What Are Bariatric Beds: Analysis, FAQ & Comparison
Bariatric beds are hospital or home care products that accommodate a larger patient’s weight. They come with features that make movement easier for both the patient and healthcare staff.
For example, some beds have air mattresses that can be inflated or deflated for patient comfort. Some also have side rails that can be removed for more flexibility in transferring patients.
Definition
Bariatric beds are specialised beds that are designed to meet the needs of patients who are obese or overweight. They are often used in hospitals and rehabilitation clinics as well as at home.
When shopping for a bariatric bed, it’s important to look for features that will help your patient reach and move around on and off the bed. These features should include robust casters that are easy to maneuver, as well as fully adjustable height.
A good bariatric bed will also provide a sturdy and stable platform that will not collapse under the weight of your patient. This will reduce the risk of injury to them and the staff who are caring for them.
Another important feature to look for is a weighing scale that will allow you to track your patient’s weight. This can make it easier to provide them with the right care and ensure they’re getting the best treatment possible.
Many bariatric beds have adjustable head and foot positions that can be moved into a more comfortable position. This can be helpful for watching television or reading, and it can be a great way to increase the patient’s comfort level.
In addition to these features, it’s important to consider the size of the bed and how it will fit into your hospital or rehab facility. Choosing the wrong size of bed could result in space constraints and other problems, so it’s important to get this right from the start.
Types
Bariatric beds are specially designed to support heavier individuals, with increased weight capacities, sturdier duty supports and wider widths. This type of bed can be used in hospitals, care homes and even at home.
These heavy-duty frames feature adjustable height and lumbar supports, reinforced steel frames and thicker mattresses. They can be a lifesaver for overweight patients who want to be able to sleep comfortably.
A lot of these beds come with various features to enhance the comfort and safety of users, including auto-contour and auto-regression functions. These allow carers to position the patient without having to move them around manually, preserving their dignity and reducing the risk of manual handling injuries amongst staff.
The right bariatric bed can also prevent pressure sores that are often associated with excess weight. These pressure sores can become infected, and they are a major health concern for bariatric patients.
Bariatric hospital beds come with mattresses that can be adjusted to distribute pressure throughout the body and help regulate skin temperature. They also have features that help prevent bedsores, like low air loss or alternating pressure mattress systems.
Another great thing about these beds is that they cannot be stained easily, allowing them to be cleaned more quickly. This also helps save time and money, which is essential in a medical or care facility where a lot of staff is devoted to caring for patients.
These beds also make it easy for people to get in and out of them. This is especially important for people with obesity, as getting in and out of a standard-sized bed can be a challenge. These types of beds can make it easier for obese people to stay in their own homes, where they can feel more comfortable and independent.
Benefits
Bariatric beds provide many benefits to patients and staff. They offer more flexibility and ease in movement, which can make a huge difference for a patient’s quality of life.
In addition, they also reduce costs for hospitals. By analyzing data about the number of bariatric beds at different service levels, hospitals can optimize their equipment budgets and ensure that they always have the right amount of beds available for patients.
The main advantage of bariatric beds is their ability to support patients of any weight. They can accommodate a safe working load of up to 1000 lb and are often equipped with additional features that help patients move around and receive treatment.
They can be used in various medical settings, including hospital wards, care homes, and even at home. They are especially useful for people who are overweight or obese, but can be used by anyone who needs extra comfort and support.
Another benefit of a bariatric bed is that they have control knobs that can allow patients to adjust their positions on their own. It isn’t healthy for a patient to stay in one position for a long time, as this can lead to bedsores and other health complications.
Lastly, they are easy to use and have a short learning curve for nurses and staff. This will help them be more confident when using the bed and increase their efficiency.
Choosing the right bariatric bed is an important decision for any healthcare facility. It can make a big difference for patients and staff, so it’s important to choose the best option for your facility. Fortunately, there are several options to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Key Features to Look for
There are a number of key features to look for when purchasing a bariatric bed. These features can make it easier for patients to get in and out of the bed and for caregivers to keep them comfortable while they’re in it.
The first important feature is size. Since these beds are designed to accommodate a heavier person than a standard hospital mattress, they should be wider and longer. Some beds can even be adjustable, allowing them to flexibly fit different body types.
Another important feature is weight capacity. Many bariatric beds have a higher safe working load than their standard counterparts. This allows them to withstand the added weight without tipping over.
This is especially useful for heavier patients who may have difficulty moving in and out of a bed. It also makes it safer for nurses and caregivers to transfer the patient when necessary.
Finally, it is important for the bed to be height adjustable. This is to ensure that it’s easy for patients to get in and out of the mattress without having to crouch down, which can lead to injuries.
Other features to consider include auto-contour, which allows carers to position the patient without having to move them manually. This preserves their dignity and reduces the risk of manual handling injuries amongst caregivers. It can also prevent the patient from sliding down the bed. Some beds also feature an auto-regression function, which prevents excess pressure from being exerted on the sacrum as the bed is profiled. This can help to ease back pain in heavier patients and promote healthy circulation. It can also help to heal bed sores and pressure ulcers.
Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Bariatric Bed
Bariatric beds are designed to support patients whose weight exceeds the standard hospital bed’s maximum weight capacity. They are longer and wider than normal beds, and can also be adjusted to be higher or lower.
Although these beds are helpful for patients, caregivers who handle them need to be careful to keep them clean and disinfected in order to prevent infections and spread of germs. These beds are used by patients every day, and they spend a lot of time in them.
Careful cleaning and disinfection of a bariatric bed is important to prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It’s best to wash the mattress surface, framework, bars, and bed panels with a pH-approved disinfectant and gently mist them to kill microscopic organisms.
It’s also recommended to use a soft bristle brush to remove any stubborn spots or stains. Afterwards, allow the bed to dry completely.
Many bariatric beds feature a powered drive system to help caregivers move the bed around the room, whether it’s with or without a patient in it. This is especially useful for busy facilities that don’t have many staff members available.
The beds also offer a wide range of features that assist patients as well as care staff. For example, some beds have a pressure-relieving mattress that eliminates pressure points and helps patients regain their comfort quickly.
The beds are also wide enough that patients can shift positions themselves, which helps them recover faster and feel better during their stay in the hospital. They can also have a built-in scale that weighs patients without having to transfer them. These features are essential to preventing injuries and improving patient care.