When it comes to selecting between a hospital bed and an adjustable bed, the standard process is learning about their similarities and differences. Both types of beds provide the facilities for adjustment of the head and the foot section in the bed. However, there are several differences between the two types.
Features of Standard Hospital Beds
Standard hospital beds have the following features generally.
- These beds aim to provide comforts for the patients using them;
- They can adjust the head as well as the foot section according to requirements of the patient and recommendation of the physicians;
- They can be raised upwards or lowered downwards depending on the convenience of the users;
- Hospital beds are designed to prevent accidental slip and fall injuries for the users; and
- These beds are fitted with wheels for easy movement to various parts of the hospital as well as for patients admitted or released.
In most hospitals, the beds used have built-in and not removable side rails and for bed control, a handle is attached to them.
Beddding used in Hospital Beds Features
One of the most important aspects of using the bedding is the comfort of the users. With this objective in view, the bed mattresses used for hospital beds are around 6 inches thick. The foam contents inside the mattress are covered by thick vinyl covers, allowing easy scrubbing and disinfecting. In some hospitals, the head and footboards are fixed whereas in others they can be removed and attached according to convenience. Catering to their industrial uses, the hospital beds usually have bulky frames, but the sizes are such that these beds can only be used by one person.
Adjustable Bed Features
Adjustable beds are very convenient as they can be redesigned according to the requirements of the person using such a bed.
- It allows an elevation of both head and foot sections as required by the end-users;
- Adjustable beds can be very useful when the user is suffering from various diseases including joint pain and back pain among others;
- These beds have several therapeutic features; and
- These beds can be used for replacing traditional flatbeds at home or as hospital beds as well.
Divergent uses of Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds can be used for multiple purposes. The end-user can use his or her existing head or footboards in these adjustable beds, dispensing with any requirement of buying new boards.
- Adjustable beds can be re-designed matching the location background where it is used and adds to the existing appearance of the room very well;
- These beds are available in different sizes like twin, full, as well as the queen and king-sized beds and can be used by the couples or such couple with a breastfeeding child conveniently; and
- Unlike the hospital beds, the adjustable beds can be shared with others.
Beddings for Adjustable Beds
Beddings for adjustable beds are designed following the existing industry standards. The mattresses manufactured by top brands extend the facilities for making any number of adjustments according to the requirements of the users. Sometimes such adjustments are also required when recommended by a health instructor or physician. Other features include –
- The mats come with thickness convenient to the specific user;
- Beds come with both wired and wireless hand controls;
- They allow the users to decide their desired position while using the bed; and
- The beds can be customized for greater control and most of the top brands extend such facilities for the buyers.
Why use Adjustable Beds
While adjustable beds may cost a few extra bucks, the advantages of using such beds easily neutralize the small inconvenience. Many adjustable beds come with the Headboard glider that makes the adjustment control a breeze for the buyers.
- These beds are the perfect solution for the buyers looking for health and fitness compliant beds;
- Buyers can have their customized adjustable bed in consultation with the provider; and
- As the control rests with the user, the comfort level is always on the higher side for users of the adjustable beds.
Hospital Beds vs Adjustable Beds
One of the questions usually raised by the buyers is regarding the utility of hospital beds and adjustable beds and which one is better for them. As already pointed out above; the only common feature of these two types of beds is that they have head and footboard adjustment facilities. However, the similarities end there.
- Adjustable beds have more facilities for adjusting them according to the requirements of the end-user, whereas the hospital beds have only limited adjustment facilities;
- Usually, adjustable beds are used for domestic needs but in recent times top hotels and hired accommodations are also going for them; and
- Since the adjustable beds can change their shapes with more adjustment features, they are also spaced economically and can be stored easily in small spaces.
Pros and Cons of Adjustable Beds
Unlike the hospital beds that only provide adjustment facilities of industry standards, the adjustable beds come with several other advantages.
Pros
- Users can use their previously used head and foot bards in these beds and thus saves money for buying new boards;
- It comes with a built-in massage facility;
- Top brands design their adjustable beds with additional facilities like wake-up alarms, charging ports, as well as a night light;
- It is possible controlling the adjustment features using a remote controller or even a smartphone; and
- It can be fitted within standard bed frames.
Cons
- While adjustable beds are good for comfort, the medical advantages are yet to be listed; and
- It has not yet been listed by the FDA through its use is not restricted by the agency.
The bottom line of all This is that the hospital beds are industrial furniture used to combine profit with service. On the other hand, the adjustable beds are designed for individual domestic use as well as used by the hospitality industry for greater comfort of the end-user. The only necessity for interested buyers is to find a trusted provider of adjustable beds, giving them the combination of quality and affordability.