How to measure for Hospital Beds?
Hospital Beds come in different sizes such as twin, full, queen, and king. It is usually recommended to select a patient bed size that is at least four inches longer than the tallest person who will sleep in it. When considering the bed weight capacity, do not forget to add the mattress weight. For example, if the bed weight capacity is 400 lbs, then you must first subtract your mattress weight to get the patient weight that particular bed can handle. The following hospital bed measurements will help you choose the right bed size.
Hospital Bed Measurements
According to your personal requirements, measure for the below-given parameters:
- Patient Weight Capacity - Patient weight capacity is the weight of the patient that a particular hospital bed can safely handle.
- Bed Weight Capacity - Bed weight capacity is the total weight a bed can handle. It includes the weight of the patient and the mattress.
- Sleep Surface Dimensions - Sleep surface is the space available for sleeping. It is basically the space where a mattress can be placed.
- Overall Dimensions - Overall hospital bed dimensions are the exterior measurements and measured from the outside of the headboard to the footboard.
Hospital Bed Sizes
Based on the measurements obtained by above-mentioned parameters, you can choose from the following types hospital beds:
- Crib/Toddler - Toddler beds usually measure 27 inches wide by 52 inches long. Their small size makes it easy to place underpads or waterproof sheets on top of them, especially when your child is undergoing potty training.
- Twin - Twin beds usually measure 39 inches wide by 75 inches long. They are also known as single beds. They can be used by children and adults, and are great for compact areas as they occupy less space.
- Twin XL - Twin XL beds usually measure 39 inches wide by 80 inches long. They are longer than twin beds to accommodate taller teens and adults.
- Full - Full beds usually measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. They are also known as double beds.
- Queen - Queen beds usually measure 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
- King - King beds usually measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. California king beds measure 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.
How to measure for Mattresses?
Medical beds are not accompanied by mattresses unless they are a part of a package. Most of the times, they are to be bought separately. Since immobile patients spend the most of their day in bed, it becomes very important to select the correct mattress that would give them comfort and lessen the risk of bed sores. The following mattress sizes and measurements will help you choose the right mattress for a patient.
Mattress Measurements
According to your personal requirements, measure for the below-given parameters:
- Height - Mattress height is measured from the bottom where it rests on the box spring to the top of the mattress.
- Length - Mattress length is measured from the head of the mattress to the foot of the mattress.
- Width - Mattress width is measured from one side of the mattress to the another.
- Patient Weight Capacity - Patient weight capacity is the weight of the patient that a particular mattress can handle safely.
Mattress Sizes
Based on the measurements obtained by above-mentioned parameters, you can choose from the following types mattresses:
- Crib/Toddler - Toddler mattresses usually measure 27 inches wide by 52 inches long. They generally have a firm surface to prevent the face of the child from sinking into the mattress.
- Twin - Twin mattresses, also known as single mattresses, usually measure 39 inches wide by 75 inches long. They have the smallest possible mattress size other than a toddler-sized mattress.
- Twin XL - Twin XL mattresses usually measure 39 inches wide by 80 inches long. They have the same length as of a king or queen mattress.
- Full - Full mattresses, also known as double mattresses, usually measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. They are 15 inches wider than twin mattress measurements.
- Queen - Queen measurements are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
- King - King mattresses usually measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Another variant of king mattress is California king mattress that measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.
How to measure for Treatment Tables?
When buying a treatment table, it is very important to consider its measurements. The weight, length, width, height, and weight capacity of the table are important parameters because they can make a lot of difference. It is recommended that you should go for a table size that can easily fit the intended room and can accommodate a wide variety of patients.
Treatment Table Measurements
- Weight - If you are buying a portable table, then weight consideration is important because you will be moving your table from one place to the other. But if you are buying a fixed table, then the weight is not important.
- Width - As the width of the table is not adjustable, be careful while choosing it. The table should be wide enough to accommodate a wide variety of patients whereas narrow enough so that you can get close to the patient to ensure good body positioning.
- Height - Nowadays, most treatment tables have height adjustable legs. You should go for a height range that can accommodate you as well as cater for a broad range of therapies. As a general rule, the average table height should fall somewhere around your hip joint.
- Length - Table length should be chosen while keeping patient requirements in mind. Shorter lengths may leave legs of taller patients hanging off the table. But with shorter lengths you can save a bit of weight on the overall table weight. Tables longer than the required length can add to the table weight, making mobile work difficult.
- Weight Capacity - Weight capacity of the treatment table is also an important consideration. If you will work with bariatric patients, then opt for bariatric treatment tables. Crossing the specified weight limit can damage the table, resulting in patient injuries.
How to measure for Patient Lifts?
Patient lifts help in lifting and transferring patients from one place to another. They are very helpful when you want to transfer the patient from the bed to the bath, the chair to the bed, and in other similar conditions. It is very important to get a right sized lift because here you will be dealing with patient safety.
Patient Lift Measurements
You can buy the perfect patient lift by considering the below given parameters -
- Weight Capacity - Weight capacity is the total patient weight that a particular patient lift can safely handle.
- Maximum Height - Maximum height is the vertical distance from the ground till which the spreader bar can raise the patient.
- Minimum Height - Minimum height is the vertical distance from the ground till which the spreader bar can lower the patient.
- Base Width (Closed) - Closed base width is the distance between one end of the base to another when it is closed or folded.
- Base Width (Open) - Open base width is the distance between one end of the base to another when it is opened or unfolded.
- Base Height - Base height is the total height of the base.
- Mast Height - Mast height is the height of the vertical bar that fits into the base.
- Product Weight - Product weight is the overall weight of the patient lift. It is important to consider because you may need to move the lift from one place to another.
How to measure for Patient Slings?
Patient lift slings are used with patient lifts to transfer a patient from one place to another. It is always recommended to use a sling designed specifically for your lift. Using a wrong sling can prove to be dangerous. Along with lift compatability, choosing the right sling size is also important for the highest possible patient comfort and safety. If the sling size is too small, the patient may fall out and if the size is to large, then the patient may slip out. Both the cases will worsen the patient condition.
Patient Sling Measurements
To measure for a hoist sling, four basic parameters should be considered, namely height, hip size, thigh size, and weight capacity. Other factors like physical disabilities, general physique, and weight distribution of the patient might also need consideration.
- Height - Make the patient sit or lie down on a flat surface. Then measure from the coccyx to the top of the head. The measurement so obtained corresponds to the body length of the sling. This may vary according to the sling models.
- Hip size - Measure across the widest part of the hips. The body width of the sling should be such that it can comfortably accommodate the measurements obtained. This will prevent skin abrasions and minimize the risk of a patient falling out of the sling.
- Thighs size - Measure the thigh size of the patient. Leg piece of the sling should comfortably accommodate this thigh size. Only the padded portion of leg pieces should touch thighs or else skin abrasions and tears may appear.
- Weight Capacity - Weight capacity is the maximum patient weight a patient sling can handle safely. If you are dealing with bariatric patients, then go for bariatric slings.
How to measure for Scrubs?
Choosing the perfect size for your scrubs is very important because it will keep you comfortable and confident all day long. It is the first step towards loving your job. Go through the below-given scrub fitting guide to know the scrub size that will complement your body type. Take a flexible measuring tape and measure your chest, waist, hip, and inseam.
Scrub Measurements
- Chest - Breathe out, then put the measurement tape under your arms, and measure all the way around the widest part of your chest.
- Waist - Measure around your natural waistline to get the waist size.
- Hip - Measure around the widest part of your body. If your hip size is larger than your waist by two sizes or more, then use your hip measurement to determine the pant size.
- Inseam - Measure your inseam along the inside of the leg from the crotch to the bottom of your ankle or to the desired pant length.
Then compare obtained measurements with specifications of the manufacturer and select the size that fits you the best.
