Practical guide: how to buy articulated beds?

When it comes to buying an articulated bed, there are many questions:

. What are the best hospital articulated beds?
. What factors should I take into consideration?
. What is the best price/quality option?

That is why it is important to hear the opinion of hospital bed experts. In this article we present you with a complete guide to make the best decision.

THE FIRST QUESTION TO KNOW IS:
DO I REALLY NEED AN ARTICULATED HOSPITAL BED?

It depends. Orthopedic hospital beds are suitable for the elderly, for patients who have to spend long periods of time resting, or for people who are bedridden.

Its advantages over a normal bed model are numerous, particularly in terms of comfort, convenience and health, guaranteeing:

Improvement of blood circulation
. Increased security
. Ease and simplicity of care for the bedridden person
. Better quality of life

So if the person concerned has a need to spend long periods in bed or a caregiver, the answer is yes: an articulated bed is the best option.

THE FIRST STEP IS: TO KNOW THE USER AND CONTEXT OF USE WELL

As in any area, especially in health and orthopedics, it should be the answers that suit the user and not the other way around.

Thus, before buying an articulated bed, it is important to consider factors such as the user’s profile, the type of use that will be given to it, the characteristics of the space where the articulated bed will be placed, and even the profile of the caregiver.
Analyzing each of the points:

User Profile

Each case is always a case, so be sure to pay attention to data such as:

Health status and clinical situation – skin type / Existence of wounds / Existence of lesions.
. Age and weight – depending on these two metrics, you may have to choose completely different bed models. In fact, articulated orthopedic beds even have a maximum user weight indication
. Degree of dependency of the caregiver.

Type of Use

The amount of time you will stay in bed, either per day or in the long term.

Psychomotor status, consciousness and orientation.

Characteristics of the space where the bed will be

Logically, you cannot buy a bed that does not fit the available area in the room or the way it is arranged, or you will be left with inefficient use.
The user and caregiver should have freedom of movement or, in less advisable cases, have at least one side of the bed unobstructed.

In addition, it is important to know if there are electrical outlets in case you are considering buying an electric folding bed.
Regarding the decoration and framing in the domestic space, there are several options for the type and color of the wood of the headboards, the headrests, and the side rails.

Caregiver Profile

Also the needs of the person providing the health care and assistance must be met. Indeed, the strength and energy you have at your disposal are factors to be considered, as they can be determining factors in choosing, for example, between a manual or electric bed, or between a lower or higher bed.

STEP TWO: SETTING A BUDGET – ARTICULATED BEDS PRICES

The prices of articulated beds can vary very significantly depending on their characteristics: from $364.95 to $1,099.95.

However, if you have already made the analysis suggested in point 1, taking into consideration your available budget, you can make a much better choice. Even consider going in between renting or buying an articulated bed.

Below we identify the main types of articulated beds.

STEP THREE: GET TO KNOW THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ARTICULATED BEDS – WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

Generally speaking, there are 2 different types of articulated hospital beds:

Manual articulated beds

The lowest priced articulated beds are manual.

Its tripartite platform, usually made of wood slats, is regulated by 2 manual cranks that make it possible to adjust the positions of the upper and lower limbs.

In the case of the Fido JMS Manual Articulated Bed, the structure is in mild steel tube, with fixed-height feet with wheels, two of them with brakes. Wheeled feet are always a practical option for those who will need to move the bed frequently or in tight spaces. In addition, it also has a support at both ends of the headboard in case a trapeze or IV pole needs to be placed. Finally, it should be noted that the bed is approved for up to 135kg – which demonstrates the importance of knowing the user’s profile well, as mentioned above.

Electric Folding Beds

If you are looking for a versatile articulated orthopedic hospital bed, this is the most complete model.

The electric folding bed with H-lift, for example, allows the mattress support to be raised in height, so that users with short stature or less balance can move around more easily. This bed assumes both tredelenburg and anti-tredelenburg positions.

In addition, at its maximum elevation, it provides healthier working conditions for caregivers.

In addition, it has side rails and wooden headboards, which provides maximum comfort and safety. A feature that is also very important when the user suffers from Alzheimer’s or psychomotor agitation, which brings with it the risk of falls.

STEP FOUR: THINK ABOUT THE TYPE OF PLATFORM, SIDE RAILS AND PREPARATION FOR ACCESSORIES

Regarding the type of duckboard, its dimensions and the material used for the slats (steel or wood) must be considered.

The most commonly sold articulated beds in Portugal tend to be either 190 cm long by 90 cm wide or 200 cm long by 90 wide (the measurement most commonly used in other countries).

As for the accessories, it is important not to forget the preponderance of side guards – which can be made of metal (steel or aluminum) or wood – for safety. Hinged beds with railings can be instrumental in reducing and preventing accidents!

Finally, the ease with which some models of articulated beds are already prepared to receive support tables, hangers, trapezoids, IV poles… All these accessories will simplify the positioning and mobilization of its user, as well as the quality of life of a bedridden person (it may be of interest to inform yourself about anti-sores pillows).

zes and are available in various sizes.

IN SUMMARY

The options that exist in the market are very vast, but the choice is much simpler when you know your real needs.
We therefore hope that this practical guide will be a good one.

However, if in doubt, do not hesitate to contact the team of specialists at Loja Ortopédica. We are dedicated and have extensive experience that allows us to advise you at any time and in the best possible way, for your specific case.

Loja Ortopédica ® – We know and have what you need!