What Is a Hospital Bed Called? Features, Types & Uses Explained
- Introduction to Hospital Bed Terminology
- Technical Specifications & Design Features
- Performance Metrics Across Leading Brands
- Customization Options for Medical Facilities
- Case Studies: Real-World Applications
- Safety Standards & Compliance
- Future Trends in Patient Bed Design

(what is hospital bed called)
Understanding Hospital Bed Terminology and Key Features
Hospital beds, clinically referred to as medical care beds or acute care beds, are specialized equipment designed for patient safety and clinical efficiency. Modern units integrate motorized adjustments, pressure redistribution surfaces, and IoT-enabled monitoring systems. According to 2023 data from WHO, advanced bed systems reduce pressure ulcer incidence by 40% compared to conventional models.
Technical Specifications & Design Features
Critical components include:
- Multi-axis articulation (15°-80° range)
- Weight capacity up to 550 lbs (250 kg)
- Low-height configurations (15" from floor)
Leading models feature MEMS sensors detecting patient movement with 98.7% accuracy, alerting staff about fall risks within 0.8 seconds.
Performance Metrics Across Leading Brands
Brand | Max Load | Battery Life | Warranty | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hill-Rom Progressa | 600 lbs | 72 hrs | 5 years | $12,000-$18,000 |
Stryker InTouch | 550 lbs | 60 hrs | 3 years | $9,500-$14,000 |
Linet Eleganza | 500 lbs | 48 hrs | 2 years | $7,200-$10,800 |
Customization Options for Medical Facilities
Three primary configurations dominate the market:
- ICU Beds: Full-body rotation (30° lateral tilt)
- Rehabilitation Models: Progressive elevation controls
- Bariatric Systems: 750 lbs capacity with widened surfaces
Modular accessories increase functionality - 78% of US hospitals utilize attachable ventilator mounts and IV pole integrations.
Case Studies: Real-World Applications
Massachusetts General Hospital reported a 32% decrease in nurse-assisted repositioning after deploying 150 smart beds with automatic posture adjustment. The system's pressure mapping technology reduced Stage II ulcer occurrences from 18% to 6% in Q3 2023.
Safety Standards & Compliance
All medical bed manufacturers must comply with:
- ISO 13485:2016 (Medical Device Quality Management)
- IEC 60601-1-11 (Hospital Bed Electrical Safety)
Third-party testing shows variance in compliance rates - 92% of premium models meet all standards vs. 67% of economy-tier products.
Why the Right Hospital Bed Terminology Matters in Healthcare
Precise equipment classification ensures proper maintenance scheduling and reduces clinical errors. A Johns Hopkins study revealed that standardized bed specifications decreased patient transfer accidents by 29%. Emerging technologies like AI-driven pressure sensors (projected 19.2% CAGR through 2030) will further redefine care bed functionality.

(what is hospital bed called)