A buying guide to profiling beds

There are quite a few considerations that go into deciding whether or not you'll need a side rail on the profiling bed. The first is the mental health of the person using the bed - will a bed side rail make them feel imprisoned or hemmed in, causing them distress? Are they likely to try and climb over the side rail?

Secondly, are they at a risk of falling out of bed? Then a bed side rail could help to reduce this risk.

It will need to be at a suitable height for transfers, such as moving from the bed to a chair or having them at a height that will help them with standing. 

You may also want to consider the height of the bed in relation to the person's fall risk - the lower the bed the less likely they'll get seriously injured if they fall. There are profiling beds available where the platform can be set almost at floor level and then raised up again as required, so the carers can tend to the person without having to strain themselves.

If they're over 2 meters tall it's highly likely that the profiling bed you need will require an extension. Check to see if the bed you're looking at has the capability to extend or if you'll need to purchase the extension separately. If in doubt, always speak to a healthcare professional for advice.

Bed grab rails can help make it easier for someone to get in and out of bed. Owing to the specialist nature of profiling beds, not all bed grab rails will be suitable for use with one, but there are some available like the NRS Community Bed Grab Handle MK2 and the Grab Rail for Profiling Beds. It's important to check that the bed grab rail is suitable for a profiling bed to avoid disappointment.

Profiling beds are designed to help patients with mobility issues. They have a base that can be adjusted and raised to create different angles and positions, allowing the patient to sit up or lie down in comfort. This type of bed is particularly helpful for preventing pressure sores, which can be caused by long periods of immobility.

Profiling beds offer many benefits over a standard bed, such as adjustable head and foot sections, adjustable bed height, and the ability to tilt and recline the bed for better positioning. This makes it easier for people with limited mobility to move around in bed or get into and out of bed. 

They can come with side rails to provide extra safety, and some models also come with advanced features such as bedside controls, adjustable mattress firmness, and advanced pressure management. These features will help reduce the risk of skin breakdown and improve patient comfort. Finally, profiling beds can help to reduce the amount of manual handling needed to move and position patients, thus reducing the risk of injury to carers.

Low profiling beds may be better for some people, depending on their individual needs. Low profiling beds are typically shorter in height than standard beds, making it easier to get in and out of them. Additionally, low profiling beds can be beneficial for people who suffer from acid reflux or other conditions that can be exacerbated by sleeping at a higher elevation.