February 20, 2025 Shanza Munir

Manual vs Electric Hospital Beds: Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to hospital beds, choosing the right one can make a big difference in comfort, recovery, and overall care. It helps prevent problems, improves sleep, and supports medical care. Whether for home use, medical facility, short recovery or long-term use, choosing the right bed creates a safe and comfortable space for both patients and caregivers.

If you're looking for a quality hospital bed, check out Medshopdirect’s bed collection for reliable and affordable bed options.

Hospital Beds

Medical Bed Costcare B333 Heavy Duty Low Bed Long-Term Acute Care

$1,483.00
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Medacure Ultra Low Hospital Bed ULB7/30-CLS with Floor Lock System

$1,741.67
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TransferMaster Full Electric Hi-Lo Hospital Bed Supernal 3

$3,441.00
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Low Profile Hospital Bed Prius Descend Ultra

$2,450.00
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What Are Manual Hospital Beds?

Manual hospital beds are a budget-friendly option for patient care. They use a manual crank system to adjust the bed height, head, and foot sections. Since they don’t need electricity, they are useful in places without a steady power supply.

However, adjusting them takes physical effort, as caregivers must turn cranks and levers to change the height, backrest, or leg support. These beds come with two cranks or three cranks, offering different features for comfort.

They are strong, reliable, and ideal for patients who don’t need frequent changes in position. Their sturdy frame ensures durability, and the turning mechanism helps with smooth adjustments. Though they demand effort, they are a trusted choice for caregivers and hospitals.

Pros and Cons of Manual Hospital Beds

Pros

Cost-Effective: Manual beds are generally more affordable than electric beds, making them a budget-friendly choice.
No Power Dependency: Since they don’t rely on electricity, they can be used in areas with power outages or limited access to electricity.
Low Maintenance: With fewer mechanical parts, manual beds are easier to maintain and repair.
Portability: They are often lighter and easier to move, making them suitable for home use or smaller spaces.

Cons

Physical Effort Required: Adjusting the bed requires manual effort, which can be challenging for caregivers of patients with limited strength.
Limited Features: Manual beds typically offer fewer positioning options compared to electric beds, which may affect patient comfort.
Slower Adjustments: Changing the bed’s position takes more time and effort, which can be inconvenient in urgent situations.

What Are Electric Hospital Beds?

Electric hospital beds are designed to make life easier for both patients and caregivers. Unlike manual beds, which need physical effort to adjust, these beds use motorized controls operated by a remote or control panel.

With just a push of a button, you can change the bed’s height, raise the backrest, or adjust the leg support. This makes them perfect for patients who need frequent position changes or extra comfort. If you want to know further, you can have a look at our detailed guide on electric hospital beds.

These adjustable beds are often used in hospitals and care facilities because they are simple to use and help caregivers a lot. The electric motors make adjustments smooth and easy, so caregivers don’t have to strain themselves. Whether for short-term or long-term care, electric hospital beds are a smart and comfortable choice. Have a look at a few of them.

Electric Hospital Bed

Adjustable Hospital Bed Medecure ULB48-X-7/30-CLS

$1,950.00
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Adjustable Medical Bed Prius Ai1

$9,750.00
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Emerald Hospital Adjustable Bed Oasis 52200

$1,940.00
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Emerald Oasis Expandable 52300 Hospital Bed

$2,051.00
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Pros and Cons of Electric Hospital Bed

Pros

Ease of Use: Electric beds can be adjusted effortlessly with the push of a button, reducing strain on caregivers and patients.
Advanced Positioning: They offer multiple positioning options (e.g., head, foot, and height adjustments), improving patient comfort and medical care.
Improved Safety: Many electric beds come with safety features like side rails and emergency stop buttons, enhancing patient safety.
Customizable Comfort: Patients can easily adjust the bed to their preferred position, promoting better rest and recovery.

Cons

Higher Cost: Electric beds are more expensive to purchase and maintain compared to manual beds.
Power Dependency: They require a reliable power source, which can be a limitation during power outages.
Complex Maintenance: With more mechanical and electrical components, electric beds may require more frequent repairs and maintenance.
Heavier and Bulkier: Electric beds are often heavier and less portable, making them harder to move or relocate.

Size and Weight Capacity of Manual Hospital Beds Vs Electric Hospital Beds

Whether you’re looking for a compact solution for a small space or a heavy-duty bed for bariatric care, both manual and electric beds come in a variety of sizes and weight limits to suit different requirements.

36" x 80" Standard Size Hospital Beds

Costcare Full Electric Hospital Bed B135C

$798.00
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Costcare High Low Hospital Bed B310T

$967.00
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Costcare Semi-Electric Bed B120C

$598.00
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Ultra Low Hospital Bed Medacure ULB3.9

$2,240.00
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For a closer look at how electric hospital beds enhance comfort and support, check out MedShop Direct’s detailed guide.

Characteristics

Manual Bed

Electric Hospital Bed

Bed Size

Typically available in standard sizes:
Twin: 36" x 80"
Full: 54" x 80"

- Bariatric options may be limited.

Available in a wider range of sizes:
Twin: 36" x 80"
Full: 54" x 80"

- Bariatric options: 42" x 84" or larger.

Weight Capacity

Standard weight capacity: 300-450 lbs.

Higher weight capacity: 450-1000 lbs (bariatric).

Key Differences Between Manual and Electric Hospital Beds

To help you decide between a manual hospital bed vs an electric hospital bed, here’s a detailed comparison table based on key factors like cost, ease of use, comfort, and more:

Feature	Manual Hospital Bed	Electric Hospital Bed
Comfort	Provides basic comfort but may not suit patients needing frequent position changes.	Offers enhanced comfort with multiple positioning options, ideal for preventing bedsores.
Adjustability	Limited positioning options (e.g., basic head and foot adjustments).	Highly adjustable; allows precise changes to bed’s height, backrest, and leg support.
Ease of Use	Requires manual cranking for adjustments, which can be physically demanding.	Uses motorized controls; adjustments are quick and effortless with a remote or control panel.
Caregiver Strain	Can be tiring for caregivers due to physical effort required for adjustments.	Reduces strain on caregivers; adjustments are smooth and effortless.
Maintenance	Low maintenance due to fewer moving parts.	Requires more maintenance; motorized parts may need repairs.
Trendelenburg/Reverse Trendelenburg	Rarely available; requires manual effort.	Often available; motorized for easy positioning.
Side Rails	Usually manual; may need to be adjusted by hand.	Often motorized or easy to adjust with buttons.
Cost	More affordable; lower upfront and maintenance costs.	More expensive; higher upfront and maintenance costs.
Ideal For	Short-term use, budget-conscious buyers, or patients with minimal mobility needs.	Long-term care, patients needing frequent adjustments, or caregivers prioritizing ease of use.

Right Time to Choose Manual Hospital Bed

Choosing a manual hospital bed can be a practical and cost-effective solution in certain situations. Here’s a detailed look at when and why you might want to choose a standard manual bed.

1. Low Budget

Manual hospital beds are significantly cheaper than electric beds, both in terms of upfront cost and long-term maintenance. If you’re on a tight budget or need a cost-effective solution for home care, a manual bed is a practical choice. It provides essential functionality without the added expense of motorized features.

2. Short-Term Use

If you need a hospital bed for a short period, such as during recovery from surgery, an injury, or a temporary illness, a manual bed is a great option. It offers the necessary support and adjustability for short-term needs without the higher cost of an electric bed, which is better suited for long-term care.

3. Low Availability of Electricity

One of the biggest advantages of a manual bed is that it doesn’t rely on electricity. This makes it a dependable option in areas with frequent power outages or for outdoor use. You won’t have to worry about the bed not functioning during a power cut.

Right Time to Choose Electric Hospital Bed

Choosing an electric hospital bed is a decision that depends on timing and specific needs. Here’s when it’s the right time to opt for an electric bed:

1. Long-Term Care Needs

If the patient requires care for an extended period, such as for chronic illnesses, disabilities, or aging-related conditions, an electric hospital bed is a better choice. Its advanced features, like motorized adjustments, make it easier to provide consistent care over time.

2. Frequent Position Changes

When the patient needs frequent adjustments to their position-such as raising the headrest for eating, lowering the bed for transfers, or elevating the legs for circulation- an electric bed is ideal. The remote control allows for quick and effortless changes, reducing strain on both the patient and caregiver.

3. Power Availability

If you have a reliable power source and backup options (like a battery backup), an electric bed is a practical choice. It ensures the bed remains functional even during short power outages, making it suitable for home or facility use.

Which Bed is Best for Homecare? Manual Vs Electric Hospital Bed

When choosing between a manual vs electric hospital bed for homecare, consider the patient’s needs and the caregiver’s situation. A manual bed is a good option for short-term care or if you’re on a budget. It’s affordable, easy to maintain, and portable, making it suitable for temporary conditions like recovering from surgery.

For long-term care or patients with more complex needs, an electric hospital bed is a better choice. It allows for easy adjustments with just the push of a button, reducing strain on caregivers and improving patient comfort. Features like adjustable height, backrest, and leg support help prevent bedsores and aid recovery.

In short, choose a manual bed for short-term, budget-friendly care, and an electric bed for long-term, comfort-focused homecare.

Hospital Beds for Home

Adjustable Hospital Bed Medecure ULB48-X-7/30-CLS

$1,950.00
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Costcare Bariatic Adjustable Hospital Bed B359

$3,325.00
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Costcare Full Electric Hospital Bed B135C

$798.00
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Costcare High Low Hospital Bed B310T

$967.00
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Buy Standard Hospital Beds with MedShop Direct

When it comes to finding the right electric hospital bed for your homecare needs, MedShop Direct offers a range of high-quality, standard electric beds designed for comfort, convenience, and durability. These beds are perfect for long-term care, providing easy adjustments and advanced features to enhance patient comfort and caregiver ease.

Medacure Hospital and Home Care Beds

Adjustable Hospital Bed Medecure ULB48-X-7/30-CLS

$1,950.00
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Full Electric Medacure 3 Function Homecare Bed

$1,133.00
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Hospital Bed Mattress Medacure LRX36 with Alternating Pressure System

$3,141.43
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Medacure Alternating Pressure Air Mattress with Built-in Air Perimeter

$715.00
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Whether you’re looking for a bed with head elevation, customizable positioning, or reliable support, MedShop Direct has you covered.

Ready to improve your care experience? Explore our collection of standard electric hospital beds today and find the perfect fit for your needs. Click here to shop now: MedShop Direct Electric Hospital Beds.