We spend nearly a third our life in bed, so getting the right bed for you is a critical to getting a healthy nights sleep and preventing unnecessary injury.

With a loss in independence, more and more time can be spent in bed. A poorly fitted bed can lead to further loss in mobility and independence as well as pressure sores.

Thus getting the right bed and supports is critical. Here we discuss a range of accessories for beds.

Having problems setting up or lying down?

Lifting pole 

Lifting Pole

Lifting poles (or pull handles) are designed to make moving around, moving into semi-lying or getting in and out of bed easier. The majority have a floor standing cantilever gantry, although some are wall- or bed-attached. If freestanding, care should be taken to ensure that the base is positioned properly under the bed, otherwise the gantry frame may tip over. A handle hangs from the gantry and when adjusted to a suitable height, some people with enough strength can safely pull on it. The user does need to have fairly strong upper limbs and good abdominal control.

Lifting poles are usually not suitable for people with painful arms, painful shoulders, limited overhead shoulder movement or abdominal weakness.

Consider the following:

• A moulded handgrip may be more comfortable to hold and an adjustable length strap provides greater flexibility.
• Ensure that there is enough room for the base to slide under a divan bed and, where possible, fasten it to the bed headboard for greater stability.
• If the person also uses a mobile hoist for transfers, ensure that the lifting pole base does not prevent the hoist from being correctly positioned under the bed and that the overhead arm does not obstruct the lifting boom of the hoist.
• Some models dismantle for transporting, which may make it possible for someone to take the lifting pole on holiday.

is the most popular model of lifting pole that we stock, it is a Days patient helper and further info can be found here.

Rope ladders

Rope ladders either fit onto the footboard, the bed frame or the two feet at the end of the bed. They have rungs that the person pulls on to help him/herself into a sitting position.

Ensure that the ladder is safely and securely fixed in place and that the first rung is within reach of the person lying on the bed. Take care as those with plastic rungs may be slippery to hold. A retrieval line pinned to the bedclothes is sometimes needed if the rope ladder slips to the floor during the night.

Grab Rails

Easy grip Bed grab rail

The various types of grab handles on the market are either wall-fixed, bed-fixed or floor-fixed. They are used to pull on by someone to help sit up or turn over in bed.

• Some are fixed in one position, whilst others lock into a choice of several positions. Some of the static models could obstruct part of the bedside, making it difficult to get in and out.
• Floor fixed rails may be difficult to install if the floor is made of concrete.
• Ensure that bed-attached models are securely fixed. Some are tucked under the mattress and only rely on weight of the person to secure them in position.
• Ensure there is no risk of entrapment within the rail, at either end of the rail or between the rail and the mattress

At O’Sullivans Mobility Aids we offer a range of bed grab rails that are lightweight and do not require any equipment to install. Click here for the short or long bed grab rails

Backrests

Bed Backrest

These have a wooden or metal frame. The angle of the supporting surface can be adjusted for use under the pillows to provide the person with support in a sitting position. A headboard is essential to prevent the backrest from sliding backwards. Most fold flat for storing.

Having trouble transferring out from bed?

Transfer Boards!

These are smooth surfaced boards, tapered at either end to assist sideways transfers. They can be used independently or with help to slide in a sitting position from the chair onto a wheelchair. It is easiest if the mattress surface and the seat height are at the same level.

Curved transfer boards are useful when transferring onto chairs with fixed armrests, as they make it possible to transfer around them.

Some boards have additional transfer systems incorporated into them. One board has a transfer disc which moves within a central slot; another has an integral roller which the person sits on and slides across the board.

Similar transfers can be made using a low friction roller and a rigid, padded bridging device.

We stock a various selection of moving and handling equipment, simply click here

So there you have it, a selection of mobility aids that will help you getting in and out of bed.

If you have any queries don’t hesitate in contacting us at info@osullivansaids.ie or on (025) 24656