Manual Hospital Beds

Manual hospital beds are the more traditional choice and are a bit less expensive than electric models. If you are working with a budget and need a hospital bed for your home then manual beds are the best choice. They provide the same comfort and convenience of electric beds with the exception being in controlling the bed’s adjustments. Instead of pushing buttons to lower and raise the bed and various points of the mattress, a hand crank is used.

Hospital Bed Basics

Hospital beds are approximately the same size as a standard twin bed and typically twin extra-large sheets fit very well. You can purchase mattresses that are a bit longer if you need to do so. You should understand that some beds are sold by themselves meaning that the mattress and side rails may not be included. You should check to see if you need to purchase a mattress and bed rails separately for the model that you are buying. There are different mattresses that you can purchase depending on what you need for comfort. Most are filled with either air, foam or a gel that is often much more comfortable than the standard coil springs in traditional beds.

Benefits of Manual Hospital Beds

If you are able or someone in your home is able to physically adjust manual hospital beds using the hand crank then they are an excellent option, particularly if you are concerned about cost. You can purchase a manual hospital bed for around $500 or so while a fully electric model can cost well over $2,000. Again, you need to ensure that you have someone available to adjust the bed and those with back conditions or other injuries may not be able to do so. If not, electric or even semi-electric models are available. If cost is an issue then you can check with Medicare or your insurance company to see if they may cover part or all of the purchase price. You can also rent a manual hospital bed which is an excellent option for those who will only need the bed for a short time.

Where to Buy

You can check with your area home health supply stores to see about purchasing manual hospital beds. Also be sure to check your local newspaper to see if anyone has a good used model for sale. The internet is also filled with websites that offer these beds for sale and rent. Take your time and compare a few bed models as well as prices to ensure that you get the best working and most comfortable bed at the most affordable rate. You should note that your insurance may not cover the cost of a used bed if you are purchasing it from a private party. Check your policy to see what is and is not covered before you buy or rent. If you are completely unsure of what type of bed you need, speak with your doctor or another medical expert to find out more about the various types and styles of manual hospital beds as well as electric and semi-electric models.