Beds That Can Electronically Go Up & Down

Electronic beds that go up and down are typically found in hospital and health-care settings; they are not generally sold as luxury items for the general public. They are designed to alleviate various medical conditions by elevating the patient's body, or simply assist the patient in getting into or out of the bed. Malfunctioning can jeopardize the lives and safety of patients, so the beds must be sturdy, durable and reliable.

Definition/Significance

• Beds that can electronically go up and down are categorized by the health-care industry as durable medical equipment. Whether used in homes or hospitals, they are designed to alleviate the effects of various illnesses and/or injuries. As durable medical equipment, electronic beds are manufactured to withstand repeated use without debilitation. Beds purchased for home use may be customized, but electronic beds found in hospitals must be approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hospital bed manufacturers must be registered with the FDA for accountability purposes in the event of equipment malfunction.

Types

• Electronic beds provide body part elevation of more than 30 degrees. There are several types available. A total electronic bed allows users to adjust the height of the bed and elevate both its head and legs. Some are available with a fixed height that cannot be adjusted though the head and legs may still be elevated. These are more suitable for patients who do not have difficulty getting in and out of the bed. Consumers who need height adjustment may save money by purchasing a semi-electric bed that allows manual height adjustment and provides electronic head and leg elevation. Bariatric electronic beds are designed to support people who weigh more than 350 pounds. Extra-heavy-duty bariatric electronic beds support patients over 600 pounds.

Medical Conditions

• Electronic beds with height adjustments can be lowered to help handicapped patients in wheelchairs get into bed easier. They may also be raised to help ease the body into a standing position. Some conditions inhibit breathing while the patient is lying flat. Beds that elevate the head help sufferers of pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure breathe while sleeping. Patients who are recovering from bone fractures may need their bodies positioned in a certain way to promote healing. Other kinds of bone and joint injuries require electronic bed elevation to alleviate pain.

Costs

• As of March, 2011, electronic beds can cost anywhere from $500 to $6,000 depending upon the model. Basic electronic beds cost about $1,000 in twin, full and queen-size frames with height, head and leg elevation adjustments. King-size electronic beds start in the $1,800 price range. Bariatric electronic beds are available for $1,600 and up.