Difficulties may apply to both you and those supporting you and include: getting in and out of bed, moving and turning over, sitting up and being comfortable in bed.

• A firmer mattress may make transfers easier.
• If you have an adjustable bed, the mattress needs to be able to adjust with the bed.
• If you have pressure injuries, a pressure care mattress or overlay may be required.
• If you need mattress protectors or alternative overlays, it is important that the product does not stop the mattress you are using from working the way it is supposed to, especially if you have a pressure care mattress.
• If you need equipment to help you position well on the bed, it is important that if you can move in a positive way that it doesn’t stop you moving and if you have pressure concerns that the equipment doesn’t stop the mattress working properly.

It is important that all the equipment you use in the bedroom works together. An assessment by an occupational therapist and / or physiotherapist will help you to know what you need.

Some of the types of equipment that exist to assist with comfort, safety and health support include:

Beds

• Standard
• Manual adjustable beds
• Electric adjustable beds
  • Height adjustable
  • Raise / lower foot end
  • Raise / lower head end
  • Tilt
  • Knee break
  • Fully adjustable

Mattresses

• Standard
• Latex
• Foam
• Air
• Combination

Incontinence aids

• Bed protectors
• Urinals and bed pans
• Chair / bedside commodes

Thermoregulation

If you have difficult regulating your temperature at night, an assessment with an occupational therapist can assist you. There are a variety of products available including pillows, sheets and overlays.

Night time positioning

Night time positioning equipment can help if you:

• Are unable to change position when lying down.
• Have postural seating supports.
• Have high muscle tone.
• Have fixed body postures.

People with the above needs are at risk of developing poor posture that may become permanent over time.

This can cause pain, discomfort, problems with breathing and digestion and difficulty with everyday tasks.

As many hours are spent in bed each night, it is important that the position in which a person lies is not only safe, comfortable and supportive, but also, well positioned.

For more information:
Online: futurethinking.abilitycentre.com.au 

Equipment includes:

• Pillows, wedges, rolls, bolsters
• Complete sleep systems including:
  • Support brackets with padded covers at hips, trunk, legs
  • Shaped foam supports, wedges, rolls and bolsters
  • Foam mattress overlays
  • Mouldable positioning surfaces
  • Grid sheets for positioning supports
  • Stabilising mesh

Bed mobility and transfers

Some of the equipment to assist bed mobility and transfers can be used independently, however other items may require the assistance of a support person.

Equipment includes:

• Leg lifters
• Bed poles, ladders, transfer rails
• Transfer boards
• Bed raisers
• Slide sheets

Bed safety

Safety around the bed cannot be understated. A thorough assessment of bed safety by an occupational therapist with at least yearly reviews is recommended.

Equipment to assist bed safety includes:

• Bed rails and rail protectors
• Floor mats
• Head and foot board padding
• Mattress extender inserts

Bedroom furnishings

Over bed tables and trays are available.