How to choose an ICU bed

What do "functions" mean on an ICU bed?

A function is a movement the bed can make. The common ones are backrest up and down, knee rest up and down, bed height up and down, Trendelenburg (head down) and reverse Trendelenburg (head up). A three-function bed usually has backrest, knee rest and height; a five-function bed adds the two Trendelenburg tilts.

Type	Typical use	What to expect
Manual 3-function	Step-down units, smaller hospitals	Crank handles; lower cost; more nursing effort
Electric 3-function	ICUs with lighter budgets	Motorised movements from a handset
Electric 5-function	Most ICUs and CCUs	Adds Trendelenburg tilts for critical care positioning

Which safety features matter?

Side rails that lock firmly and fold away for transfers.
CPR release to flatten the backrest quickly in an emergency.
Central or individual castor brakes that hold the bed still.
Battery backup on electric beds, so the bed still moves in a power cut.

What else should you check?

The safe working load the maker states for the bed.
The mattress platform (sectioned, ABS or perforated steel) and the mattress size it takes.
Accessories you need: IV pole sockets, X-ray cassette tray, drainage bag hooks, head and foot boards that lift off.
Warranty, spare parts and who will service it.

Procurement checklist

Number of beds and the type of unit (ICU, CCU, HDU).
Functions needed, manual or electric.
Mattress and accessories.
Delivery city, installation and training.
Warranty and AMC terms.

Frequently asked questions

Is a five-function bed always better than a three-function bed?

Not always. Five-function beds help with critical care positioning, but a step-down or high-dependency unit may not need the tilts. Choose by the patients you treat and your nursing staff.

Does an electric ICU bed need a battery?

A battery backup is strongly recommended so the bed can still be moved and flattened during a power cut.