjustable features and high safety standards.

Pros

  • Professional grade build for durability
  • Fully electric, adjustable height and customizable positioning
  • Safety rails included for fall risk patients

Cons

  • Difficult assembly due to unclear instructions
  • Some compatibility issues with bed rails reported
  • Motors and side rails may lack quality

We recently tried the ProHeal Full Electric Hospital Bed and found it to be a reliable option for in-home care. The professional grade design ensures the bed’s durability for long-term patient care use in hospitals, nursing homes, or your personal residence.

The fully electric bed has an automatically adjustable height with a low range of 15″ and a high range of 23″, providing easy customization to suit your needs. The hand pendant control is easy to use and even includes Trendelenberg and reverse Trendelenberg positioning options. This level of adjustability combined with a weight capacity of 450 lbs makes this bed suitable for a wide range of patients.

This bed comes with a pair of half rail safety guards intended for fall-risk patients. However, we noticed that some buyers reported compatibility issues with the bed rails not matching up with the frame. It’s essential to reach out to the manufacturer if you come across this issue.

Although we found the bed to be an effective and comfortable option for long-term care, we must mention the assembly process. The instructions included are not very clear, which made the process challenging. Additionally, motors and side rails may lack quality compared to other aspects of the bed.

Overall, the ProHeal Full Electric Hospital Bed is a reliable option for long-term in-home care with its fully adjustable features and high safety standards. Keep in mind the potential challenges in assembly and bed rail compatibility.

Vive Adjustable Bed Base Frame (Twin)

Vive Adjustable Bed Base Frame

We recommend the Vive Adjustable Bed Base Frame for anyone in need of a comfortable and versatile home hospital bed solution with convenient features.

Pros

  • Independent head and foot adjustments
  • Quiet and smooth operation
  • Convenient wireless remote with backlight

Cons

  • Only supports up to 350 pounds combined weight
  • Sits low to the ground
  • Built-in bed rails may be too small for some users

Having used the Vive Adjustable Bed Base Frame, we can confidently say that it provides a great level of comfort and relaxation, thanks to its various positioning options. We particularly appreciated the independent head and foot adjustments, as well as the zero-gravity position that promotes better sleep.

The smooth and quiet operation of the bed is another feature we want to highlight. The two powerful independent motors are efficient at repositioning the head or foot areas without causing disruption. Furthermore, the wireless remote is both convenient and easy-to-use, especially with its backlight function for nighttime adjustments.

However, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider. The bed frame only supports up to a combined weight of 350 pounds and sits quite low to the ground. Additionally, the built-in bed rails might be too small for some users, potentially requiring additional purchases to ensure safety and comfort.

Overall, the Vive Adjustable Bed Base Frame offers excellent value for those who need a comfortable, functional, and easy-to-use home hospital bed. Its range of adjustable positions, quiet operation, and convenient remote control make it a solid choice, despite a few limitations.

Invacare Full Electric Homecare Bed

Invacare Homecare Bed

We think the Invacare Full Electric Homecare Bed is a great choice for those seeking comprehensive adjustability and reliable construction in a hospital bed for home use.

Pros

  • Effortlessly adjustable with remote control
  • Durable reinforced steel frame
  • Emergency hand-crank feature

Cons

  • Unclear assembly instructions
  • Advertised dimensions may be misleading
  • Customer service could be better

The Invacare Full Electric Homecare Bed provides excellent customizability, allowing users and caregivers to effortlessly adjust body position and bed height with a convenient, hard-wired remote control. We particularly liked how the durable reinforced steel frame supports up to 350 lbs, contributing to its lasting build quality.

One of the standout features of this hospital bed is the hand-crank option for manual adjustment in cases of emergencies or power outages, ensuring uninterrupted functionality and peace of mind for both patient and caregiver.

Unfortunately, we found the assembly instructions to be unclear and confusing, making the setup process more difficult than necessary. Moreover, the advertised dimensions of the bed may not accurately represent the actual sleeping surface dimensions, which could be a potential downside for some buyers.

Lastly, while not a dealbreaker, customer service could be improved to better assist customers in addressing their concerns and answering their questions about the product.

Overall, the Invacare Full Electric Homecare Bed is a highly adjustable and reliable choice for those in need of a hospital bed for home use. Despite some minor drawbacks, we believe its outstanding features and durable construction make it an excellent investment for long-term comfort and convenience.

Buying Guide

When it comes to purchasing a hospital bed for home use, there are several factors to consider in order to make an informed decision. In this buying guide, we will walk you through the essential features to look for, as well as some tips on how to ensure the bed meets the specific needs of the individual.

Consider the Type of Bed

There are three main types of hospital beds available on the market:

  1. Manual beds: These require physical effort to adjust the bed’s positioning, which may be challenging for some caregivers and users.
  2. Semi-electric beds: These beds offer electric adjustment for the head and feet but require manual adjustment for bed height. They are a cost-effective option and provide good comfort.
  3. Fully electric beds: These beds offer electric adjustment for all positions (head, feet, and height), providing maximum convenience and flexibility.

Evaluate the Features

When evaluating the features of a hospital bed, consider the following aspects:

  • Weight capacity: Ensure the bed can support the individual’s weight. Most standard beds support up to 450 pounds, but there are bariatric options for heavier users.
  • Rails: Look for a bed with easily adjustable side rails to provide safety and support for the user.
  • Mattress: Choose a comfortable and easy-to-clean mattress with pressure-relief technology to prevent pressure ulcers.
  • Casters: Pick a bed with lockable casters to ensure easy mobility and stability when needed.

Prioritize Comfort and Accessibility

Comfort and accessibility play a crucial role in the overall experience of using a hospital bed at home. Here are some points to keep in mind:

  • Size: Choose the appropriate bed size depending on the user’s height and available space in the room. Standard dimensions are 36 inches wide by 80 inches long, but other sizes are also available.
  • Accessories: Look for added features such as adjustable head and footboards, over-bed tables, and IV poles to enhance the user’s comfort and convenience.
  • Noise: Opt for a quiet bed mechanism to ensure a comfortable and serene environment.

Consult a Healthcare Professional

Before making your final decision, consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or occupational therapist, to ensure that the hospital bed you choose meets the specific needs of the individual. They can also provide valuable insights and recommendations based on individual health conditions and mobility requirements.

By considering these factors and seeking professional advice, you can confidently choose the right hospital bed for home use that best suits your needs and requirements.