Adjustable Hospital Beds for Home, Premium vs Budget Compared

Adjustable hospital beds for home use are available at very different price points. Some basic models cost $700–$800, while others are built with advanced features and clinical safety in mind and therefore carry a heavier price tag. Understanding the differences helps families and caregivers make the right choice for both care needs and budget. This guide sets out what each option offers, where compromises are made.

Hospital Bed Market Options

Before we compare specs, it helps to see how the market is divided. You’ll generally find three tiers of adjustable hospital beds: budget, mid-range, and premium. As you move up the tiers, features increase in sophistication, durability, and safety.

In terms of pricing:

• Lower range: around $700–$900
• Mid-range: typically $1,000 - $2,000
• Premium range: $2,000+

It’s worth noting that hospital beds below $700 are available, usually as manual or semi-electric frames with only basic functionality. Occasionally, pre-owned full-electric beds also appear in this bracket. While these may be adequate for short-term needs, they are rarely the best option for long-term care.

So how do these tiers compare in features?

Premium Hospital Beds — Clinical-Grade Functionality at Home

Premium beds are often the same type you’ll see in senior living communities or skilled nursing facilities. Built to a clinical standard, they go beyond the basics and are designed for both safety and comfort.

Superior Lift (Height) Range

Premium beds lower much closer to the floor than other options, reducing the chance of serious injury if a fall occurs. For example, the Accora Contesa hospital bed lowers to just 3.9 inches from the floor and rises to 29 inches, allowing both safe sleeping and comfortable nursing height.

Profiling Functions

All adjustable beds let you raise the head and leg sections. Premium beds add more advanced positioning such as Trendelenburg tilt (head lower than feet) and reverse tilt (feet lower than head), which can help with circulation, breathing, or pressure relief.

Some models, such as the Accora Empresa hospital bed, also use BodyMove technology. As the bed moves, the frame shifts slightly to match the body’s natural motion, reducing skin friction and sliding (shear), which may help reduce pressure injury risk.

Premium models may also include features like built-in rotation for easier transfers or preset positions that move the bed automatically into safe or comfortable setups at the touch of a button.

Safety

Safety is one of the defining strengths of premium beds. They are compatible with side rails and fall mats, and often integrate with accessories to further reduce fall risk. For example, Accora’s high safety mat is the same height as a FloorBed with a 6-inch mattress, meaning that if someone rolls out of bed they do not fall to the floor. Movement is smooth and controlled to avoid sudden jolts, and safety stop functions prevent the bed from lowering unintentionally. Premium models also feature higher weight capacities than basic or mid-range beds, making them a safe option for bariatric care.

Durability and Support

Premium beds are built for continuous use in demanding care environments, which makes them highly durable. Many have replaceable components, so they can be serviced and repaired rather than replaced entirely. With Accora FloorBeds most components are replaceable making them great long-term value.

Design

While basic and mid-range beds often have a plain, institutional look, premium beds offer a more homelike design. For example, Accora’s FloorBed range comes in multiple finishes to blend with different decors, because a hospital bed at home should still feel like home.

Cons

The main drawbacks of premium beds are cost and complexity. They carry a higher upfront price than budget or mid-range models, and they may also require assembly on delivery. That said, many suppliers offer professional installation services. For families or facilities looking at long-term use, the higher cost is often offset by greater durability, advanced safety, and the ability to replace components rather than the entire bed.

Mid-Range Beds — A Practical Middle Ground

Mid-range beds are a solid option for home use, offering more comfort and flexibility than budget models without the higher cost of premium beds. They are well-suited for people who need reliable adjustability and a sturdier build but do not require the full clinical-grade features of top-end models.

Lift (Height) Range

Mid-range beds typically lower to around 7–9 inches and raise to 26–28 inches. This gives users more flexibility than budget models and provides caregivers with a workable nursing height, though they do not achieve the extreme low positions of premium floor-level beds.

Profiling Functions

Independent head and leg adjustments are standard. Many mid-range beds also feature auto-contour, which moves the head and legs together to improve comfort and positioning. Advanced functions such as Trendelenburg tilt or integrated shear-reduction systems are generally not included, though some higher-end mid-range models may offer them as optional upgrades.

Controls

Handsets in this tier usually provide 5–8 functions with clear, ergonomic buttons. Some include lockout options for caregiver control. Unlike premium beds, they rarely offer preset positioning modes, so adjustments may require more manual input.

Safety

Mid-range beds have stable frames and smoother motors than budget models, which makes movement less abrupt. They are typically compatible with side rails and basic safety accessories, providing a reasonable level of protection for home use.

Durability and Support

These beds are designed for regular household use and often have strong frames rated up to 400–450 lbs. Motors and electronic components are usually replaceable, which extends their working life. Warranty coverage is often comparable to premium models, though the terms vary by manufacturer.

Design

Mid-range beds tend to have a more neutral, functional appearance than premium models. They are usually supplied in standard finishes with basic head and footboards, which look more medical than homelike. Some manufacturers do offer wood-effect panels or simple style options, but the choice is more limited compared with premium beds that are designed to blend into home décor.

Cons

Mid-range beds lack the advanced technology, extremely low heights, and preset safety features found in premium models. While they are durable and functional, they are not optimized for intensive clinical use or advanced positioning needs.

Budget Beds — The Entry Level

Budget beds are the most affordable option and are often chosen for short-term use or when cost is the main consideration. They provide the essential adjustability of an electric hospital bed but come with limitations in range, features, and design.

Lift (Height) Range‍

Most budget beds adjust from around 9.5–12.5 inches at the lowest up to 20–21.5inches at the highest. This gives a basic level of adjustability but does not allow for true floor-level positioning or the higher nursing heights found in mid-range and premium models.

Profiling Functions

‍These beds typically provide simple head and leg adjustments via a motorized handset. The functions are basic and usually limited to independent up/down movements. Features such as auto-contour, tilt options, or advanced profiling are not included.

Controls

‍Controls are straightforward, usually with just a few buttons for head, foot, and height adjustments. Some include basic rail-mounted handsets, but they rarely have lockout functions or presets.

Safety

‍Budget beds are fitted with lightweight frames and basic safety accessories such as half-length side rails and locking casters. They provide the minimum safety functions needed but lack advanced systems like smooth-motion motors or safety stops.

Durability and Support

‍Frames are lighter and components less robust compared with mid-range or premium beds. They are adequate for everyday use but may wear more quickly under continuous or heavy use. Warranty cover is usually limited.

Design

‍Design is generally plain and medical in appearance. Budget beds often come in standard finishes with minimal styling, prioritising function over aesthetics. They are not typically available in homelike or décor-matching options.

Cons

‍While budget beds provide the lowest price point, they compromise on features, and style. They are suitable for short-term recovery or occasional use but may not meet the needs of those requiring long-term safety, comfort, or advanced functionality.

Which Hospital Bed should I choose?

Choosing the right hospital bed ultimately depends on your situation and needs. If you’d like a more detailed breakdown of how to match a bed to your care requirements, check out our guide on How to Choose the Best Hospital Bed for Home Use.

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Choose a Premium Bed if:

• You need a bed for long-term use, especially for conditions that require advanced positioning or pressure care.

• Safety and fall prevention are top priorities.

• You want a bed with clinical-grade durability, design options that blend into the home, and the ability to replace parts over time.

• You are caring for someone with higher support needs (including bariatric care).

Check out the Accora Contesa Bed a premium option that combine clinical safety with a homelike design.

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Choose a Mid-Range Bed if:

• You want more comfort and adjustability than a budget bed, but don’t require floor-level safety or advanced features.

• The bed is for regular household use, with basic profiling functions and a reliable build.

• Cost is important, but you still want a strong balance of quality and functionality.

Choose a Budget Bed if:

• You need a bed for short-term recovery or occasional use.

• You only require the essentials: electric head/foot adjustment, basic rails, and motorised height adjustment.

• Price is the deciding factor, and advanced safety or design features are not necessary.

Final Thoughts

Hospital beds come in different tiers for a reason. Budget models deliver the basics at the lowest price, mid-range beds add more comfort and flexibility, and premium beds provide clinical-grade safety and durability designed for long-term care.

If your goal is simply to cover short-term recovery needs, a budget bed may be enough. If you want something sturdier and more versatile without the higher cost, a mid-range option is a solid compromise. But if safety, long-term value, and comfort are your priorities, a premium bed is the closest you can get to the standard of care used in professional facilities  and one that can still feel at home in your home.

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