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Hospital bed models
Błażej Pancerz, the owner of Egerton
Which bed to choose? A hospital bed is not only for sleeping, but also functions as medical equipment meant to aid the patient’s recovery and, also, streamline the work of the medical staff. There are many models of beds – and even more technical solutions used to enhance them. Therefore, selecting a suitable bed is a matter of utmost importance and, at the same time, of some difficulty. Several issues need to be taken into account such as the patient’s condition, fitness and mobility, the nature of medical procedures applied and the type of the medical department.
CONTENTS
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Part I
Part II
The most important formal requirements (legal basis) A survey of the solutions on the market Bed structure: column and frame structure Kinetic functions of the bed Types of bed segment and top fillings Types of side rails
Accessories Mattress selection Bedside cabinet selection Additional equipment for consultants Customer’s guide Tests Optimal usage of resources Long-term costs of use Hygiene (type of disinfection) Feeding
Part I The most important formal requirements (legal basis) In terms of safety, hospital beds are usually classified as medical devices ranked “class I”. Hospital beds with a built-in scale can be classified as “class I – measuring”. The beds are classified according to criteria outlined in Annex IX of the Council Directive 93/42/EEC of June 1993 concerning medical devices (OJ L 169, 12.7.1993). The beds which fulfill that criteria are given a CE mark. Beds regulated electrically are verified by rule 12, while manually-operated beds – by rule 1. The verification of beds ranked “class I” is usually conducted by the manufacturer. Beds ranked as “class I – measuring” are verified by Notified Bodies. The beds are supervised – similarly to all medical devices manufactured, holding or given a marketing authorization, in current use or awaiting verification in Poland – by the President of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, who also controls the executory proceedings in accordance with Polish law.
Bed with a plastic-encased frame
Column structure
A survey of the solutions on the market Bed structure: column and frame structure The structure of a modern hospital bed can be based on a frame or on columns. A column-structured bed can only be electrically-regulated. Frame structure allows for the regulation through the electric actuator or other various non-electric mechanisms (various methods of regulating a bed’s section or height will be described in detail further on). The lower part of the frame can be additionally encased with a plastic cover, which aids in keeping it clean. The flaws of this solution include: susceptibility to mechanical damage and lower clearance between the floor and the frame of the bed, which may obstruct entering the elevator or crossing over thresholds.
Frame structure
Kinetic functions of the bed Hospital beds can be regulated electrically or manually. Obviously, electrically-regulated beds have more uses; unfortunately infrastructure and low budget do not always allow for this type
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Pros and cons of both structures in terms of long-term use Column structure:
Frame structure:
easy cleaning easy to approach with a mobile X-ray machine or C-arm* high purchase cost high cost of servicing and spare parts elevated height of some models
harder cleaning no C-arm compatibility low purchase cost low cost of servicing and spare parts low height
* Not all models of column beds work with all types of C-arms. Compatibility should be established before purchase.
Practical advice Structures made of frequently used components are worth choosing. The cost of replacing an actuator, a column or other spare parts should be considered before purchase. It is better to avoid structures made of unusual components, used solely by a given manufacturer. After warranty has expired spare parts that are easily accessible on the market can be up to several times cheaper. of purchase. Interestingly, modern hydraulic machinery is often of equal cost to electrical mechanisms. That is due to higher component prices and a longer period of installation of hydraulic pumps than electric linear actuators.
Electric regulation Automatic contour mechanism The function of automatic contour mechanism is possible thanks to an additional fixed panel which allows to distribute body weight more evenly and helps prevent bedsores. The function of automatic contour is switched on with one press of a button, which lifts segments below the head and legs at the same time.
on both side rails (patients and staff) and nurses’ panel (staff). This panel is usually placed or builtin on the foot of the bed. The option of disabling the patient’s control system can be switched on using this panel, which is necessary in case of certain medical conditions – it is also convenient for the staff. The wired control is illuminated, which makes it well-suited for hospital rooms at night-time – switching on the light in the room is unnecessary to adjust the position of the bed.
CPR function The CPR function (cardiopulmonary resuscitation function) enables a quick leveling of the bed in case of emergency resuscitation by simply pressing a single button or pulling a special lever. Lower-cost beds also have that function, but with the bed regulated manually using a screw and a raster mechanism (so-called ratchets).
Controls Electrical functions of the bed can be controlled using a wired control (patients), control panels
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Illuminated control
Emergency power generators Electrically-regulated beds can be equipped with emergency batteries. The batteries do not replace the permanent power source (therefore do not enable to use the electrical bed if the conditions in the hospital do not allow it), but allow to control the bed during an emergency.
Manual regulation Hydraulic pump and gas spring The merit of this solution is that the height of the bed can be regulated manually, yet without the use of strength. The patient can adjust the position of the segment supporting the back. The flaws include: hard to predict abrupt and jerky movements in some types of gas springs during regulation as well as liquid leaks from hydraulic pumps. High costs of both purchase and longterm upkeep are also its negative aspects.
Ratchet When using a ratchet, strength must be used to lift the patient. In this process, rasters may be damaged, especially in a psychiatric ward, where, at times, interventions must take place. On the positive note, ratchets are rather cheap both at purchase and in long-term use.
Screw A screw enables a precise and gentle adjustment of the patient’s position; moreover, it is more durable than other possible solutions. The screw mechanism requires the use of strength to regulate height – however, it is not necessary when adjusting the position of the head or legs.
Crank of the screw mechanism (unfolded)
Crank of the screw mechanism (folded)
Controls Screw mechanism is controlled through a folding crank built-in by the foot of the bed. Hydraulic pump is controlled by leg power (a pedal situated on the side of the bed). The gas spring is controlled by a handle positioned within the patient’s reach.
Types of bed segment and top fillings The following materials may be used to fill in the frames of hospital beds: a screen made of steel wires welded to the frame beams, usually made of metal positioned crosswise (double-C beams) a perforated steel sheet perforated removable plastic panels translucent sheets made of Bakelite or carbon fiber. Perforated steel sheets are the most durable solution, as they are permanently attached to the bed. Plastic panels are slightly less sturdy, yet they enable the easiest clean-up. Panels can be removed and sterilized, and their removal enables the clean-up of the remaining parts. Bakelite sheets are only used on intensive care units, when the patient needs to remain on the bed during an X-ray. It is most commonly used to fill in the panels in the upper section of the bed – to enable chest X-rays.
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Types of side rails Rails are often the most important part of the bed – they can considerably improve or hinder the staff’s work. There are two types of rails – folding under the bed frame or along the bed frame.
Bed panel made of perforated steel
Rails folded along the bed frame
Translucent bed Headboards are made up of plastic panels or steel tubes filled with permanently-attached MDF fiberboard. Fiberboards are used rarely, as they cannot be removed, e.g. to resuscitate. Plastic panels are easier to clean and, unlike MDF fiberboards, cannot be broken down by the patient. Easily removable headboards should be protected from uncontrolled detachment, e.g. during transport. They should be hinged, to prevent from accidental removal. For safety reasons, headboards used on psychiatric wards should be permanently attached to beds.
Plastic headboard
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Two matters need to be taken into consideration to ensure the patient’s safety: how the rail is folded and if it can be folded single-handedly by one person. The assembly of the rail is also important – a rail that is permanently attached to the bed platform is the most stable. Admittedly, there are solutions where the rail is attached to the platform with a clamp, without the necessity of drilling holes into the frame, but this type of assembly does not guarantee sufficient resistance. In case of electrically-regulated beds the non-compulsory standard EN 60601-2-52 Medical Electrical Equipment (part 2-52: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of medical beds) is a good point of reference. This standard determines, amongst other things, the length of the bed unprotected by the side rail, which prevents the patient from getting stuck or blocked. According to the standard, the unprotected length should be either shorter than 2.4 inches or longer than 12.5 inches. The first solution leaves no doubts as to the patient’s comfort and safety; the second one is widely debated – especially in cases of conditions where the patient is prohibited from willfully leaving the bed. Long unprotected lengths increase the risk of patients leaving on their own (e.g. those connected to medical equipment) and often force the staff to use straps, which makes the functioning of a ward more difficult.
In principle, Polish law requires the patient to be secure in a horizontally-positioned bed during sleep. However, the rails that move together with
the segments and protect the patient when the bed is positioned otherwise are the more optimal solution.
Collapsible rails The second part of the article (to appear soon) will contain practical tips on the selection of beds and their features.
Information regarding technical solutions has been prepared on the basis of sources published at: www.egerton.pl, www.stolter.pl and www.konkret.net.pl
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MASTER 2 BED Master 2 – for whom?
This bed model is especially recommended for patients of intensive care units, coronary units and surgical wards.
Master 2 – why?
This electrical bed has a stable and durable structure; it is easy to operate both by the staff and the patient; it is easily cleaned.
Basic features Rails made of ABS plastic protect patient's full body length and prevent accidental damage from falls. They also prevent the patient from leaving the bed on his/her own when it is undesired or could constitute a danger to his/her health. These rails are collapsible, which allows the patient to easily leave the bed and climb onto it. Regulation to trendelenburg and reverse trendelenburg position (head above/below the level of legs). Cases attached to four corners of the bed allow the installation of lifting frames or grab handles depending on the patient’s individual needs. Removable headboard is made of light ABS plastic and enables easy clean-up; it can be removed without the use of tools. Ends of the bed are protected from accidental unfastening. The bed is covered with removable ABS plastic panels, which are easy to clean, as they enable access to places which typically can be only cleaned from the underside. This solution helps save time, increases efficiency and optimizes patient care. There are several options of electrical regulation of the bed: wired control and control through a panel attached to the rail, which allows both the patient and the staff to adjust the bed appropriately. CPR function enables a quick leveling of the bed by pressing a single button in case of emergency resuscitation. Emergency batteries allow to control bed functions in case of power failure.
Additional features Translucent bed platform allows X-rays without the necessity to move the patient. Manual CPR function enables a quick leveling of the bed in case of power failure and quick resuscitation. Length
85 inches (215 cm)
Width
41 inches (105 cm)
Electrically-regulated height
18-30 inches (46-75 cm)
Video presentation of the bed can
be found on our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/user/lozkaszpitalne.
Basic bed gross price: € 1500 The price of additional equipment is individually evaluated.
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removable ABS plastic panels
remote control enables the control of bed functions
divided, waterproof, air-permeable mattress with polyurethane cover
lifting frame
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NOVO BED Novo – for whom?
This universal bed is suitable to all wards and units and is adapted to all kinds of hospital rooms. It is perfect for immobile patients, those who need to be fed and patients of short stature.
Novo – why?
Novo is the most popular electrical bed in the world with solid structure and convenient electrical regulation. Novo is equipped with many solutions that increase comfort, help fulfill the patient’s individual needs and make staff’s work easier. It is identical to model Solid 2 in looks – both can be used in the same room providing different functions, yet similar style of furnishings.
Basic features Removable ABS plastic headboard can be removed without the use of tools; enables easy clean-up. Ends of the bed are protected from accidental unfastening. Side rails are easily single-handedly folded or unfolded along the side of the bed; they are adapted to holding a bed tray or feeding the patient. Frame structure and rails folded along the side of the bed allow the bed to be set to a 13.5 inch height, which helps patients of small stature to climb in or out. Bed platform filled with steel panels. Cases attached to four corners of the bed allow the installation of lifting frames or grab handles depending on the patient’s individual needs. Hooks for urine bags. A permanently attached shelf, that can hold bedding or the patient’s personal belongings. Each button of the control also has a clear icon which allows for easy and intuitive regulation. CPR function enables a quick leveling of the bed through pressing a single button in case of emergency resuscitation. Automatic contour function allows to distribute body weight more evenly to help prevent bedsores, which are problematic to cure, in bedridden patients.
Additional features Bed tray used for eating or feeding. Foam mattress (fit to the bed size). Length
83 inches (212 cm)
Width
37 inches (95 cm)
Electrically-regulated height 14-27 inches (36-69 cm) Basic bed gross price (with rails): € 1000 Additional equipment gross price: – tray: € 50 – foam mattress: € 60
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Video presentation of the bed can
be found on our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/user/lozkaszpitalne.
rails folded along the side of the bed
lift frame with a grab handle
shelf for holding bedding or the patient’s personal belongings
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SOLID 2 BED Solid 2 – for whom?
This universal bed is suitable to all wards and units and is adapted to all kinds of hospital rooms with various types of equipment. It is perfect for older patients, those with limited mobility and those requiring constant care.
Solid 2 – why?
Solid 2 is the most popular manually-regulated bed in the world with a simple and reliable structure. Solid 2 is equipped with many solutions that ensure the patient’s maximum comfort and provide assistance to the hospital staff. It is identical to model Novo in looks – both can be used in the same room providing different functions, yet similar style of furnishings.
Basic features Simple and durable screw mechanism used to lift back segments allows the carer to lift the patient to a sitting position without much effort. Removable ABS plastic headboard can be removed without the use of tools; enables easy clean-up. Ends of the bed are protected from accidental unfastening (e.g. during transport). Side rails are easily single-handedly folded or unfolded along the side of the bed; they are adapted to holding a bed tray or feeding the patient. Bed platform filled with steel panels. Height regulation allows patients of smaller stature or older ones to climb in or out. A permanently attached shelf that can hold bedding or the patient’s personal belongings. Cases attached to four corners of the bed allow the installation of lifting frames or grab handles depending on the patient’s individual needs. Hooks for urine bags.
Additional features Height regulated using a screw mechanism. Bed tray used for eating or feeding. Foam mattress (fit to the bed size). Length
83 inches (212 cm)
Width
37 inches (95 cm)
Height
20 inches (50 cm)
Manually-regulated height (optional) 14-27 inches (36-69 cm)
Basic bed gross price (with rails and a shelf): € 400 Additional equipment gross price: – screw mechanism to regulate height: € 120 – tray: € 50 – foam mattress: € 60
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Video presentation
of the bed can be found on our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/user/ /lozkaszpitalne.
hook for urine bags
bed tray installed on the side rails
grab handle crank of the screw mechanism (unfolded)
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SOLID BED Solid – for whom?
This simple and functional bed model is perfect for psychiatric wards.
Solid – why?
This bed is unique in its compact size and simple and durable structure.
Basic featurese The bed is made up of beams which allow to attach straps that help secure the patient or stabilize the patient’s position. Simple and durable screw mechanism used to lift back segments allows the carer to lift the patient without much effort. Stainless steel headboards are permanently attached to the bed (they can only be removed using specific tools) – they ensure the patient’s maximum security and prevent patients from removing them, which happens frequently on psychiatric wards. Separate block system for each wheel ensures the stability of the bed and, when needed, guarantees their mobility. Cases attached to four corners of the bed allow the installation of lifting frames or grab handles depending on the patient’s individual needs. Side rails are easily single-handedly folded or unfolded along the side of the bed; they are adapted to holding a bed tray or feeding the patient.
Additional features Bed tray used for eating or feeding. Foam mattress (fit to the bed size). A set of restricting straps. Length
79 inches (200 cm)
Width (without rails)
35 inches (90 cm)
Width (with rails)
37 inches (95 cm)
Height
22 inches (55 cm)
Basic bed gross price (with rails): € 400 Additional equipment gross price: – tray: € 50 – foam mattress: € 60 – set of restricting straps: € 435
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Video presentation of the bed
can be found on our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/user/lozkaszpitalne.
block systems on each wheel
restricting straps
side rails folded along the side of the bed
steel bed panels
crank of the screw mechanism (folded)
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FOLDED HILO BED Hilo – for whom?
Folded Hilo bed is intended for those accompanying patients in a hospital – parents staying with children or carers.
Hilo – why?
Hilo bed has two functions: during the day it can be used as a chair, while at night it can be transformed into a bed – where a parent or a caretaker can sleep by the patient’s side, without disturbing the staff. The bed occupies little space and is easy to operate – it can be folded and unfolded in one move, without using strength. The use of high-quality materials makes the bed durable, easy to clean and long-lasting. Length (folded)
31.5 inches (80 cm)
Length (unfolded)
73 inches (185 cm)
Width
24 inches (60 cm)
Height
36 inches (91 cm)
Basic bed gross price: € 230
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bed folded as a chair
LULU 2 INFANT BED Lulu 2 – for whom?
Lulu 2 is a bed intended for infants.
Lulu 2 – why?
Lulu 2 is a two-part bed, which consists of a bed in a form of a tub and a frame set on a mobile base. This model is mostly made of plastic which is resistant to scrapes. It is also safe from corroding in crucial places.
Basic features The bed frame is equipped with ABS plastic cover. The cover has special hollows intended for keeping items and infant care supplies. This solution allows easy clean-up, as the cover is easier to clean than the frame. The wheels of the bed can be blocked to stabilize its position during surgeries. Height regulation and regulation to trendelenburg and reverse trendelenburg position (head above/below the level of legs) makes it possible to slide the Lulu 2 bed above the mother’s bed to ensure her constant contact with the baby. Length
42.5 inches (108 cm)
Width
16.5 inches (42 cm)
Height
20-24 inches (50-61 cm)
Video presentation of the bed
can be found on our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/user/lozkaszpitalne.
Bed gross price (with the mattress): € 420
possibility of setting to trendelenburg and reverse trendelenburg position
tub
frame with ABS plastic cover
regulated height
hollows in the cover for infant care supplies
blocks on every wheel
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ANTI-DECUBITUS MATTRESSES Anti-decubitus mattresses – for whom?
Anti-decubitus mattresses are intended for patients that are temporarily immobile, bedridden, paralized or in a coma. They can be used by hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients.
Anti-decubitus mattresses – why?
Anti-decubitus mattresses are useful not only for the patient, but also for the staff. They prevent bedsores and facilitate their healing, reduce muscle tension and stiffness of joints. They lessen the pressure on crucial points on the patient’s body by evenly distributing body weight. They ensure proper moistness and temperature of skin without the necessity to move the patient, thus ensuring that the risk of damaging sensitive skin is minimal.
Vista 7
Vista 7 is an anti-decubitus mattress intended for treating 3rd degree bedsores*.
Features System that fills every third chamber with air alternately, thus allowing two chambers to be filled at all times. Pump, which adjusts the pressure in the mattress to the patient’s weight, systematically ensuring optimal adjustment of the mattress. Constant rotation of pressure in the chambers provides the body with a continuous massage which improves blood supply and oxygenation of the skin, accelerating the healing of wounds. The chambers of the mattress have special microholes that ventilate the patient’s skin and help keep skin moistness on an appropriate level which prevents sweating and skin maceration. CPR valve helps deflate the mattress quickly to enable resuscitation. Height
4.5 inches (12 cm)
Length
79 inches (200 cm)
Width
35.5 or 34 inches (90 cm or 86 cm)
Weight limit
320 lbs (145 kg)
Gross price: € 240
* According to the standards of European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel which deals with treatments and prevention of bedsores.
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Vista 8
Vista 8 is an anti-decubitus mattress intended for treating 5th degree bedsores*.
Features Digital pump allows for the change of the cycle of filling the chambers with air every 3, 6, 9 or 12 minutes. A filter regulating the moistness of the air pumped into the mattress. Pump, which adjust the pressure in the mattress to the patient’s weight, systematically ensuring optimal adjustment of the mattress. Constant rotation of pressure in the chambers provides the body with a continuous massage which improves blood supply and oxygenation of the skin, accelerating the healing of wounds. The chambers of the mattress have special microholes that ventilate the patient’s skin and help keep skin moistness on an appropriate level which prevents sweating and skin maceration. Sitting function executed through pumping the air into three chambers of the mattress for the duration of the process of sitting which prevents the patient from sinking in during inflation. Pillow function executed through keeping a constant pressure in the first three chambers of the mattress which ensures a stable head support for the patient. CPR valve helps deflate the mattress quickly to enable resuscitation. Washable, steam-permeable zip-up cover. Height
8 inches (20 cm)
Length
79 inches (200 cm)
Width
35.5 or 34 inches (90 cm or 86 cm)
Weight limit
Video presentation of the mattresses
can be found on our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/user/lozkaszpitalne.
463 lbs (210 kg)
Gross price: € 850
* According to the standards of European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel which deals with treatments and prevention of bedsores.
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KABI 2 CABINET Kabi 2 – for whom?
This cabinet can be used by patients of all wards and units. It is easy to open and, therefore, can be used by trauma patients, older patients or those with limited manual capabilities.
Kabi 2 – why?
Kabi 2 is a modern cabinet made of thick ABS plastic. This material ensures its anti-corrosive properties and long-term usage. The cabinet matches our beds colour-wise.
Basic features Pull-out top enables eating or feeding. The top has security edges that prevent the slip-off of items or the dripping of spilled liquids. Hooks for towels or other items. Regulated shelf which allows to adjust the cabinet to fit current needs and maximally use a limited space. Special handle facilitating opening the doors. Optional space for footwear.
Height
32.5 inches (82.5 cm)
Width
19 inches (48 cm)
Depth
19 inches (48 cm)
Gross price € 150 security edges on the top pull-out top
folded hanger and hooks
drawer
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handle facilitating opening
shelves
OTHER PRODUCTS ON OFFER
Translucent cart for patient transport Gross price: € 1500
Bathing and transport cart Gross price: from € 1500
Endoscopy table Gross price: € 3600
Novo 2 bed Gross price: € 1330
Flexi chair Gross price: € 1200
Chair for administering cytotoxic agents Gross price: € 2530
MR room cart for patient transport Gross price: € ??
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We are small enough a company to personally handle our clients and their needs; at the same time we are big enough to reliably carry out the tasks that are entrusted to us. We specialize in supplying medical care facilities with basic equipment of medical rooms and labs. We offer: electrically- and manually-regulated hospital beds and their elements, mattresses, cabinets, carts used to transport patients and medical supplies, surgery tables and specialized equipment of magnetic resonance rooms. We care especially about the safety of patients and the comfort of the staff. That is why our offer includes a professional servicing ensuring the long-term use of our products.
Egerton ul. Legnicka 21 41-811 Zabrze Poland
e-mail: info@egerton.pl tel.: + 48 32 728 10 05 fax: + 48 32 757 91 44
www.egertonmedical.com 22