A review of the most common home care beds available for purchase, accompanied with a categorization into 3 levels. Gold, Silver and Bronze. Categorization is based on features, quality, warranty, and price.
For purposes of this info series we have categorized a “home care bed” as a bed that has the following features.
1) Has a high – low function (electric)
2) Head and knee/foot height can be changed independently (Fowlers Position)
3) Full/half side rails can be installed (not available on Gold Tier)
4) Optional Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg
5) Locking casters
Bronze Tier
The base line for home care beds. The beds in this category have the main features listed to the right, however they tend to be less esthetically pleasing, are louder than the silver or gold levels, and have less customization. They are suitable for clients on a budget, and do not require additional features like Trendelenburg or massage.
The most common beds in this category are the CBED by Invacare, the Delta 1000 by Drive Medical and the Medlite by Medline. All three beds have similar features, cosmetic appearance, and functionality.
CBED by Invacare offers a 350 LB weight capacity, electric hi-low function and fowlers position, 15” to 23” deck height (9.5” to 20” – low model). Full and half side rails are available, tool free assembly and 5-year warranty on welds and 2 year on mechanical/electric parts. No battery backup available. Suggested retail is $1929.
Delta Ultra-light by Drive Medical offers a 450 LB weight capacity, electric hi-low function and fowlers position. Full and half side rails available, battery backup is standard, lowest bed height (without casters) 12.75” (9.5” – low model), lifetime warranty on welds, 5 year on mechanical and hand control, 1 year on all other parts. Suggested retail is $1518.
Medlite by Medline offers a 450 LB weight capacity, electric hi-low and Fowlers position, full and half side rails available, 14.5” deck height (9.5” – low model), no battery backup, lifetime warranty on frame, 5 year on electronics and mechanical components.
MSRP $1329
Silver Tier
The second level of home care beds is the Silver tier. These beds offer the same basic functionality as the Bronze tier with more customization, features and are more aesthetically pleasing. There are more options in this tier than any other tier such as increased width and length available in most models.
Etude by Invacare offers a 360 LB weight capacity, electric hi-low function, fowlers position and Trendelenburg available. Full and half side rails available, deck height range of 7.8” to 26.5), shear management technology, modern appearance, battery back up available, warranty of 5 years on frame, 3 years on motors, 2 years on electronics and pendant. Easy tool free assembly and lightweight for transport. Suggested retail of $2419
Trost and Halsa by Permobil. The Halsa bed offers a 375 LB weight capacity, emergency back up standard, removable deck sections for easy cleaning, deck height range of 9.875” to 25.625”, extremely quiet, disables into 4 sections for easy transport, choice of wine and nature head/foot boards, large caster options, half and full side rails available. Warranty on the frame is 10 years, mechanical 4 years, electrical 2 years, and wood pieces 1 year. MSRP of $2999
The Trost bed offers 600 LB weight capacity, deck height range of 6.75” to 30”. Trendelenburg/reverse, comfort chair position and fowlers position. Equipped with a 12-button pendant (embedded footboard attendant control available), quick release head/footboard hardware, centre step lock, extremely quiet, disables into 4 sections for easy transport, choice of wine and nature head/foot boards, large caster options, half and full side rails available. Warranty on frame is 10 years, mechanical 4 years, electrical 2 years, and wood pieces 1 year. MSRP of $3249
Silver tier Beds continued.
Alterra MAXX by Medline offers a weight capacity of up to 600 LBs, height range of 7.25” to 30.25”, battery backup standard, very quiet operation, hi-low, fowlers position, Trendelenburg/Reverse, folding foot lock, five function hand pendant, LED night light, 8 total casters for maneuverability, Lifetime warranty on welds, 4 years on electrical components, bed fame 15 years. MSRP of $3699
UltraCare XT by Joerns Healthcare offers a weight capacity of 500 LBs, deck height of 7” to 30”, optional staff control available, foot pedal lock, hi-low, Fowlers position, comfort chair positioning, four finishes available for head and foot board, lifetime warranty on welds, 15 years for frame, and 5-year warranty for all mechanical and electrical components. Suggested retail $4695
Gold Tier
Harmony Hi Lo, offers a weight capacity of 880 lbs, height range of 10” to 21.5”, hi-low and Fowlers position, wireless 18 button remote with flashlight, dual zone massage, available in multiple sizes (twin to split king), battery back-up, under bed lighting, programmable positions, height adjustable legs, side rails not available. Lifetime warranty on deck and frame, full parts warranty of 3 years prorated 4-20 years. MSRP variable depending on size, Twin $2584 - $5166.67 for a Split King.
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