Getting sick is not something that is usually planned for, and when we find a loved one in such an undesired condition, it is only appropriate for us to make sure that they are comfortable. The first significant step to take to ensure their comfort is to get them a standard hospital bed they will remain in until they get better.
Sadly, getting a hospital bed may not be as easy as it may seem, as there are lots of factors to consider before buying one. This often causes people to wonder whether or not they can convert a regular bed to a hospital bed.
This is very much possible, but the problem faced by most people is “how to convert bed to hospital bed.” If you have also found yourself wondering how this can be done, worry no more because this helpful article is written to guide you through the process.
Table of Contents
- How to make a regular bed into a hospital bed
- Differences between hospital beds and home bed
- Can a regular twin mattress be used on a hospital bed?
- What is the size of a hospital bed?
- Is a hospital bed good for the elderly?
- Do hospital beds require special sheets?
- Why are hospital beds elevated?
- Why do hospitals use adjustable beds?
- How much does a hospital bed cost?
How to make a regular bed into a hospital bed
To turn any regular bed into an adjustable hospital bed, all you need is the mattress Genie. I can’t say much about the product here, but you can learn how it can be used to make your bed adjustable.
- Unfold the inflatable air wedge and tuck it between the box spring and the mattress at the head section.
- Use the remote control to lower or raise the wedge to your most comfortable position.
Note: This product has a standard elevation setting for each condition. For example, full inflation is suitable for eating and watching tv, medium inflation is used for pregnancy or cold, and low or minimum inflation is best for acid reflux or indigestion. Make sure to know about these settings before you adjust the bed into any position.
Differences between hospital beds and home bed
The major difference between hospital beds and regular beds is that hospital beds can be fully adjusted by the bottom and the top. Other differences include;
- Hospital beds can be split into two sections meaning they can be raised in two different directions at a time.
- Hospital bed is designed to have rails that prevent patients from rolling off the bed and falling. The rails can also be adjusted both up and down to assist the movement of the bedridden in and out of bed.
- Some hospital beds are designed with customized control, which allows patients to call for assistance when needed and also to control some gadgets like the TV.
Can a regular twin mattress be used on a hospital bed?
No, a regular twin mattress cannot be used on a hospital bed. A typical twin mattress size is 38 inches wide with 75 inches in length, and going by this calculation, it wouldn’t fit if it were used on a standard hospital bed which is usually 39 inches by 80 inches: there will be excess space at the end of the bed. A typical hospital bed will fit a twin mattress XL better.
What is the size of a hospital bed?
The width of a hospital bed is 36 inches, while the length is 88 inches.
Is a hospital bed good for the elderly?
Yes, hospital beds are suitable for the elderly. Regular beds are designed just to provide comfort when you sleep in them and are not designed for mobility. As we get older, it may become more difficult for us to come out of bed, and therefore, a hospital bed can be the best option for an elderly relative who is having a problem with mobility. Nevertheless, before a hospital bed can be considered suitable for an older person, it has to meet specific criteria like;
- It must have split rails that can ensure safety and can also be used as mobilization aids without limitations, regardless of the height.
- Must be capable of being lowered to the minimum level to minimize falling impacts and injuries.
Do hospital beds require special sheets?
Yes, you need a special sheet for a hospital bed. Typically, one could argue logically that the standard bed size and twin bed at the same, but when you try to put twin bed sheets into a hospital bed, it will not fit. What you will need to cover a standard hospital bed is a twin XL sheet, and therefore, it can be rightly concluded that a hospital bed requires a specialized bed sheet.
Why are hospital beds elevated?
Hospital beds are made adjustable to ensure that patients have enough support and that they are comfortable. When hospital beds are elevated, it can improve the flow of blood through the patient’s body or assist patients when they are about to get out of bed. Hospital beds can also be elevated to put the patient in a position where it will be comfortable for nurses to work with them.
Why do hospitals use adjustable beds?
Hospital beds are made adjustable for the following reasons:
- It provides comfort and makes patients less dependent.
- It makes the job of nurses easier
- It eases the patient’s movement in and out of bed.
How much does a hospital bed cost?
Hospital beds are categorized into three; budget, mid-range, and specialist. You can get the Budget hospital bed for £1500, the mid-range bed for £2100, and the specialist bed for £12000.
Note that these are just estimates, as you can find these beds at prices different from the ones stated here. However, one thing you need to have in mind is that the more feature that comes with your bed, the higher the price you are going to pay to acquire them.