Hospital beds can be used in the home and not just when someone is staying at a hospital or rehab facility. Hospital beds are geared towards people who are either recovering for a surgery, injury, or who spend an excess amount of time in bed. These beds are ideal for the above situations because they are very adjustable making them more comfortable for the person that is using them over a standard bed.
Caregivers will also find these types of bed easier to help a patient because they provide a way for the caregiver to adjust rather than having the caregiver having to use force to move the patient up or down.
This guide will explain what are some of the best hospital beds for home use and what to look for when deciding on purchasing a hospital bed for you or a loved one for home use.
Best Overall
Hill-Rom Resident LTC Bed
Our top choice for a hospital bed is the Hill-Rom Resident LTC bed. Combined with its durability and function it makes an excellent hospital before a home.
Long lasting and durable this bed can withstand extensive use and still work like new years later.
With head and knee controls this bed will fit the induvial needs of its user. Keep reading below for our more comprehensive review of this resident hospital bed.
Score: (4.8 / 5)
- Hill-Rom Resident LTC Bed
- Top 5 Home Hospital Beds
- Hospital Bed Comparison Chart
- What is a hospital bed?
- Type of hospital beds
- How much will a hospital bed for home use cost?
- Will Medicare cover the cost of a hospital bed for home use?
- Safety features are important
- Top 5 Home Hospital Beds
- 1. Hill Rom Resident LTC Bed
- 2. HIll-Rom CareAssist ES Medical Bed
- 3. Invacare Etude HC Bed
- 4. Med-Mizer Comfort Wide EX8OOO Bariatric Low Bed
- 5. Drive Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Low Bed
- Hospital Beds for Home Use buying guide
- Hospital bed weight capacity
- Floor to bed height
- Different Positions the Hospital bed can move to
- Hand held controls
- Pricing
- Know if the bed will fit in your space
- Final thoughts on Hospital beds for home use
Top 5 Home Hospital Beds
Our Rank | Walker Coasters | Our Score |
---|---|---|
1. | Hill-Rom Resident LTC Bed | 4.8/5 |
2. | HIll-Rom CareAssist ES Medical Bed | 4.7/5 |
3. | Invacare Etude HC Bed | 4.7/5 |
4 | Med-Mizer Comfort Wide EX8OOO Bariatric Low Bed | 4.6/5 |
5. | Drive Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Low Bed | 4.7/5 |
Hospital Bed Comparison Chart
Specs | Hill-Rom Resident LTC Bed | HIll-Rom CareAssist ES Medical Bed | Invacare Etude HC Bed | Med-Mizer Comfort Wide EX8OOO Bariatric Low Bed | Drive Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Low Bed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight capacity: | 400 pounds | 500 pounds | 360 pounds , 440 pounds with accessories | 800 pounds | 450 pounds |
Product weight: | 275 pounds | 420 pounds | 183 pounds | 269 pounds | 175 pounds |
Length: | 91.5″, 95.25″ | 100″ | 86.5″ | 80″ | 88″ |
Width: | 36″, 42″ | 40″ | 40″ | 35″ – 48″ | 36″ |
Height of bed from floor: | 13.9″ – 29.9″ | 15.75″ – 32.5″ | N/A | 9″, 25″ | 9.5″ – 23.5″ |
Height adjustment: | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
Knee and head adjustment | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
What is a hospital bed?
Hospital beds are designed for patients that require special health care needs that allow the bed to move up and down and recline at sections for comfort and for the ability to allow the person to easily get in and out of the bed.
Features like full electric hospital beds allow for the user to click a button using a remote to get the bed to move up and down at the head and feet level.
Hospital beds are not just used in hospitals and these types of beds can be purchased for the home. The ones below can be purchased and used for home use as well.
Type of hospital beds
Full-electric beds: These beds can adjust the bed via a remote or button panel. These beds are best for anyone who wants to control the bed position themselves and not rely on help.
Semi-electric: This means the bed will require some manual actions like a lever system to adjust some parts of the bed. However, some features are still moved by electricity with a remote.
Manual: This means that all bed parts have to be manually moved. Bed heights and angles are adjusted manually and will need the help of a caregiver or loved one in most cases. Regardless of the bed type, these hospital beds will have high weight capacity, safety measures, and other options like a semi or full-electric bed.
How much will a hospital bed for home use cost?
Hospital beds for home use are not cheap. These types of bed come with a lot of features and are powered by electric parts that move the bed up and down allowing for the most comfortable position for the user. They also come with head and foot movement that comes with higher prices then a standard bed. You can expect to see pricing from a few thousand dollars up to 14 thousand dollars or more for these type of hospital beds.
Will Medicare cover the cost of a hospital bed for home use?
Yes they do. Hospital beds are considered to be part of Medicare Part B durable medical equipment or DME and if your doctor prescribes this type of product for home use Medicare might help you pay for 80 % of the bed if you meet the Part B deductible.
They could help with the following ways:
- Rent the equipment
- buy the equipment
- Or choose if you want to either buy or rend it
Remember your doctor and the DME supplier of the bed need to be enrolled in Medicare as well.
Safety features are important
Safety features are essential on a hospital bed, and the better manufacturers and retailers will have beds with a good track record with manufacturing. Safety features and options might cost more but can be worth it for someone that spends a lot of time in a bed.
Features like rails can help keep the person safely in bed and not rolled out at night. Weight capacities, materials, and components all play a role in keeping you, or a loved one safe while in bed.
Top 5 Home Hospital Beds
Editors Choice
1. Hill Rom Resident LTC Bed
Our number one hospital bed for home use is the Hill Rom Resident LTC bed. With its excellent features, comfort, and the ability to last years with the same quality and comfort this bed is number one on our list.
This model has a great weight capacity of 400 pounds and is fully electric enabling it do be lifted by the user via control.
The high/low control also makes it simple for anyone to enter and exit the hospital bed. Separate knee and head controls also make it comfortable for the person that is using the bed.
The battery backup is also great in the case of a power outage t he back up will allow the bed to operate in 15 full cycles of high and low and knee and head sections when fully charged.
For a full electric hospital bed this is one of the best beds in our opinion.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Bed weight: 275 lbs.
- Width: 36″ , 42″
- Length: 91.5″, 95.25″
- Height of bed from floor: 13.9″ -29.9″
- Type of adjustment: Electric (Both head & Knee)
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Easy to see and use controls
- 60° Maximum back angle
- Available in 2 and 4 side rail configurations
- Mattress stops to reduce sliding
- Auto contour
- Battery backup
- Head of bed angle shows what angle of the bed is to respect of the floor
Cons
- Expensive
Bottom-line: For those looking for a hospital bed for the home the Resident LTC bed has great features is all electric, great weight capacity, and provides great durability and function.
2. HIll-Rom CareAssist ES Medical Bed
The Hill-Rom CareAssist ES medical bed is a great at home hospital bed with a ton of features that is fully electric. With a great weight capacity at 500 pounds and the ability to lower the bed electrically this bed can fit most peoples needs in the home.
We rank this bed high because it has the ability to adjust in almost any position and the bed can go up and down 15″ to 32″. The head and knees also adjusts independently of each other.
It also comes with a really nice feature of dinning position. This is a one button touch system that allows the patient to be in a 90 degree position when it is time to eat.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs.
- Bed weight: 420 lbs.
- Width: 40″
- Length: 100″
- Height of bed from floor: 15.75″ – 32.5″
- Type of adjustment: Electric (Both head & Knee) & height adjustment
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Excellent weight capacity
- Head and knee adjustable independently
- CPR release handle
- Dining position with a push of the button to 90 degrees
- 65 degree max back angle
- Handles are easy grip
- Bed lowers and rises for easy on and off access
Cons
- Very Expensive
Bottom-line: Those looking for features that can not be found on some other types of hospital beds will find this bad has a lot of bells and whistles. But be prepared to spend money as this is a very expensive bed.
3. Invacare Etude HC Bed
This hospital bed provides an excellent sleep surface and features for anyone looking for a hospital bed for home use. The bed also features the innovative shear management technology that helps to reduce friction and shear for the user. The 8 function hand control is used by the user to reposition when he or she needs to.
We also love the tool free assembly and maintenance this bed provides once in the home. Not to mention each section of the ETUDE HC bed weighs less than 52 pounds making it easy to ensample and move when need be.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 360, 440 lbs.
- Bed weight: 183 lbs.
- Width: 40″
- Length: 86.5″
- Sleep surface length: 80″
- Sleep surface width: 36″
- Type of adjustment: Electric (Both head & Knee)
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Easy to see and use controls
- 60° Maximum back angle
- Available in 2 and 4 side rail configurations
- Mattress stops to reduce sliding
- Auto contour
- Battery backup
- Head of bed angle shows what angle of the bed is to respect of the floor
Cons
- Need at least two people to put this bed together.
Bottom-line: A well made and user friendly hospital bed at a great price. This bed is lightweight and easy to assemble.
4. Med-Mizer Comfort Wide EX8OOO Bariatric Low Bed
Looking for a bariatric hospital bed? If so the Comfort Wide Ex8000 Bariatric bed with push button expandable width technology should be at the top of the list.
With a reasonable price point for bariatric bed this model features advanced positioning and comfort features.
The construction of this bed is made from a lightweight tubular steel that is light but very strong. The bed itself can be un-assembled quickly and re-assembled for easy transport in tight spaces.
With a great price point and excellent warranty this bed makes our list as a top 5 hospital bed for home use.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 800 lbs.
- Bed weight: 269 lbs.
- Width: 35″ , 48″
- Length: 80″
- Height of bed from floor: 9″ -25″
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Very high weight capacity
- Excellent warranty
- Comfort wide
- Tubular steel
- Low bed height
Cons
- Mattress add on is expensive
- Additional options can add up quick
Bottom-line: For a good price compared to hospital beds this bariatric low bed can accommodate high weight while making the user as comfortable as possible because of how many ways the bed can adjust.
5. Drive Delta Ultra Light Full Electric Low Bed
The Drive Ultra Light Full Electric Low Bed is a great basic bed with a very competitive price point for a hospital home bed. Very lightweight electrical bed that allow for a standard to low height. The motor is positioned next to the footrest allowing for even a caregiver to lower or adjust the patient in bed.
Its also great that the motor can easily be assembled or disassembled without the need for tools. Even though the bed is lightweight it sill has a weight capacity of 450 pounds allowing the bed to be used by a wide range of users. Large and easy to see and touch controls helps for the user to self control the bed when in use.
Product specs you should know:
- Weight capacity: 450 lbs.
- Bed weight: 175 lbs.
- Width: 36″
- Length: 88″
- Height of bed from floor: 9.5″ -23.5″
- Type of adjustment: Electric (Both head & Knee)
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Lightweight bed
- Great weight capacity
- Headboards and footboards are completely interchangeable
- Transition box is mounted on foot section
- Easy to setup
- Wood grain panels are scratch and break resistant
Cons
- Bed doesn’t go as low to floor as some other beds
Bottom-line: A great cost effective hospital bed for home use that provides great comfort, lightweight, and ease of use that anyone who requires a hospital bed can benefit from.
Hospital Beds for Home Use buying guide
Those looking for a hospital bed, either for themselves or a loved one, should know a few essential factors before purchasing. We highlight the most important aspects to look for before buying a hospital bed for home use.
Hospital bed weight capacity
Weight capacity of the bed is an aspect you need to make sure you or the person using the bed falls into the recommended weight capacity. Most hospital beds for home use have great weight capacities; However, there are times when you may need a mattress that has a higher weight capacity limit. Bariatric hospital beds provide much higher weights for safety and comfort.
Floor to bed height
Floor to bed height is a significant number. This number is substantial for those that have trouble getting in or out of bed. Full electric beds can allow the bed to go up and down, and these numbers are posted on manufacturer or retailer websites. We have also added these numbers to our comparisons chart. If the user still has trouble getting in and out of a bed a patient lift can be used for safety and less stress on the caregiver.
Different Positions the Hospital bed can move to
Because hospital beds are used for long periods of time by the user, most will have different positions that can be used to make the person as comfortable as possible.
These different positions help to reduce pressure sores and comfort for prolonged periods in the bed.
Some models will even have the ability to position to a 90-degree angle so the user can eat directly from the bed.
Hand held controls
Hand-held controls should be easy to see and use, with the button being large and easy to press so the user can adjust the bed to their liking.
Pricing
Pricing can widely be different depending on the model and make of the hospital bed you are looking at. More extensive beds with more features can cost more than 14 thousand or more, with the average price of a hospital bed being around 4 to 5 thousand with mattress.
Know if the bed will fit in your space
Every hospital bed has dimensions. The first thing you should do is measure the space where you want the hospital bed to be assembled. Make sure you account for some extra space for a caregiver to work around the bed. Also, account for devices like wheelchairs or walkers that will be used to get in and out of the bed when necessary.
Then you can find the hospital bed measurements to make sure it will fit appropriately in the space you want the bed to go before purchase.
Final thoughts on Hospital beds for home use
Unlike your traditional bed, hospital beds offer much more support and comfort from falls along with getting in and out of the bed much easier. These beds are suitable for anyone that would require these extras in a bed for home use. Be sure to keep in mind what your exact goals are when wanting to get a hospital bed for home use and try and match the bed and its features around what you need.