What functional beds can be, how to use them correctly
To care for bedridden or seriously ill people there are many devices that make life easier for the weak and care for them. One of such devices is a functional bed, designed for the constant stay of a sick person on it. With her right choice, you can greatly facilitate the life of a paralyzed person. Caring for a patient who is in such a device becomes much easier.
Existing species
The main difference between a medical bed and an ordinary one is the presence of movable sections. They provide the ability to set the most comfortable position for patients. Moreover, different types of furniture may have different sections movable. By the number of adjustable sections, the functional bed is of 4 types:
- single-section - in such a device only the head section is movable. The tilt level, which is adjustable and fixed, allows you to raise and lower the patient's head and shoulders. The ability to adjust the tilt of other parts of the furniture is missing;
- two-section - in addition to the head, the foot part also functions. The system is designed to adjust the head and upper shoulders of the patient, as well as to adjust the level of inclination of the foot of the bed. It is used to care for patients who have leg diseases or who have a need for special foot care. The foot section controls the level of the legs from the feet to the knees;
- three-section - in addition to the ability to adjust the level of rise and inclination of the different ends of the bed, in the three-section care item there is the possibility of adjusting the level of the inclination of the hip part;
- four-section - has the ability to adjust the head, foot, hip and intermediate parts. The intermediate part is between the hip and the head. Thanks to 4 movable sections, the multifunctional home system simplifies the care of bedridden and paralyzed patients. The four-section system allows you to adjust the position of the body.
The ability to raise the head and shoulders, which is in any device, allows the patient to provide a comfortable meal, and also regulates the correct position of the vertebrae in the cervical region. This will help to avoid pain in the spine due to prolonged lying. The section angle is determined by the type of drive. Considering which drive provides movement to the sections, the amount of time and effort used to change the position of the body depends.
Given the type of drive, there are these types of functional beds:
- with a worm type drive;
- with the presence of air springs;
- Mechanics;
- with electric drive.
The table below shows their characteristics.
Drive unit | Characteristic |
Mechanical | The functional mechanical bed is made with any number of sections, from 1 to 4. Their position is manually adjusted, thanks to the installed sliding stops. Mechanical devices have folding (sometimes removable) guards that provide comfort for the patient. They also provide the ability to remove the end walls. |
Electric | Functional electric bed is the most popular. The ability to manage sections does not depend on physical effort. The position of the sections is adjustable thanks to the remote control. Such beds are the most convenient for patients, as they have the opportunity to change the position of their body without assistance. In some electric models, it is possible to mechanically adjust the movement of the section in the event of a system failure. An electric bed is convenient for caring for bed patients, especially if they are able to partially service themselves and can independently move their upper limbs. |
Air spring | Thanks to the hydraulic drive, it is possible to achieve a longitudinal tilt of the entire bed in the Trendelenburg position. In this case, the head and shoulders of a bedridden patient will be located below the pelvic area. Such a system makes it possible to quickly return to the opposite position. |
Worm | The angle of the sections is adjusted using screw levers. This drive is manually driven, but it does allow you to adjust the section movement slowly and smoothly. This provides added comfort to the patient. |
Additional features and functions
Additional functions of such devices include re-equipment of the frame with an orthopedic mattress. Its purpose is to create comfortable conditions in bed. Its presence prevents the occurrence of pressure sores.
A multifunctional bed, in which there is the possibility of removing side and end fences, allows for the most rapid access to any part of the body lying. Some models are equipped with a bedside table - it makes eating more comfortable. Also, in some devices there is an arc for pulling up. If the patient can independently lean on his hands, he can rise without assistance.
The functionality of the bed for bedridden people is undeniable, especially if it is equipped with a retractable section in which the duck can be placed. Electric-powered beds sometimes have a rechargeable battery, which allows you to control the position of the sections in the absence of electricity. Also, devices can be equipped with straps for fixing and mounts for droppers.
Additional functions include the so-called "resuscitation". By pressing the corresponding button, the lock is released. All sections instantly go into horizontal position. Such devices are necessary for caring for patients who may suffer from attacks. Some devices allow you to adjust the height of the bed above the floor, change the angle of the mattress, and also lower the foot section down, thereby simulating the sitting position.
There are also beds designed for patients whose body weight exceeds 160 kg. The base of which devices is much stronger, and the design is stronger. Such a device is able to withstand large long-term loads without danger to the patient.
Manufacturers
There are several major manufacturers of medical functional beds for the disabled and infirm. Their names and a brief description are presented in the table below. There are also devices of other companies on the market for the care of sick people, however the following are the most popular, recommended and functional.
Manufacturer | A country | Characteristics |
Orthosanit Diffusion SpA | Italy | This Italian company, founded in 1995, is engaged in research, so they have new products that meet the needs of patients. This company has its own technical developments, including a device for the rehabilitation of operated patients. |
Armed | Russia | Types of adjustments: electrical and mechanical. Frame material: metal, coated with paint. Features of the manufacturer: the manufacture of medical furniture for home and stationary use, the equipment of each device with a mattress. |
Pro medic | Germany | Functional beds comply with international standards, the company pays attention to the design of the device. Management is as convenient, easy, practical and simple as possible. Types of adjustments: electrical and mechanical. |
Belva | Russia | The company makes devices for the elderly, infirm, postoperative patients undergoing rehabilitation. Product quality is close to European. The company has awards. |
Invacare | USA | The products are designed taking into account the needs of bedridden patients, each element is thought out in the models. Products feature a large number of additional features. Type of control: electric drive. The company is awarded for research and development. |
Care for seriously ill people is simplified with a medical bed. Taking into account the type of drive, the presence of adjustable sections and additional features, the most comfortable stay of a person in such a device is provided. When choosing such a tool for a person should be guided by the needs of the patient.