Types of Hospital Beds: Which kind is right for you?

Choosing the right type of hospital beds is a crucial decision that directly impacts the comfort and care of your loved one, as well as the ease and efficiency of caregiving. At Vital Mobility, we understand that with so many options in the market, finding the right home hospital bed can be overwhelming.

List of Most Common Types of Hospital Beds

1. Manual Hospital Beds
2. Semi-Electric Hospital Beds
3. Electric Hospital Beds
4. Adjustable Hospital Beds
5. Specialty Hospital Beds

Below, we not only break down these options but also highlight key trends and advancements in 2024 to help you find the best hospital bed for sale that meets your needs.

1. Manual Hospital Beds

These are great if you are on a tight budget but you need a fully functional bed to put in your home. While they are cheaper, you have to be sure that the person that will use the bed has an available caregiver to be able to physically able manipulate it. Normally the bed will have to be manually cranked in order to adjust the bed to the desired positions.

These beds have fallen out of favour in recent years due to the physical effort required to adjust them, which can be challenging for caregivers and users. In 2024, advancements in semi-electric and fully electric beds, along with their increasing affordability, have made them the preferred choices for most households. Instead, semi-electric and fully electric home hospital beds have significantly risen in popularity. They have also become much more affordable..

2. Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

Semi-electric medical beds are a great option if the person using the hospital bed doesn’t have the physical ability to use a manual hospital bed – but you are still working with a tight budget. These beds are cheaper than fully electric beds; yet offer comfort and support to users. The part of the bed that is slept on – including back and leg adjustment – is electric. However, the height of the bed has to be adjusted manually – a function that is usually handled by the caregiver.

3. Electrical Hospital Beds

Electrical hospital beds are nowadays the mainstream option for individuals looking to purchase a home hospital bed due to their ease of use, advanced functionality, and accessibility. In 2024, many models feature smart home integrations, allowing caregivers to monitor and adjust the bed remotely. They offer the best level of support, convenience and comfort for the user. Because every element of the bed’s functioning is motorized, its everyday operation requires little to no effort from caregivers and patients.

Functions such as raising and lowering the bed as well as adjusting the bed’s backrest and leg rest are all the touch of a button. Most electric home hospital beds come equipped with a wired remote control that’s easy to use. A few, upscale hospital beds are equipped with wireless remote controls which are often times hard to locate by the user.

4. Adjustable Hospital Beds

Adjustable Hospital Beds come in a wide variety of options, and in 2024, they continue to evolve with sleek designs and advanced features. Many models now include accessories like voice controls, USB chargers, underbed lights and aesthetically pleasing finishes to seamlessly blend into home decor. They are beds that are designed to look like normal beds but include the functions of a home hospital bed. These beds come in a variety of sizes – all the way from twin to king. To furnish a room with a hospital bed as a permanent feature and want aesthetic value, adjustable hospital beds are the way to go.

5. Specialty Hospital Beds

Specialty hospital beds are upscale hospital beds with features that most closely resemble the beds you will see in a hospital. In 2024, many specialty beds include composite or plastic railings, advanced positioning options, staff-embedded controls and whisper-quiet operation. These hospital beds bring the latest technological advances to the homecare setting. If you are looking to purchase a specially hospital bed, you will be paying more than a standard electric hospital bed. However, you will get what you pay for: an upgraded level of features and quality.

Even with this comprehensive guide, finding hospital bed for sale that perfectly fits your needs and preferences can still feel overwhelming. Vital Mobility has put a lot of time and energy into making sure that we have types of hospital beds that fit both your needs and your wallet. If you have any other questions or still need help picking out the right hospital bed, give us a call today. Our knowledgeable team is ready to guide you through the options, ensuring you make the best choice for your loved one.