Thinking About Renting A Hospital Bed? Here’s Some Suggestions…

Just the idea of moving around your furniture (or even removing some of it for storage) and making space for a medical bed can be exhausting. No one wants to deal with the hassle, and it can be discouraging to say goodbye to your bed as it’s carried away- but sometimes a medical bed is exactly what one needs to recover in a comfortable, expedient way from surgery or other injuries. 

Renting a bed is usually the option of choice for most, although sometimes purchasing a bed is necessary. NCO offers bed rental services, and free delivery and set up to help get you situated and comfortable as soon as possible. 

When looking for beds, there are a few things to consider:

  • What are your specific needs?

What features do you need the bed to have to provide optimal comfort? Does it need to be lowered and raised in specific ways? Do you need a particular weight capacity? Be sure to consider mattress weight, frame, user weight, etc. Also, consider the bed’s size and dimensions to ensure it fits comfortably in the room.  

  • How long will you need the bed?

If you or your loved one requires long-term at-home care, an extended use bed would be a good option. They operate more quietly and are built sturdier to last. For temporary use, such as surgery recovery, a more no-frills bed is suitable. 

  • How much time will be spent in bed?

If the bed’s occupant is spending extended periods in the bed (more than 15 hours a day or so), a fully electric bed may be what you need. It allows for regular movement, as changing positions frequently helps ease pressure points and promotes circulation. There are other semi-electric beds, as well as manual beds built for short-term use. 

This consideration applies to choosing a mattress as well. Developing bed sores is a real risk to those who will be confined to the bed for long periods, and there are mattresses out there designed to prevent them. 

  • What’s the range of mobility and for the individual using the bed? 

Getting in and out of bed independently, and sitting upright independently are a couple of the things to consider when looking at the needs of the patient. Do you need a bed that lowers to aid getting out of the bed? Is the patient completely immobile? 

There are many kinds of hospital/medical beds to fit a variety of needs. Manual beds controlled by a crank, semi-electric beds with a limited motor, and fully electric beds that plug into an outlet are the three most common beds.  

If the patient is prone to falling out of bed, there are beds equipped with side rails that lower and raise. There are also specialty bariatric beds, made for patients up to 1000 pounds. These beds are much wider and more durable. 

Considering what kind of mattress to choose as well as any accessories required are also an essential part of assembling a comfortable medical bed to aid in rest and recovery.  

Our knowledgeable staff at NCO can help you choose the right bed, mattress, and accessories you or your loved one needs to get on the road to recovery!