BARIATRIC HOSPITAL BED BUYER'S GUIDE
What is a Bariatric Hospital Bed?
A bariatric hospital bed is a complex sleep system that is made to adequately and safely support weightier individuals. These heavy-duty and extra heavy-duty beds are reinforced for a higher weight capacity than other hospital beds. Bariatric beds can be used in hospital settings, rehabilitation clinics and even at home. They often have the capability to adjust the overall height of the bed for easy access. They can also change the position of the head and adjust feet positioning to provide comfort. Each bariatric bed is specifically designed to facilitate treatment accounting for safety issues that come with assisting overweight sleepers. Thanks to maximum weight capacities that exceed that of typical hospital beds, a bariatric bed can accommodate even obese patients.
Bariatric Hospital Bed Mattress
Bariatric beds are made for heavier people. Thus, hospitals need to pair bariatric beds with a bariatric mattress. The Geo-Mattress® Atlas™ from Transfer Masters was made for bariatric patients. The mattress meets the unique skin integrity challenges bariatric patients. The mattress has a weight capacity of 750 pounds. It has the exclusive Geo-Matt® therapeutic top layer. The top layer has 800 independent support cells. These cells protect against the damaging effects of friction and shearing. Friction and shearing are major risk factors for bariatric patients. The risk rises when bed mobility and safe transfers are impeded by excess weight.
The New Valiant SHD Bariatric Bed (Super Heavy Duty)
The Valiant Hd has weight capacity of 750 pounds
Highlights
- Head and Foot Movement
- Hi-Low Feature
- Trendelenburg Position
- Reverse Trendelenburg
- Massage (Optional Upgrade)
- Egress Lighting (Optional Upgrade)
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
For an extra durable bariatric bed with a max weight allowance of 750 pounds, take a look at the Valiant SHD. It has everything you love about the Valiant HD but with a higher weight limit. Both these models can be customized to include extras. Adding a deluxe package to the Standard 5 Function gains egress lighting as well as single variable massage. It also promotes the wired control to a wireless Touch & Glow hand remote. That’s not all, either. You can add any number of additional aspects to these bariatric beds to increase functionality and/or improve appearance.
The New Valiant HD Bariatric Bed (Heavy Duty)
The Valiant Hd has weight capacity of 600 pounds
Highlights
- Head and Foot Movement
- Hi-Low Feature
- Trendelenburg Position
- Reverse Trendelenburg
- Massage (Optional Upgrade)
- Egress Lighting (Optional Upgrade)
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Pair A Bariatric Mattress with an Adjustable Base
Sizes: Many
Highlights
- Memory Foam Mattresses
- Low Air Loss Mattresses
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Several different types of bariatric mattresses can be paired with a bariatric hospital bed. Some people may require special mattresses, such as lost mattresses, for bed sores. At the same time, there are different types of bariatric mattresses, which include memory foam and hybrid mattresses. When buying a bariatric hospital mattress, you should consider if the mattress will be capable of supporting the weight capacity of the person.
Benefit of a Bariatric Bed
The advantages of bariatric bed use are a result of the culmination of its features. Though the chief benefit is its ability to safely house overweight or obese individuals. Different facets of a bariatric bed are used for distinct needs. A couple examples are the high-low feature and head positioning. The beds potential to lower may be especially beneficial if someone has a difficult time climbing into bed. Likewise, someone who spends a good part of the day in bed might find the head positioning to be quite essential. Ultimately bariatric beds exist to meet a range of needs, only one of which is supporting heavy weight. Some ways bariatric beds can benefit include:
- Simplifying Transfers
- Accommodating Entry with Mobility Issues
- Effortless Access by Caregivers
- Comfortable Positioning of Entire Body
- Safely Supporting High Weight
- Uncomplicated Controls
- Easy Cleaning and Care
Bariatric Bed Features
- Head Lift: Escalating the head can produce a more comfortable position for watching television or reading while in bed. The head of most bariatric beds can be lifted or lowered to reach ideal head positioning.
- Foot Adjustability: Similarly, the ability to move the feet into a comfortable or accessible position is built in to most bariatric beds.
- Hi-Low: To uplift the entire bed level, the High-Low, or Hi-Low as it is sometimes called, is a bariatric bed favorite. It eases entrance into the bed and also accommodates treatment when needed.
- Trendelenburg positions: One position that is limited in its availability on bariatric beds is the Trendelenburg It lowers the head of the bed as it lifts the feet to a set degree increment.
- Reverse Trendelenburg: If a bariatric bed has this position, when engaged the foot end of it drops as the head is elevated. This position maintains a flat body position though allowing for bed incline.
- Deluxe 5 Function Package: On Valiant HD and Valiant SHD models by Transfer Master, this package is an available upgrade. It includes massage, lighting and a wireless hand control that utilizes Touch & Glow.
Bariatric Bed Sizes and Options
The first factor to look at when comparing bariatric beds is the amount of weight each bed was built to support. This is phrased as “maximum weight capacity.” It will be prominently displayed with the product information of a bariatric bed. They are made specifically for those who may need to consider weight when making a selection. The maximum weight capacity is the most weight a bariatric bed will support. That means the mattress weight will also need to be considered. To be sure the bed will sufficiently withstand the weight, subtract the weight of the mattress from the max capacity first.
- Size Options: Twin 38″ x 80″, Twin 38″ x 84″, Special 48″ x 80″, Full 53″ x 80″, Full 53″ x 84″, Queen 60″ x 80″
How to Buy a Bariatric Hospital Bed?
There are some considerations that you should keep in mind when buying a bariatric hospital bed. It is essential to know if the bed will support the weight capacity of the person and the hi-low feature, which will help you to get in and out of the bed quickly. However, there are considerations that you should consider, such as cost and features.
- Weight Capacity: There are several different types of bariatric hospital beds. However, the issue is the weight capacity that they can accommodate. There are adjustable beds that weigh 600 pounds, and there are super-duty hospital beds that can weigh a capacity of 750 pounds.
- Features: A bariatric hospital bed can come with various features. These features include hi-low, massage, Trendelenburg positions, and many more.
- Price: It is essential to look at the price of the bariatric hospital bed since other beds are expensive. The bariatric hospital beds, designed with Trendelenburg positions, are more expensive than those with hi-low features without the massage.
What Size Sheets Fit a Bariatric Bed?
Sheet size for a bariatric bed is determined by the size of the bed itself. We have listed each size bed below, along with corresponding sheet size. The sheets for a bariatric bed may be the same as traditional beds in some cases, but in others special sizes are required.
- Twin 38″ x 80″: A bariatric bed with measurements of 38” by 80” will match up with the sheets that are made to fit the traditional Twin XL. A Twin XL is also 38” x 80” so that’s why they will fit properly.
- Twin 38″ x 84″: For a Twin bariatric bed that measures 38” x 84” you can use a split California King sheet. Each side of a commercial split California king is 38 inches wide and 84 inches long so this is a good fit without the need for custom sheets.
- Special Size 48″ x 80″: This size of bariatric bed will require custom sheets. Learn more about custom Kingship Comfort sheets.
- Full Size 53″ x 80″: These dimensions are the same as a classic Full-size mattress. That means a sheet set that is made in a Full will fit this size bariatric bed.
- Full 53″ x 84″: There is not a traditional bed that has the same length and width as this size bariatric bed. So, custom-made sheets are necessary. They can be made in your choice of several colors.
- Queen 60″ x 80″: A Queen size bariatric bed that is 60”x 80” is the same size as a tradition Queen. Therefore, it can fit classic Queen sheets.
Our Thought Based On Bariatric Hospital Beds
Based on our experience and customer feedback, weight is the most crucial factor to consider when buying a bariatric hospital bed. Before buying a bariatric hospital bed, one must know the weight of an individual sleeping on the adjustable bed. There are two types of adjustable beds: heavy-duty and super heavy-duty adjustable beds. When buying a bariatric hospital bed, weight is the first thing you should consider. After considering the weight, you should choose the features you want your bed to have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bariatric mean?
The term “bariatric” draws on Greek translation. Broken down, the word means “weight” and “medical treatment.” So, bariatric refers to the medical treatment of or for those who are heavy.
What size is a bariatric hospital bed?
Bariatric hospital beds can come in a range of sizes including some special and custom sizes. Twin, Full and Queen sizes have variations that elongate the length from 80 inches to 84 inches. Wider sizes are also available including an upgrade from the traditional twin to special size of 48”x80”. See the table provided.
How much weight can a bariatric bed support?
Each bariatric bed will have its own maximum weight capacity. For example, the Valiant HD can support up to 600 pounds whereas the Valiant SHD bariatric bed is made to bear 750 pounds.
Who would need a bariatric bed?
A bariatric bed can be used by many people. It is especially helpful for those who weigh more than the average adult and need the included features. Though they can also be used by average or even underweight individuals. Bariatric beds are made for home use to make caring for a loved one at home easier. They can also be found in medical facilities and care homes.