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The bed frame makes a huge difference in the support and stability of your loved ones bed. Bed frames differ from bed decks (spring, grid, slat and full) which provide support for the mattress, features (Manual, Semi, Full Electric, Hi-Low, Trendelenburg, Bariatric...) and overall durability (weight capacity, warranty etc...) Manual and Semi Electric Beds are less costly than Full Electric Beds and are designed for loved ones that will be needing the bed for a shorter period of time. Manual and Semi Electric Beds have spring decks and a less durable frame, so if you are looking for a bed that will be used more than 16 hours a day and/or a bed that will be used for longer than 6 months, a Full Electric Bed with a grid, slat or full deck would be more appropriate. High End Beds offer more features for your loved one and provides a much more stable and supportive bed.
When deciding which bed makes sense for your loved one, consider not only the length of time the bed will be needed, but which mattress and features are needed as well. High End Beds will come with higher prevention mattresses which will provide better support and overall skin care.
While the bed’s functions and structure are important considerations, the mattress also plays a critical role in providing comfort and support. Mattress selection is especially critical in patients who are confined to their beds for longer than normal sleeping times, since these patients can be prone to pressure sores, or “bed” sores. Prevention Foam Mattresses, Low Air Loss Mattresses, Lateral Rotation Mattresses and other products can help relieve pressure and prevent skin breakdown that eventually causes sores to develop.
When you are deciding which hospital bed would be best for your loved one, there are specific questions you need to think about to make sure you can make a proper comparison among products:
Important considerations include how long your loved one will be using the bed and mattress, how mobile they are, whether they're at an increased risk of falling, how much care they'll need while in the bed, and who will be providing that care.
Remember: Both the bed and the mattress play important roles in maintaining comfort for your loved one, so be sure to consider all aspects of care when making a selection.
Full-electric beds use the same type of remote control as a semi-electric bed, but the remote controls the height of the entire bed as well as foot and head adjustments. Full-electric beds use a pulley system with steel cables to safely adjust the height for patients who need the bed to be lowered so they can easily get up, and for caregivers who prefer the bed to be higher for care activities or to change linens.
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A hi-low bed can be an excellent choice for a patient at an increased risk for falling out of bed. Offering the same features as a full-electric bed, hi-low beds feature a bed deck that’s only 7 inches from the floor. Even with the addition of a 6-inch mattress, fall height would be restricted to 13 inches. Adding a fall mat reduces the risk of injury as well as the fall height. Hi-low beds also rise automatically as the patient is standing to provide extra support and assistance.
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Bariatric hospital beds feature strong, durable frames designed to support patients from 350 lbs. to 1000 lbs. Frames are also wider than standard beds to provide greater patient comfort while offering the same functions as a full-electric bed for convenience and ease of use.
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Long Term Hospital Beds are designed to fully support and care for your loved one or patient for years. These beds are great solutions for those who need proper support and preventative care. Long Term Beds have either grid, slat or solid bed decks that will fully support the mattress and person in bed.
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Foam Prevention Mattresses are ideal for patients who spend long periods of time lying in bed including patients who are immobile. Unlike basic foam or innerspring mattresses that can increase pressure and heat on specific areas of the body, causing skin breakdown and bed sore development, prevention mattresses are designed to prevent sores from developing while still providing plenty of comfort.
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