How Do You Make A Hospital Bed More Comfortable?

When a family member is admitted to the hospital, your main responsibility is to ensure they are comfortable. A hospital bed that is both supportive and relaxing can do wonders for a patient's health and recuperation. In this blog, we'll go over everything from how to select the most cosy hospital bed linens to the most restful sleeping positions. Let's get started making a relaxing space for people who need it most to heal and find solace.

What Is A Hospital Bed?

Hospital beds, sometimes known as medical beds, can be seen in various settings within the healthcare industry. These hospital beds are designed to make patients more comfortable and to streamline medical processes.

Adjustments can be made to a hospital bed's height and angle of recline to accommodate a patient's specific needs. Hospital beds are built with numerous layers of safety modifications, focusing on patient comfort and warmth.

Adjustable railings that can be moved up and down the bed are standard on most hospital beds. This reduces the likelihood that a patient will suddenly get out of bed or try to undress.

Types Of Hospital Beds

1. Bariatric Beds

Patients who are obese or have higher weight capabilities require special beds called bariatric beds because of their larger weight capacities. These beds' bigger dimensions and strengthened frames greatly improve their stability and support. 

They have motors that are designed for heavy-duty use and components that are built to last in order to support the additional load. The use of bariatric beds is crucial for the safety and well-being of patients who are overweight.

2. Obstetric Beds

Obstetric beds are made for women who are in the process of giving birth or are in labour. These beds are designed to help pregnant women feel safe and comfortable while they go through the process of giving birth. 

They typically have integrated foetal monitoring systems, plenty of room for birthing equipment, and stirrups for gynaecological checks. Obstetric beds can make the delivery process more comfortable for the mother and the medical staff.

3. Medical-Surgical Beds

The most prevalent kind of hospital bed is the medical-surgical kind. They were developed for use by people undergoing non-specialist medical or surgical procedures. These beds provide the bare minimum in convenience and ease of use, with features like adjustable height and position, side rails, and sturdy construction. Stable patients who don't need constant monitoring or other critical care measures can benefit from them.

4. Paediatric Beds

Paediatric beds are built to meet the specific requirements of newborns, children, and adolescents. These beds are scaled down to suit the needs of paediatric patients better. 

Such spaces' designs, themes, and security features are typically geared towards children. 

In order to protect the health of paediatric patients and maintain their overall well-being, certain paediatric beds come equipped with a mattress that can have its height adjusted and side rails.

5. Long-Term Care Beds

Patients who need to stay in hospitals or nursing homes for a longer period of time will benefit from having access to long-term care beds. These beds are designed with the patient's and caregiver's ease, comfort, and safety in mind.

Long-term care facilities require special characteristics from these chairs, such as height-adjustability, side-rail controls, and personalisation. These beds are designed to provide patients with more freedom while facilitating the care team's work.

6. Specialty Beds

The term "speciality beds" is used to refer to a wide range of specialised hospital beds.

Beds used in the field of psychiatric and burn care are two such instances.

Psychiatry Beds

Those in need of mental health care will find a comfortable bed in a psychiatric ward. They're designed to be therapeutic spaces. Therefore, they have safety features like ligature-resistant materials and locked mechanisms. 

The aesthetics and functionality of psychiatry beds are typically designed for the patient's comfort.

Burn Beds

Beds with these features are designed specifically for people with burn injuries. Providers of airflow systems and mattresses designed specifically for use in burn care.

Improve Your Hospital Bed's Comfort With These Ideas

Many different kinds of people in many different states of health use hospital beds. A hospital bed can aid in rest and recuperation after surgery. If you're having problems with blood flow, your doctor may recommend a hospital bed since it can be manipulated to support your body better and increase circulation. A hospital bed may also be necessary for reasons of safety. 

A hospital bed is useful for users who require constant monitoring and care in order to sleep safely. Despite the fact that hospital beds are designed for relaxation and support, they can nonetheless be made more pleasant.

Check The Hospital Bed's Width And Length.

If the patient requests extra space, they must be provided with it. If a hospital bed is too small, the patient will be unable to move from a supine to a side position. Because of this, patients are at a higher risk of being hurt when moved. Lack of leverage increases the risk of pressure injuries for patients and musculoskeletal problems for carers. Hospital beds adaptable to the user's height and width allow patients of varying dimensions to find a comfortable fit.

The Hospital Bed is a great option for folks who require more space owing to their size or personal preferences. Users will be able to determine the optimal width from the available selection of 36" wide through 48" wide. Patients who need extra legroom can get it by adding 8 inches to the length of the bed's frame and mattress.

Knowing a parent or spouse's likes and dislikes might be helpful information for an adult kid. Talk to them about what they're looking for in terms of comfort, and use their height and BMI to guide your decision.

Hospital Bed Mattresses

The mattress has the greatest effect on comfort, even more so than the bed itself. Cheap inner-spring mattresses work fine if you only sleep there, but they don't provide enough pressure relief to be truly comfortable over the long term. Mattresses in modern hospitals are typically made of memory foam or progressive laminated foams, both of which mould to the weight and contours of the patient. Its clever design reduces the stress and pressure that might lead to bedsores.

Mattresses made for the general public should not be used on home hospital beds. Mattresses thicker than seven inches can cause problems with the bed's controls in a home hospital setting. Although thicker mattresses may provide more comfort at first glance, they limit the effectiveness of the adjustable features.

The comfort level might also be affected by the mattress's construction material. Long-term bed-bound patients should seek out mattresses treated to resist the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mould. Mattresses constitute a health risk if moisture cannot escape. Mattresses used in home hospitals are designed to be both hygienic and comfy, thanks to their antimicrobial stuffing and moisture-wicking fabric.

Bed Wedge

A bed wedge is a specialised pillow often composed of dense foam. The triangle pillow is slanted to encourage a more vertical sleeping position. The primary function of the pillow is to prop up the head and shoulders. It can help those with acid reflux or nasal congestion and those who spend lengthy amounts of their day confined to bed by improving their posture and overall quality of life while in that position. Reading, for example, can become a more enjoyable experience in this way.

This is a wonderful way to prop up your upper body and get some support, which will help your digestion and breathing immensely. It may be shaped to the patient's body so that it can serve as a personalised pillow. A pillow that can be tilted by four degrees (from 14 to 10) is an additional perk, allowing the user to find their perfect sleeping position.

A bed wedge's many uses include relieving stress on the lower back. Place a pillow beneath your legs to alleviate lower back pain and swelling in your feet that may result from deep vein thrombosis.

If you like to sleep on your side, the anti-slide feature of the wedge will come in handy. Last but not least, the waterproof cover simplifies cleanup for people with digestive problems.

Have An Overbed Table In Your Hospital Room.

The use of overbed trays enables you to complete your work in a hassle-free manner while remaining in bed. A variety of hospital bed manufacturers include overbed tables with their products. Adaptability is the finest aspect. 

As a patient, you are free to transform the area into a comfortable spot for reading or eating. Overbed tables or trays are common in healthcare settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and long-term care centres. 

Bed Table

People in hospital beds may be confined to their beds for extended periods, making it difficult for them to travel from one room to another or eat at a table. Therefore, a hospital bed table is an excellent approach to alleviate this strain and improve the quality of one's stay. They can have meals and other activities like painting without leaving the comfort of their bed if you set up a table for them.

The Bed Table is a terrific option for users because it can be tilted for comfortable writing or reading in bed and elevated to the height of the user's bed. Both may be adjusted in height and roll for mobility. 

Remote-Controlled Adjustments

Controlling one's environment has a positive effect on one's mood. People with reduced mobility and strength have difficulty shifting into more comfortable positions because of the importance of body position to overall comfort. They usually have to stay in that position until a carer comes along and helps them.

A motorised adjustable bed has controls that allow the user to change their position without leaving the bed. The bed's height, headrest, leg rest, and ability to tilt may all be controlled by a handheld remote, allowing the user to sit up at any time.

Bed Risers

Adding a bed riser to a hospital bed is a great way to improve the bed's support and comfort for the patient. By extending the width of the bed's base, these innovative accessories make it much less likely that the bed will topple over when its owner gets up and about. 

Bed lifts are attractive since they are straightforward and simple to set up. They are easy for carers to put on and comfortable for patients to wear. Bed risers increase the bed's stability and make the room more secure, letting patients get up and walk around with more assurance and comfort.

Bed Bumper Pads Can Prevent Unintended Injuries.

Hospital bed makers in India typically supply beds with rails to keep patients from rolling off as they sleep. Bed bumper pads provide an additional layer of safety in addition to the rails. Bed bumper pads are a separate product sometimes offered by manufacturers to aid people with serious illnesses in getting in and out of bed. If you're shopping for bed bumper pads, avoiding plastic and metal options is best because they might produce splinters and make patients nervous. 

Hospital Bed Accessories That Improve Comfort

Side Rails

As an important part of improved safety, an additional pair of side rails attached to the bed frame can be an invaluable addition. The extra support around the sides from these rails gives patients peace of mind. They create a more secure setting, which is essential for patients and staff by reducing the risk of falls. 

These railings do much more for patient comfort than just keeping them safe. Patients can relax safely without worrying that they will fall off the bed thanks to the side railings. This fusion of protection and ease is indicative of the considerate steps taken to safeguard patients' well-being in the hospital.

Bedside Organiser

Patients can benefit greatly from a bedside organiser, a practical accessory attached to the side of the bed for easy access. With its well-thought-out sections, patients may store their necessities close at hand. Create a quiet and orderly atmosphere by putting things like books, periodicals, smartphones, and glasses in their proper places. 

Having these items close at hand improves patients' quality of stay in the hospital by increasing their convenience. This helpful item symbolises the significance of attention to detail in creating a healing and therapeutic patient environment.

Overlays And Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper or overlay can significantly enhance patient comfort when added to a hospital bed. These supplementary items add a layer of padding, which helps prevent pressure spots and enhances comfort. They come in various materials, shapes, and sizes, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their wants and needs.

Mattress toppers and overlays are more comfortable and crucial in improving patients' quality of sleep as a whole. These aids help patients slumber easier, which speeds up their recovery by lowering the risk of bedsores and other discomforts.

Overhead Assistive Device

Hospital beds can have an adjustable handle or other overhead aid for patients needing it. Patients can more easily find a comfortable sleeping position with this aid. Patients with limited mobility benefit from this accessory's added assistance and encouragement of autonomy.

Overbed Table

An overbed table is a practical addition that can be used to improve the quality of your sleep. It's a huge platform that may be set up above a bed, where patients can keep their belongings within easy reach. 

Without having to get out of bed, patients can use it as a makeshift nightstand to store their reading material, snacks, meds, and electronic devices. Multiple height settings permit personalised comfort when eating, reading, or working on a laptop.

Cushions And Bed Wedges

Patients can achieve greater levels of comfort and targeted support in various postures with the help of bed wedges and cushions, which serve as indispensable accessories. Positioned behind the back, beneath the legs, or as lumbar support, they significantly relieve pressure spots, increase blood flow, and reduce strain. 

These multipurpose tools are especially helpful for patients who are required to remain bedridden for extended periods or who have specific positional requirements due to their medical conditions. The ability of carers to greatly improve the overall comfort of patients can have a good impact on patients' well-being and contribute to an atmosphere that is more favourable to the healing process when bed wedges and cushions are incorporated into the environment of the patient.

Helps For Patient Lifts And Transfers

Lifts and transfer aids for patients are crucial to guaranteeing their safety and alleviating stress on their carers. These essential tools lessen the likelihood of harm occurring during patient transfers, which benefits both the patient and the carer. Patient lifts, and transfer aids facilitate motions, increase comfort, and lessen the need for substantial physical effort on the part of the carer. Caretakers can give their patients the finest care possible with a focus on their comfort and safety thanks to these crucial instruments.

Conclusion

Hospital beds are essential for patients' comfort and health, and they can be customized to suit specific needs. Bariatric beds are designed for obese patients due to their larger weight capacities and strengthened frames. Obstetric beds are designed for pregnant women and provide a safe environment during childbirth. Medical-surgical beds are designed for non-specialist medical procedures and offer convenience with adjustable height and position. Paediatric beds cater to newborns, children, and adolescents, with designs and security features tailored to children. Long-term care beds are designed for patients staying in hospitals or nursing homes for extended periods, offering height-adjustability, side-rail controls, and personalization. Specialty beds, such as psychiatric and burn care beds, are used for therapeutic purposes and are designed for patient comfort.

Hospital beds are beneficial for various health conditions, including rest and recuperation after surgery, blood flow issues, and safety reasons. They can be adjusted to support the body and increase circulation, and they can be made more pleasant by selecting the most comfortable linens and restful sleeping positions. Hospital beds are essential for patients who require constant monitoring and care, but they can also be improved to make them more enjoyable for patients.

Hospital beds should be adjustable to the user's height and width to ensure a comfortable fit for patients of varying dimensions. The hospital bed ranges from 36" wide to 48" wide, with extra legroom available by adding 8 inches to the bed's frame and mattress. It is important to consider the patient's height and BMI when making a decision.

Mattresses play a significant role in comfort, with modern hospitals using memory foam or progressive laminated foams that mold to the patient's weight and contours. However, mattresses made for the general public should not be used in home hospitals due to potential issues with bed controls. Long-term bed-bound patients should also consider mattresses treated to resist bacteria, fungi, and mold growth.

Bed wedges, specialized pillows made of dense foam, can improve posture and quality of life for patients with acid reflux, nasal congestion, and prolonged bedtime. They can be shaped to the patient's body and have anti-slide features for those who prefer side sleeping.

Overbed tables and bed tables are essential in healthcare settings, allowing patients to complete tasks while remaining in bed. These tables can be tilted for comfortable reading or eating, and can be adjusted in height and roll for mobility.

Remote-controlled adjustable beds are essential for patients with reduced mobility and strength, as they allow them to change their position without leaving the bed. Bed risers, bed bumper pads, side rails, bedside organizers, overlays, overhead assistive devices, overbed tables, cushions, and lifts all contribute to improved patient comfort and safety in hospitals.

Bed risers extend the width of the bed's base, making it less likely to topple over when the owner gets up and about. Bed lifts are straightforward and easy to set up, making the room more secure. Bed bumper pads provide an additional layer of safety, preventing injuries during bed movements. Side rails provide extra support around the sides, providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of falls.

Bedside organizers store essential items close at hand, improving patients' quality of stay and creating a quiet and orderly atmosphere. Overlays and mattress toppers add padding, preventing pressure spots and enhancing comfort. Overbed tables can be used as makeshift nightstands, allowing patients to store reading material, snacks, medications, and electronic devices.

Cushions and bed wedges provide targeted support in various postures, relieve pressure spots, increase blood flow, and reduce strain. These multipurpose tools are especially helpful for patients who are bedridden for extended periods or have specific positional requirements due to medical conditions. Lifts and transfer aids are crucial for patient safety and alleviating stress on caregivers. They facilitate motions, increase comfort, and reduce the need for substantial physical effort on the part of the carer. By incorporating these essential tools, hospitals can provide the best possible care for their patients while ensuring their comfort and safety.

Content Summary

• Ensuring a patient's comfort can positively impact their health and recuperation.
• Hospital beds, also called medical beds, are designed to improve patient comfort.
• These beds can adjust in height, and recline angle to suit individual patient needs.
• They are equipped with safety modifications focusing on patient warmth and security.
• Adjustable railings on hospital beds prevent patients from accidentally getting out.
• Bariatric beds are designed for obese patients, ensuring stability and support.
• Obstetric beds support women during childbirth, featuring integrated foetal monitors.
• Medical-surgical beds are common and are meant for non-specialist medical procedures.
• Paediatric beds are tailored for children, with design and safety features suitable for them.
• Long-term care beds are designed for patients requiring prolonged hospital stays.
• Specialty beds cater to specific medical fields like psychiatry and burn care.
• Psychiatry beds have safety features like ligature-resistant materials.
• Burn beds offer airflow systems and mattresses designed for burn care.
• Hospital beds can assist with rest and recuperation post-surgery.
• They can support better blood circulation and are important for safety reasons.
• It's essential to check the hospital bed's width and length for optimal comfort.
• Larger beds can prevent injuries and provide better leverage.
• The bed's mattress has a profound effect on the comfort level.
• Modern hospitals use memory foam or progressive laminated foam mattresses.
• Home hospital beds should avoid mattresses thicker than seven inches.
• Mattresses used in home hospitals are hygienic, featuring antimicrobial stuffing.
• A bed wedge can elevate the upper body, aiding digestion and breathing.
• Bed wedges also relieve stress on the lower back and assist side sleepers.
• Overbed tables allow patients to work or eat while in bed.
• Hospital bed tables facilitate meals and activities for bedridden patients.
• Remote-controlled adjustments empower patients to alter their bed positions.
• Bed risers enhance the stability of the bed, ensuring patient safety.
• Bed bumper pads add an extra safety layer to the bed.
• Side rails attached to the bed frame offer additional safety and peace of mind.
• Bedside organisers help patients keep essential items close by.
• Overlays and mattress toppers enhance patient comfort and reduce pressure spots.
• Overhead assistive devices can aid patients with limited mobility.
• Overbed tables serve as nightstands, keeping belongings within easy reach.
• Cushions and bed wedges offer versatile comfort solutions.
• Bed wedges and cushions alleviate pressure points and enhance circulation.
• They are especially useful for patients who are bedridden for long durations.
• Lifts and transfer aids ensure patient safety during movements.
• These aids reduce the risk of injuries during patient transfers.
• Hospital beds are crucial in settings from surgery to long-term care.
• The right mattress can prevent bedsores and offer prolonged comfort.
• Bed wedge pillows are shaped to support a vertical sleeping position.
• Bariatric beds have motors for heavy-duty use and robust components.
• Obstetric beds feature stirrups for gynaecological checks.
• Paediatric beds have adjustable mattresses and side rails for children's safety.
• Specialty beds include those used for psychiatric and burn care.
• Psychiatric beds offer therapeutic spaces for mental health care.
• Burn beds have mattresses tailored specifically for burn injuries.
• Adjusting a hospital bed can support better blood flow and positioning.
• Hospital bed dimensions should accommodate a patient's height and width.
• Overbed tables improve the quality of stay by allowing activities in bed.