2 cranks vs 3 cranks hospital bed

We have three major types of hospital beds; electric which is powered by electricity; semi-electric, which is partly powered by electricity and manual, which is fully operated manually. Each bed type has several models with different designs that will be too voluminous to cover in this article. 

Nonetheless, instead of boring ourselves with so much information about the various hospital bed types, I have decided to talk about two of the most popular manual hospital bed types: 2 cranks and 3 cranks hospital beds. These two-bed types are operated the same way, and it may be challenging to know the difference between them. 

For this reason, I will be comparing 2 cranks vs 3 cranks hospital beds in this helpful article. 

What is 2 crank hospital bed? 

2 crank hospital bed is a manually operated hospital bed that allows patients or users to raise or lower the back and leg section of the bed with the height fixed. This bed is considered a budget-friendly alternative to the computerized types, which are often costly. 2 crank hospital beds are usually equipped with basic configurations like over-bed tables and bed infusion poles to make the stay enjoyable. 

What is 3 crank hospital bed? 

3 crank hospital bed is also a type of bed used in the hospital that is manually operated. Unlike the 2-crank type, where only the back raise and leg raise can be adjusted, the 3-crank comes with an extra feature of changing the bed height. This bed type has features like detachable head and footboards, side rails and 4 poles, 4 high-quality castors, and many others. 

What are the differences between 2 cranks and 3 cranks hospital beds? 

There’s nothing worth comparing between these two types of hospital beds because both are designed for the same purpose and function in almost the same way. The only significant difference between these two hospital bed types is that the 2 crank type only offers adjustability for leg and back raises without any feature for adjusting the height.

Whereas the 3-crank hospital bed allows patients not just to change the back and leg raise but also have the height adjustment feature. One other thing that may differentiate a 2-crank hospital bed from 3 crank hospital bed is the price. Because of the extra feature of the 3-crank hospital bed, they are usually sold at higher prices than the 2-crank hospital bed.

2 cranks or 3 cranks which one is better? 

3 crank hospital bed is better than 2 crank hospital bed. Both 2 and 3-crank hospitals may have similar functionality, but the fact that you can adjust the height of a 3-crank hospital bed gives it a slight edge over the 2-crank hospital bed. 

A typical hospital bed must be capable of being adjusted to any position to lower the chances of patients suffering from neck, back, and leg pain or even bed sores. So the flexibility in the height of a 3-crank hospital bed makes it a better option. 

On the flip side, if we compare these two in terms of budget or cost-friendly, consider the 2-crank hospital bed because they are sold at relatively lower prices than 3-crank hospital beds. Therefore, if you believe the fixed height of the bed will not affect you, then in this sense, the 2-crank hospital bed will be better. 

What are cranks in hospital beds? 

A crank is a device or component that allows users to adjust the positioning of a manual hospital bed. Some of these manual beds may have 2 or three cranks. With 2 crank hospital beds, users can only adjust the back and leg raise of the bed, but a hospital bed with a third crank will have the extra feature of being able to adjust the bed to the preferred height. 

How do manual bed cranks normally operate? 

To operate the cranks of a manual hospital bed, you must locate them at the foot end of the hospital bed and then rotate them in a clockwise direction to raise the sleep surface, knee, and head of the user. To lower any of these parts, rotate the crank in the anti-clockwise direction. 

What is a 3-function hospital bed? 

3 function hospital beds are hospital bed types that are operated electronically. The 3 function hospital bed is the most commonly used electric hospital bed and allows users to be able to adjust the back and leg raise independently or simultaneously as well as the height. 

How do you raise a crank hospital bed? 

To raise the crank hospital bed, just locate the crank and rotate it in a clockwise direction. Turn the crank the other way round to lower the bed. 

Advantages and disadvantages of a 2-crank hospital bed 

Advantages 

1. With the back adjustment feature of a 2 crank hospital bed, patients can sit right to carry out activities within that little space. This will in return lessen the stress on the nurses and even the patient. 
2. 2-crank hospital bed offers leg adjustment options that enhance the even flow of blood through the leg, thereby reducing the chances of the patient suffering from varicose veins. 
3. They are designed with some basic configurations like handheld controllers and other control functions, making it easier and more convenient for nurses and patients to control. 
4. The 2-crank hospital bed is also equipped with a brake which allows nurses to control the movement of the bed during transfer. This brake will also hold the bed in place when transferring patients. 
5. It is not expensive. 

Disadvantage 

1. The height of the bed cannot be adjusted.

Advantages and disadvantages of 3 crank hospital bed

Advantages 

1. The hospital bed’s height can be adjusted 
2. Additionally, you can adjust the leg rest and the bed’s backrest. 
3. They are also equipped with controls that make them easier to control. 

Disadvantage

1. They are expensive. 

Are 2 and 3-crank hospital beds the same? 

Yes, in terms of functionality, both 2 and 3-crank hospital beds are the same. The only difference between these two-bed types is the extra feature of height adjustment that 3 crank hospital bed has.