Help with hospital bed issue.

[marybourg]

I wonder if anyone who has used a hospital bed at home, long term, could advise me whether you would recommend using it before you absolutely have to, in terms of comfort, width, bed linens available, or other issues. This particular bed has a new, expensive mattress. Thank you.

[Phoenix61]

1. I would think that depends on what bed it is

replacing. Bed height is so important for getting in and out of bed. If the current one works well stick with it. I cared for my mom and never had a hospital bed. Much easier changing her in a double bed than a twin.

[applegrove]

2. If you need help getting in and out of bed having a hospital bed that goes up and down

is great. Also if you eat in bed having the ability to raise the head of the bed is important. If you need changing by someone too a soaker bad and single sized hospital bed will put you at the right height so your caregiver will not hurt their back. Think of a hospital bed as a series of solved problems. But if you don't need one i would hold off. They are always creating new tech. Do you use poles to help you get up and out of bed?

[madamesilverspurs]

3. Had one for about ten years.

First had one following lumbar fusion back in the '90s, only needed it for a few months. Got my second one following lung surgery in '06, good positioning for gastric stuff as well as breathing. Then my back started hurting after getting into bed, sufficient pain to keep me awake. Gave up one night, and went to the recliner in the living room, where I immediately fell asleep. Checked with my doctor, and he said there's no reason not to sleep where I'm most comfortable. I just toss a sheet over it and use one of those neck pillows; been sleeping in the recliner for about six years now. Hips, back, and knees definitely appreciate the ease of getting in and out of the recliner. And I donated the hospital bed to a place that makes such things available for low-income patients, freed up a lot of room in the bedroom.


.

[marybourg]

4. Thanks all.

Am still able to get in and out of bed o.k. if I do it slowly and carefully, but I need to get rid of one bed and I was thinking maybe it should be the big one and keep the hospital one.