Profile Beds: What to Check Before You Buy

A profile bed changes life for two people at once: the person using it, who gains rest and independence, and the person caring for them, who stops straining their back with every movement. But models differ quite a lot, and it is worth knowing what to look at.

How many adjustable sections you need

Beds are classified by the number of sections that move. Two-section beds raise the backrest and legs, which covers most needs. Three or four-section beds add height adjustment for the whole bed, which is extremely valuable when there is a carer: it lets them work without stooping.

Height adjustment is not an optional extra

If there will be daily care (washing, changes of position, transfers to a chair), height adjustment is probably the single most useful function. It is the difference between caring comfortably and ending up with back pain.

Clearance for a hoist

If a patient hoist may be needed at some point, check that the bed allows the base of the hoist to pass underneath. It is a detail people discover late and that causes a lot of trouble.

The mattress is half the decision

A good bed with the wrong mattress achieves little. It must be flexible enough to follow the bed sections, and if the person spends many hours lying down, it is worth considering a mattress specifically for pressure ulcer prevention. This point is best discussed with a healthcare professional.

Side rails, handset and safety

• Drop-down side rails if there is a risk of falling out of bed.
• A simple handset with large, clear buttons; some can be locked to prevent accidental use.
• An emergency lowering function in case of a power cut.
• Wheels with brakes on all legs.

Measure before you buy

It sounds obvious and goes wrong more often than you would think: measure the bedroom door, the space available and the route from the front door. A profile bed arrives dismantled, but it needs room to be assembled and to open out once it is.

You can see the models in profile beds and home care solutions.

This article is for general guidance. For questions about a specific person, speak to their doctor or physiotherapist.

Want a hand deciding? Senior World has been based in Fuengirola since 2008 and covers the whole Costa del Sol. Call us on +34 952 66 31 31.