
If you have a bed-bound loved one at home, or you work in a hospital or nursing home, moving a hospital bed might be a possible engagement. While this might seem quite simple, there is more to it than you think. A hospital bed is a complicated machine that requires the proper process to safely move from one room to another or wherever you might be prompted to move it.
This article will come in handy to offer you helpful steps for safely moving a hospital bed supplemented with critical demonstrative YouTube videos. It will also inform you about the different hospital bed sizes so you can choose accordingly.
Typical Hospital Bed Sizes

Of course, people are of different sizes; you might be petite, small, medium-sized or huge-bodied. Consequently, different hospital beds come in different sizes to suit different-sized users. The most common hospital bed sizes are as follows:
Width
Most hospital beds range between 35 and 60 inches in width. A good example is the twin bed, which is about 39 inches in width. The average width of most of these beds is 42 inches, although bariatric beds might extend up to the 60-inch limit.
Length
Hospital bed lengths usually range from 74 to 88 inches, but most are about 80 inches long. However, smaller and larger beds are available for people who prefer shorter beds or require more room. Others are fully adjustable such that they can extend up to 88 inches without the need for tools or additional equipment.
Height
Most hospital beds have adjustable heights ranging between 7.25 and 26 inches tall. The height is one of the essential features to consider when choosing a hospital bed. The height of the bed you need and its adjustability depends on the patient's and the caregiver's individual needs.
For example, a low bed makes it easy for people with limited mobility to access or egress from it. On the other hand, caregivers can conveniently lift patients from a higher bed.
How to Choose the Right Bed Size
Choosing the right bed size for your loved ones starts with safety and comfort considerations. You can start by selecting the best dimensions that perfectly suit the patient's body mass index (BMI). If the patient has a BMI of 45 or lower, a 36” standard bed is alright. However, if their BMI extends above 45, you might need to get a 39" bed, and if it is more, extensions will be required.
Other factors that you have to consider include the patient’s condition that is prompting them to use the hospital bed. You can ask yourself the following question before deciding on the appropriate size:
How to Move a Hospital Bed - Step-By-Step Instructions
You might participate in hospital relocation, patient transfer in a hospital, setting up a new hospital facility, or even moving a patient from one room to another at home. In such cases, you are likely to move a hospital bed, and the following tips can guide you:
Best Videos for Moving a Hospital Bed
YouTube videos will help you understand better the bed moving process. They supplement the above tips and give you a more realistic view of the moving process. Here are helpful links to some of the most reliable videos:
Hospital Beds | Instructional Video | Moving & Braking | Stiegelmeyer
Hospital bed movement operation
Tips To Avoid Injury When Moving a Hospital Bed
Safety is a critical consideration when you are moving a hospital bed. You have to ensure the patient is as comfortable and safe as possible if you are moving the bed from room to room. Moreover, as the caregiver, you also do not need to incur avoidable injuries during the process. The following tips can help you avoid unnecessary injuries when moving a hospital bed:
Conclusion
Moving a hospital bed demands prior strategic planning. Ideally, the moving process in a hospital setting often happens after the recovery of patients, during patient transfer to an advanced level, or when in need of access to emergency services such as surgery. For home care hospital beds, the bed movement is only common when moving from one house to another or room to room.
Nevertheless, in spite of the context of use, the beds and their accessories are delicate. Consequently, ensure you map out the route you will take and clear any obstacles in advance to prevent inconveniences.
It is also advisable to consult the bed manufacturer or get professionals to help if you have any reservations about your ability to move the bed safely.