Common Hospital Bed Issues and How to Fix Them
Hospital beds are designed to support patient comfort, mobility, and safety—but like all equipment, they can experience problems over time. Whether the bed is used in a clinical facility or at home, even small issues can disrupt patient care and create frustration for caregivers. The good news? Most common hospital bed issues can be fixed with simple troubleshooting, routine maintenance, or part replacement. Understanding these problems early can save time, prevent breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Below, we break down the most frequent issues users face and provide practical steps on how to fix them. For insight into how the right hospital bed enhances patient comfort, see our guide on selecting beds that support healing and safety. Why Hospital Beds Develop Issues Hospital beds are mechanical and electrical devices that undergo constant movement, frequent adjustments, and daily weight-bearing stress. Over time, components wear out or require recalibration. Typical causes include: Most issues are routine and don’t require replacing the entire bed—just proper troubleshooting. For guidance on choosing a durable and reliable bed, consider our guide on choosing the right hospital bed. 1. Bed Does Not Raise or Lower Properly One of the most common mechanical problems is when a hospital bed won’t lift, lower, or adjust smoothly. Symptoms Likely Causes How to Fix It For beds that frequently malfunction, reviewing high-quality hospital beds that minimize mechanical issues can prevent recurring problems. 2. Hospital Bed Remote or Handset Not Working The handset (controller) is used constantly, so it’s no surprise that issues are frequent. Symptoms Common Causes How to Fix It Pro Tip: If the Trendelenburg or tilt functions work but height adjustment doesn’t, the issue is likely with the actuator—not the controller. For selecting beds with user-friendly controls, see our comparison of the best hospital beds for 2025. 3. Electric Bed Not Powering On When a hospital bed won’t turn on, it interrupts patient care and mobility. Symptoms Possible Causes How to Fix It Understanding bed design and reliability can also be guided by our breakdown of hospital bed types and features. 4. Side Rails Not Locking or Moving Smoothly Side rails play a crucial safety role. When they malfunction, patient risk increases. Symptoms Common Causes How to Fix It For beds optimized for patient safety, read why quality hospital beds matter for patient outcomes. 5. Mattress Sagging or Causing Discomfort A sagging or uncomfortable mattress can severely impact patient recovery. Common Signs Causes Fix Options For guidance on pairing beds with suitable mattresses, see how the right hospital bed enhances patient comfort. 6. Noisy Hospital Bed Motors While some noise is normal, loud or unusual sounds may indicate deeper issues. Symptoms Causes How to Fix It Tip: If noise occurs under weight but not when empty, the actuator is beginning to fail. Quality construction reduces these problems; check our guide on the best hospital beds for reliability and comfort. 7. Wheels or Casters Not Rolling or Locking Properly Hospital beds rely on smooth mobility for patient transfers and cleaning. Symptoms Causes How to Fix It Proper bed maintenance also supports safe home care settings. 8. Trendelenburg or Reverse Trendelenburg Not Functioning These advanced features rely on motor synchronization. Symptoms Causes How to Fix It For a deeper look at advanced ICU beds, see why new ICU beds aren’t always better. Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Issues Clean the bed regularly. Dust and debris can affect motors and moving parts. Inspect wiring monthly Look for frayed cables or loose connections. Lubricate rails and joints Prevents grinding and sticking. Avoid exceeding weight capacity. Overloading causes actuator failure. Schedule professional servicing Especially for high-use clinical settings. When beds fail repeatedly, refurbished or replacement hospital beds offer a cost-effective, reliable alternative. When to Call a Professional Some issues require expert assessment, especially when involving: 305 Medical Beds provides professional repair, refurbishment, and replacement solutions to keep your equipment safe and functional. Need hospital bed repair or parts? Contact 305 Medical Beds today for expert support. Conclusion Understanding common hospital bed issues and how to fix them empowers caregivers, healthcare staff, and home users to maintain their equipment safely and efficiently. Most problems—whether mechanical, electrical, or safety-related—can be solved with simple troubleshooting. A well-maintained hospital bed offers: If your bed is showing repeated problems, it may be time to repair or replace it—and refurbished hospital beds from 305 Medical Beds offer a reliable, affordable alternative. For choosing the right bed that avoids frequent issues, check our complete guide on hospital bed selection.
