How to Choose the Right Home Care Bed: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Quick Answer: What Type of Home Care Bed Do You Need?

The right home care bed depends less on the brand name and more on what the person using the bed actually needs help doing.

Before choosing a bed, consider the person's ability to get into and out of bed, whether a caregiver provides regular assistance, concerns about bed height, required positioning, sleeping width, weight capacity, comfort, room size and whether the bed will be needed temporarily or for long-term care.

A person who has difficulty standing may benefit from a very different bed than someone whose primary concern is caregiver access. Someone concerned about getting in and out of bed may need different technology from someone who simply wants the comfort and convenience of a premium full-electric adjustable bed.

That's why we recommend beginning with the person—not the manufacturer.

American Quality Health Products has been helping customers select home medical and mobility equipment since 2001. Because we offer home care beds from multiple manufacturers and across many different bed technologies, our goal is to help customers compare solutions based on their individual needs rather than limit the choice to one manufacturer's bed line.

Start With the Person, Not the Bed

Before comparing brands or models, ask what the person using the bed actually needs.

Consider these questions:

• Can the person sit up independently?
• Can they bring their legs over the side of the bed?
• Can they stand from a seated position without assistance?
• Do they transfer between the bed and a wheelchair?
• Does a caregiver provide regular hands-on assistance?
• Would lowering or raising the entire bed make transfers or caregiving easier?
• Is very low bed height important?
• Does the person need advanced positioning?
• Is a standard 36-inch sleeping surface wide enough?
• Is additional weight capacity required?
• Will the bed be used for short-term recovery or long-term home care?
• Will the bed remain in a primary bedroom where residential appearance is important?

The answers can point toward very different solutions: a full-electric long-term-care bed, hi-low bed, ultra-low bed, Sit-to-Stand bed, rotating easy-exit bed, residential-style adjustable bed, extra-wide bed or bariatric bed.

AQHP Tip: Don't Choose the Manufacturer First

A common mistake is starting with a manufacturer's name and then trying to determine which of its beds fits the person.

We recommend reversing that process.

Start with the person's needs. Identify the bed technology that best addresses those needs. Then compare manufacturers and individual models.

This is one of the advantages of shopping with a multi-brand home medical equipment company such as American Quality Health Products. Different manufacturers approach home care differently, and no single bed design is necessarily right for everyone.

If you're uncertain about the appropriate bed type, call American Quality Health Products before ordering. Our knowledgeable staff can help you compare bed height, positioning, mobility assistance, width, weight capacity, room requirements and other features before you make your decision. AQHP provides phone assistance for customers selecting home medical equipment

Can the Person Get In and Out of Bed Independently?

One of the most important questions when choosing a home care bed is whether the person can get into and out of bed safely and comfortably.

A conventional full-electric or hi-low bed can make positioning and transfers easier, but some people need more assistance than simply raising or lowering the mattress platform.

The specific difficulty matters.

Someone who can sit on the edge of the bed but struggles to stand has a different need from someone who has difficulty turning, bringing their legs over the side of the bed or positioning themselves for a transfer.

For these situations, specialized bed technologies may provide options that a conventional hospital bed does not.

When Standing From the Bed Is the Main Difficulty

For someone who can benefit from assistance moving from a lying position toward standing, a Sit-to-Stand bed deserves consideration.

The Independence Sit-to-Stand Adjustable Bed is designed to transform from a conventional sleeping position into a chair-like position and then assist the user toward standing.

This type of bed may be worth considering when maintaining as much independence as possible with bed entry and exit is an important goal.

It is very different from simply purchasing a full-electric hospital bed that raises the head and feet.

When Turning and Exiting the Bed Is the Main Difficulty

Some people can stand once they are properly positioned but have difficulty turning in bed and bringing their legs over the side.

A rotating or easy-exit bed approaches the problem differently.

The Powered Rotor Assist Bed rotates the sleeping surface toward the side of the bed, helping position the user for entry or exit.

For the right person, this may address a mobility challenge that a conventional adjustable bed cannot address in the same way.

When the Person Transfers to a Wheelchair

If the person regularly transfers between the bed and a wheelchair, bed height deserves careful attention.

The question isn't simply:

“How low does the bed go?”

You should also consider whether the bed can be positioned at a practical height for the particular transfer, whether the user transfers independently or with assistance, and whether a caregiver needs access to the person during the process.

A hi-low bed may be sufficient for some users.

Others may benefit from Sit-to-Stand or rotating technology.

The correct solution depends on the person's actual mobility.

Don't Pay for Technology You Don't Need

Specialized mobility-assistance beds can cost considerably more than conventional full-electric beds.

That doesn't automatically make them better.

If someone gets into and out of bed independently and doesn't need assistance standing or rotating toward the bedside, there may be little reason to pay for those features.

But when getting out of bed is the problem you're actually trying to solve, comparing these specialized technologies can be much more useful than simply comparing conventional hospital-bed specifications.

Need Help Deciding?

If you're uncertain whether a conventional hi-low bed, Sit-to-Stand bed or rotating easy-exit bed is appropriate, American Quality Health Products can help you compare the differences before you order.

Rather than beginning with a particular manufacturer, tell us about the person who will use the bed: how they currently get out of bed, whether they can sit and stand independently, whether they use a wheelchair or other mobility equipment, and whether a caregiver assists them.

That information can help narrow the choices considerably.

Does a Caregiver Regularly Assist the Person?

If a family member or professional caregiver regularly helps the person with dressing, positioning, transfers or other activities at the bedside, the height of the entire bed can become extremely important.

Many adjustable beds raise the head and feet while the overall height of the sleeping surface remains relatively fixed.

A hi-low bed adds another capability: the entire sleeping platform can be raised or lowered.

That can serve two very different purposes.

The bed can be lowered to make getting into or out of bed easier for the user, and it can be raised when a caregiver needs better access to the person.

Why Caregiver Working Height Matters

Providing care at a bed that is too low can require repeated bending and reaching.

A powered hi-low bed allows the caregiver to adjust the entire sleeping surface to a more practical working height and then lower it again when appropriate for the person using the bed.

This can be particularly useful when a caregiver frequently assists with positioning, dressing, bedding changes or transfers.

It is important, however, to look at the bed's actual minimum and maximum height, not simply whether the product description uses the words “hi-low.”

Different beds can have significantly different height ranges.

Transfers and Bed Height

The lowest possible bed isn't automatically the best bed for every transfer.

For someone transferring to a wheelchair, chair or other mobility device, the useful transfer height depends on the individual and how the transfer is performed.

For someone who stands before transferring, a slightly higher position may sometimes make standing easier.

This is why adjustable height is so useful: the bed can be positioned for the task rather than forcing every activity to occur at one fixed height.

A Hi-Low Bed Doesn't Have to Look Like a Hospital Bed

For long-term home use, function isn't the only consideration.

A bed may remain in someone's primary bedroom for years. Many families therefore want the height adjustment and positioning capabilities associated with home medical care without making the bedroom feel unnecessarily institutional.

This is an area where American Quality Health Products offers several different approaches from multiple manufacturers.

The Flexabed Hi-Low SL combines powered hi-low adjustment with the appearance and comfort of a premium adjustable bed. It can be a strong option for someone who wants home-care functionality in a more residential design.

The Transfer Master Supernal Hi-Low takes another approach, combining a residential appearance with a wide height-adjustment range and features designed for long-term home care.

The Transfer Master Valiant Hospital Bed provides more advanced positioning capabilities for customers who want a home-care bed with additional medical-style positioning functions.

The Golden Passport Hi-Low Adjustable Bed offers another premium residential-style approach to powered height adjustment and positioning.

The Dawn House Adjustable Bed approaches aging at home from a wellness and technology perspective, combining powered adjustability with features designed around comfort, convenience and long-term use in the home.

These beds aren't interchangeable. Their height ranges, positioning functions, available sizes, appearance, mattresses, accessories and other features differ.

That's exactly why we recommend choosing the required functions first and comparing individual beds second.

Which Hi-Low Bed Is Right for You?

Start by asking:

• How low does the bed need to go?
• How high should it rise for caregiving?
• Does the person transfer independently?
• Is advanced positioning important?
• Does the bed need to look like conventional bedroom furniture?
• What mattress size and sleeping width are preferred?
• Are additional comfort or technology features important?
• What is the available space in the bedroom?
• What is the budget?

Once those questions are answered, comparing individual models becomes much easier.

American Quality Health Products can help customers compare hi-low beds from different manufacturers based on these requirements rather than assuming that one particular bed is right for everyone.

Is Low Bed Height Important?

For some people receiving care at home, the minimum height of the sleeping surface is an important consideration.

But the words low bed, ultra-low bed and floor bed don't necessarily describe the same thing.

Some full-electric home care beds lower to approximately seven inches from the floor, while other specialized designs can lower the sleeping surface even closer to floor level.

The important question isn't simply:

“Which bed goes lowest?”

It is:

“What height range best fits this person's needs throughout the day and night?”

Low When Appropriate, Higher for Caregiving

One of the advantages of a powered hi-low or ultra-low bed is its ability to serve different purposes at different heights.

The bed can be lowered when a lower sleeping position is appropriate for the user and raised when a caregiver needs better access for dressing, positioning, bedding changes or other assistance.

This is why both numbers matter:

Minimum height — how low the bed can be positioned.

Maximum height — how high the bed can be raised for caregiving and other activities.

When comparing beds, also determine whether the published height measurement includes the mattress. Mattress thickness can substantially change the person's actual sleeping height from the floor.

When an Ultra-Low Bed Deserves Consideration

An ultra-low bed may be worth considering when having a very low sleeping position is an important part of the person's home-care plan.

For example, the MedaCure Ultra Low Bed provides full-electric positioning while allowing the deck to lower substantially closer to the floor than many conventional home hospital beds.

The Protekt Protopia Ultra Low Bed provides another approach, combining a very low deck height with full-electric adjustment.

For customers who also need additional sleeping width, certain expandable ultra-low designs can provide both low positioning and wider deck configurations.

This illustrates why choosing by category name alone can be misleading. Two products described as “ultra-low” may differ considerably in width, capacity, height range, positioning and other features.

When a Floor-Level Bed Deserves Consideration

A floor-level bed takes the low-height concept further.

The MedaCure Super Low Floor Bed is designed to lower its deck essentially to floor level while still providing powered positioning and the ability to raise the bed when needed.

That is a very different solution from simply purchasing a conventional bed that happens to have a relatively low minimum height.

A floor-level design may deserve consideration when getting the sleeping surface extremely close to the floor is an important requirement identified by the user, family or care team.

Low Height Is Only One Part of the Decision

A lower minimum height doesn't automatically make one bed better than another.

You should also consider:

• Maximum working height
• How the person gets into and out of bed
• Transfer requirements
• Caregiver access
• Mattress thickness
• Sleeping width
• Weight capacity
• Positioning functions
• Room dimensions

The appropriate choice is the bed whose overall range of functions fits the person—not simply the bed with the lowest published number.

Ask AQHP to Help You Compare the Actual Specifications

If low bed height is important, American Quality Health Products can help you compare actual minimum and maximum heights, width, capacity, positioning and other specifications across different beds and manufacturers.

That can be particularly helpful because terms such as “low,” “ultra-low” and “floor bed” don't always mean exactly the same thing from one manufacturer to another.

Do You Need a Full-Electric Long-Term-Care Bed?

For many people receiving ongoing care at home, a full-electric bed provides a useful combination of adjustability, caregiver access and convenience.

A full-electric bed generally allows powered adjustment of the head section, foot section and overall bed height. This differs from basic manual or semi-electric designs that require some adjustments to be made manually.

For customers whose primary concern is price or a short-term basic need, a manual or semi-electric bed may be sufficient.

But when a bed will be used for long-term home care, when caregivers regularly provide assistance, or when the user benefits from frequent positioning and height adjustments, a full-electric bed may provide considerably greater convenience.

Full-Electric Beds Aren't All the Same

Two beds can both be described as “full electric” while offering very different capabilities.

Important differences can include:

• Minimum and maximum height
• Sleeping-surface width
• Weight capacity
• Length adjustment
• Number of powered functions
• Available positioning
• Expandable deck options
• Caster and mobility design
• Rail options
• Mattress compatibility
• Caregiver controls
• Battery backup or other available features

For this reason, we recommend comparing the actual specifications and functions rather than choosing a bed simply because the description says “full electric.”

Understanding the Drive PrimeCare Family

The Drive PrimeCare P503, P703 and P903 are useful examples of why similar-looking full-electric beds should be compared as a progression rather than treated as completely unrelated products.

The PrimeCare P503 provides a strong starting point for someone looking for a capable full-electric long-term-care bed without requiring the additional width, capacity or options available farther up the PrimeCare family.

The PrimeCare P703 builds on that concept with additional configurations and capabilities that may make it appropriate when the user's requirements go beyond the P503.

The PrimeCare P903 moves farther into expandable width and higher-capacity territory, making it particularly interesting for someone who needs more room or capacity while still wanting the features of a sophisticated long-term-care bed.

The important question isn't:

“Which PrimeCare model is best?”

It's:

“Which PrimeCare configuration matches the person's size, mobility, care requirements and room?”

This is exactly the kind of comparison American Quality Health Products can help customers make before ordering.

Consider Ultra-Low Full-Electric Alternatives Too

Full-electric and ultra-low are not mutually exclusive categories.

A customer may want the convenience and caregiver benefits of a full-electric bed while also needing a substantially lower minimum deck height.

The MedaCure Ultra Low Bed and Protekt Protopia Ultra Low Bed are examples of beds that combine full-electric functionality with very low positioning.

For some customers, one of these designs may make more sense than a conventional long-term-care bed.

For others, the broader configuration choices of a PrimeCare model may be more important.

Again, the right answer depends on what problem the bed needs to solve.

When Should You Consider Something More Specialized?

A conventional full-electric long-term-care bed may be an excellent choice when the person primarily needs powered positioning, adjustable bed height and caregiver accessibility.

But if the primary problem is something more specific, consider whether a specialized bed would address it better.

For example:

• Difficulty standing from bed → Consider Sit-to-Stand technology.
• Difficulty rotating and exiting the bed → Consider rotating/easy-exit technology.
• Need for an extremely low sleeping position → Compare ultra-low and floor-level beds.
• Need for substantially greater width or capacity → Compare extra-wide and bariatric beds.
• Long-term bedroom appearance is a priority → Compare premium residential-style hi-low beds.

The goal isn't to purchase the bed with the longest feature list.

The goal is to pay for the features that solve the person's actual needs.

 

Do You Need More Width, More Weight Capacity—or Both?

When shopping for a home care bed, bed width and weight capacity should be considered separately.

A person may want more sleeping room without requiring an extremely high weight capacity. Another person may require a substantially higher-capacity frame. Some users need both additional width and additional capacity.

That's why simply searching for a “bariatric hospital bed” may not be the best way to begin.

Start by determining two things:

• What sleeping-surface width would be comfortable and appropriate?
• What weight capacity does the bed need to support?

Once those requirements are known, it becomes much easier to compare the appropriate beds.

Is a Standard 36-Inch Bed Wide Enough?

Many traditional hospital and long-term-care beds use an approximately 36-inch-wide sleeping surface.

For many users, that is perfectly appropriate.

But someone accustomed to a conventional residential mattress may find a 36-inch sleeping surface relatively narrow, particularly when the bed will be used every night for long-term care.

Before automatically moving to a bariatric bed, determine whether the real requirement is simply additional sleeping width.

Some expandable home care beds allow customers to move beyond the traditional 36-inch width without immediately moving to the largest bariatric designs.

When 39 or 42 Inches May Make Sense

A 39-inch or 42-inch sleeping surface can provide additional room while keeping the bed considerably narrower than some dedicated bariatric beds.

The Drive PrimeCare P903 is particularly useful in this part of the discussion because it bridges the gap between a conventional long-term-care bed and larger bariatric equipment.

For someone who needs additional width, capacity or configuration flexibility, a bed such as the P903 may provide enough additional capability without requiring a much larger bed.

This is also why a 42-inch bed shouldn't automatically be considered the correct choice for every larger user. Width should be selected because the person needs or prefers it—not simply because a wider option exists.

When You Need a True Bariatric Bed

When substantially greater weight capacity and/or additional width are required, a dedicated bariatric bed may be the appropriate solution.

The Drive Prime Plus P750 represents the next step in this progression. It combines a substantially higher weight capacity with an expandable sleeping platform, allowing the bed to accommodate different width requirements.

This type of bed is designed for a different requirement than simply wanting a few extra inches of sleeping room.

When a 48-Inch Sleeping Surface Is the Priority

Some customers know that they specifically want a true 48-inch-wide sleeping surface.

The Gendron GS3648 Bariatric Home Care Bed provides a dedicated wide sleeping platform for customers whose requirements go beyond a conventional 36-, 39- or 42-inch bed.

When considering a bed this wide, however, don't look only at sleeping comfort.

Also consider whether there will be sufficient room around the bed for:

• Caregiver access
• Transfers
• Wheelchairs or mobility equipment
• Bedside furniture
• Door clearance
• Normal movement through the bedroom

A wider bed that fits the user but leaves inadequate space for caregiving or transfers may create a different problem.

When Very High Weight Capacity Is Required

Some situations require substantially greater capacity than standard or moderately expanded home care beds provide.

The Drive P2002 Bariatric Long-Term Care Bed represents this higher-capacity category and is designed for users requiring a much more substantial bariatric solution along with advanced positioning capabilities.

At this level, customers should pay particularly close attention to the entire system—not just the bed frame.

Consider the bed's rated capacity, mattress capacity and dimensions, rails or assist devices, room space, delivery path and any other equipment that will be used with the bed.

Measure the Person—and the Room

Before ordering an extra-wide or bariatric bed, consider:

• User height
• User weight
• Desired sleeping width
• Bed's rated weight capacity
• Mattress dimensions and capacity
• Overall bed width
• Overall bed length
• Doorway widths
• Hallways and turns along the delivery path
• Bedroom dimensions
• Space required for caregivers
• Space required for wheelchair or mobility-equipment transfers

This is particularly important with larger beds because a product may fit comfortably in the bedroom itself but be difficult to move through a doorway, hallway or turn on the way to the room.

Let AQHP Help You Compare Width and Capacity

American Quality Health Products offers home care beds across a broad range of widths and capacities from multiple manufacturers.

If you're uncertain whether you need a standard-width bed, an expandable 39- or 42-inch bed, a dedicated 48-inch bed or a higher-capacity bariatric solution, talk with us before ordering.

We'll help you compare the specifications based on the person's size, desired sleeping space, mobility, caregiving requirements, room dimensions and delivery considerations.

The objective isn't to buy the widest or highest-capacity bed available. It's to buy the bed that appropriately fits both the person and the home.

Do You Want Medical Function Without a Hospital Look?

When a home care bed will be used for months or years, appearance can become much more important than it might be during a short recovery period.

A bed is often the largest piece of furniture in a bedroom. For someone aging at home or living with a long-term mobility limitation, it may become their permanent bed.

That doesn't necessarily mean the bedroom has to look like a hospital room.

Today, several home care beds combine powered height adjustment, positioning and other useful functions with designs intended to fit more naturally into a residential bedroom.

American Quality Health Products offers several approaches from different manufacturers, allowing customers to compare the functions they need without automatically accepting an institutional appearance.

Flexabed Hi-Low SL: Residential Adjustable-Bed Design

The Flexabed Hi-Low SL is a good example of a bed that combines powered height adjustment with the appearance and comfort associated with a premium residential adjustable bed.

For someone who wants hi-low functionality for transfers or caregiver access but doesn't require the appearance of a traditional hospital bed, Flexabed deserves consideration.

Depending on configuration, customers can also choose from comfort and convenience options that make the bed feel more like a long-term bedroom purchase than temporary medical equipment.

Transfer Master Supernal: Home-Care Function in a Residential Setting

The Transfer Master Supernal Hi-Low Bed is another approach to combining home-care functionality with a bed designed for long-term use in the home.

Its powered height adjustment can help address transfers and caregiver access while its overall design is intended to fit more naturally into a residential environment.

Someone comparing Supernal with Flexabed shouldn't simply ask which bed is “better.”

Compare the actual height range, available sizes, positioning, mattress choices, accessories and the particular functions the person needs.

Transfer Master Valiant: When Advanced Positioning Matters

The Transfer Master Valiant Full Electric Bed moves farther toward advanced positioning while remaining intended for home use.

This may be particularly relevant when the customer wants more sophisticated powered positioning than a conventional residential adjustable bed provides.

The important distinction is that residential appearance and advanced functionality aren't mutually exclusive.

A customer doesn't necessarily have to choose between a bedroom-friendly bed and sophisticated positioning.

Golden Passport Hi-Low: Another Premium Hi-Low Approach

The Golden Passport Hi-Low Adjustable Bed provides another residential-style option for customers who want powered height adjustment and adjustable positioning.

Its presence in the comparison is important because it reinforces a key point:

There isn't one single design for a premium home-care bed.

Different manufacturers make different decisions about height range, adjustability, appearance, controls, available sizes and other features.

Dawn House: Aging-in-Place and Wellness Technology

The Dawn House Adjustable Bed approaches the category somewhat differently.

Rather than looking primarily like medical equipment, it is designed around residential comfort, adjustability and technology intended for long-term use in the home.

For someone planning to age at home who values both appearance and technology, this type of bed may deserve consideration alongside more traditional hi-low and home-care designs.

Which Residential-Style Home Care Bed Should You Choose?

Don't begin with appearance alone.

Ask:

• Does the person need the entire bed to raise and lower?
• What minimum and maximum height are required?
• Does the person need advanced positioning?
• Will a caregiver regularly provide assistance?
• Is help getting into or out of bed required?
• What mattress size and sleeping width are preferred?
• Are comfort features such as massage important?
• Would technology such as voice control be useful?
• How important is matching the existing bedroom environment?
• What is the available room size?
• What is the budget?

A beautiful bed that doesn't provide the necessary function is the wrong bed.

But a highly functional bed that provides substantially more medical capability than the person needs may also be unnecessary.

The goal is to find the right balance of function, comfort, appearance and price for the person who will actually use the bed.

The Advantage of Comparing More Than One Manufacturer

This is one of the areas where buying from American Quality Health Products can be particularly helpful.

A manufacturer naturally specializes in its own products.

AQHP offers beds from multiple manufacturers, allowing customers to compare different approaches to hi-low adjustment, positioning, residential design, technology, mattress choices and price.

If you're deciding among several premium home-care beds, tell us what matters most to the person using the bed.

We can help narrow the choices before you order.

 

Why Does One Home Care Bed Cost $1,500 and Another $8,000?

At first glance, two home care beds may appear to do essentially the same thing.

Both may raise the head and feet. Both may be described as full electric. Both may be intended for home use.

Yet one bed may cost around $1,500 while another costs several thousand dollars more.

The difference is usually not one feature. It is a combination of height adjustment, positioning capabilities, construction, mobility assistance, width and capacity, comfort, technology, appearance and customization.

Understanding those differences can help you decide which features are worth paying for—and which ones you may not need.

Powered Height Adjustment

One of the first differences is whether the entire sleeping platform raises and lowers electrically.

A basic adjustable bed may raise the head and feet while the overall sleeping height remains relatively fixed.

A powered hi-low bed can raise or lower the entire platform, which may be valuable for transfers, caregiver access and long-term home care.

The actual height range matters too. A bed that lowers substantially closer to the floor and then raises to a practical caregiver working height requires a different design than a bed with a relatively limited height range.

Advanced Positioning

Some customers only need head and foot adjustment.

Others may benefit from additional positioning capabilities offered by certain full-electric long-term-care beds.

More sophisticated beds can offer additional powered functions and positioning options beyond those of a conventional adjustable base.

But more functions aren't automatically better.

If the person doesn't need a particular positioning capability, there may be little reason to pay for it.

Mobility-Assistance Technology

This can create one of the largest differences in price.

A conventional full-electric bed primarily changes the position of the sleeping surface.

A Sit-to-Stand bed is designed to help address the process of moving from lying or sitting toward standing.

A rotating/easy-exit bed approaches mobility differently by helping reposition the person toward the side of the bed for entry or exit.

These mechanisms add complexity and cost, but for someone whose primary difficulty is getting into or out of bed, that technology may be much more important than simply buying a conventional bed with additional adjustments.

Ultra-Low and Floor-Level Design

Designing a powered bed to operate very close to the floor while still raising to a useful height can add engineering complexity.

This is one reason ultra-low and floor-level beds may cost more than basic full-electric beds.

Again, the lowest bed isn't automatically the best bed.

The value exists when that additional height range addresses an actual need.

Width and Weight Capacity

Larger sleeping platforms and higher-capacity frames generally require more substantial construction.

An expandable bed capable of moving from a standard width to wider configurations is also mechanically different from a fixed 36-inch bed.

For someone who needs the additional width or capacity, that construction has real value.

For someone who doesn't, paying for substantially more bed than necessary may not make sense.

Residential Appearance and Construction

Some premium home-care beds are designed to provide medical or caregiving functionality while fitting more naturally into a residential bedroom.

Materials, finishes, upholstered components, headboards, footboards and other design elements can affect price.

For a bed that will be used for many years in a primary bedroom, appearance may be an important part of the purchase decision.

For short-term use, it may be much less important.

Comfort and Technology Features

Depending on the bed, additional features may include:

• Massage
• Voice control
• Under-bed lighting
• USB charging
• Wireless or advanced controls
• Wellness or monitoring technology
• Specialized mattress options
• Additional positioning functions

Not every customer needs these features.

The important question is whether they will meaningfully improve the person's comfort, independence or everyday use of the bed.

Mattress, Accessories and Delivery Can Affect the Final Price

When comparing prices, make sure you're comparing the complete configuration, not simply the advertised starting price of the bed frame.

Depending on the product, the final purchase may also include:

• Mattress
• Rails or assist devices
• Headboard or footboard options
• Width or length upgrades
• Specialized controls or accessories
• Delivery upgrades
• White Glove setup
• Protection-plan options

Two beds with similar starting prices can therefore have considerably different final prices once configured for the person who will actually use them.

The Most Expensive Bed Isn't Automatically the Best Bed

A $7,000 or $8,000 bed isn't automatically better for a particular person than a $2,000 or $3,000 bed.

Likewise, the least expensive bed isn't necessarily the best value simply because it costs less.

The better question is:

“Which features will this person actually use, and which problems does the bed need to solve?”

If a less expensive full-electric bed provides everything the person needs, spending thousands more may accomplish very little.

But if the person needs powered height adjustment, advanced positioning, an extremely low sleeping position, greater width or capacity, Sit-to-Stand assistance, rotating technology or another specialized feature, choosing a basic bed solely because it costs less may leave the original problem unresolved.

The least expensive bed isn't necessarily the best value if it doesn't solve the problem that caused you to need a home care bed in the first place.

Let AQHP Help You Compare Value, Not Just Price

American Quality Health Products offers home care beds across a wide range of prices and from multiple manufacturers.

That allows us to help customers compare what they receive for the additional cost rather than automatically recommending either the least expensive or most expensive option.

Tell us what the person needs the bed to do, which features matter, the available room, preferred appearance and budget.

We can help you narrow the choices to beds whose features justify their cost for your particular situation.

 

Don't Choose the Bed Without Considering the Mattress

When comparing home care beds, it's easy to focus entirely on the bed frame, motors and positioning features.

But the mattress is an equally important part of the overall bed system.

A mattress affects comfort, sleeping height, ease of getting into and out of bed, compatibility with the bed's movement and the overall experience of using the bed every day.

Mattress Compatibility Matters

Not every mattress is appropriate for every adjustable or home care bed.

The mattress must be compatible with the bed's articulation and properly sized for the sleeping platform.

This becomes especially important with specialized beds such as:

• Ultra-low beds
• Sit-to-Stand beds
• Rotating/easy-exit beds
• Expandable-width beds
• Bariatric beds
• Beds with advanced positioning

Always confirm mattress compatibility with the particular bed and configuration being purchased.

Mattress Thickness Changes the Actual Sleeping Height

This is easy to overlook.

The published minimum height of a bed may refer to the height of the bed deck, not the top of the mattress.

For example, adding a thicker mattress increases the actual height at which the person sleeps, sits at the edge of the bed and begins a transfer.

If bed-entry or transfer height is important, consider:

• Bed deck height
• Mattress thickness
• Actual top-of-mattress height
• Wheelchair or transfer-surface height
• The person's height and mobility

Those measurements together are more useful than looking only at the manufacturer's minimum bed-height specification.

Comfort and Support Requirements Differ

The right mattress also depends on the person.

Consider body weight, preferred firmness, sleeping habits, time spent in bed and any specific mattress recommendations provided by the person's healthcare professional or care team.

Some customers may be comfortable with a conventional compatible foam mattress, while others may need a more specialized mattress system.

The important point is to make the bed and mattress decision together, particularly when the person will spend substantial amounts of time in bed.

Wider and Bariatric Beds Need the Correct Mattress Too

If you're purchasing a 39-, 42- or 48-inch bed, or a higher-capacity bariatric bed, make sure the mattress matches both the bed dimensions and the required capacity.

A higher-capacity bed frame does not automatically make the entire sleeping system appropriate for the same weight.

Check the specifications for both the bed and mattress.

Ask Before You Order

If you're uncertain which mattress is appropriate for a particular home care bed, American Quality Health Products can help you review the compatible options before ordering.

This is especially important when bed height, transfers, width, capacity or specialized bed movement are major considerations.

Think of the bed frame and mattress as one system—not two unrelated purchases.

 

Standard Delivery vs. White Glove Setup

Home care beds can be large, heavy and more complicated to assemble than ordinary bedroom furniture.

Before ordering, it's important to understand how the particular bed will be delivered, where the carrier will leave it and who will be responsible for getting it into the home and setting it up.

Delivery methods vary by product, manufacturer and location, so customers should review the delivery information for the specific bed they are considering.

When Standard Delivery May Be Enough

Standard delivery can be a good choice when capable family members, friends or other helpers are available to receive, move and assemble the bed.

Depending on the particular product, beds may arrive in multiple cartons or components and may require assembly before use.

Before choosing standard delivery, consider:

• Who will receive the shipment?
• Who will move the bed or components into the home?
• Are stairs involved?
• Are doorways and hallways wide enough?
• Who will assemble the bed?
• Who will install the mattress, rails or accessories?
• Who will make sure the powered functions are operating properly?

If you're comfortable handling those steps, standard delivery may be all you need.

When White Glove Delivery May Be Worth It

For many customers purchasing a large or sophisticated home care bed, White Glove Delivery can make the process considerably easier.

Where White Glove service is available for the particular product and location, the service can include bringing the bed into the home, placing it in the desired room, completing applicable setup or assembly, checking its operation and removing the packaging materials.

This can be especially valuable when:

• The person purchasing the bed lives somewhere other than the person receiving it.
• Family members aren't physically able to move or assemble heavy equipment.
• The bed is large, heavy or complicated.
• The bedroom isn't close to the home's entrance.
• The customer wants the bed ready for use rather than dealing with assembly.
• Packaging removal would otherwise be difficult.

Plan the Delivery Route Before the Bed Arrives

Whether you choose standard or White Glove delivery, measure the route to the bedroom before ordering.

Check:

• Exterior entrance
• Doorway widths
• Hallway widths
• Tight turns
• Stairways
• Elevator dimensions, if applicable
• Bedroom doorway
• Available space around the final bed location

For extra-wide and bariatric beds, this becomes particularly important.

A bed may fit perfectly once assembled in the bedroom but still present challenges along the route used to get it there.

Don't Assume Every Bed Has the Same Delivery Options

Delivery options can differ among manufacturers, products and destinations.

White Glove service may be available for many beds, but customers should confirm availability and the exact service provided for the particular product before ordering.

If delivery or setup is an important part of your decision, contact American Quality Health Products before placing the order.

We can help you understand the available delivery options for the bed you're considering.

Which Delivery Option Should You Choose?

There is no reason to pay for additional setup service if you don't need it.

But there is also little benefit in saving money on delivery if the bed arrives and no one is available to safely move, assemble or set it up.

Ask yourself:

“Who is going to take this bed from delivery to ready-to-use?”

If you have a good answer, standard delivery may be appropriate.

If you don't, White Glove service may be worth considering.

The best delivery choice is the one that gets the correct bed into the correct room and ready for the person who needs it.

 

Understand the Warranty Before You Buy

A home care bed can be a significant long-term purchase, so warranty coverage deserves attention before you order.

Different manufacturers and models can have different warranty terms. Coverage may also vary among the bed frame, electrical components, motors and other parts.

Don't assume that two similarly priced beds provide identical warranty coverage.

Start With the Manufacturer's Warranty

The manufacturer's warranty is the coverage provided by the company that made the bed.

Before purchasing, consider:

• How long is the bed frame covered?
• How long are electrical components covered?
• How long are motors or actuators covered?
• Are different components covered for different periods?
• What does the warranty exclude?
• How is warranty service handled?

The answers can vary considerably from one manufacturer and model to another.

When comparing two beds that otherwise seem similar, warranty coverage can therefore be another useful point of comparison.

Manufacturer Warranty and Extended Protection Are Different

A manufacturer's warranty and an extended protection plan are not the same thing.

The manufacturer's warranty is provided by the bed manufacturer and is subject to that manufacturer's terms and limitations.

For eligible products, American Quality Health Products may also offer optional extended parts-and-labor protection administered by CPS.

Depending on the eligible product, protection-plan options may be available for different periods, such as two, three or five years.

Before purchasing an optional plan, review exactly what is covered, when the coverage begins, the length of coverage and any exclusions or limitations.

Do You Need an Extended Protection Plan?

Not everyone will want additional protection.

Consider factors such as:

• The price of the bed
• How long you expect to use it
• The complexity of the bed
• The number of powered functions
• The manufacturer's original warranty
• The cost of the protection plan
• Your preference for additional parts-and-labor protection

For an inexpensive product that will only be used temporarily, additional coverage may be less important.

For a sophisticated bed expected to remain in use for many years, some customers may place greater value on additional protection.

There isn't one correct answer for everyone.

Compare the Complete Ownership Picture

Purchase price is important, but it isn't the only consideration when buying equipment intended for long-term use.

Also think about:

• Manufacturer warranty
• Optional protection coverage
• Expected length of ownership
• Availability of replacement components
• Mattress and accessory requirements
• Delivery and setup
• The complexity of the equipment

Understanding these issues before purchasing can help you compare beds based on long-term ownership, not simply the price displayed on the product page.

Ask AQHP Before You Order

If warranty or optional protection coverage is important to your decision, American Quality Health Products can help you review the information available for the particular bed you're considering.

Because warranty terms and protection-plan availability can differ by product, it's better to confirm the details for the actual bed rather than assume the coverage is the same across manufacturers.

Know what is covered, who provides the coverage and how long it lasts before you purchase.

 

Measure Before You Order

A home care bed can fit the person perfectly and still be the wrong choice if it doesn't fit the room or can't be delivered to its intended location.

Before ordering, measure both the person and the home.

This becomes particularly important with extra-wide, bariatric and longer beds, but even a standard-width home care bed may require more room than expected once rails, accessories and caregiver working space are considered.

Measure for the Person

Start with the person who will actually use the bed.

Consider:

• Height
• Weight
• Preferred sleeping width
• Current bed or mattress size
• Ability to get into and out of bed
• Sitting and transfer height
• Wheelchair height, if applicable
• Need for caregiver assistance
• Need for additional positioning

These measurements and requirements help determine the appropriate bed length, width, capacity and height range.

Check the Bed's Actual Dimensions

Don't rely only on the advertised mattress size.

A bed with a 36-inch sleeping surface may have a greater overall width because of the frame, rails, controls or other components.

Check:

• Sleeping-surface width
• Overall bed width
• Sleeping-surface length
• Overall bed length
• Minimum deck height
• Maximum deck height
• Mattress thickness
• Overall sleeping height with the mattress installed
• Weight capacity

Also remember that some expandable beds can be configured at several different widths or lengths. Make sure you're looking at the dimensions for the configuration you actually plan to use.

Measure the Delivery Route

Now measure how the bed will reach the bedroom.

Check:

• Exterior doorway
• Interior doorways
• Hallway widths
• Tight corners
• Stairways
• Elevator dimensions, if applicable
• Bedroom doorway
• Any unusually narrow or difficult areas along the route

This is particularly important with large bed components and bariatric equipment.

Don't assume that because a bed will fit in the bedroom it will automatically fit through every part of the home required to get it there.

Measure the Bedroom—Not Just the Bed

Once the bed is in the room, there needs to be enough usable space around it.

Consider room for:

• Caregiver access
• Wheelchair transfers
• Walkers or other mobility equipment
• Bedside tables
• Lift equipment, if used
• Rails and accessories
• Opening doors and closets
• Normal movement around the room

A wider bed may provide greater sleeping comfort but reduce the working space available to caregivers or mobility equipment.

This is another reason why the widest bed isn't automatically the best bed.

Think About the Bed at Different Heights and Positions

Remember that an adjustable bed doesn't remain in one position.

The head and foot sections may articulate, the entire bed may rise or lower, and some specialized beds may rotate or change configuration.

Make sure the room provides enough clearance for the bed to perform the functions you intend to use.

This is particularly important around walls, windows, furniture and other equipment.

When in Doubt, Measure Again

A few minutes spent checking dimensions before ordering can prevent significant problems later.

If you're uncertain whether a particular bed will fit the person, room or delivery route, contact American Quality Health Products before placing the order.

Have your measurements available when you call. We can help you compare them with the published dimensions and specifications of the beds you're considering.

The right home care bed has to fit two things: the person and the home.

 

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home Care Bed

Before comparing individual models, answer these questions about the person who will use the bed and the home where it will be installed.

1. Can the Person Get Into and Out of Bed Independently?

If getting into bed, sitting up, turning, bringing the legs over the side or standing is difficult, consider whether a conventional adjustable bed is enough or whether Sit-to-Stand or rotating/easy-exit technology may be more appropriate.

2. Will a Caregiver Regularly Assist the Person?

If a caregiver frequently helps with positioning, dressing, transfers or other activities at the bedside, powered hi-low adjustment may make it easier to position the bed at a practical working height.

3. How Low Does the Bed Need to Go?

Don't assume that every bed described as “low” or “hi-low” reaches the same minimum height.

Compare the actual specifications and consider the mattress thickness as well as the deck height.

4. What Height Is Best for Transfers?

The lowest possible position isn't necessarily the ideal transfer height.

Consider how the person transfers, whether they stand, use a wheelchair or receive assistance, and whether powered height adjustment would be useful.

5. What Sleeping Width Is Appropriate?

A traditional hospital bed is commonly around 36 inches wide, but some users prefer or require additional sleeping room.

Determine whether the person needs a standard-width bed, an expandable 39- or 42-inch configuration, a 48-inch bed or another size.

6. What Weight Capacity Is Required?

Choose capacity based on the actual requirements of the user and the complete bed system.

Remember that bed width and weight capacity are separate considerations.

7. What Positioning Functions Will Actually Be Used?

Head and foot adjustment may be sufficient for some people.

Others may benefit from powered height adjustment or more advanced positioning.

Don't pay for functions simply because they're available. Pay for functions that address the person's actual needs.

8. Is Residential Appearance Important?

If the bed will remain in a primary bedroom for years, appearance may matter considerably.

Premium residential-style home care beds can provide sophisticated adjustability while fitting more naturally into a home environment.

9. Who Will Deliver and Set Up the Bed?

Determine whether family or other helpers can handle the delivery and setup requirements or whether White Glove service should be considered when available.

Don't wait until the bed arrives to answer this question.

10. What Warranty and Protection Are Available?

Review the manufacturer's warranty for the particular bed and determine whether optional extended protection is available and appropriate.

Understand who provides the coverage, what is covered and how long the coverage lasts.

One Final Question: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve?

This may be the most important question of all.

It's easy to become distracted by motors, specifications, accessories and brand names.

Bring the decision back to the person.

• Are you trying to make standing easier?
• Improve wheelchair transfers?
• Give a caregiver better access?
• Achieve a lower sleeping position?
• Provide more sleeping room?
• Accommodate greater weight capacity?
• Provide more sophisticated positioning?
• Create a long-term bedroom that doesn't look institutional?

Once the primary problems are clearly identified, choosing among the available bed technologies becomes much easier.

Start with the person. Identify the problems the bed needs to solve. Then compare the beds that solve those problems.

 

Why Buy a Home Care Bed From American Quality Health Products?

Choosing the right bed is only part of the decision. When purchasing expensive home medical equipment, it's also important to consider who you're buying it from.

American Quality Health Products has been helping customers purchase home medical and mobility equipment since 2001.

Over that time, our goal has remained straightforward: offer customers a broad selection of quality products at competitive prices while providing knowledgeable assistance to help them make an informed choice.

When you're purchasing a home care bed that may cost several thousand dollars and remain in the home for many years, experience, product selection and help before the sale can matter.

Established Since 2001

American Quality Health Products has been in business since 2001.

That history is particularly meaningful when purchasing specialized equipment online. Home care beds aren't ordinary consumer products, and customers often have questions about sizing, functionality, mattresses, delivery, setup and product differences before ordering.

AQHP's longevity gives customers the opportunity to purchase from an established company with decades of experience selling home medical and mobility products.

Compare Beds From Multiple Manufacturers

One of AQHP's most important advantages is choice.

We aren't limited to one manufacturer's bed line.

AQHP offers home care beds from multiple manufacturers and across different technologies, including full-electric, hi-low, ultra-low, floor-level, Sit-to-Stand, rotating/easy-exit, residential-style, extra-wide and bariatric beds.

That means the conversation can begin with:

“What does the person need?”

rather than:

“Which model from this one manufacturer should you buy?”

Different manufacturers solve home-care problems differently. Being able to compare those approaches can be particularly valuable when the right bed isn't obvious.

Knowledgeable Help Before You Order

Home care beds can be complicated purchases.

Two beds that appear similar online may differ significantly in height range, width, capacity, positioning, mattress compatibility, accessories and delivery requirements.

American Quality Health Products can help customers compare these differences before ordering.

If you're uncertain, call us and tell us about the person who will use the bed, including their mobility, transfer needs, size, caregiving requirements, room dimensions and the functions you're trying to achieve.

Our objective is to help narrow the choices to beds that make sense for the situation.

Specialized Solutions, Not Just Basic Hospital Beds

AQHP's bed selection extends well beyond conventional hospital beds.

Customers can compare solutions for:

• Long-term home care
• Caregiver access
• Difficulty standing
• Difficulty turning and exiting bed
• Very low sleeping positions
• Premium residential bedrooms
• Additional sleeping width
• Higher weight capacities
• Advanced positioning

This breadth is particularly important when a conventional hospital bed doesn't address the primary problem.

Delivery Options for Different Situations

Depending on the particular product and destination, customers may have different delivery choices.

For some customers, standard delivery is appropriate.

For others—particularly when family members aren't available to move or assemble a large bed—White Glove service may be worth considering when available.

AQHP can help customers understand the available delivery options for the bed they are considering before ordering.

Manufacturer Warranties and Optional Protection

Home care beds from different manufacturers can have different warranty terms.

AQHP can help customers identify the manufacturer's warranty applicable to the bed they are considering.

Optional extended parts-and-labor protection may also be available on eligible products for customers who want additional coverage.

As we discussed earlier in this guide, these are different forms of coverage and should be evaluated separately.

An Established Independent Reputation

When purchasing expensive equipment online, it's reasonable to research the company as carefully as the product.

American Quality Health Products has developed an independent customer reputation over many years in business.

Rather than asking customers simply to take our word for it, we encourage you to research AQHP, read independent customer feedback and compare our reputation before making your purchase.

A home care bed can be an important and substantial purchase. You should feel comfortable with both the bed and the company you're buying it from.

Our Approach: Start With the Person

Throughout this guide, you've seen the same idea repeatedly:

Start with the person. Then choose the bed.

That's also how we believe customers should approach buying from AQHP.

Identify the person's mobility, caregiving, positioning, comfort, size and home-environment needs first.

Then compare the technologies, manufacturers and individual beds that may address those needs.

Our goal isn't simply to help you buy a home care bed. It's to help you choose the right type of bed for the person who will actually use it.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Care Beds

What Is the Best Hospital Bed for Home Use?

There is no single best hospital bed for every home user. The right bed depends on the person's mobility, ability to get into and out of bed, caregiver needs, desired bed height, positioning requirements, sleeping width, weight capacity and budget.

For some people, a conventional full-electric bed is appropriate. Others may benefit from a hi-low, ultra-low, Sit-to-Stand, rotating/easy-exit, residential-style or bariatric bed.

Start with the person's needs rather than the brand name.

What Is the Difference Between a Home Care Bed and a Hospital Bed?

The terms overlap and are sometimes used interchangeably.

A traditional hospital-style bed generally emphasizes medical functionality, adjustability and caregiver access. The broader term home care bed can also include residential-style hi-low beds, ultra-low beds, mobility-assistance beds and other specialized designs intended for use in the home.

The important consideration isn't what the bed is called, but whether its functions match the person's needs.

What Is a Hi-Low Bed?

A hi-low bed allows the entire sleeping platform to be raised and lowered electrically.

This is different from an adjustable bed that raises only the head and foot sections while the overall bed height remains relatively fixed.

Powered height adjustment can be useful for transfers and for positioning the person at a more practical working height when a caregiver provides assistance.

What Type of Bed Can Help Someone Who Has Trouble Getting Out of Bed?

It depends on what part of getting out of bed is difficult.

Someone who primarily has difficulty standing may benefit from considering a Sit-to-Stand bed.

Someone who has difficulty turning and bringing their legs toward the side of the bed may want to compare rotating/easy-exit beds.

For others, powered hi-low adjustment may provide the height needed for a more practical transfer.

The specific mobility problem should determine which technology you investigate.

How Low Should a Home Care Bed Go?

There is no ideal minimum height for everyone.

Consider the person's height, mobility, how they enter and exit the bed, transfer method, caregiver needs and mattress thickness.

Also determine whether a manufacturer's published minimum height refers to the bed deck or the top of the mattress.

The useful measurement is the actual sleeping and transfer height for the person using the bed.

What Width Hospital Bed Should I Buy?

A traditional hospital bed commonly uses an approximately 36-inch-wide sleeping surface, but wider options are available.

Some beds expand to approximately 39 or 42 inches, while dedicated extra-wide and bariatric beds may provide 48 inches or more.

Choose width based on the person's size, sleeping-space requirements, transfer needs and available room—not simply because a wider bed is available.

What Is the Difference Between an Extra-Wide and Bariatric Hospital Bed?

An extra-wide bed provides additional sleeping width. A bariatric bed is engineered for greater weight capacity and may also provide a wider sleeping surface.

The two terms therefore aren't necessarily interchangeable.

A person may want additional sleeping width without requiring extremely high weight capacity, while another person may require both.

Determine the required width and weight capacity separately.

Do I Need White Glove Delivery for a Home Care Bed?

Not necessarily.

If capable family members or other helpers can receive, move and assemble the particular bed, standard delivery may be appropriate.

White Glove service may be worth considering when available if the bed is large or complicated, the recipient doesn't have help available, or the customer wants assistance getting the bed into the desired room and set up.

Confirm the delivery options available for the particular bed before ordering.

Where Can I Get Help Choosing a Home Care Bed?

American Quality Health Products can help you compare home care beds from multiple manufacturers based on the person's mobility, transfers, caregiver needs, desired height, width, capacity, positioning, room requirements and budget.

If you're uncertain which type of bed to consider, contact AQHP before ordering. Explaining what the person needs help doing is often the best place to start.

 

Start With the Person. Then Choose the Bed.

Choosing a home care bed can seem complicated because beds that look similar may solve very different problems.

One person may need help standing. Another may need an ultra-low sleeping position. A caregiver may need powered height adjustment. Another user may need additional width or weight capacity. And someone planning for years of home use may want advanced functionality without turning the bedroom into a hospital room.

That's why American Quality Health Products recommends beginning with one question:

What does the person using the bed actually need help doing?

Once you answer that question, it becomes much easier to determine which bed technology, features and specifications deserve your attention.

We're Here to Help You Compare the Options

American Quality Health Products has been helping customers select home medical and mobility equipment since 2001.

Because we offer home care beds from multiple manufacturers, we can help you compare different approaches rather than limiting the conversation to one manufacturer's product line.

If you're uncertain which bed is appropriate, call us before you order.

Tell us about the person's:

• Mobility
• Ability to get into and out of bed
• Transfer needs
• Caregiver assistance
• Desired bed height
• Positioning needs
• Preferred sleeping width
• Weight and required capacity
• Room dimensions
• Delivery and setup needs
• Budget

We'll help you narrow the choices and compare the beds that best match those requirements.

Shop Home Care Beds or Talk With AQHP

Explore American Quality Health Products' selection of home care and hospital beds, including full-electric, hi-low, ultra-low, Sit-to-Stand, rotating/easy-exit, residential-style, extra-wide and bariatric options.

Or call American Quality Health Products at:

1-855-563-9900

Our knowledgeable staff can help you compare your options before you purchase.

Start with the person. Identify what the bed needs to accomplish. Then choose the bed that best fits those needs.