How to Use a Bariatric Bed Parameter

Bariatric beds are specially designed to support an obese person. Traditionally only used in hospitals, bariatric beds are now also designed for home use. The beds are built strong enough to support the weight of the obese person and are adjustable to make it easier for the caretaker to maintain the bedding and the patient. Bariatric beds have specified parameters as to their size and the weight they can support. These parameters are used to position the bed and to avoid injury to the patient and the caretaker.

Things You'll Need

• Patient's height, weight and width when lying down
• Tape measure

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Instructions

• 1

  Compare the patient's width when lying down to the maximum width of the bed. The patient must fit into the bed without his sides pressing into the side rails, if any, and his body shouldn't overhang the edge of the bed. Likewise, the patient's height must be less than the length of the bed.

• 2

  Compare the patient's weight to the bed's weight limitation. The weight includes all bedding material, the mattress and medical supplies, as well as the patient. To avoid injury to the patient and damage to the bed, do not put a patient who is heavier than the weight limitation on the bed.

• 3

  Measure the room the bed will be placed in. For the caregiver to move the patient, adjust the bedding or bring in medical equipment, the bed needs to have an obstacle-free 5-foot space on both sides and at the foot of the bed.

• 4

  Measure the location of any heat source to the bed. Allow at least a 1-foot clearance between the bed and the room's heat sources.