Back then, the most preferred place for patient recovery was the hospital. That’s because most things that allow faster healing processes were only available in such facilities, and the idea of having home nurses had yet to be adopted by many. In recent years, however, the option of at-home patient recovery, which involves receiving care through exercises, rehabilitation, medication, and rest, has been preferred by many due to its various advantages.

Some benefits of at-home patient recovery include reduced costs, as one no longer has to pay for hospital bills, maintained independence, privacy, better comfort, and convenience. This type of recovery also offers reduced infection risk since things like washrooms don’t have to be shared, as well as improved quality of care because there’s only one point of attention.

Many factors have contributed to the said benefits. Besides having loved ones and, possibly, a nurse to offer care, equipment such as ergonomic beds can further enhance the quality of at-home patient recovery. How is this possible?  Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Ergonomic Beds?

Ergonomic beds, also known as adjustable beds, have a flexible frame that raises or lowers the head and footrest. The different types range from non-electric to premium electric beds. Due to their design, such options are best for people who struggle with sleeping for several reasons, including back pain, shoulder pain, and respiratory difficulties.

Ergonomic beds have customizable positions and can come with a massage function. Some models allow you to adjust the temperature to your preference, which will be further discussed below.

In addition, these beds are usually used to improve comfort and offer relief from various medical conditions, such as arthritis, chronic back pain, and reflux.

Ways Ergonomic Beds Improve At-Home Patient Recovery

Here’s how ergonomic beds help improve the quality of at-home patient recovery:

1. Improve Blood Circulation

As mentioned earlier, one can adjust the angle of their head and feet while lying on an ergonomic bed, which enables them to sleep in a zero-gravity position, facilitating more blood flow to the heart. As a result, the said organ will start pumping harder, allowing more blood to reach the extremities. Also, the veins expand and contract, promoting comfort during the daytime.

One of the health conditions that may interfere with the recovery process at home is bed sores, also called decubitus or pressure ulcers. These are injuries caused by constant pressure due to insufficient blood flow in the affected body parts. With an ergonomic bed, better circulation ensures that no body parts are undergoing constant pressure, so there’ll be no bed sores that can delay the recovery.

2.  Provide Better Sleep

Various factors determine one’s quality of sleep, including comfort level. An adjustable bed can be reclined so the patient can sleep in the most comfortable positions. This reduces snoring, eases insomnia, and one is able to wake up without feeling tired.

Better sleep promotes at-home patient recovery as it improves digestion and metabolism, and promotes physical well-being. Good sleep is necessary for optimal wound healing after surgery or major wounds from an accident. It also improves the immune system, which, in turn, balances the hormones, leading to better strength and higher energy levels.

3. Offer Better Body Support

In the recovery process, there’s a possibility of other complications happening. For instance, how the body is often positioned determines whether one will experience acid reflux. This is a condition wherein stomach acid goes back up to the esophagus. That happens when the sphincter muscle located at the muscular tube’s lower side relaxes at the wrong time. Frequent occurrence of acid reflux results in GERD, an irritation of the food pipe lining.

An ergonomic bed can help eliminate this complication while recovering at home. It offers adjustments, thus, offering better body positioning and support. The adjustable head and footrest provide more comfort, while the adjustable lumbar offers better support. Besides avoiding acid reflux, proper positioning reduces body pains by properly aligning the spine.

A patient may also experience breathing difficulties during the recovery process. Doctors recommend elevating the head to improve breathing. One way of doing this is by placing pillows below the head, but this approach can be uncomfortable as the remaining body parts are in a flat position. An adjustable bed is recommended in such instances as it allows one to elevate the upper body and open up their airway.

4. Equipped With A Massaging System

Some adjustable beds come with a built-in massage system. This can be helpful in the recovery process as it helps reduce inflammation and joint swelling. Massages also help manage stress and anxiety, leading to a smoother recovery process.

5. Regulate Temperature

Ergonomic beds are designed to help with temperature regulation in several ways. First, many ergonomic beds are made of temperature-regulating fabrics, like memory foam, latex, and gel-infused foam that draw heat away from the body, helping one to keep cool. Breathable materials, such as cotton, are also used. These allow air to flow freely, preventing overheating during the night.

Many ergonomic beds have built-in cooling features, allowing one to adjust the temperature to one’s desired level and helping maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

Lastly, ergonomic beds use a combination of mattress and topper. A mattress topper is a thin layer of foam that sits on top of the mattress, and which helps improve its comfort level and temperature regulation capacity. The foam acts as an insulator, keeping the mattress from getting too hot or cold.

Combining these features, ergonomic beds can help regulate body temperature, leading to a more comfortable and restful sleep, which is essential in recovery.

Wrapping It Up!

Times have changed, and today, a person can successfully recover as an at-home patient. It offers benefits such as minimized costs, privacy, more independence, better comfort, and convenience, to mention a few.

Several factors have contributed to the success of at-home patient recovery. One, a patient can receive the services of a nurse in the comfort of their own abode. Next, equipment such as ergonomic beds is there to help every step of the way.