Bonnie Berkemier, a wound, ostomy and continence nurse at Unity Point Health, St. Luke’s Hospital in Iowa, using Sizewize beds, says the beds are meeting needs for high-risk fall prevention and dealing with immobile patients who are at risk for pressure ulcers. “Sizewize low beds have the ability to go close to the floor, so if the patient slides off, they are less likely to be injured. We also use a mattress that helps prevent pressure ulcers because it increases pressure in air cells and resets in a range every 20-30 minutes. Sometimes, a non-medical way to achieve comfort is best, because pain control is not all done with medication.”

Ray Ganz, president and CEO at NOA Medical Industries, a bed supplier to nursing homes for 33 years, says, “We have created a bed that is relatively new, where we build in everything instead of having add-ons. Our beds go from 76-80 inches long. They can expand from 35-42 inches across. The working load for the bed is 600 pounds. All these were add-ons in the past. The future is having everything you need for measurement included on the bed.”


Carlyn Solomon, chief operating officer at Hill-Rom, touts the Compella bariatric bed, which he says can help streamline workflow and enhance patient dignity. “The Compella is the only bed that offers powered width expansion. It also offers powered transport, automated length adjustment and connectivity features. Hospital admissions of obese patients have tripled in the last 20 years, and bariatric patients now represent nearly 10 percent of all hospital admissions.”

Sue Bunnell from Princeton Baptist Medical Center, a Hill-Rom customer, cites excellent feedback from patients and nurses using the Compella. “I have worked in bariatrics for 11 years and the ease of use for this product is a benefit. Patients need not be embarrassed by the presence of extra staff to expand the bed. You just push a button and the sides will expand and bolsters will fill with air and the patient is made to feel comfortable and respected.” She contends that the bed design facilitates positive relationships between patients and staff because ease of expansion helps avoid stigmatization.

Westbrook from Sizewize cautions that there are times when a smart bed can be too smart. “Sometimes the bed is smarter than needed by the environment. With some high-end beds, you are going to use 10 percent of the ‘brain.’ Hospitals don’t need more technology than they can use.”

Training and service Considerations
Ensuring that staff know about the full functionality of the beds is cited by Berkemier as key to maximizing the investment. She says that her team was educated by Sizewize representatives for two full days. “Our technician population is transient, but those are the personnel that are right with the patient, so it’s important they are fully trained to do the job right.”

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