Blog

We get asked quite a lot about how to choose the correct profiling bed for home use.  So, we’ve put together this blog to go through the features and benefits of a profiling bed.

What is a Profiling Bed?

Profiling beds are beds that can be adjusted to allow the backrest, legrest and knee brake to be electrically adjusted. This allows the user’s position to be changed without strain on either the patient or the carer.  4-part profiling are most common for home use.  A four-part bed is ideal as it keeps the bottom horizontal while raising the knees.  See our profiling beds 

The Main Advantages of a Profiling Bed Are:

• Respiratory and circulatory difficulties can be eased through profiling the bed to suit the patient’s needs.
• Our hospital profiling beds also have a height adjustment, so the carer can work at a safe height when giving treatments, etc.
• Using the electronic settings, the risk of injury to the carer is eliminated, and the independence and dignity of the user are maintained.
• It may make it possible for someone to get out of bed unaided, if they can raise themselves into a sitting position first.
• It makes using a hoist easier.

Low Level Hospital Beds

A low level hospital bed is ideal for patients who are liable to fall or climb out of bed and hurt themselves.  Like a standard profiling bed these beds can be adjusted to as low as 23cm from the ground.  With the use of side rails or floor safety mats it offers the most safety to someone who is inclined to fall out of bed. 

It also allows the carer to work at a height which is safe and convenient for them, before returning their patient to a much lower level for sleeping.  See our Low Beds 

Bariatric Profiling Beds

For larger patients, a bariatric profiling bed may offer more comfort.  These 4ft beds are wider and can accommodate weights of up to 286kg (45st).  Bariatric beds are available in both standard height and low level entry beds and have all the benefits of a profiling bed mentioned above.  See our Bariatric Beds 

Other Electric Profiling Beds

It is also possible to get a profiling bed that is designed within a standard bed look.  This allows you to have all the benefits of a profiling bed without the hospital bed look.  Our range of Devon and Richmond beds will fit in comfortably in any bedroom.  They are ideally suited to someone who has good mobility but either needs help sitting up and lying down or needs to sleep in a slightly elevated position. 

Mattresses for Profiling Beds

Like with any type of bed there are a wide range of mattresses for use on profiling beds.  It is important that you use a mattress made for profiling beds to ensure that the bed can profile correctly.  If you are looking at hospital style profiling bed you need to consider the mobility levels of the patient.  If they have limited mobility and spends a great deal of time in bed, a compatible pressure relief mattress should be chosen.  These range from low risk of developing pressure sores right up to high risk.  See our range of mattresses 

Choosing the Right Bed and Mattress for you

If you need any further help you should contact your occupational therapist or public health nurse or alternatively call us on 0818 989 353 to speak to a product specialist today. 

Here at Beechfield Healthcare we believe that there are high quality products available to everyone that will make everyday life that bit easier. Likewise, we know that there are many products available to healthcare practitioners that can make their job much safer and minimise risk.

This is especially true for caregivers to bariatric patients. A huge part of bariatric healthcare focuses on reducing the risk of falling, reducing skin maceration and improving limited mobility.

We are delighted to announce that we now stock a large range of bariatric healthcare equipment which have been engineered specifically for patients with a weight capacity of  up to 325kg. These products provide comfort and safety to the patient while also maintaining the safety of the caregiver.

Bariatric Walking Aids

A common issue that bariatric patients face when it comes to walking aids is that they do not trust these products to withstand their weight. Our XXL Rehab range ensure that even the largest user is safe and supported.

The Rollator King for example can hold a weight of up to 51st (325kg). It has robust 8’’ tires and ‘feather touch’ brakes for added safety. 

We also have heavy duty, bariatric walking sticks and canes to give that extra bit of stability and mobility.

You can see our bariatric walking aids here

Bariatric Bathroom Aids

Showering and dressing a bariatric patient can be a challenge. Extra body mass can make a patient unsteady on their feet and this means an added risk of injury to both the patient and the care giver.

Our XXL Rehab bariatric bathroom range has been engineered to be both structurally robust as well as comfortable for the user. Made from reinforced chromium steel our bariatric bathroom aids include bariatric shower commodes, bedside commodes and shower benches.  You can see our bariatric bathroom aids here

Bariatric Beds and Mattresses

Our XXL Rehab Bariatric Electric Hospital bed can take a weight capacity of 400kg / 62st. A bed such as this one is essential for large, immobile patients who require different position options and adjustments. This bed makes caring for an immobile patient much easier as the caregiver can control the bed separately from a handheld control panel.

You can see our bariatric electric hospital bed here

 Bariatric Mattresses 

We also have a whole new range of mattresses designed especially for bariatric patients. Each mattress has its own unique features to suit the needs of the patient. Our XXL Rehab Comfort Foam mattress is perfect for a bariatric patient who does not have a high risk of developing pressure sores.

Bariatric Air Mattresses

The bariatric alternating air mattress on the other hand is designed for bariatric patients with a high risk or a significant history of pressure sores. It is controlled by a microprocessor run pump which is time adjustable. This ensures that not only is the patient’s comfort and wellbeing taken care of but the caregiver can also conveniently modify the firmness of the mattress depending on the patient’s needs.

You can see our range of bariatric mattresses here

Our product experts are available at all times to discuss your requirements and to offer advice on the best solution for each individual care.  Call us now on 057 868 2304 or email sales@beechfieldhealthcare.ie

The vast majority of falls in the home happen in the bathroom. Using the bathroom safely, independently and confidently can be a worry for you, or a loved one. We have compiled a list of tips that can help to prevent bathroom falls.

1. Showers

Make sure that the shower is easy to get in and out of. A modified shower can give easy access through a door to the bath, or a lowered step into the shower. Not only does this help prevent accidents for the older person, but it also allows for carers to assist without issues.

There is always an ongoing debate about what is the best pressure cushion on the market. Is there really one cushion that offers the optimum solution for pressure relief for all? In reality such a cushion doesn’t exist. However, at Beechfield Healthcare our state-of-the-art pressure mapping technology now offers you the opportunity find the optimum cushions for your patients.

What is a pressure map?

A pressure map is a computerised tool for assessing pressure distribution. To use it, you first place the thin sensor mat on a seat, wheelchair or mattress. When your patient sits or lies on the mat, a computer screen displays a heat-map of pressure distribution. The hotter colours (oranges and reds) indicate areas of higher pressures, and the cooler colours (blues) indicate areas of lower pressures.

Sample Pressure Map

By testing various cushions and their results on the chair we can help to find the best fit for each of your patients. OTs in particular have found this helpful in determining the right mix of wheelchair configuration and the correct cushion in complex seating situations.

Pressure mapping can also be done on any mattress and as with a chair it is extremely useful in highlighting potential areas prone to pressure. This can be relieved by either changing the mattress, using an air mattress or by simply understanding how/where the patient needs to be repositioned.

Please contact one of our product experts on 0818 989 353 to find out more about pressure mapping