What Is a Normal Hospital Bed?
A normal hospital bed is a specially designed bed used in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings to support patients who are recovering from illness, surgery, or injury. Unlike regular home beds, hospital beds are adjustable and built for medical care and safety.
They’re called “normal” not because they’re ordinary but because they serve as the standard type in many healthcare settings — without too many advanced electronic features like high-end ICU beds but with all the basics needed for comfort, safety, and support.
Who Uses Hospital Beds?
Normal hospital beds are for anyone who needs extra care during recovery or for long-term health conditions. They are commonly used by:
- Patients in hospitals
- Elderly individuals receiving home care
- People recovering from surgery
- People with mobility issues
- Caregivers or family members providing in-home assistance
- These beds help make caregiving easier and more effective while also improving patient comfort.
Key Features of a Normal Hospital Bed
Let’s take a closer look at what sets hospital beds apart from your typical mattress and frame.
1. Adjustable Height
You can raise or lower the whole bed. This makes it easier for a caregiver to assist the patient and helps patients get in and out of bed more safely.
Why it matters:
- Reduces the risk of falls
- Makes caregiving more comfortable
- Helps patients feel more independent
2. Adjustable Head and Foot Sections
The top and bottom parts of the bed can be moved up or down. This helps patients sit up to eat, read, or watch TV, and can also relieve pressure from certain parts of the body.
Why it matters:
- Supports better breathing and digestion
- Helps reduce pain and discomfort
- Makes it easier for patients to interact and rest
3. Side Rails
Hospital beds usually come with safety rails on both sides. These can be raised or lowered depending on need.
Why it matters:
- Prevents falls during sleep
- It provides support when getting in and out of bed
- Offers a sense of security
4. Sturdy Frame and Durable Build
Normal hospital beds are made with metal or reinforced steel frames designed to support more weight and daily movement.
Why it matters:
- Long-lasting and reliable
- Supports a wide range of patients
- Easy to clean and maintain
5. Lockable Wheels
Hospital beds often come with wheels that allow you to move the bed easily. Once it’s in place, the wheels can be locked to keep it secure.
Why it matters:
- Easy to position the bed where it’s needed
- Safe and stable when locked
- Useful for cleaning or moving a patient
How Does It Work? (Step-by-Step)
Even though a hospital bed has more features than a regular bed, it’s still really simple to use. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Adjust the Bed Height
Use the manual or electric controls to raise or lower the bed. This helps the caregiver or patient get the right position for comfort or care.
Step 2: Raise the Head or Feet
You can tilt the top of the bed to help the patient sit up or raise the lower part to improve circulation. Some beds have cranks, others have simple buttons.
Step 3: Use the Side Rails
Lift the rails when the patient is resting or sleeping to prevent falls. Drop them down when it’s time to get out of bed.
Step 4: Move the Bed (if needed)
Unlock the wheels, carefully move the bed to the desired location, and then lock them back into place for safety.
Step 5: Regular Adjustments
Throughout the day, the bed can be adjusted to help the patient stay comfortable during meals, activities, or sleep.
What Are the Benefits?
1. Better Patient Comfort
Hospital beds are designed with patients in mind. The adjustable sections let you change positions easily, which is great for preventing pressure sores and improving circulation.
2. Easier for Caregivers
For nurses, family members, or professional caregivers, a hospital bed makes everything from changing clothes to administering treatment much easier and safer.
3. Supports Recovery
Lying flat all day isn’t ideal. Being able to sit up or elevate your legs helps with healing, especially after surgery or injury.
4. Reduces Risk of Injury
With features like side rails and height adjustment, patients are less likely to fall or strain themselves trying to get in and out of bed.
5. Enhances Independence
Patients often feel more in control when they can adjust their own bed position, especially those with limited mobility.
Where Is a Normal Hospital Bed Used?
You might think hospital beds only belong in hospitals, but that’s no longer the case. Today, normal hospital beds are used in a variety of settings:
- Hospitals
This is the most obvious place. Normal hospital beds are the standard in wards and recovery rooms, offering flexibility and safety for patient care.
- Clinics and Care Centers
Smaller medical facilities, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics use hospital beds for patient assessments and post-treatment rest.
- Home Care
More families are investing in hospital beds for loved ones receiving long-term care at home. This makes it easier to care for someone with serious health issues without the need for constant hospital visits.
- Nursing Homes
In assisted living facilities or nursing homes, hospital beds provide the right mix of comfort and care for elderly residents.
- Recovery Centers
Whether someone is healing from surgery, injury, or illness, hospital beds support a smooth and safe recovery process.
- Safety and Maintenance
Hospital beds are safe and easy to use when cared for properly. Here are a few simple tips for maintaining your bed:
Safety Tips
- Always lock the wheels after positioning the bed
- Keep the side rails up when the patient is alone or sleeping
- Don’t overload the bed beyond its weight limit
- Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Wipe down the frame regularly with disinfectant
- Check for any loose parts or bolts
- Lubricate cranks (for manual beds) if they become stiff
- For electric beds, test the controls regularly to ensure they’re working
By taking care of your hospital bed, you extend its life and ensure the safety and comfort of the person using it.
Where can you buy a Normal Hospital Bed in Nigeria?
Buy Normal Hospital Bed online at Drugstore.ng, Nigeria’s largest online pharmacy store.
