Overview of medical beds, their functionality and purpose
People who, due to illness, are limited in movement, after serious injuries or a postoperative condition, require special care and a special medical bed. It differs from the usual one by the presence of numerous functions, has a number of features. Such a bed will provide comfortable conditions and help recover faster after injuries and diseases.
Appointment
Medical multifunctional bed can have a variety of functions and additional equipment. All models differ in the material of manufacture, number of sections, and transformation options. Only a correctly selected bed for a particular case will help the patient recover as soon as possible, improve his condition, and provide the necessary conditions.
With the help of medical beds, it will be much more convenient for a person with limited motor functions or a serious patient. Modern mechanisms will provide everything necessary for recovery, will make the rehabilitation period less burdensome for the patient and staff. The main purpose of medical beds is to ensure a comfortable pastime of the patient for the entire period of treatment. Depending on the type, products are:
- For a hospital - beds on which patients rest during treatment;
- For inspection - are installed in cabinets, most often, are represented by couches;
- For recovery from injuries - a special group of beds, equipped with supporting devices for patients with reduced mobility;
- Wheelchairs - for transporting bedridden patients within the hospital, as well as in an ambulance.
Some patients need medical beds for the home. They can be purchased at specialized sites. The cost of the products may be too high, while it is possible to choose a used bed or rent it.
Types for bedridden patients
A medical bed for bedridden patients is distinguished by the presence of separate adjustable sections (their number is different). This allows you to choose the most convenient bed angle. In some cases, it is necessary to fix the product in a half-sitting or sitting position, and then smoothly, without jerking, bring it back to the horizontal direction.
Also, a medical bed for bedridden patients can tilt the patient to the right or left, which is extremely important in some cases of the postoperative period. To prevent the occurrence of pressure sores, a special function of the displacement of the pelvic section is used. Almost all products are equipped with wheels. They facilitate patient transport.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of couches for bed patients. Among the popular models:
- Two-section functional medical couch - a model with a metal bed and wooden side backs, a screw mechanism for changing the section angle;
- Metal bed with 4 sectional bases and screw adjustment of the head section or all other sections. The budget option is suitable for the hospital department, with the exception of the ICU;
- Three-section bed-chair with a toilet device - the foot section is lowered down, thereby the product occupies the position of "cardio chair". It is necessary during the treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. The model is equipped with removable backs, a built-in toilet. It is possible to transport the patient in a sitting position;
- A three-section bed, transforming into an armchair with a table, an electric toilet and an anti-decubitus mattress, is equipped with a "cardio chair" function. Allows the patient to independently use the toilet using an electric drive;
- Functional four-section couch with height adjustment and electric drive - this model is very similar to ordinary home beds, it fits perfectly into the interior. As well as an orthopedic bed, 4 adjustable sections, a control panel will make patient care possible even at home.
Transformation Options
Medical beds differ in design features from conventional models and allow you to bring patients to the required position. Depending on this, the following model possibilities for bed patients are distinguished:
- Horizontal position - couches are quickly transformed into the necessary position for procedures, sleep;
- Seated position - it is impossible to eat while lying down, so in such cases the bed can change position. Some models allow you to easily transform the bed into a chair. In a sitting position, the patient is in a matter of seconds. This function is also necessary in cases where the patient must be transplanted into a wheelchair. Transformation into chairs is available only on expensive models of medical beds;
- Lateral flipping - with its help, the patient can be turned to one side, on his back or stomach. This becomes possible due to the presence of separate sections of the bed, which are divided by length and width;
- Lateral rotation - the couch takes a position at a certain angle, which is necessary for the most effective recovery of patients after certain types of operations.
Additional functions
Types of functional beds of extra comfort have additional equipment, among which:
- Side rails - among them, the most widely used aluminum rails with transverse trims. Another type is plastic curtains that provide quick access to any part of the patient's body;
- Removable or fixed backs - the first are considered more convenient to use, since they can be removed if necessary;
- Bedside table - some models are equipped with such equipment, it is necessary for a convenient meal;
- Toilet - a medical bed with a toilet is especially important for bedridden patients. Here you can easily put the duck on a retractable platform, and also quickly remove it;
- Double autoregression - it is necessary in the fight against the appearance of pressure sores. A separate section of the couch, located at the level of the pelvis, moves back and forth, thereby reducing muscle and joint tension;
- Battery - Used on electric couches. Provides autonomy from the network, so that the bed can be used even with a power outage;
- An arch for pulling up - is necessary for independent raising of the patient;
- Mounts for a dropper;
- Fixation belts, hooks - used for restless or violent patients in cases where it is necessary to exclude their motor activity.
In addition, there are couches for patients whose mass exceeds 160 kg. Their design is much stronger, able to withstand heavy loads.
Drive unit
Medical couches differ in the type of drive and are:
- Mechanical - all settings of the medical bed are carried out manually. Models with a mechanical drive are equipped with functions for adjusting the angle of the individual sections, heights. Functional medical mechanical bed is suitable for patients who do not need constant movement;
- Electric - such models are considered the most functional. Medical electric bed works from the control panel. Thus, the patient himself can choose the most convenient position for him. Sections for electric beds can be raised together or separately. Some couches are equipped with mechanical devices in case of a power outage;
- With a worm drive - couches are equipped with special screw levers that allow you to change the angle of inclination of the patient's body. When inoperative, mechanisms can be hidden. Couches with worm arms rise, lower smoothly and with less effort, in comparison with mechanical models;
- With air spring - a hospital-wide bed with hydraulic drive allows you to change the angle so that the patient’s head and shoulders are below the pelvic level and vice versa.
Mechanical medical beds are much cheaper than electric couches. In some cases, manual adjustment of the patient’s body position is possible only with the use of physical force. Electric models in this regard are more convenient, but their cost is high.
Air springMechanicalWormElectric driveSectional division
The division of the couch is required to give the human body the desired position. This may be due to preventive measures for immobilized patients. Separate sections of the couch also help the patient easier to tolerate the disease, faster to undergo rehabilitation.
Medical beds are divided into several types depending on the number of sections:
- Single-section - in such models the head section is raised. This helps prevent neck pain, and also serves for a more convenient meal;
- Two-section - a foot section is added to the head adjustable section. Especially often such beds are used for injuries of the lower extremities;
- Three-section - a pelvic section is added to the above two sections;
- Four-section - the most common type includes the head, pelvic, knee and femoral sections
In addition, there are medical couches with a larger number of adjustable departments. The number of sections can reach 6-12. Such couches, in addition to the standard 4 departments, are supplemented with elements that allow you to change the position of the patient's body, turn it over.
2 sections4 sections2 sections1 sectionThe ability to adjust the height and other parameters
Medical couches have a variety of functions, including:
- Bed height adjustment;
- Raising and lowering the foot section;
- Spinal regulation;
- The ability to change the angle of the mattress;
- Lowering the foot section down;
- Tilt the mattress towards the legs.
Additional features also include resuscitation function. It allows you to remove the lock and instantly bring the bed to a horizontal position.
Housing Material Requirements
Multifunctional couches for hospitals are produced by manufacturers of different companies. German medical beds are very popular. They are also suitable for home use, have a well-thought-out design and a pleasant design.
Not only German beds are of high quality and very popular. Manufacturers of other countries are also trying to make models that will meet all the requirements. As for the material of the couches, they are wooden, metal, plastic.
More often individual elements of beds are made of different materials. For example, the frame is made of metal, as it is more durable and able to withstand heavy loads. Side backs, tables and other details are made of plastic. Such material is resistant to damage, lightweight, comfortable, does not require special care, does not harm the health of the patient and others.
The wheels with which the medical couches are equipped must be of good quality rubber. In this case, they will not leave marks on the floor and will not creak when moving.
Mattress selection
Mattresses for medical beds have some features, they differ in size, shape, thickness, material. By type of construction, they are:
- Single section;
- Two-section;
- Three-section;
- Four sections.
Bedridden patients require anti-decubitus mattresses for medical beds. Products are different, so when choosing them, pay attention to:
- Patient weight;
- Type of product (dynamic or static);
- Type of pressure sore prevention (balloon or cellular).
The mattress is selected, focusing on the height and weight of the patient. There are products for patients with high weight. Orthopedic beds, or rather mattresses, are static and dynamic. The surface of the first is motionless, however, it works in such a way that it adapts to the characteristics of the patient's body. The mattress is able to repeat all the bends of the body, and this prevents the appearance of increased load in certain areas. A dynamic mattress has a moving surface. Continuous movement is an excellent prevention of pressure sores. In addition, this model has a massage effect, so the patient improves blood circulation.
A cellular mattress is a canvas divided into small compartments. It is recommended to choose such products for patients with stage 1-2 bedsores. The patient’s weight limit is up to 110 kg. The balloon model is similar to an inflatable mattress with transverse chambers. It is suitable for patients with stage 3-4 bedsores. The patient’s weight limit is up to 120 kg.
The medical bed with toilet should be equipped with a non-absorbing mattress. These products consist of a PPU block and a removable cover. A cover is a fabric-based medical oilcloth. Along its perimeter there is lightning. A waterproof mattress for a medical bed is recommended to be purchased with a hole. The integrated toilet is easy to clean and the opening closes with a soft section.