Choosing the Right Bed: Types of Homecare and Hospital Beds Explained – Med Mart

From Basic to Advanced – What You Need to Know Before Buying

When mobility or medical needs change, choosing the right homecare or hospital bed can significantly improve comfort, safety, and independence—both for the user and for caregivers.

At Med Mart, we offer a wide selection of medical beds designed for home use. Understanding the different types of beds can help you make the best decision based on care level, space, and budget.

Manual Beds

Best for: Budget-conscious users with caregiver assistance

Manual beds use hand cranks to adjust the bed’s head, foot, or height positions.

No electricity needed
Lower upfront cost
Requires physical effort for adjustments (typically by a caregiver)

These beds are suitable when adjustments are infrequent or when reliable caregiver support is available.

Semi-Electric Beds

Best for: Users who want independent positioning with budget in mind

Semi-electric beds use a motor to raise and lower the head and foot sections, but the height adjustment is still done manually.

Easier for users to reposition themselves
Requires caregiver assistance for raising/lowering the bed height
A middle ground between manual and full-electric beds

Full-Electric Beds

Best for: Users who need full adjustability and maximum convenience

Full-electric beds allow complete electronic control of head, foot, and height adjustments using a handheld remote.

Ideal for users who need frequent repositioning
Reduces strain on caregivers
Promotes independence and easier in-bed care

Bariatric Beds

Best for: Users who need extra space and higher weight support

Bariatric beds are built with wider frames and reinforced structures to support higher weight capacities—often 500 lbs. or more.

Designed for safety and durability
Often include wider sleeping surfaces for comfort
Available in full-electric or hi-low models

Long-Term Care Beds

Best for: Extended care needs in a home or facility setting

Long-term care beds are built for around-the-clock use and offer enhanced durability and support.

Often feature advanced adjustability and positioning options
Includes safety features like side rails and brake systems
Ideal for patients with chronic conditions or requiring full-time care

Med-Surg Beds

Best for: Post-acute care or complex medical needs

Medical-surgical beds (med-surg) are typically used in hospitals but are available for home use when clinical-level care is needed.

Multi-function beds with programmable settings
Support accessories like IV poles, oxygen tank holders, and more
Often have trendelenburg and reverse trendelenburg positioning features

Adjustable Beds (Hi-Low Option Available)

Best for: Comfort, lifestyle, and occasional caregiving

Adjustable beds offer head and foot adjustment and often include hi-low features, which raise or lower the bed height for easier transfers.

Great for aging in place or individuals recovering from surgery
Can offer massage functions, zero gravity positioning, or custom presets
More comfortable for reading, sleeping, or watching TV in bed

Which Bed Is Right for You?

Bed Type	Best For	Key Features
Manual Bed	Budget buyers with caregiver help	Crank-operated adjustments
Semi-Electric Bed	Users wanting some independence	Motorized head/foot, manual height
Full-Electric Bed	Daily use and ease of care	Fully motorized adjustments
Bariatric Bed	Higher weight capacity users	Reinforced frame and wider surface
Long-Term Care Bed	Extended or permanent homecare	Enhanced durability and safety features
Med-Surg Bed	Advanced home medical care	Hospital-grade functionality and accessories
Adjustable Bed (Hi-Low)	Aging in place, lifestyle use, light care needs	Head/foot control, optional height adjustment

Need Help Choosing the Right Bed?

Call our product specialists at 888-413-8994. We’ll guide you through the selection process based on the user’s needs, living space, and level of care required.

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