Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose basic adjustable electric beds to save money

If the adjustable bed is for just one person, you can save money and space by choosing twin sized electric adjustable beds. If you want to save even more money, choose used adjustable beds that can come from hospitals and other sources. A new adjustable bed can cost $1,100 to $1,500 for a twin; the same model used goes for about $400 to $800.

I recommend: MEDmarketplace.com offers many styles of used and refurbished electric hospital beds. You can buy new models from 4-Bed.com, including beds from its economy collection.

Buy an adjustable bed mattress that provides comfort and support

Many adjustable beds are used in health or home care situations, so accessibility is often the highest priority. But when you shop for an adjustable bed mattress, comfort is a big issue as well. A comfortable mattress can help keep the patient relaxed, which leads to quicker healing. Mattresses cost $1,200 to $3,200, depending on the size of the mattress and the material it's made from.

I recommend: AstraBeds.com outlines the health benefits of the adjustable functions of electric hospital beds. You can also read about the benefits of adjustable beds from Knee & Joint Soft Supports for healthy individuals who are not bedridden. Sleep Comfort and Bedroom Shop provide information on which types of mattresses are right for different situations.

Find custom features on wholesale adjustable beds

If you are looking at adjustable beds for specific features, you can find many extras that allow for greater comfort and mobility. Most adjustable beds offer remotes, but you can choose to upgrade to wireless remotes. You may also consider other extras, such as pulsing massage and memory foam mattresses. Adjustable beds with these types of features can cost upwards of $4,000 or more.

I recommend: The S-cape adjustable bed model from Selectabed not only has four adjustable positions, it also provides a pulsing massage system for better muscle relaxation. AbsoluteComfortOnSale.com provides information of why adjustable beds are better than traditional beds and how to choose the right features for you.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many adjustable bed companies provide videos and reading material for those considering an adjustable bed. These materials can help you choose the right type of bed for your needs.

Guide to Adjustable Beds

Get quality adjustable beds and mattresses at wholesale prices for hospital or home

By Patti Richards, Free Lance Writer, PGWRites Communications

1. Offer the best in overall comfort to your patients.
2. Save your facility money with adjustable beds that will last.
3. Establish your facility as a place where patient needs come first.
4. Make long term care more affordable for chronically ill or hospice patients.

Action Steps
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Attend medical trade shows to sample the latest in adjustable hospital beds

Trying out as many adjustable bed mattresses and styles as you can is the only way to know what you're getting for your money. Not all hospital beds live up to their claims, so spending a day getting to know the product is the best way to provide your patients with quality.

I recommend: MD Expo and DRE are major industry trade shows. MD Expo is a medical equipment sales and service show that brings buyers, suppliers, manufacturers and owners of medical equipment together. The show features equipment, service and parts for the latest in adjustable hospital beds. DRE is a supplier of medical equipment that also offers information on medical trade shows.

Research electric hospital beds for information on quality, longevity and value

When purchasing medical equipment, you want to be sure you're getting what you pay for. Well constructed adjustable bed frames and adjustable bed mattresses ensure proper function for years to come. Every medical equipment purchase is an investment in your overall customer service, so it's well worth the effort required to do your homework.

I recommend: BedUtopia.com and AdjustableBeds.com have information about what makes a quality adjustable bed, materials used and lists of industry trusted manufacturers.

Use only well known and well respected brands purchased at wholesale prices

Using the best even at wholesale prices gives you advertising power for your hospital, nursing home, hospice care center or home health equipment supply company. During times of crisis, patients want to know they're getting the best for their health care dollar.

I recommend: 1stSeniorCare.com and GoldenRest are reputable suppliers of hospital beds. They specialize in both hospital supply and home care equipment. 1stSeniorCare.com is a full service supplier of high quality electronic beds and carries many trusted brands. GoldenRest is a highly respected brand in adjustable hospital beds.

Look for previously owned and wholesale hospital beds

Getting the best product at the best price might mean going for pre-owned adjustable hospital beds. Beds used for short periods still have years of quality service left in them. Look for wholesale adjustable bed suppliers that offer reduced rates for large purchases, free shipping, setup and good service plans.

I recommend: EMattress.com is a wholesale supplier of adjustable hospital beds. EMattress.com offers great customer service as well as free home trials and comprehensive warranty protection on all their products. Piedmont Medical sells refurbished hospital beds and has a great reputation for delivering high quality reconditioned adjustable beds at bargain prices.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Never purchase used mattresses to save money. Insist that your used adjustable beds come with new, high quality mattresses.

Guide to Adjustable Beds Education and Training

Learn the details about adjustable beds to purchase and maintain the assistive beds you buy

By Kristan Hart

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Educate yourself on the adjustable bed options

Once you decide to invest in electric beds for your business, it's important to make the right purchase. Depending on your clientele, there are various adjustable beds you might want to consider. Educate yourself on the options available so you know you make the best investment possible for your business.

I recommend: For assistance finding the right adjustable beds for your business, use the buyers' guides from Healthy Foundations and the Adjustable-Bed website.

Understand how to use and maintain your adjustable bed

An adjustable bed is an investment; you can expect to pay more for assistive beds than you would a regular mattress and box spring. That makes maintenance even more important because it ensures your adjustable beds will last. Consider educational information that will help you use, maintain and even troubleshoot your adjustable bed.

I recommend: The Association of Contour Adjustable Bed Distributors offers Use & Care Tips as well as Troubleshooting Tips. You can also visit the Leggett & Platt website for a Troubleshooting file you can download to your computer.

Learn the benefits of electric hospital beds

If you still can't decide if adjustable beds are the right investment for you, consider their benefits. Adjustable beds tout health benefits for people with a variety of ailments, from back problems to asthma. Education about the benefits of electric beds will help you make the right decision.

I recommend: You can find out about the numerous health benefits of assistive beds online. Check out the Memory Foam Buyers Guide, My Adjustable Beds and the AbsoluteComfortOnSale.com for details. Spine-health talks about the benefits for people who suffer from back pain.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even though it's a way to save money, you shouldn't purchase a used adjustable bed mattress for use with adjustable bed frames. Adjustable bed frames use very specific types of mattresses, which gives the customer optimum functioning. Using those frames with a different mattress could wear out the frame more quickly, or it could make your adjustable bed not work at all.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Adjustable bed

An adjustable bed is one which allows users to raise or lower the head and/or the foot of the bed via electronic or mechanical controls. The two primary components of an adjustable bed are its base and mattress. Adjustable beds are sometimes referred to as hospital beds or electric beds.

I recommend: Gain a better understanding of adjustable beds and the different types by reading the report at bedutopia.com. It covers coil spring, memory foam and Latex foam mattresses, as well as adjustable air beds, electric adjustable bed frames, electric hospital beds, popular adjustable bed name brands and adjustable bed accessories.

Adjustable base

With adjustable beds, the adjustable base is the mechanical part of the bed that permits a mattress on top of it to change positions. The base is also called a frame or foundation.

I recommend: Learn more about how an adjustable base works and view one in action at BeyondBeds.com.

Articulation

With regard to adjustable beds, articulation refers to the points on the bed where it bends. Many adjustable beds have two-point articulation, meaning they bend at both the top and bottom sections.

I recommend: Scroll down to the adjustable bed frames section at BestBedGuide to read more about two-point articulation.

Semi-Fowler position

The semi-Fowler position is a reclining position that has the back resting at an approximate angle of 45-degrees.

I recommend: Read more about the significance of the semi-Fowler position in the article on adjustable beds at Futon Covers Online.

Core

Core is the word used to describe the inside portion of a mattress that provides its supportive structure. Innerspring, Latex foam and memory foam mattresses all have cores.

I recommend: Learn more about Latex foam mattress cores that undergo tests in nine areas by scrolling down about 1/3 of the page to the video link "Talaly FactoryLatex Video" at the Electropedic Beds website.

Visco elastic memory foam

NASA originally developed Visco elastic memory foam, also known as Visco or memory foam, and it has since undergone reengineering to produce mattresses that keep a sleeper from tossing and turning by reducing body pressure points. Memory foam mattresses used on adjustable beds also improve circulation and lessen any pain or discomfort one might expect from disruptive sleep.

I recommend: Learn more about memory foam density and thickness at A1Mattress.com.