Hospital Bed Comprehensive Buying Guide

Hospital, specialty, and long-term care beds are specifically designed to aid in a patient’s recovery and allow caregivers to provide a closer level of care. This comprehensive buying guide will look at the different types of hospital beds, features to look for, the importance of different mattress types, and the top-selling models at MFI Medical.

Specialty Hospital Beds or Hydraulic?

Hospital beds are available from basic hydraulic models requiring little to no power to state-of-the-art electric beds with built-in computer systems. Hydraulic models may provide the necessary functions for long-term care, nursing, or residential facilities. However, ICUs or medical facilities with more specialized care will require specialty hospital beds. We recommend long-term care beds from Joerns for acute care settings such as nursing facilities or residential care. Beds such as the Joerns Care 100 Bed require little or no power and are designed to be user-friendly.

The Secure II has been a dependable model by Stryker for over a decade. MFI Medical offers both generations of Secure II to provide customers with an economical option for a quality piece of equipment. The 2nd generation model improves upon the design and functionality features of the first generation. Easier to reach foot pedals for caregivers, more ergonomic patient handles for a safer patient exit, and quieter motors make the second generation Secure II Hospital Beds an even better choice for any home or facility.

For facilities that have patients requiring more specialized care, such as hospitals, surgery centers, and intensive care units, we recommend specialty beds such as the CareAssist (#P1170) by Hill-Rom. Stryker, a leader in Surgical and EMS manufacturing, has similar specialty hospital beds such as the InTouch Critical Care (#2131) and S3 Medical Surgical Hospital Beds.

These specialty hospital beds have features that assist in the rapid recovery of intensive care patients and provide patients with the benefit of therapy mattresses that address pressure ulcers, friction, and temperature. We'll go over the different types of specialty surfaces and mattresses later in this blog.

Top Features for Hospital Beds

What are the things that you absolutely must have in order to provide the best patient care and recovery setting in your facility? Here are 5 features to keep top of mind when shopping for a hospital bed:

1. Adjustable Positioning: Caregivers and patients can maneuver hospital beds into various positions not only for the patient's comfort but also to provide the necessary care. Will you require a bed that only maneuvers the patient's head and legs or will the patient need to be placed into a full chair position? Fowler and gatch positioning will also vary by model.
2. Bed Controls: Where the controls on the bed are located is an important part to consider. Will you want the patient, caregiver, or both to have access to controls? Controls to maneuver the beds can be located on the side rails, headboard, footboard, or with a control wand/pendant. Like the CareAssist (#P1170), certain models have patient entertainment controls that are only for hospital settings.
3. Side Rails: Side rails are an important consideration when thinking about patient safety. Will your patient need to exit the bed on their own? If so, certain models like the Stryker S3 Medical Surgical Bed have side rails specifically designed to facilitate patient egress.
4. Built-in-scale: Facilities that will be monitoring their patients for long periods of time and require weight readings might consider a model with a built in scale configuration option such as the CareAssist (#P1170) to reduce patient repositioning.
5. Mattress Type: If you require a specialty mattress, consider this when selecting a hospital bed model as only certain types can support an air mattress.

Hospital Mattress Types

Hospital bed mattresses differ from regular mattresses in that they must perform specific functions to aid in patient recovery. The lack of an appropriate mattress type for the patient’s recovery needs may further harm the patient.

Specialty air mattresses are needed when a patient will require a more extended period of care and is susceptible to pressure ulcers or friction resulting in skin rashes. Hospital-grade memory foam mattresses are intended for hospital settings; they are coated in polyurethane or another flame-retardant material that helps sanitize the surface. Memory foam also gives the patient a more comfortable environment while they recuperate. All certified refurbished hospital beds sold by MFI Medical will include a standard 6” hospital-grade memory foam unless specified.

Stryker’s InTouch Critical Care Hospital Bed has two options for therapy surfaces; the XPRT Therapy Mattress and Isolibrium Support Surface. The XPRT mattress is intended to assist with pulmonary complications and prevent and treat pressure ulcers and other complications associated with patient immobility. Caregivers can change the Isolibrium Support Surface as therapies dictate.

Buying a Hospital Bed with MFI Medical

MFI Medical has a team of dedicated experts that are here to answer all of your concerns. For all questions regarding purchasing a hospital bed being delivered to a residential location, we recommend you read our Residential Hospital Bed Waiver.

All hospital beds are delivered fully assembled, ready to plug in and use! No need to worry about assembly or set-up. We offer commercial and residential white-glove delivery that includes the unpacking, removal, and disposal of materials by the shipping carrier. In addition, each bed sold by MFI Medical includes a parts and labor warranty. You can be sure that your purchase is protected by the MFI Certified Guarantee. Contact your account manager today for any questions about purchasing your next hospital bed.

Here is a breakdown of all models currently sold by MFI Medical:

(For full details and specifications, please visit the respective product pages)

*Note: Due to the nature of manufacturer and supplier restrictions, the availability of these products may change. Our team will work closely with you to ensure we find the right medical equipment for your specific needs.