Are you looking on how to make sure your hospital bed lasts so you don’t have to pay out $$$ for a new one?

• Stop paying out by not looking after your bed
• You will come across X problems by not maintaining your bed

I have you covered with everything you need to maintain your hospital bed.

For those working in busy facilities, it can be easy to neglect hospital bed maintenance. In the flurry of providing everyday care to patients, it’s difficult to find the time to regularly inspect all equipment and perform needed upkeep. 

Here’s our comprehensive guide for caring for, cleaning, and maintaining a hospital bed– whether at home or in a care facility. From weekly cleanings to a bi-annual equipment inspection, we’ll help you ensure that your beds stay in safe, working condition for all patients. 

Frequency: Once a Week

Hospital beds are typically used by high-risk individuals who are prone to illness and infection. It’s important to keep their environment as clean as possible, especially if the user spends extended hours in bed every day. 

With that in mind, weekly hospital bed cleanings should extend far beyond changing the linens. 

For best results we recommend basic cleaning procedures once a week, including: 

• Changing and washing the linens
• Hand-washing the bedframe with a soft cloth and mild detergent (avoid harsh chemicals)
• Check the mattress for odors, stains, and tears

Frequency: Once every 3 months

Every quarter, we recommend deep cleaning the hospital bed mattress (more often if the mattress is soiled!). A clean mattress is key in preventing the spread of infection. 

Generally, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the surface, then spot clean any stains with mild detergent and warm water. Let the mattress fully dry before adding sheets back onto the bed. 

Cleaning Tip: Invest in a Mattress Protector

Want to extend the life of your mattress and make cleaning a breeze? Consider investing in a mattress protector. These lightweight covers protect the bed from spills, stains and other types of damage. 

Made from waterproof materials such as polyester and vinyl, mattress protectors easily slip over the mattress like a fitted sheet. They can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle with incontinence and may occasionally wet the bed. 

Frequency: Once every 6-12 months

Every 6-12 months, perform a comprehensive check on your hospital bed to ensure that everything is fully operational. This helps you identify any needed maintenance before it affects patients. 

Basic Electric Bed Maintenance Check: 

• Check for any loose screws or bolts
• Check that the footboard and headboard are securely fastened
• Test out the movement of the bed- How smoothly does it roll and brake? Would it be able to handle emergency situations? Are there any squeaky wheels or faulty castors?
• Inspect the electrical cord and outlet for any signs of wear and tear
• Check the battery system: Is it charging as it should? Are all battery indicator lights fully functional? 
• Check for any sharp edges protruding from the frame
• Keep an ear out for any noises or squeaking during bed movement. If needed, lubricate the motors or casters where necessary. 
• Test out any alert systems or bed exit alarms
• Run through all programming: Test out different positioning, raise the bed from high to low, and make sure all other electrical features are working as intended. 

If you run into any electrical or mechanical failures, contact a professional to help you diagnose and repair the issue. 

Many hospital bed purchases come paired with warranties from the manufacturer. These warranties can guarantee repairs against mechanical defects, bedframe workmanship, electrical components, and more. Be sure to keep record of any warranty policies that came with your hospital bed purchase, and don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer for needed repairs.

Like any other important piece of equipment, hospital beds should be regularly inspected, cleaned, and scheduled for maintenance as needed. 

For any questions about how to extend the life of your hospital bed, the best adjustable and long-term care beds for purchase, mattress protectors, and more  contact our team of experts here at Med Mart at any time