Before you buy a profiling bed, consider the points listed below.
- A profiling bed is a powered bed with an articulated mattress base that can be height adjustable or fixed height and can change your position for comfort, support and/or transfers
- 4 part profiling beds are recommended for full support as the raising of the head end as well as under the knees will give continuous support from head to foot
- When lying on a profiling bed always lift the knee section before raising the head end of the bed; this prevents sliding down the bed as this could lead to pressure to the buttocks and heels
- Some beds have an ‘Auto regression’ back rest, which slides back as it rises to ensure you can still reach bedside table. The ‘Auto regression’ movement tends to reduce back support and may be less comfortable than a non ‘Auto regression’ back rest
- Height adjustable profiling beds are recommended for changing care needs: They can be raised to help with transfers off the bed as well as reduce strain on carer’s backs. N.B. The bed must be low enough to get your bottom in the middle of the bed when getting in, and for when lifting legs up on to the bed from the floor.
- ‘Floor beds’ can go lower than a standard profiling bed, which may be helpful if you are at risk of falling our of bed. They can be lowered after you get into bed, and raised when you need to get out of bed.
- Beds may also have a horizontal tilt movement called ‘Trendelenberg Tilt’ to enable more varied positioning/support. These can help to achieve more functional upright positions for eating and drinking.
- Profiling beds may be ‘divan’ style or hospital style; hospital style beds are more likely to have accessories like grab rails/safety rails
- The bed may be longer and wider than your existing bed, check you have adequate space and that standard sheets will fit
- You can get double profiling beds (see relevant before you buy guide)
- Choose a mattress for comfort that will bend with the bed movement
- Ensure you can reach and manage controls even in the dark
- When choosing a supplier consider if they can also maintain/repair the bed as needed
Expect to pay from £1,000 excluding mattress