{"id":3109,"date":"2026-11-13T12:25:43","date_gmt":"2026-11-13T12:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zerogbeds.com\/blog\/?p=3109"},"modified":"2026-11-13T12:25:43","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T12:25:43","slug":"hospital-bed-accessories-guide-which-ones-you-actually-need-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zerogbeds.com\/blog\/hospital-bed-accessories-guide-which-ones-you-actually-need-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Hospital Bed Accessories Guide: Which Ones You Actually Need at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most families need only a few accessories with a hospital bed: a waterproof mattress cover, a suitable mattress, an over-bed table and a bedside table within reach, and sometimes a heel or pressure-care aid. Items such as side rails, trapeze handles and IV poles depend on the patient’s needs and should be chosen with a doctor’s or therapist’s advice. Check that every accessory fits your exact bed before you order.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hospital bed listings come with a long tail of accessories, from side rails and drip stands to cradles and trapeze bars. It is easy to order too much, or to miss one thing that makes daily care much easier. This guide explains what each hospital bed accessory does, who needs it and what to check before you add it.<\/p>\n

Accessories at a Glance<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Accessory<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nWhat It Does<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nWho Usually Needs It<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNotes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Waterproof mattress cover<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nProtects the mattress from moisture<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAlmost every long-term patient<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nChoose a breathable, washable cover<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pressure-relieving mattress or overlay<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSpreads pressure on the skin<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPatients at risk of pressure sores<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAsk the doctor or nurse first, see our guide to <\/span>hospital bed mattresses<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Over-bed table<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGives a stable surface for meals, books and a tablet<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPatients who eat or work in bed<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCheck the height range and wheels<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bedside table or cabinet<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nKeeps medicines, water and the remote in reach<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nEveryone<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nChoose a stable one at bed height<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side rails or assist handle<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSupport when turning or standing<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSelected patients<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNeeds assessment, as covered in our guide on <\/span>patient safety<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IV pole or drip stand<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHolds infusion bags<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPatients on home infusions<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOnly on medical advice<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Urine bottle or bag holder<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nKeeps equipment neat and below the bladder<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPatients with a catheter or bottle<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCheck the fitting on your bed<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trapeze or lifting handle<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nHelps patients shift position<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPatients with good arm strength<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNeeds a bed with a suitable frame<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bed cradle<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nKeeps sheets off the feet<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPatients with sensitive or injured feet<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAsk a nurse<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Heel protectors and wedges<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nReduce pressure on heels and support positioning<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPatients at risk of heel sores<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nComplement regular position changes<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The Essentials<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n