Want to provide a higher level of care for loved ones at home?
Want to upgrade care delivery at your nursing home or facility?
It may be time to consider a Med-Surg bed.
Here, we’ll go over what a Med-Surg bed is, the differences between a Med-Surg and standard hospital bed, unique benefits that a Med-Surg bed can provide, and so much more.
What is a Med-Surg Bed?
A medical-surgical (Med-Surg) bed is a specialized type of hospital bed designed to meet the needs of patients requiring extended care, whether in medical facilities or home settings. Unlike standard hospital beds, Med-Surg beds are equipped with additional features that go the extra mile in providing advanced patient care.
Med-Surg beds are primarily designed for acute care settings, including medical and surgical units. They are best for patients with complex recovery needs and advanced positioning requirements. Though you’ll usually find Med-Surg beds in a hospital, certain high-needs patients may find value in having a Med-Surg bed for use at home.
Pros and Cons of a Med-Surg Bed
Want to know if a Med-Surg bed is right for you? Here, let’s break down the key pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Advanced features for better care | Larger footprint |
| Improved caregiver support | Higher cost |
| Hospital-grade durability | Complex features |
| Enhanced patient comfort and recovery | Power dependency |
Benefits of a Med-Surg Bed for Homecare
Advanced Features for Better Care
Med-Surg beds offer hospital-grade functionality, electronic adjustments for head, foot, and height settings, built-in side rails, and specialized positioning options. These features enhance patient comfort while facilitating specialized medical care for patients or loved ones.
Improved Caregiver Support
High-quality patient care isn’t just about the patient– caregivers are a critical piece of the care delivery process! Med-Surg beds offer unique features that make care delivery easier, faster, and more efficient.
- Bed Exit Alarms: Alert caregivers when a patient unexpectedly leaves their bed.
- Integrated Scales: Track patient weight automatically– no complicated transfers to use the scale!
- CPR Release Levers: In the rare case that CPR is required, CPR release levers allow the bed platform to be lowered in seconds. This creates a firm surface for chest compressions, allowing caregivers to administer CPR quickly in situations where every second counts.
- Nurse Call Systems: Make it easier than ever to communicate with and respond to patients whenever they need help.
Hospital-Grade Durability
Want a care bed that is designed to stand up to years of wear and tear? Med-Surg beds are built with heavy-duty frames and medical-grade materials, equipped to withstand long-term use.
Enhanced Patient Comfort & Recovery
No matter what positioning or custom support a patient needs, Med-Surg beds are equipped to handle it. The advanced customizable positioning helps prevent bedsores, increase circulation, and help promote proper airflow.
Drawbacks of a Med-Surg Bed
Larger Footprint
Med-Surg beds are bulkier and heavier than standard homecare beds. Before purchasing, take time to ensure there is enough space in the bedroom or facility to accommodate a home-care bed.
Higher Cost
Med-Surg beds can be more expensive than traditional home care beds, with most models listed at $3,000+. If cost is a concern, you may consider renting a bed and paying a lower monthly fee.
Complex Features
Med-Surg beds come with advanced controls that may require caregiver training.
Power Dependency
Med-Surg beds are equipped with electronic components, and therefore rely on consistent power access. Though many beds are equipped with a backup battery to stay operational during power outages, a wired connection is required for regular use.
However, this power dependency is not limited to Med-Surg beds only. Standard semi-electric and electric hospital beds also rely on wired electricity connections.
Standard Hospital Beds vs Med-Surg Beds: What’s the Difference?
Standard hospital beds are primarily designed for care facilities and at-home use. They can be manual, semi-electric, or fully electric, and offer basic adjustability with controls for head, foot, and height settings.
Med-Surg beds are for patients needing an additional level of care. They may include features such as:
Advanced Positioning
Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg, and other positions to support circulation, aid respiratory function, and promote surgical recovery.
Technology
Integrated brake alarms, bed exit alerts, and scales (no need to get out of bed in order to track your weight!)
Caregiver-Friendly Features
Back-up batteries and nurse call systems are designed to help support caregivers.
Comparing Features: Hospital Bed vs Med-Surg
Below is a comparison of the most common features between standard hospital/long term care beds and Med-Surg beds.
Please note that this is an overview, and that some standard hospital beds do include the same advanced features as Med-Surg beds. Features may vary across models.
| Feature | Standard Hospital Bed | Med-Surg Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustability | Basic head/foot adjustments | Advanced: Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg, zero gravity, etc. |
| Safety | Side rails, brakes | Bed exit alarms, brake alerts, CPR levers |
| Technology | Minimal | Integrated scales, nurse call systems, battery backup |
| Use Case | Basic care | Complex medical needs |
| Durability | Moderate | Heavy-duty, institutional-grade |
Who Should Consider a Med-Surg Bed?
Because Med-Surg beds are designed to address complex medical needs, they offer the greatest benefit to patients with chronic or acute medical conditions.
- Cardiovascular Disorders: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) or other cardiac conditions that require frequent elevation of the head to reduce fluid buildup and improve breathing.
- Respiratory Diseases: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients benefit from head elevation and Trendelenburg positioning to aid lung function and reduce aspiration risk.
- Neurological and Spinal Conditions: Great for spinal cord injuries and stroke recovery, med-surg beds support safe positioning, reduce the risk of ulcers, and help increase independence and mobility.
- Chronic Pain: For anyone struggling with chronic pain, med-surg beds can help users frequently reposition themselves, integrate specialized mattresses, and live a better quality of life.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Improve recovery times and support positive health outcomes, while minimizing strain on incisions.
- Acute Medical Crises: For those suffering from acute conditions like pneumonia, respiratory conditions, and gastrointestinal bleeding, Med-Surg beds support patients through CPR release levers, integrated scales, nurse call systems, and advanced positioning.
Check out Med Mart’s comprehensive catalog of standard hospital beds, long-term care beds, and Med-Surg beds. Med Mart offers new Med-Surg beds, as well as certified refurbished beds.
Need some help picking out the perfect Med-Surg bed for your facility or home? Contact our product experts: with over 30 years of experience, we’d love to support you in finding the ideal equipment for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Med Surg bed, and how is it different from a standard hospital bed?
While a med surg bed is intended for hospital and home use, it possesses advanced features such as positioning, safety rails, and other customizable options. Unlike a standard hospital bed, a Med Surg bed will likely include electronic controls, higher weight capacities, and better ergonomic adjustments.
2. Who should consider a Med-Surg bed for homecare?
Med-Surg beds are most suitable for chronic patients, people who are mobility challenged, and surgical patients who are likely to be recovering with continuous support, monitoring, and repositioning at home.
3. What features should I look for in a Med-Surg bed?
Seek for vertical adjustability, electric circumstances, side rails, trendelenburg orienting, and borderline. Med Surg beds also ensure ease of caregiving and comfort.
4. Can I use my existing mattress on a Med-Surg bed?
Not in all cases. There are Med Surg beds that come with specialized, medical-grade mattresses that are designed to avoid the risk of pressure ulcers and that fit securely to adjustable frames.
5. Does insurance or Medicare cover Med-Surg beds for home use?
It depends on the medical necessity and your doctor’s prescription. Medicare typically provides support for semi-electric hospital beds; however, Med Surg beds with full features may either be upgraded or paid for out of pocket.
Want to provide a higher level of care for loved ones at home?
Want to upgrade care delivery at your nursing home or facility?
It may be time to consider a Med-Surg bed.
Here, we’ll go over what a Med-Surg bed is, the differences between a Med-Surg and standard hospital bed, unique benefits that a Med-Surg bed can provide, and so much more.
What is a Med-Surg Bed?
A medical-surgical (Med-Surg) bed is a specialized type of hospital bed designed to meet the needs of patients requiring extended care, whether in medical facilities or home settings. Unlike standard hospital beds, Med-Surg beds are equipped with additional features that go the extra mile in providing advanced patient care.
Med-Surg beds are primarily designed for acute care settings, including medical and surgical units. They are best for patients with complex recovery needs and advanced positioning requirements. Though you’ll usually find Med-Surg beds in a hospital, certain high-needs patients may find value in having a Med-Surg bed for use at home.
Pros and Cons of a Med-Surg Bed
Want to know if a Med-Surg bed is right for you? Here, let’s break down the key pros and cons.
Benefits of a Med-Surg Bed for Homecare
Advanced Features for Better Care
Med-Surg beds offer hospital-grade functionality, electronic adjustments for head, foot, and height settings, built-in side rails, and specialized positioning options. These features enhance patient comfort while facilitating specialized medical care for patients or loved ones.
Improved Caregiver Support
High-quality patient care isn’t just about the patient– caregivers are a critical piece of the care delivery process! Med-Surg beds offer unique features that make care delivery easier, faster, and more efficient.
- Bed Exit Alarms: Alert caregivers when a patient unexpectedly leaves their bed
- Integrated Scales: Track patient weight automatically– no complicated transfers to use the scale!
- CPR Release Levers: In the rare case that CPR is required, CPR release levers allow the bed platform to be lowered in seconds. This creates a firm surface for chest compressions, allowing caregivers to administer CPR quickly in situations where every second counts.
- Nurse Call Systems: Make it easier than ever to communicate with and respond to patients whenever they need help.
Hospital-Grade Durability
Want a care bed that is designed to stand up to years of wear and tear? Med-Surg beds are built with heavy-duty frames and medical-grade materials, equipped to withstand long-term use.
Enhanced Patient Comfort & Recovery
No matter what positioning or custom support a patient needs, Med-Surg beds are equipped to handle it. The advanced customizable positioning helps prevent bedsores, increase circulation, and help promote proper airflow.
Drawbacks of a Med-Surg Bed
Larger Footprint
Med-Surg beds are bulkier and heavier than standard homecare beds. Before purchasing, take time to ensure there is enough space in the bedroom or facility to accommodate a home-care bed.
Higher Cost
Med-Surg beds can be more expensive than traditional home care beds, with most models listed at $3,000+. If cost is a concern, you may consider renting a bed and paying a lower monthly fee.
Complex Features
Med-Surg beds come with advanced controls that may require caregiver training.
Power Dependency
Med-Surg beds are equipped with electronic components, and therefore rely on consistent power access. Though many beds are equipped with a backup battery to stay operational during power outages, a wired connection is required for regular use.
However, this power dependency is not limited to Med-Surg beds only. Standard semi-electric and electric hospital beds also rely on wired electricity connections.
Standard Hospital Beds vs Med-Surg Beds: What’s the Difference?
Standard hospital beds are primarily designed for care facilities and at-home use. They can be manual, semi-electric, or fully electric, and offer basic adjustability with controls for head, foot, and height settings.
Med-Surg beds are for patients needing an additional level of care. They may include features such as:
- Advanced Positioning: Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg, and other positions to support circulation, aid respiratory function, and promote surgical recovery.
- Technology: Integrated brake alarms, bed exit alerts, and scales (no need to get out of bed in order to track your weight!)
- Caregiver-friendly Features: Back-up batteries and nurse call systems are designed to help support caregivers.
Comparing Features: Hospital Bed vs Med-Surg
Below is a comparison of the most common features between standard hospital/long term care beds and Med-Surg beds.
Please note that this is an overview, and that some standard hospital beds do include the same advanced features as Med-Surg beds. Features may vary across models.
Who Should Consider a Med-Surg Bed?
Because Med-Surg beds are designed to address complex medical needs, they provide the greatest benefit to patients who struggle with high-needs chronic or acute medical conditions. These conditions may include (but are not limited to):
- Cardiovascular Disorders: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) or other cardiac conditions that require frequent elevation of the head to reduce fluid buildup and improve breathing.
- Respiratory Diseases: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients benefit from head elevation and Trendelenburg positioning to aid lung function and reduce aspiration risk.
- Neurological and Spinal Conditions: Great for spinal cord injuries and stroke recovery, med-surg beds support safe positioning, reduce the risk of ulcers, and help increase independence and mobility.
- Chronic Pain: For anyone struggling with chronic pain, med-surg beds can help users frequently reposition themselves, integrate specialized mattresses, and live a better quality of life.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Improve recovery times and support positive health outcomes, while minimizing strain on incisions.
- Acute Medical Crises: For those suffering from acute conditions like pneumonia, respiratory conditions, and gastrointestinal bleeding, Med-Surg beds support patients through CPR release levers, integrated scales, nurse call systems, and advanced positioning.
Check out Med Mart’s comprehensive catalog of standard hospital beds, long-term care beds, and Med-Surg beds. Med Mart offers new Med-Surg beds, as well as certified refurbished beds.
Need some help picking out the perfect Med-Surg bed for your facility or home? Contact our team of product experts: with over 30 years of experience, we’d love to support you in finding the ideal equipment for your needs.