Electric profiling beds are becoming increasingly common in domestic and residential environments as they offer various benefits for those with long-term health and mobility issues, as well as benefits for those that care for them.

What is an electric profiling bed?

An electric profiling bed is a specially designed electric bed that can be adjusted to help satisfy the specific needs of the user. The mattress platform of an electric profiling bed is divided into sections to allow areas of the bed to be positioned at different heights and angles, depending on the requirements for posture, comfort and activities.

What types of electric profiling beds are available?

Most electric profiling beds have height adjustment and are available in a variety of specifications. Four-sectioned profiling beds are the most common. Below is a breakdown of the different types of four-sectioned electric profiling beds that are available:

• Four-sectioned electric profiling beds that have adjustable head, foot and knee sections.

• Four-sectioned electric profiling beds with the above mentioned sections and an auto-regression. (More details to follow).

• Four-sectioned electric profiling beds with the above mentioned characteristics and additional functionality to allow chair positioning and positioning of the lower leg.

When selecting a bed it is important to consider the specific needs of the individual to ensure that the appropriate profiling bed is chosen. For example, someone with a very complex health condition may require a specific and highly supportive electric profiling bed whilst those with less complex conditions may require assistance in achieving a sitting position and getting in and out of bed.

What does an electric profiling bed do?

Electric profiling beds are primarily designed to be a comfortable and ergonomic place for people to sleep, however they can also provide a safe and comfortable environment for individuals whose conditions mean they need to spend a large proportion of their time in bed. Whilst offering an improved quality of life, electric profiling beds can also provide healthcare benefits to those that use them. Some of the medical benefits are outlined below*.  Please note that a few of these benefits will be visited in greater detail later in National Bed Month, so please look out for more details:

Backrest Elevation

Backrest elevation offers a method of raising into a seated position and incremental positioning. It is also used to achieve a semi-recumbent position which can promote respiratory function. This may be beneficial for people with conditions such as Asthma, Emphysema and COPD.

Leg Elevation

Elevating the legs can reduce fluid and improve venous health by reducing blood pressure and circulation in the lower limbs. Elevation is particularly beneficial for people with conditions that affect circulation in their lower limbs such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

Knee Break

A knee break provides a pivot point at the knee to allow the thigh and lower leg to articulate. Also when elevating the back rest, the knee break should be activated first to prevent sliding down the bed. This sliding action can cause shear forces and for those at risk of developing pressure ulcers (or bed sores) can contribute towards skin damage. The knee break can also be used to fully support the thigh and lower leg in a comfortable and stable position, which can help alleviate pressure on the heel area.

What electric profiling beds are available to you?

As previously mentioned, it is vitally important to select the appropriate profiling bed, and accompanying mattress, to ensure that needs are met. Invacare currently offers a range of four-sectioned electric profiling beds, all of which have been designed with both the user and carer in mind.

The Medley Ergo range offers cost effective, functional care for community, home and residential environments, whilst the Etude Plus range offers additionally functionality and is ideally suited for home care. The attractive SB 755 is Invacare’s premium profiling bed that is designed for those with more complex needs. More information on Invacare’s range of electric profiling beds can be found here.

(* Please note that the medical benefits outlined in this article are for guidance only and are not definitive nor do they aim to serve as medical advice. A healthcare professional should always be consulted prior to using an electric profiling bed for medical assistance.)