Medical beds: overview and features of use. Functional bed: how to choose the right model Design of a functional bed

The invention of functional beds relates to medical technology and can be used for postoperative care for patients who urgently need regular changes in body position. A distinctive feature of these devices is that they are equipped with movable sections, thanks to which the patient’s posture can be adjusted and any configuration can be given to them.

They are widely used in nursing homes, in hospitals of various profiles, in intensive care wards for caring for patients who cannot move independently, as well as in caring for patients at home. Most often, this device is made of metal coated with powder paint, which can be easily washed and disinfected with various means.

Bed with a different number of sections;

Anti-decubitus mattresses;

Side boards (stationary or attached to the stock);

Tables;

Additional devices (drip stand, bedpan and urinal storage slots, etc.).

Such equipment is convenient in that each section can be individually adjusted specifically for the patient’s comfort. Different bed models may have different angles of sections. In two-section models, the leg and head sections are adjustable; in three-section models, the leg, hip and head sections are adjustable; in a four-section model, the fourth section is simply fixed.

The design feature of the functional bed makes it possible to easily give the foot or head edges of the product the required position, lower or raise them. This can be done using handles located in the legs or on the side. The legs of modern models have wheels for their free movement, without effort, around the ward or to the intensive care unit, intensive care unit, without transferring the patient to another bed.

Sections of these medical devices can be adjusted manually or electrically. Mechanical adjustment is done according to the clamshell principle: first, one section is raised and its lock is moved to another, more convenient position for the patient, and the section is lowered again. The second method of mechanical adjustment using a worm drive: such a screw lever is simply tightened, and the height of the section is set to the required level.

The most convenient to use are models with electric drive, which are equipped with remote control panels. The great advantage of such products is the patient’s ability to independently adjust the angle of the bed and place it in a comfortable position.

Modern functional beds are equipped with additional “components”; they have side rails to prevent the patient from falling, and removable leg and side backrests are installed. On the medical market there are models with anti-bedsore systems, with tables, with devices for lifting the patient, etc.

The beds in the ward are oriented uniformly - with the head end towards the wall so that the patient can conveniently use the light, radio and call button. The beds are separated from each other at a distance of at least 1.5 m.

Functional beds are the most convenient for patients, as they allow them to be in a comfortable position. They consist of three sections, among which the head and foot ends can be raised or lowered to the desired height (that's why they are called functional). These beds have a rigid, well and evenly stretched mesh, which is covered with a mattress and mattress pad. Metal beds usually have wheels for ease of movement and a brake for stability. If there are no wheels, special stands with wheels are used, which make it easier to transport the bed, sometimes with the patient. Metal beds can be washed or wiped down with a disinfectant solution. The mattress and mattress pads are disinfected centrally.

In the absence of functional beds, special headrests are used to create a semi-sitting position for the patient, while support is placed for the legs (a piece of board or plywood is installed at the foot end of the bed).

The patient is usually given two pillows in pillowcases. The bed is covered with a sheet so that there are no folds. A duvet cover is placed over a flannelette or wool (depending on the time of year and weather) blanket. The patient is given a towel for individual use, and, if necessary, diapers.

For bedridden patients, an oilcloth is placed on the lumbar-gluteal region, covering it with a diaper. For patients suffering from urinary and fecal incontinence, the entire mattress pad or mattress is covered with oilcloth, covered with a sheet, the ends of which are tucked under the mattress pad or mattress so that it does not bunch up; Patients are often put on diapers. If there are risk factors for the possible formation of bedsores, a rubber circle or rubber vessel is placed under the lumbosacral region, which is thoroughly washed, disinfected and dried.

Action algorithm:

● Place the bed with its head end to the wall;

● Maintain a distance between beds of 1 - 1.5 m

● For seriously ill patients who need to change their body position, use headrests or several pillows; to prevent the patient from “slipping” down, a foot rest should be placed in the bed;

● Create an elevated position for your legs using a pillow placed under your shins;

● In a functional bed, there are levers at the foot end or on the side that can be used to quickly raise the headboard or lower it to a horizontal level, while simultaneously raising the foot end of the bed.

Bed preparation

Action algorithm:

● Check how elastic the bed mesh is, whether the mattress has the proper thickness, whether it is lumpy, and whether the surface is elastic. Prepare pillows - soft, feather, and a blanket, depending on the time of year, flannelette or wool;

● Cover the mattress with a sheet so that there are no scars or seams on the side facing the patient;

● Straighten the sheet, tuck the edges under the mattress;

● Put pillowcases on the pillow and place them at the head of the bed so that the feather (bottom) one lies straight and protrudes slightly from under the top one, and the down one (top) rests against the headboard;

● Make sure there are no buttons, knots or fasteners on the patient-facing side of the pillowcase;

● Place the blanket into the duvet cover;

● Lay the patient down, give him a functional position in bed according to his condition: half-sitting - with the help of a headrest, pillows and foot rests; horizontal - without pillow; with an elevated position of the legs - place a pillow under the shins;

● Cover the patient with a blanket.

Note. For a seriously ill patient (paralyzed, immobilized), place an oilcloth on the sheet, a diaper on top of it, carefully straighten the folds and fold the edges. Place the patient in a functional position using the movable sections of the functional bed.

A person suffering from serious illnesses has to spend most of his time in a lying position. They say about such patients: “Bedridden.” Prolonged immobility is not easily tolerated by the patient; in most cases, inactivity impedes recovery and interferes with normal treatment. To alleviate the patient’s condition and minimize the negative consequences of prolonged lying down, multifunctional medical beds are used in inpatient facilities.

The technical requirements for this type of furniture are especially high. The purpose of medical multifunctional beds is reduced to a comfortable and convenient stay for a completely or partially immobilized patient. Depending on the type of control, weight category and the presence of additional devices, there are several types of specialized furniture. Each of them deserves special attention.

Manual control

Among multifunctional medical beds for bedridden patients, the most common are models with a mechanical drive. They are equipped with special handles, thanks to which the appropriate height, level of inclination of the lower and head parts can be adjusted. Any settings are made manually. Mechanically driven beds belong to the budget group of medical equipment. In municipal medical institutions, these are the models that are most often found, which are ideal for patients who do not need to move frequently. The advantages of beds equipped with a mechanical drive include:

• financial benefit;
• the presence of the same functions that more expensive analogues with electric drive have.

Among the shortcomings of the products, the first place is occupied by manual adjustment of the patient’s body position. If you believe the reviews of nurses and caregivers of bedridden patients, it is not so easy to adapt to operating the mechanism without the use of physical force.

Semi-electric drive models

Equipped with the same functions as previous versions. The main difference is the presence of a motor, which allows you to easily change the position of the head of the bed, as well as lower or raise its lower segments. In addition, beds with a semi-electric drive come with a remote control, with which patients can choose the desired position independently. To adjust the required height, outside help will be required - a manual mechanism is installed here. Semi-electric multifunctional medical beds are affordable.

Automated Models

The advantage of electric beds is the ability to easily adjust the position and height of the head or foot section. This type of medical furniture does not involve manual mechanisms in its design; control is carried out using a remote control. The only drawback is the high cost of such multifunctional products, which can be several times higher than the price of mechanical analogues.

Bed with toilet and table

Medical multifunctional furniture of increased comfort is equipment equipped with additional options. Wide range of possibilities and impressive specifications guaranteed to provide the patient with peace and optimal comfort. Beds of this class are classified as expensive.

Furniture for patients requiring special care

Low level beds are suitable for patients at risk of falling. The minimum height significantly reduces the likelihood of injury. As a rule, low-level beds are equipped with an electric drive. According to reviews from medical staff, low furniture makes it easier to care for bedridden patients.

The review of medical multifunctional beds always includes models designed for overweight patients. The bariatric couch is ideal for patients weighing more than 160 kg. These models differ from conventional medical metal beds in their more durable design and larger dimensions. The set of functions of bariatric furniture completely coincides with those of electrically driven beds.

Additional devices and accessories

First of all, it is worth noting the provision of medical functional beds with side rails, which are conventionally divided into three types:

1. Solid aluminum crossbars with cross bars are most common.
2. Plastic curtains with which you can gain access to any part of the torso and limbs.
3. The wooden crossbar is made from environmentally friendly materials.

The backrests of medical multifunctional beds are either fixed or removable. The second type is considered more convenient.

Among models with electric drive, couches equipped with a special battery are popular. Autonomy from the network allows you to operate the bed even when the lights are turned off.

Depending on the severity of the patient’s well-being, the functional medical bed is equipped with other accessories and devices. The most common elements are:

• arc for pulling up;
• sanitary facilities;
• hooks for drainage containers;
• support rods;
• fastenings for an infusion stand (tripod for a dropper);
• protective bumpers at the corners of the bed;
• right and left leg sections.

Both wooden and metal beds are often equipped with anti-decubitus mattress, folding handrails and orthopedic accessories.

Special Features

When reviewing the characteristics of multifunctional medical beds, it is important to pay attention to the availability of individual options. For a bedridden patient, the ability to:

• tilt angle adjustment - the body position is fixed by raising the leg or front part;
• bring the bed to a horizontal position without jerking, quickly and smoothly;
• lateral rotation - this option is especially important in postoperative period, as it allows the patient’s torso to be tilted to the right or left;
• displacement of the pelvic section for anti-decubitus prevention.

Transportation of bedridden patients

Descriptions of medical multifunctional beds must indicate design features. In addition to the number of sections, which is of primary interest to buyers, we must not forget about the equipment with a wheel-braking system. Functional beds are equipped with reliable locking mechanisms. Thanks to the appropriate devices, it is possible not only to transport overweight bedridden patients, but also to fully guarantee their safety during transportation. The wheels are fixed in any required place. It will not take much time and effort to take the patient to the X-ray room, take him to a dressing room, or move the bed to another corner.

Where is the best place to install a couch?

You need to choose a place to place the bed in such a way that the lighting from the windows does not interfere with the patient’s ability to fully rest during the day. At the same time, access to the patient should be comprehensive - this will greatly facilitate the process of turning a recumbent person from side to side. If you install the couch close to the wall, the patient will have to stay predominantly on one side of the body, which in itself is fraught with the development of swelling and unilateral pneumonia due to insufficient ventilation.

How to care for a functional couch

When purchasing furniture for seriously ill people, you should immediately pay close attention to the issue of maintenance and care. Basic information on this matter is indicated in the instructions for the multifunctional medical bed:

1. After assembly, the structure must be tested for strength before positioning the patient. During subsequent operation, it is imperative to carry out regular checks of the reliability of the frame and the functioning of the mechanisms.
2. It is not recommended to install an electric bed in a room with high humidity levels or near artificial humidifiers.
3. Medical furniture requires daily treatment with special antibacterial and disinfectant compounds. While cleaning Special attention should be given to the lumbar section. Couches, as a rule, are made of materials that can be easily processed and mechanically cleaned.
4. When choosing a functional bed for a bedridden patient, it is necessary to take into account the limitations of the design and mechanisms in the load capacity.
5. In the event of a breakdown of an electric or semi-electric stock, it is advisable to use the services of professionals. If repairs are carried out while the warranty is valid, the equipment will be serviced free of charge.

A simple, but at the same time practical design allows the use of medical beds not only within the walls of specialized medical institutions, but also at home. The current design of this medical furniture does not contradict any of the modern interiors. In addition, treatment and rehabilitation in one’s own home will only benefit the patient, and loved ones will ensure optimal quality of care for the immobile patient.

If your financial capabilities do not allow you to purchase a functional couch for your home, you can take advantage of offers for renting medical beds. After all, paying impressive sums for a product that is needed only for a certain period of time is not always advisable. By the way, in order to return the investment, a used bed can be sold after the patient recovers, or rented out for a certain period. It is also convenient that most models are equipped with a folding mechanism, which allows you to easily transport the bed in a car or put it in the storage room as unnecessary.

Don't skimp on the health of your loved ones! Sectional functional beds provide the patient with a physiologically correct and comfortable position of the body, reducing the load on the spine and promoting a speedy recovery.

Caring for a seriously ill or disabled person requires not only attention from relatives and medical personnel, but also the ability to alleviate his condition with the help of technical devices.

A functional (medical) bed allows you to change the position of the body of a bedridden patient depending on his physiological needs or for medical and hygienic procedures.

According to their functional purpose, medical beds are divided into three main groups:

1. General hospital functional beds.
They are used in general hospitals and have a simple design: a headboard with a height-adjustable position and wheels equipped with brake devices.

2. Medical beds of intensive care class.
Used in intensive care units. Their main task is to ensure the safety of the patient and make it easier for medical personnel to carry out the necessary examinations and procedures. Typically, such products have a maximum number of controllable sections, four side walls and a toilet fixture. The bed is made of material that transmits x-rays. In modern models, regulatory devices allow you to change the angle of inclination of the base relative to the horizontal and raise the damaged part of the patient’s body to reduce swelling and pain syndrome(lateral rotation).

3. Home functional beds.
Intended for bedridden patients undergoing long-term rehabilitation at home. Adapted to ensure maximum comfort: they have pull-out tables for laptops and eating, and fit into the overall interior design. Some models make it possible to transfer the patient to a sitting or upright position, which is very important for successful rehabilitation after injuries to the central nervous system or neurological diseases.

The functional bed is equipped with mechanical (screw) or electric drives. Sections of mechanically driven products are adjusted manually, which is not very convenient if the patient is heavy.

Electric beds are controlled using built-in electric motors. For the convenience of the patient and staff, a control panel is located on the side wall. Sometimes there are functions to block the remote control using an autonomous key fob - for cases of inappropriate behavior of the patient.

Modern medical beds have two, three or four sections. Two-section products allow you to raise the patient's shoulders and head. The three-section bed has the additional function of lifting the patient’s legs, which is important for injuries to the lower extremities. Four sections provide full body position adjustment.

The bases of functional beds are made of lightweight and durable materials that can withstand regular sanitization. Side railings are made of wood, plastic or metal.

It is better to purchase a bed for use at home after consulting with your doctor, since some diseases require the product to have specific functional features.

The recovery process for a patient who is completely or partially immobilized depends on a large number of factors. A person may be in hospital treatment or undergo treatment at home, but in any case, a medical bed is a guarantee of comfort and convenience. That is why the requirements for medical furniture and, especially for medical beds are so high.

Currently, functional medical beds are the most comfortable and in demand. They can be roughly divided into six main categories.

1) Mechanically driven

They have special handles with which you can adjust the height, level of lifting of the foot and head parts. All settings are made manually. This type is the most inexpensive and is ideal for a patient who is in a fixed position and does not need to move frequently.

Economic benefit,
- performs the same functions as a bed with a full electric package.

Among the disadvantages of this category are:

Manual adjustment of patient position,
- requires physical strength to adapt to use.

2) With semi-electric drive

They have almost the same functions as mechanically driven beds, but their design contains a motor with which you can change the position of the head and legs (up, down). Medical beds with semi-electric drive are equipped with a remote control, which allows you to adjust the position of your legs and arms. Thus, you can change the position of the sections by pressing a button. Height adjustment is done manually. If the patient needs to change the height while in bed, then a model with full electric drive should be chosen.

The advantages of medical beds with electric semi-drive include:

Acceptable cost,
- the most popular adjustments (changing the position of the head and legs) are available by pressing a button on the remote control.

The main disadvantage of this category:

Manual height adjustment.

3) Electrically driven

They have a remote control with which you can adjust not only the position of the head and leg sections, but also the height.

The main advantage of medical furniture of this model is the absence of manual control. The adjustment is carried out using an electric drive.

The disadvantages of patient beds of this type include a higher price compared to previous ones.

4) Increased comfort

They are one step above models with electric drive. High-comfort medical beds offer a wider range of capabilities and have additional options, which ensures a high level of comfort and care for the patient.

The bed frame is stronger and more stable when moving. The quality of the wheels is higher, the diameter is larger, which makes movement soft and smooth. Most models of this type have a function for adjusting the rotation of the head to fix a more precise position. The bed is designed to provide optimal comfort.

The only disadvantage of high-comfort medical beds is their price.

5) Low-level

Suitable for patients at risk of falling out of bed. The low height significantly reduces the risk of injury. They have the same functions as models with electric drive. The only difference is the height.

Low-height beds make the work of staff who need to lift a patient easier.

6) Bariatric

Designed for overweight patients (from 160 to 500 kg). These beds are wider, have a more durable construction and the same functions as electric models. A bariatric hospital bed is great for those who need more sensitive care.

Basic accessories

Side guards

Medical beds are equipped with side rails. Among them there are three types:

The most common fencing option is a solid aluminum crossbar with cross bars;
- independent plastic wings, which provide access to the necessary part of the body;
- crossbar on rails. Made of wood. Gives a more homey look

Backrests

Available in two versions: removable and non-removable. Removable backrests are more comfortable and functional.

Battery

Some bed models are equipped with a special battery, thanks to which the bed operates even when there is a power outage.

In addition, medical beds can be equipped with additional devices and accessories depending on the patient’s condition and the position he needs to take (an arc for pulling up, a two-support bar, a sanitary device, fastenings for an infusion stand, hooks for drainage containers and fixation belts, corner protective bumpers, separate leg sections)

Special Features:

- Adjustment of the angle of the bed.

Thanks to this function, it is possible to fix the position when the leg part or the front part is raised. This position is also called the Trendelenburg/Anti-Trendelenburg position.

- CPR function

The presence of this function allows you to smoothly, without jerking, and at the same time quickly bring the bed into an even horizontal position for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

- Lateral rotation

The function is quite rare. Represents the tilt of the bed to the left or right. It is used to reduce pain during the period after surgery and to relieve swelling.

- Double autoregression

The pelvic section can move forward and backward. An anti-decubitus effect is created in the area of ​​the ischial tuberosity and coccyx. In addition to the functional features of the bed, there are such important nuances as the hardness of the mattress, the anti-decubitus system, and special accessories that are created in order to alleviate the patient’s condition as much as possible and make his stay in the hospital bed as comfortable as possible.