Written by Mike Price, OT
To “get your feet under you” is a figure of speech referring to stabilizing your life so you can stand on your own. It’s also the concept behind the low bed, which allows users to put their feet flat on the floor while sitting on the edge of the bed. If you are at risk of rolling out of bed, a low bed reduces the distance you have to fall, lowering the risk of a traumatic injury.
All low beds are designed for the safety of the user and the convenience of the caregiver. The examples on our top 6 list each have benefits that will create a safer environment for anyone at risk of a bed fall.
 | 1) FloorBed by Accora - Full Electric Bed with Easy Height Adjustment for Fall Prevention - Ultra Low Bed with Bariatric Option View Product |
Standard low beds don’t typically go lower than 8 or 9 inches off the floor, ultra-low beds usually lower to 6 or 7 inches from the floor, and floor beds can go as low as 3 inches above the floor. The height of the mattress will also add to the final height - and the distance of a potential fall.
The majority of low beds are designed to safely accommodate users weighing about 400-450 pounds. Bariatric models accommodate larger users, while sleep deck adjustments can also provide more space and support for bariatric users.
Most low beds come in multiple sizes. Some low beds come in "standard" sizes, such as twin, full, queen, etc. Other low beds are available in "hospital" size.
Most, but not all, low beds have electric height adjustment. This feature is more expensive than manual adjustability, and greatly reduces the potential for caregiver injuries. Many low bed models provide positional adjustability for maximum support for bedbound users. These adjustments include elevating and reclining the head and feet sections and providing ergonomic sitting and laying positions.
Optional accessories can be purchased to make a bed safer and more comfortable for users, creating an individualized user experience. Some accessories can be side rails, a nicer mattress, scale, trapeze, and more.
Different hospital beds serve different purposes, and one of the major distinguishing factors is bed positioning. The two most common positions hospital beds offer are Trendelenburg and three-position.
Mostly used for abdominal surgeries, Trendelenburg places a patient in a position where their head is declined above their feet. This provides quick and easy access to the abdomen and other lower extremities. Clinicians have also stated that the Trendelenburg position has helped them move heavier patients up in bed as well as treat patients with hypotension, postural drainage, and leg swelling.
On the other hand, if you require a bed that tailors to patients’ comfort and long-term care, then a three-position bed is the one for you. This means that the head and foot sections can be adjusted to different angles and the height of the bed has a fairly large adjustment range. With this bed, patients can be in a Fowler’s or semi-fowler's position where the head of the bed is placed at a 45 or 30-degree angle, offering comfort and relief.
A low bed allows users who have difficulty getting in and out of a higher hospital bed to put their feet flat on the floor while sitting on the edge of the bed for added stabilization during transfers. For people at risk of falling out of bed, a lower bed decreases the distance between the bed and the floor, reducing the risk of serious injury.
Although a low bed can’t stop a user from rolling out of bed, since the distance of a fall is reduced, so is the chance of trauma and injury.
Falls out of bed are common for people with reduced mobility and strength, especially the elderly.
 | AllCare Adjustable Floor Bed by Med Mizer View Product |
Our number 5 pick, the AllCare Floor Bed from Med-Mizer, lowers to the ground, provides various therapeutic positions, has an expandable sleep surface, and looks like a home bed.
The bed’s deck sits no higher than 3.6 inches off the floor, practically eliminating falls out of the bed. The adjustable height brings the user up to a comfortable access height for caregivers. Available positioning provided by the adjustable height and partitioned bed deck includes Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg, and Cardiac Chair via the recline option. Bariatric users weighing up to 600 pounds benefit from the comfort of a sleep surface that ranges from 35 to 42 inches wide.
The cherrywood finish makes this low bed look like a piece of bedroom furniture. It can be equipped with side rails or pivot assist rails that cut down on twisting and stretching during transfers. Lowering the head and knee sections at the same speed prevents users from sliding, and the lockout function keeps sections where they should be. Mattress options include the Basic multi-layered pressure distribution mattress, the Deluxe version with the addition of a high-density foam sloped heel section, the Elite Plus memory foam mattress infused with gel for breathable comfort, and the LAL low air loss, alternating pressure mattress.
The standard features and optional upgrades, super low height, positioning options, home bed look, and high weight capacity have earned this low bed the number 5 spot on our list. It virtually eliminates the risk of a fall, rises to a comfortable access height for caregivers, and is a comfortable option for most users.
 | Standard Low Hospital Bed -Economical PVC Framed from MJM International View Product |
The Economical PVC Framed Standard Low Hospital Bed by MJM International is a flat, low-profile bed with a healthcare-grade PVC frame, reinforced at all stress points. It offers three different deck height options to accommodate the user's specific needs. Each Standard Low Bed prioritizes safety and may require some assembly using a cordless drill or manual screwdriver.
The frame of the Standard Low Bed is constructed with healthcare-grade PVC, making it an optimal choice for hospital use. With its curved corners and absence of sharp edges, the low hospital bed is designed for patient and caregiver safety. Its low height, lightweight structure, and dual-walled support at stress points make it suitable for psychiatric or Alzheimer's facilities. Additionally, the surfacing of the low hospital bed is designed for easy cleaning when necessary.
The Standard Low Bed comes in two length options and offers 3 height settings, which conform easily to whatever your patient needs.
 | Full Electric Low Bed from Invacare View Product |
For people who don’t need bed rails but are still at risk of falling out of bed, the number 3 entry on our list is the budget-friendly Full Electric Low Bed from Invacare.
Three quiet voltage DC motors and a user-friendly hand control operate this comfortable split-spring low bed. Users and caregivers can conveniently adjust the overall height, upper body section, and knee section of this low-maintenance low bed. It can safely accommodate users weighing up to 350 pounds and has a height range of 9.5 to 20 inches from the floor. Its durable panels are impact and scratch-resistant, and the casters won’t mark floors.
The motor system, which has waterproof enclosures for safe cleaning, cycles quickly for efficient height adjustments. This low bed also has an easy-access manual crank in case of an emergency. The uncomplicated design of this economic low bed makes it easy to operate. It comes with a limited 5-year warranty on frame welds and a 2-year electrical/mechanical warranty. Shipping is free, and on-site professional assembly is available.
This low bed made our list because of its value, attractive price point, and ease of use for anyone who wants to lower the risk of falling while getting in and out of bed or lessen the potential trauma from falling out of bed.
 | Electric Low Bed - Delta Ultra Light from Drive Medical View Product |
The Delta Ultra-Light Full-Electric Low Bed by Drive Medical is renowned for its functionality and universality, as it is compatible with Drive's and most other manufacturers' bed ends, both old and new. It has a weight capacity of 450 lbs. Packages including rails and a mattress are available. A special transition box is mounted on the foot section of the Delta Ultra-Light, allowing for the rotation of the high/low shaft, which is the key to its interchangeability.
The headboard of the Delta is taller than the footboard, enhancing its compatibility with home decor. The attractive wood grain panels are highly resistant to wear and tear. The high/low shaft remains with the bed once installed to prevent loss during relocation. Additionally, the springs are labeled and color-coded for accuracy, simplifying installation and enhancing safety.
The self-contained motor reduces weight and noise, ensuring a quieter operation. The height-adjustable motor is pre-installed on the foot section and can be removed with a patient in bed. The motor is UL-approved, and a backup battery can lower the head and foot sections in the event of a power failure.
To minimize excessive bending by the caregiver, the hand crank is located at the top of the footboard. The bed features a zinc-coated spring deck with a 9 ½" to 23 ½" deck height. An extension kit is available to extend the length from 80" to 84". The caster easily moves from a standard to a low bed position.
 | FloorBed by Accora - Full Electric Bed with Easy Height Adjustment for Fall Prevention - Ultra Low Bed with Bariatric Option View Product |
From the inventors of the original Floor Bed, our number 1 choice is the FloorBed Height Adjustable Ultra Low Bed with Bariatric Option by Accora.
Lowering to a height of just 2.8 inches, this bed rises to full nursing height to create an efficient care environment, with functions including backrest elevation, foot elevation, Trendelenburg, and reverse-Trendelenburg. No bed goes lower to protect users at risk of falling out of bed from an injury, and it is height adjustable up to 26 inches (without the mattress). The frame is segmented and there is no need for side rails with this low bed, so entrapment is never a concern.
The list of accessories available to enhance this low bed’s utility includes a detachable bed lever and mattress guides. There are no trailing wires to maneuver around or possibly trip over. The manufacturer recommends using a pressure redistribution mattress, which contributes to comfort and skin health by preventing pressure sores. The Accora 400 model is made of layered foam and has a weight capacity of 350 pounds. The Accora 600 mattress is made of high-performance foam that accommodates users weighing up to 450 pounds.
The ultra-low height, multiple position functions, and bariatric options have landed this multi-feature low bed at number 1 on our list!
One way to provide a better chance of maintaining independence and remaining at home, rather than entering a care setting, is to reduce the risk of injury from a fall. Low beds allow users to touch their feet to the floor while getting in and out of bed, by decreasing the distance to the floor, which greatly reduces the chance of a traumatic injury from a fall out of bed.
While all the low beds on this list are superb, we determined that the FloorBed by Accora is the best overall!
To ensure you’re getting the best bed for your situation, browse our full selection of Low Beds. For buying guides and more product information, visit Caregiver University.
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
