Regular beds are the standard, so it’s often assumed that they’re the only option. However, if you or a loved one is having trouble getting into and out of a normal bed, or if it’s no longer a safe or comfortable fit, switching to a hospital bed might be an appropriate solution. To put it simply, regular beds lack the safety features, flexibility, and specialized support hospital beds have to offer for seniors, post-surgical recovery, and individuals with limited mobility.
Let’s explore some of the differences between hospital beds and regular beds in greater detail.
1. The Height of the Bed Is Adjustable
While you can change the height of a regular bed with different bed frames, once the bed is in place its height is fixed. With a hospital bed, you can raise and lower the bed to make it more easily accessible for sleepers and caregivers. Depending on the model, you may be able to lower the foot separately so you can sit down to get in bed instead of having to climb in.
Pro Tip: Some adjustable beds designed for home use allow you to raise and lower the head or foot of the bed but only premium models are fully height-adjustable. If accessibility is a concern, a hospital bed or premium adjustable bed (like the Dawn House Bed) may better meet your needs than a regular bed or even a standard adjustable model.
2. You Can Incline the Head and Elevate the Foot
Whether you like to read in bed or need to sleep at an incline to promote circulation, hospital beds offer improved flexibility over regular beds. Many models enable you to raise or lower the head and foot of the bed separately, so you can customize the bed to your comfort level.
If you have poor circulation or are recovering from surgery or an injury, adjusting the incline of a hospital bed can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Something as simple as slightly raising the head of the bed can even reduce snoring or help with heartburn.
3. They Have Side Rails and Other Safety Features
If falling out of bed is a concern, piling up pillows on the sides of a regular bed isn’t an ideal solution. Hospital beds generally come equipped with side rails that can be raised and lowered as needed for safety. These rails can also be used for support when getting into and out of bed, reducing the risk of injury.
Preventing falls is crucial but hospital beds offer a number of other safety benefits over regular beds as well:
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Mounted on casters to facilitate easy transfer and reduce strain on caregivers.
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Locking wheels keep the bed from moving, ensuring safety and stability when it’s in use.
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Electronic controls for quickly adjusting height or raising/lowering the head or foot.
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Alarms and sensors to alert caregivers to fall risks or movement in the bed.
4. You Can Move Around the Bed More Easily
Compared to regular beds, hospital beds are simply easier to access—whether you’re a caregiver or the person using the bed. With their adjustable features, hospital beds are designed to facilitate caregiving. If you need to adjust the patient’s position to administer treatment or prevent bedsores, you can do so with the touch of a button.
Another benefit of hospital beds being on wheels is that you don’t have to navigate awkwardly around them. Practically speaking, this makes it easier to change the sheets and clean around the bed. You don’t have to climb on top and struggle with the corners like you might with a regular bed.
5. They’re Designed to Distribute Body Weight Evenly
The comfort and support offered by a regular bed varies greatly depending on the mattress but hospital beds are specifically designed to reduce discomfort and promote healing. In addition to having supportive mattresses, the beds themselves can be adjusted to improve spinal alignment and eliminate pressure points.
By raising the head and foot of the bed to the right angle, a hospital bed is capable of more even weight distribution than a regular bed. It creates an almost weightless effect that can be beneficial for reducing pressure sores, soothing pain, alleviating inflammation, and speeding muscle recovery and healing.
Looking for Something In Between?
When a regular bed becomes too limiting but making the switch to a hospital bed is a bridge too far, consider the Dawn House Bed as an alternative. Perfect for seniors, post-surgical recovery, and people with limited mobility, the Dawn House Bed is more than just a bed—it’s a custom sleep system.
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Fully adjustable bed offering an ideal combination of flexibility and safety.
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Raise/lower the head and foot (height of the bed itself is adjustable, too).
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Optional support rail makes getting into and out of bed is safer and easier.
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Automatic anti-snore feature helps you sleep more soundly with a partner.
If you’re not ready to make the jump to a hospital bed, perhaps what you’ll appreciate most about the Dawn House Bed is its stylish, modern design that fits right in with other bedroom furniture. Plus, it comes in five sizes and two classic colors to suit your individual preferences.
Ready to explore the bed’s features in greater detail? Learn more and start shopping at Dawn House Living.
