Hospital Beds: A Complete Guide to Types, Costs, and Selection 

Hospital beds, often referred to as hospital bed rooms, are vital for patient care in both clinical and home settings. This guide explores 3 types of hospital beds- manual hospital beds, semi electric hospital beds, and full electric hospital, their standard dimensions, key parts, and tips for choosing the best hospital bed mattress. Understanding the types of hospital beds ensures optimal comfort and safety.

3 Main Types of Hospital Beds

1. Manual Hospital Beds

·         Best For: budget-friendly users, emergency use, or areas with unreliable electricity.

·         Key Parts: Steel frame, side rails, and removable overbed table.

·         Cost: $200–$500

How Manual Hospital Beds Work

Manual hospital beds use hand cranks to adjust the bed.

Operated via turn the manual hand cranks  to raise or lower the head and foot sections or adjust the bed’s height and positioning.

Manual beds are strong, reliable, and simple. They don’t need electricity, making them ideal for remote areas, long term care homes, and emergency use.

Benefits of Manual Beds

·         Affordable for hospitals with tight budgets

·         Easy to maintain with few mechanical parts

·         No need for electricity or batteries

Considerations

Manual beds require physical effort.

Caregivers may need more time and strength to adjust the bed, which can be tiring during busy shifts.

2. Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

·         Best For: Home care and rehabilitation centers.

·         Cost: Balances affordability ($1,200–$2,500) and convenience.

What is a Semi-Electric Hospital Bed?

A semi electric hospital bed uses motors to adjust the head and foot sections with a remote control.

However, caregivers still use a hand crank to adjust height manually.

This design offers more convenience than a full manual bed but costs less than a fully electric model.

Benefits of Semi-Electric Beds

·         Easy head and foot adjustment for patient comfort

·         Lower price compared to full electric beds

·         Great option for rehabilitation centers and home care

Considerations

The need to manually adjust the height can be a drawback in fast-paced settings like ICUs or surgical wards.

3. Full-Electric Hospital Beds

·         Best For: Long-term care patients or ICU settings.

·         Cost: $2,000–$5,000.

How Full Electric Hospital Beds Work

Full electric hospital beds allow caregivers or patients to adjust the bed completely by pushing buttons.

Everything from bed height to foot adjustment and backrest positioning is controlled electronically.

These beds provide the highest level of comfort and efficiency, especially important for long term care patients or in high-dependency units.

Benefits of Full Electric Beds

·         Easy, quick adjustments

·         Reduces physical strain on caregivers

·         Enhances patient independence

·         Offers multiple positioning options for better therapy and comfort

Modern full electric beds often include extra features like:

·         Built-in scales

·         Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg functions

·         Integrated alarm systems

Considerations

Full electric beds have higher upfront costs.

They also require regular maintenance to keep the motors and electronic parts in good condition.

Specialized Hospital Beds

·         ICU Beds: Include advanced monitoring systems.

Key Components and Accessories

Parts of a Hospital Bed

·         Adjustable head/foot sections

·         Side rails for safety

·         Overbed table for meals or activities

·         IV poles and accessory hooks

Best Hospital Bed Mattress for Home Use

·         Opt for pressure-relieving foam or air mattresses.

·         Ensure compatibility with standard hospital bed dimensions (80"x36").

Best Over Bed Table

·         Lightweight, adjustable tables enhance patient comfort during recovery.

Hospital Bed Dimensions and Comfort

Standard Hospital Bed Dimensions

·         Length: 80 inches

·         Width: 36 inches

·         Height: Adjustable from 15" to 23".

Are Hospital Beds Comfortable?

Yes! Pair with ergonomic mattresses and adjust positions to reduce pressure sores.

Cost Analysis and Rental Option

Cost of a Hospital Bed

·         Manual: $200–$700

·         Full-electric: Up to $5,000.

Hospital Bed Rental Cost

·         Short-term rentals range from $100–$300/month, ideal for post-surgery recovery.

Maintenance and Assembly Tips

How to Dismantle a Hospital Bed

1.      Remove side rails and mattress.

2.      Detach the bed frame using a wrench.

3.      Store parts labeled for easy reassembly.

How to Put a Hospital Bed Together

·         Follow manufacturer guidelines; ensure all manual parts (e.g., cranks) are securely attached.

How to Choosing a Reliable Hospital Bed

Right Hospital Bed Type

When selecting a hospital bed, think about:

·         Patient mobility: Can the patient adjust their position?

·         Caregiver needs: Is manual effort manageable?

·         Power availability: Is electricity reliable in the care setting?

·         Budget:      What is the balance between cost and daily use benefits?

Many hospitals mix different types of beds to fit patient needs across departments.

How Hospital Beds Enhance Patient Care

Hospital beds offer more than a place to sleep.

They help with:

·         Faster healing by supporting comfortable positions

·         Safer movement during patient transfers

·         Better daily care through easier hygiene and therapy

By choosing the right bed, hospitals can greatly enhance patient well-being and caregiver performance.

Top Hospital Bed Manufacturers

ZQ Medical offer a full range of beds:

·         Reliable manual hospital beds

·         Affordable semi electric hospital beds

·         High-tech full electric hospital beds

Key factors:

All beds from ZQ Medical are built with strong frames, smooth adjustment mechanisms, and durable motors.
They serve hospitals, clinics, and long-term care homes worldwide.

Hospitals working with ZQ Medical enjoy flexible designs, competitive prices, and expert service support.

Why Trust ZQ Medical?

·         Trusted hospital bed manufacturer and supplier 10+ years of expertise.

·         Beds include adjustable head/foot sections and hospital bed mattresses for enhanced care.