Hospital beds date back hundreds of years and are believed to have started as stretched cloth between two poles. Around 1820 beds started appearing with crank systems to move the rails up and down. In 1874 a patent was given to a bed that could be elevated. This is considered the first iteration of the hospital beds we see today. In 1909 the three-section bed was developed, allowing for the back and feet to be elevated. GE developed the first push button hospital bed in 1945. Hill-Rom, a well-known manufacturer to this day, developed the first electrical bed in 1952. In the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s lots of innovations took place – bed controllers, controllers on the side of beds, therapeutic mattresses, and intelligent design. Today, researchers continue to develop and build upon current hospital bed designs. New industry standards are evolving helping to make beds more functional, intelligent, comfortable, and easy to use for patients and caregivers in a hospital, care facility, or private home setting.

We have so many people that come to our store that are trying out recliner lift chairs not just for comfortable sitting, but also for comfortable sleeping. That’s right – sleeping. Whether it is psychosomatic, psychological, or just subconscious notions, it seems that many older people can’t get comfortable or sleep well in their beds. They find that sleeping in their den recliner is comfortable and cozy. They feel safer compared to a bed. They rest better and rest longer. There is probably something to be said for waking up in a room that you know well and spend a lot of time in. So why not take advantage of the benefits and safety of a recliner/lift chair and combine it with a hospital bed? It would make profound sense. Our Forever Bed from Med-Mizer has done just that. Med-Mizer has taken up all the traditional aspects of a hospital bed and added a full-function recliner and lift chair that make this bed our Product of the Year.

 
   
 

One of Med-Mizer’s priorities in developing the Standard Bed was simplicity. One button brings the bed to the ‘dining position.’ One button returns it back to the bed position. That is simple. But there is a full array of things the bed can do in between. The video stops with the bed in a full upright position. From there the bed can raise you straight up to a standing position. This is the safest way to help someone with mobility issues to rise. We call it our Forever Bed because we feel it is the last bed you will ever purchase. Med-Mizer makes three rotating beds. There is the Fixed (height) Rotating Pivot Bed, the Standard Rotating Pivot Hospital Bed, and the Deluxe Rotating Pivot Hospital Bed. We are highlighting the Standard Rotating Pivot Hospital Bed because it most resembles the functions of an electric hospital bed. We have one in our showroom for you to test yourself. The Deluxe bed is the exact same product but surrounded by beautiful full wood trim and a hidden caster feature.

The pendent you see above is intuitive and easy to use. The bottom button (above the two stand alone buttons) is the button you will use the most. One button does a full rotation to a sit position. The button on the other side takes the bed to the lying position. The top button raises and lowers the back. The next button raises and lowers the bed itself. Next is the auto contour button. Finally, there is the leg up and down button. The buttons at the bottom provide safety lights under the bed and a caregiver lockout feature. The bed goes as low as 18” and as high as 33.5”. The reason for the 18” low is simple; most wheelchairs, transport chairs, etc. have an 18” height. This makes transfer from the bed to the transport device easy and safe.

One of the strengths in the Forever Bed is the patented roll-back system. This series of freely rotating roller bars allows the back to rise and descend with minimal sheer and friction on the back thereby reducing bed sore possibilities.

  

Auto-contour is another major advantage to the Forever Bed from Med-Mizer. Auto-contour provides full body support in a comfortable sitting position. With the legs rising slightly to about 15°, the upper body is prevented from sliding down the mattress as the back rises. This provides an amazingly comfortable sitting position for the individual. No longer does the caregiver have to pull the patient back up when the back rises; nor does the individual have to slide back up to get comfortable. Again, this is all about providing the patient with the safest setting while reducing the possibilities of bed sores. If the user needs to turn the bed to visit or see the television, simply press the ‘rotate’ button and the bed will begin to turn. When you release the button the bed will stop, leaving you in a comfortable sitting position to visit with friends. Want the back slightly higher, press the back up button. If you want the bed a little higher so you are eye-to-eye with your friends, press the platform up button. Here we are going to take a moment to discuss mattresses. If you want a soft mattress, the Deluxe mattress will be fine for you. It is sheer less and utilizes multi-layered pressure redistribution with high density foam in the torse and head sections. Additionally, it has a sloped heel section with high density foam offering excellent heel support and pressure redistribution. It is the softest of the Med-Mizer mattresses. The mattress that most people will order is the Elite. The Elite mattress has 2” of gel infused in the memory foam and then copper woven throughout the mattress. This provides for a firm but comfortable surface while the copper helps to remove heat from the body. If the individual has some discomfort or Stage 1 or Stage 2 pressure sores, we recommend the StatMatt mattress. The StatMatt mattress has eight individual bladders that automatically respond to patient movement through open/closed valve controls. It requires no electricity and is noiseless for added patient comfort. Firm foam perimeters were designed to enhance transfers and support seating on the edge of the bed. A breathable, bi-directional antimicrobial and hypoallergenic stretch coverlet with RF welded seams prevent fluid ingress. This provides a far better environment for the wounds to heal. There are three bladders at the head, two in the mid-section, and three in the lower back. Any repositioning moves pressure away from boney areas or common areas where skin abrasion would occur. Finally, for those that have up to Stage 4 pressure sores we recommend the ActiveCare Air mattress. The ActiveCare Air mattress has (20) 8” clear ‘soft’ air bladders for added comfort and infection control. It is a true air loss and alternating pressure mattress with five selectable cycle times. It has a constant low-pressure mode (CLP) for advanced immersion and envelopment. Auto detection sets appropriate pressure output for patient’s weight. The standard 36” ActiveCare Air mattress has a 400lb capacity and the 42” a 550lb. capacity. The ActiveCare Air mattress is especially designed to work with the Med-Mizer series of beds.

 
 

There are a wide range of options that come with the bed. The bed is available in 36”x 80” size or 42”x80” full xl size. 4” and 8” extenders are available. If you have lift equipment you need to roll under the bed to lift your family member (like a hoyer or patient lift) there are 3” and 5” casters available to facilitate the ability to do this. Both top and bottom rails are available. There are safety lights to provide extra safety if the person has to get up during the night. You can get (and we would recommend) a fixed mobility assistance bar to help with standing. It can be placed on the left or right side. There is a Trendelenburg option that is available with an additional pendent. For those suffering from edema, circulation challenges, cardiac problems or swelling feet and ankles you will definitely want to consider this option. There is a battery backup option that is available. If your loved one needs the assistance of a trapeze, the Med-Mizer has a full bed length bar just for that. Finally, staff controls are available on both the Standard bed and the Standard bed with the alternating pressure mattress. You can even have a patient scale added to the bed.

Mobility Bar
Side Rails
Full Length Bar
Staff Controls

We constantly strive at Affordable Medical Equipment and Mobility Solutions to provide our customers with the absolute best in day-to-day, rehab, short term and long-term care. Whether it is in the home or in a facility, we want your loved ones to be safe and comfortable. We want you to have peace of mind. That is why we are so excited about the Forever Bed from Med-Mizer. We honestly believe it will be the last bed you ever purchase for your loved one – amazingly comfortable, safe, full of benefits and at a price you can afford. Call us today at 803-926-2224.