What is a profiling bed?

Most profiling beds are electric and height adjustable and are used in, care homes, domestic homes, and hospitals. However, aesthetically they need not be drab, dull or particularly clinical in appearance.

Because the backrest and leg section can be adjusted to a sitting position by the user, residents are provided more comfortable positioning. Engaging the contour option will activate the leg and backrest movement at the same time to enable better positioning and reduce the risk of pressure, shear, and friction. The lower foot section can be raised or lowered enabling better comfort and positional therapy for hydration, nutrition and social interaction.

What is the purpose of profiling beds?

Profiling beds are designed to improve independence, comfort and support for residents, increasing mobility whilst in bed and assisting transfers and egress from bed safely.

The backrest function helps postural support and improve respiratory function. Raising the legs can reduce fluid buildup, and lowering the foot section can reduce the risk of pressure ulcers (bed sores) by off-loading the heels.  The bed also tilts, the most common tilt function is anti-Trendelenburg or ‘foot down tilt’ which offers gastrointestinal and circulatory benefits, increased lung function and pressure relief as well as providing a more natural sitting position.

A profiling bed is used together with a Pressure Reducing Foam or Active Mattress. A foam mattress will provide pressure redistribution for the user and reduce the risk of skin damage or pressure ulcers. All mattresses should conform to the bed shape even when profiled.

Non-foam mattresses such as Renray’s Noodles mattress have an improved Micro-Climate which reduces humidity and temperature, reducing moisture and potential skin damage, the Noodles mattress is a completely recyclable and washable solution.

Active systems known as dynamic mattresses or air mattresses are used for users who are at a higher risk of pressure damage to the skin, they are powered by pumps that use airflow in cells to reduce pressure at the interface between patient and mattress platform.

Height adjustable Profiling beds have a variable height range; enabling the bed to be raised or lowered easily with one button, allowing the user to get into or out of bed safely and helps the carer with their duties at the best height for them.

Compliance

The Medical Bed Standard 60601-2-52 is in place for the protection of users and carers, as a design framework for manufacturers and increasingly as a guide to external bodies such as the Care Quality Commission and the Health and Safety Executive.

The challenge for care homes is making sure the combination of profiling bed, mattress and side rails is safe and adheres to the standard, which can be a challenge, as beds and side rails are often purchased separately to mattresses. It is always best practise to go to a one stop shop such as ourselves.

Renray manufacture beds, mattresses and side rails, and our knowledge of side rail heights, entrapment issues, mattress / bed combinations, in the UK, to provide the highest levels of care whilst remaining compliant with the standard.

Bed manufacturers are allowed to self-certify their adherence to this standard and have been known to interpret this extensive document differently from one another, so independent testing verifies the bed has been validated to the standard. BE AWARE CE/CA marking does not mean that the bed has gone through an independent test house.

Choosing a bed that is independently tested to IEC 60601-2-52, ensures the bed complies with the standard. Giving you peace of mind from the start.

How Much Does Running Your Electric Profiling Bed Cost?

Electric beds or Adjustable beds or profiling beds, whatever you call them, all plug into an electrical socket and cost you money. But how much money do they cost a year?

The cost is related to the usage, how many times you use the functions.

Let’s say we add the standby power consumption, plus 10 backrest and knee break movements plus 5 variable height movements. Which is roughly 10 minutes of movement per day.

Each profiling bed has a power supply unit underneath the frame. If we use the Renray Corus or Carer profiling bed as an example, they both have the same power unit which draws 0.5W of standby power.

Now let’s add the example of 10 minutes of bed movement, detailed above, which will use an additional 0.009KWh per day, costing £1.04 per year or 2p per week on top of any standby power consumption.

This gives an ESTIMATED TOTAL COST of £2.53 per year or 5p per week per bed. At current market rate.

Also, because Renray beds are hand built in the UK to exacting standards there is no reason, they cannot outlast a simple divan bed. Ensuring the life time cost of such an investment is much lower.

Aesthetics

Profiling beds don’t have to look and feel clinical, uninviting or intimidating. Many profiling beds now come in a range of contemporary designs and finishes that enables them to blend in with most decor.

Profiling beds that are customisable and designed to look homely, can enhance the quality of life (both physically and mentally) for residents in several ways. Firstly, customisable profiling beds can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of the individual, providing them with personalised comfort and support. This can help to alleviate discomfort and pain, and improve overall well-being.

Homely profiling beds can help to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for people in a care home. This can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and promote a sense of well-being. With our already established furniture background Renray understands importance of being discrete stylish.

That is why our beds are customisable to suit any bedroom interior. Our Serenity Range is the perfect balance of style and nursing functionality and is a favourite within homes. You can choose from headboard style, upholstery, and bed size to suit your needs and budget.

In addition to enhancing the quality of life for people in a care home, profiling beds also makes life easier for caregivers.

Benefits to carer

Caring for a resident puts substantial amount of pressure on the care giver. Installing an electric profiling bed can reduce some of this stress, particularly when positioning the resident. The bed can efficiently move the patient into another position, limiting the risk of the care provider injuring themselves in the process. With an overbed table the resident can be raised so they can eat in at their bed.

The general understanding is that residents are repositioned to prevent pressure ulcers every 2 to 4 hours. Depending on clinical needs. Many carers experience back pain or tiredness due to bending and lifting repetitively throughout the day. Profiling beds can help reduce back strain by providing a safe working height for the carer when delivering on-the-bed care. The bed height can also be adjusted to make it easier for caregivers to assist with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.

As profiling beds are height adjustable, carers can set the bed height to their waist level. This helps prevent overbending and back strain when tending to their patients. The height adjustment feature is also beneficial if you need to transfer a resident from the bed. For example, when hoisting, the bed can be raised the make it easier and more comfortable for the carer.

To sum up profiling beds can help your residents with:

1. Greater Independence

A bed that is very supportive and has certain features to help manage a patient’s condition is necessary for those with various needs or a complex medical condition.

2. Pressure Care Management 

For those who lie in bed most of the time, pressure ulcer development is the main worry. Resident mobility can be facilitated by profiling beds to spread pressure.

3. Promoting Blood Flow

Limiting circulation-related issues can be achieved with a profiled bed. Regular movement will enhance respiratory function and blood circulation throughout the body.