How To Buy A Profiling Bed

This article was updated on 22/04/2024.

A profiling bed is used for anyone who may need some extra support when sleeping or spending long periods of time in bed. The right profiling bed can provide much-needed comfort and support for someone with a health condition or disability.

What is a profiling bed?

As we spend a lot of our time in bed, the place where we restore energy and rest, it is important to have a bed which suits your needs. A profiling bed is an excellent option for anyone who may need some extra support when sleeping or spending long periods of time in bed. A profiling bed is a fancy word for a bed that is split into sections which can be either manually or electronically moved and adjusted to suit the user's needs. There are many different shapes and styles of profiling bed and it is important to understand which type would benefit the user before buying.

Which parts of a profiling bed can be elevated?

• Leg Elevation - helps to reduce fluid and pressure in your legs and ankles, making it an ideal position to soothe away aches and pains from tiredness or injury.
• Back Elevation - offers great general positioning. Casabeds can elevate your back by up to 70 degrees, offering comfort and support for relaxing, reading, watching television or even eating in bed. some people also find that back elevation helps to relieve respiratory conditions.
• Back Elevation With Leg Elevation - This position enables users to achieve the benefits of both back and leg elevation. Back and leg elevation can also help users get in and out of bed easily and safely.
• Knee Brake - Allows the user to lie flat with the knees bent offering additional support for the knee area.
• Back Elevation With Knee Brake - Offers great general positioning for the user, with great comfort and support for the back and knee area.
• Trendelenburg - Allows the users' feet to be raised higher than the head, for a variety of medical purposes. Ideal for postural drainage, this position should only be used under professional supervision.
• Anti-Trendelenburg - This position provides added pressure relief for various areas of the body. Must only be used under medical supervision.

See our image guide below for visuals on the types of profiling bed.

Things to consider before buying a profiling bed

Make a list of the user requirements -  if you are unsure, ask for professional advice from a GP or OT to see what they would recommend the bed would need to do so you know it will definitely benefit the user and not disadvantage them.

Choose the appropriate size/weight capacity - There are four sizes of profiling bed to choose from (in the Casa bed range) :

• Standard – adjustable in height between 40cm - 80cm (16" – 31") with a maximum user weight of 22 stone.
• Low – low lying electronic adjustable profiling bed for those at risk of falling and has a maximum user weight of 22 stone.
• Ultra-Low – designed to take greater depth mattresses or mattresses complete with underlays, overlays or air pressure mattresses, with a maximum user weight of 22 stone.
• Bariatric – usually designed with varying height and width options and a user weight of up to 45 stone.

Other accessories & parts - additional parts may be required to benefit the user such as side rails, handsets and poles. Don’t forget to consider the design of the bed if you are concerned about it fitting in with bedroom décor or not wanting it to look ‘clinical’.  Many profiling beds now come in modern wooden designs with a choice of mesh metal or wooden slats.

Price, Warranty & Maintenance - it’s important to check out all the details when investing in a specialist piece of furniture. You want to know that it is going to work for the user and what to do if it becomes faulty or you need a spare part. Prices will be competitive from company to company and will often depend on the quality of the manufacturer of the beds, so do your research on different brands before committing. Ensure the bed you have chosen has a good warranty guarantee with the manufacturer and check exactly what it covers (often this is just bed parts and not the frame). Check that the bed is covered for repair if it fails within the warranty time.

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Kate Makin, OT

Kate Makin qualified as an occupational therapist (OT) in 2001 with a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).

As a registered occupational therapist (OT), Kate is a science degree-based, health and social care professional, taking a “whole person” approach to both physical and mental health and wellbeing. This enables individuals, of all ages, to achieve their full potential and lead as independent life as possible.

Click here for Kate’s registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Throughout her career, Kate has worked in many different clinical settings, in both the public and private sector. Kate has been running her own independent occupational therapist business since 2009. She is passionate about disability aids and adaptations, with a specialist interest in postural management and seating.

As Ability Superstore’s resident OT, Kate is on hand to offer professional advice and answer any queries.