INTRODUCTION
Patient beds are specifically designed with special features to cater to the needs of healthcare
facilities and home healthcare. They differ from regular beds found in homes or hotels. Modern
patient beds may also include additional advanced features for the well-being, comfort, and
convenience of both healthcare workers and patients. Some additional features include:-
Bed Mobility: The inclusion of wheels enables effortless movement of the bed within the
room or throughout different sections of the hospital. These wheels are equipped with
safety locks to secure the bed when patients need to be transferred in or out.
Height Adjustability: The bed offers various elevation options, allowing adjustment of
the entire height, foot position, or headrest. Unlike older models that relied on manual
operation, these beds feature electronic controls for convenient adjustments.
Adjustable Side Rails: The side rails of the bed can be raised or lowered to provide
protection and support. Easy-to-use buttons allow both patients and staff to operate the
rails. In some cases, these rails can also serve as medical restraints.
Bed Alarm System: Patient beds are equipped with an integrated alarm system within
the mattress, enabling caregivers and hospital personnel to monitor and promptly attend
to patients. This feature enhances patient safety and ensures timely assistance.
TYPES OF PATIENT BEDS
Patient beds serve diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, home care, nursing
homes, and more. Some of the most prominent medical beds are:
FOWLER BED
Fowler beds are specifically designed beds consisting of four perforated sections that allow
patients to achieve different positions. The fowlers position, commonly used in medical settings,
involves the patient sitting up with straight or bent knees. Different variations include the high
fowler position at a 90-degree angle, semi-fowler position at 30 to 45 degrees, and low fowler
position with a slight elevation of the head. These beds are utilized for immobile patients
experiencing respiratory distress, postpartum women requiring uterine drainage, individuals in
need of nasal feeding tubes, and those at risk of aspiration.
Fowler beds are equipped with motors and cranks for effortless adjustments, collapsible side
rails, and ABS steel foot and head panels. They employ individual or central braking systems
and offer functions for backrest and knee rest adjustments
SEMI FOWLER BED:
A semi-fowler bed is designed to accommodate the semi-fowler position, where the patient s
torso and head are raised at an angle of 15 to 45 degrees while lying on the back. It offers a
smaller angle of elevation compared to a fowler bed, and it may also involve raising the foot of
the bed and bending the knees. Similar to a fowler bed, the semi-fowler bed is beneficial for
patients with respiratory or cardiac conditions, requiring lung expansion, or having a nasogastric
tube. It also provides added comfort for women in labor during childbirth.
Semi-fowler beds feature ABS or steel foot and head panels and are equipped with motors or
cranks for easy adjustments. They may also have collapsible side rails for enhanced safety and
convenience.
ELECTRIC BED:
Electric beds are specially designed beds that offer adjustable positions for both the upper and
lower body, as well as height adjustments. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with
various medical conditions that make sleeping in uncomfortable positions difficult. Electric beds
provide relief for people experiencing swelling, chronic pain, arthritis, respiratory issues, limited
mobility, heartburn, and acid reflux.
Key features of electric beds include collapsible guard rails operated by electricity, multiple
resting position options, compatibility with hospital bed mattresses, detachable head and
footboards, and swivel castors. These beds can be controlled through electric mechanisms,
making them versatile for use in home care settings, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and
hospitals. Incorporating advanced engineering technology, electric beds prioritize patient safety
and comfort.
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 patient 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.
MANUAL BEDS:
A manual bed is a widely used and popular type of bed found in hospitals, nursing homes, and
caregiving facilities. These medical beds feature hand cranks to adjust the bed s height and raise
the head or foot section. They are suitable for patients who require minimal position changes and
offer a cost-effective solution for long-term care.
Manual beds are a budget-friendly alternative to electric beds, providing affordability. A semi-
electric bed is a variation that serves as a middle ground between manual and electric beds,
offering some electric functionality alongside manual adjustments.
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.
