Key Features to Look for in a Homecare or Hospital Bed – Med Mart

What Makes a Medical Bed Safer, Smarter, and More Comfortable

When selecting a hospital or homecare bed, it’s not just about choosing a frame—it’s about finding a system that supports the daily needs of the patient and the caregiver. From comfort to safety, today’s homecare beds come packed with features that can make a big difference in care quality and day-to-day living.

Here’s a breakdown of the most important features to consider when choosing a homecare or hospital bed.

1. Adjustable Positions

Head and Foot Elevation
Most hospital beds allow you to raise or lower the head and foot sections. This improves:

Comfort while resting, reading, eating, or watching TV
Posture for treatments, breathing, or circulation
The ability to reposition without assistance

Height Adjustment
The entire bed can often be raised or lowered.

Higher settings help caregivers work at a comfortable level, reducing strain
Lower settings make transfers in and out of bed safer and more manageable for the user

2. Side Rails

Side rails provide added security and support for users and caregivers:

Help prevent accidental falls
Offer a firm surface for users to grab when repositioning
May be partial, full-length, or removable depending on the bed model

Some side rails even include built-in controls or padding for extra functionality.

3. Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg

Advanced positioning options available in certain homecare beds:

Trendelenburg Position: The bed tilts with the head lower than the feet—used in specific clinical scenarios or to aid circulation
Reverse Trendelenburg: The head is higher than the feet—can help improve breathing, reduce reflux, or relieve swelling

These features are most common in fully electric or med-surg grade beds used in long-term or complex care settings.

4. Mattress Options

Pressure-Relief Mattresses

Designed to prevent pressure ulcers (bedsores)
Helps evenly distribute weight and reduce friction on the skin
Common in foam, gel, or hybrid materials

Air Mattresses

Feature adjustable air chambers to support different body zones
May include low air loss or alternating pressure for moisture control and pressure relief
Ideal for patients at moderate to high risk of skin breakdown

Choosing the right mattress is just as important as the bed frame itself and should be matched to the user’s medical needs.

5. Remote Controls

Modern beds often come with handheld remotes, offering:

Simple, one-touch adjustments for head, foot, and height positions
Some advanced models include dual remotes—one for the user, one for the caregiver
Easy-to-read buttons, backlit designs, or lock-out features for safety

6. Mobility and Maneuverability

Most hospital and homecare beds come with locking caster wheels, which allow:

Easy repositioning of the bed within the room
Smooth transfer to another room or location if needed
Locking mechanisms for safety once the bed is in place

This makes deep cleaning, room rearrangement, and patient care more manageable.

7. Built-In Features for Everyday Use

Some bed models come with integrated features for added convenience:

Overbed Tables: Slide over the bed surface for easy access to meals, books, and personal items
Built-In Lighting: Offers soft, low-profile illumination for nighttime visibility and safety
USB Ports and Storage: Found on some premium beds for charging devices or keeping essentials nearby

Final Thoughts

When selecting a bed for yourself or a loved one, consider how often the bed will be used, who will be providing care, and whether long-term comfort, safety, or medical treatment support is the priority.

At Med Mart, we offer a wide range of homecare beds—from basic manual models to fully electric long-term care beds with all the bells and whistles.

Need help deciding? Call our expert team at 888-413-8994 and we’ll guide you to the right solution for your needs and space.

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