Hospital beds, an important feature in healthcare settings, have a long and complicated but rich history that is marked by continuous innovation and development. Initially, they were basic pieces of furniture for sleeping that evolved over time into specialized tools with advancements in medical technology.
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From simple wooden beds treating patients in earlier times, hospitals have witnessed significant changes. In the current era, hospital beds are considered indispensable equipment in medical facilities, playing a vital role in providing optimal patient care. This blog walks you through the interesting journey of hospital beds, exploring their evolution from very humble beginnings to the modern, sophisticated, and ergonomic designs of today. Let&#;s have a look!
The introduction of the concept of a dedicated bed for healthcare purposes can be traced back hundreds of years. In ancient times, makeshift beds were used in infirmaries, but it was not until the Middle Ages that more structured hospital beds emerged. These early beds were mostly simple wooden frames with basic mattresses, offering basic comfort to patients.
The 19th century witnessed significant advancements in medical technology, and hospital beds were no exception. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, manufacturers began producing metal bed frames, providing a sturdier and more hygienic alternative. The incorporation of adjustable features in the design allowed caregivers to increase patient comfort and added to ease of care.
Somewhere between and , beds featuring adjustable rails emerged in Britain that were operated by a mechanical crank for moving the side rails. Fast forward to , Andrew Wuest and Son, a Cincinnati-based mattress company, patented a frame allowing mattress elevation, marking the initial version of the present-day hospital bed.
The 20th century brought with it unprecedented challenges with the World Wars, driving a myriad of innovations in healthcare. Over time, hospital beds became more specialized, with features such as adjustable head and foot sections.
In , Willis D. Gatch, previous head of the Indiana University School of Medicine&#;s Department of Surgery, introduced a breakthrough in hospital beds with his invention of the 3 segment adjustable bed, now commonly known as the Gatch Bed, allowing for head and feet elevation.
In , General Electric introduced push-button hospital beds featuring a unique built-in toilet to eliminate the need for bedpans. In , after a plane accident, billionaire Howard Hughes, dissatisfied with available equipment, had a special bed hospital bed designed. It had six sections and 30 electric engines to meet his particular recovery requirements. The post-war era saw the introduction of electrically powered beds, marking significant progress in patient care.
In , Hill-Rom introduced an electric engine bed and by , they developed the first fully electric bed. Two years later, Dr. Homer Stryker created the Circ-O&#;lectric Bed, inspiring various models for complex medical conditions.
As we move to the latter half of the 20th century, hospital beds continued to evolve and improve with advancements in terms of materials and technology. For instance, hydraulic and electronic controls enabled accurate adjustments to cater to the individual needs of patients. Moreover, the addition of monitoring devices and connectivity features transformed hospital beds into multifunctional units, further improving both patient care and healthcare professionals&#; efficiency.
Towards the end of the century, emphasis shifted to hospital bed mattresses with the introduction of therapeutic options in . Some beds featured position detectors and built-in mechanics for in-bed patient weighing. Exit monitoring patents were also introduced, along with nurse call devices. At the same time, permanent cardiovascular monitoring became a standard feature in beds.
In the 21st century, hospital beds have reached an unprecedented level of sophistication. The use of advanced materials, the introduction of ergonomic designs, and smart technologies all define the current innovations in hospital bed build and designs. In the present day, beds with pressure-relief systems, automated patient positioning, and connectivity to electronic health records have become the standard. Looking ahead, the future looks promising as ongoing research is adding to and improving hospital bed designs. At the same time, the evolving industry standards are aimed at creating more practical, comfortable, intelligent, and user-friendly beds for patients and caregivers in various settings.
The evolution of hospital beds through the years is a great example of advancements in medical technology. It is also a reflection of the deep commitment of various concerned individuals and organizations towards enhancing patient well-being.
From their humble beginnings to the innovative designs of today, hospital beds have indeed come a long way. As we continue to embrace technological innovations, the future holds exciting possibilities for more improvements in patient care through even further evolution of hospital beds.
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Last Updated on August 4,
by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed
The adjustable bed basemay have recently come into vogue with today&#;s décor, but the comforting bed actually dates back to the 19th century. The first patent for a frame that is movable was registered in the late s in Cincinnati, Ohio by a mattress company known as Andrew Wuest and Son.
In the Andrew Wuest and Son&#;s moveable bed frame made its debut. The s version simply had a head that was hinged in order to be elevated. It took a few more decades to create the first adjustable bed frame that would be the pattern for what we have in modern day.
The early s Dr. Willis Dew Gatch took notice of the need to save patients from severe infection from being left lying flat after surgery. In the flat position one was unable to move and wounds stood the risk of not draining to heal. In Gatch took it upon himself to invent a bed system that would allow for one to sit up at rest to drain surgical lacerations properly.
The bed, known as the Gatch Bed, was the basis for all adjustable bed frames to come. Split into three separate sections, each segment could be positioned as needed to situate the bed for exclusive needs of patients. During WWI, the Gatch Bed was used for hurt soldiers to help in healing. The comfort that the positional bed provided helped with the curative process. Gatch&#;s bed became the standard for the modern electric hospital bed that is still used and is now utilized for home comfort as the modern adjustable bed frame. The doctor realized his vision creating a bed that was easily maneuvered to many different positions to help achieve the best recuperation along with comfort and relaxation.
The bed stayed true to Gatch&#;s patent as it was enhanced with added features to accommodate needs of hospitals. The earlier beds were maneuvered with use of a crank at the bed&#;s foot coupled with the use of electricity. Now fully electric, the adjustable bed base is easily operated with the touch of a button.
Another doctor, George Ryerson Fowler, saw the need to allow for the bed to adjust to move even more to what is now known as Fowler&#;s position. This position permits the head of the bed to be raised up to a 90-degree right angle to allow for easier patient feeding, breathing and grooming, along with better drainage after certain procedures.
Features are added to the adjustable bed base to assist hospital needs.
These all aid in helping those caring for patients to provide safety and quick response for emergencies.
With TVs added to the bedroom folks came to realize that the room was no longer relegated for just sleep. The bed was becoming an entertainment center for reading, watching TV and spending quality time in. Taking notice of a need for more bed comfort, the Craftmatic Adjustable Bed company was formed in to manufacture adjustable beds specifically for home use.
The commercials showcased couples sitting up reading and watching a favorite show, or in a more reclined position ready for a peaceful slumber. The home bed made it easier for elderly, and those recovering from surgery, to achieve the same comfort and needs that the hospital bed provides.
The Craftmatic beds were merely made to bring the basic hospital bed into the home décor. Other than the comfort factor, the adjustable bed frame remained pretty much unchanged until it became more mainstreamed with a new century.
The 21st Century brought technological advancements in the bed industry. The memory foam mattress became the bedding of choice as companies perfected its cooling and comfort abilities. The adjustable bed base makes the perfect platform for a mattress that is so easily bendable it can be delivered shrink wrapped in a small box.
People are seeing the adjustable bed frame become mainstream as a mate for the now sought-after memory foam mattress. With companies competing to offer the best movable base for the money, the adjustable frame has become more décor and technologically savvy. GhostBed&#;s adjustable bed base offers all the luxuries one could dream of but with a very affordable price tag.
No longer is the base&#;s remote tethered to the bed frame and used for simply raising and lowering the foot and head. The modern version of the adjustable bed base is made for lifestyle enhancement. To enrich bedtime well-being, the remote and base have plenty of extras. An electronic remote now includes:
The new-age adjustable bed frame is crafted from upholstered fabric designed for beauty to mesh with any décor.
As the movable base is being accepted by more it is evolving into something that people not only want, but also need for its ability to help improve health problems. Just as hospitals understand the need for a movable bed to improve healing, so are those seeking out the base for home use.
Allowing for the setting of a raised or lowered head and foot provides positions made to alleviate a host of health issues including: back, neck, heart, circulation, arthritis, and digestion. Using an adjustable bed base can greatly improve sleep apnea and snoring with the touch of a button. The advantage of having a comfy extra-large reclining massage chair in the bedroom to play, work, eat, and dream from makes the adjustable bed base a home furnishing must-have.
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