How to Choose the Best Hospital Bed Mattress

If you have a bed-ridden loved one who will need round-the-clock care at home, one of the first items you will need to invest in is a hospital bed. But not all mattresses for hospital beds are alike. With so many options, it can be a challenge to find the right one. Start with a few basic tips on how to pick out the best option for your family member. Ensuring that your family member gets as much rest and sleep as possible will improve the individual’s healing and recovery rate.

Know your options

You can choose from two types of beds: the manual hospital beds and the electric hospital beds, the Snore Magazine says. With manual beds, you can adjust the bed with ease using hand cranks, typically located at the foot or head of the bed. If you have limited arm or hand strength, though, it may be a good idea to consider an electric hospital bed, Drugs says.

Check out bed types

There are several bed types too: innerspring mattresses, foam mattresses, low air loss mattresses and alternating pressure mattresses. The first option is the most economical while foam mattresses are ideal for preventing bedsores and pressure ulcers. The third type of mattress is often used for patients with mobility issues to reduce pressure on areas that bear weight, with many options zoned for pressure points. These are areas where bedsores usually develop. Targeting these areas keep patients safe from sores. The last type of mattress shifts an individual’s weight gently, eliminating the constant pressure on muscles that could lead to sores.

Pick a mattress

Certain types of mattresses reduce the pressure on particular areas of the body. If you want to prevent bed sores, then it’s best that you look for mattress types designed for the condition. Do your homework and make sure you pick quality options for your loved one.

Get a cover

The hospital bed must come with a cover. Not all hospital bed options do so, though, so look for that detail before you buy a bed. The cover must also be detachable and contain antibacterial solution that kills bacteria, viruses, and germs. Vinyl covers also prevent blood and other body fluids from entering the mattress, keeping the risk of infection at bay.

Consider the size

Is the patient tall? Decide on the length of the mattress to accommodate the needs of the patient. Pick one that is longer than the person’s length or height. A few allowances will give the patient room to move around and improve his or her sleep.

Keep it clean

Look into the bed’s cleaning requirements. How often do you need to clean it? Get a bed that comes with a detachable mattress. The cover should also have anti-microbial properties to protect bodily fluids from seeping into the mattress. If the patient’s blood penetrates the mattress, that could expose family members to infection. It will also be difficult to sanitize the bed, and may eventually render the mattress unusable for the next person in your family who may need it.

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Created on Sep 18th 2019 12:21. Viewed 265 times.

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