There are many variations of the traditional bedside chair throughout NHS hospitals in the UK, in patient waiting rooms and hospital bedsides.
The common features throughout most high back (or high seat) chair models are: a basic metal or wooden frame, a high backrest to support upright posture, and a hardwearing waterproof upholstery. Their simple design with an exposed frame and waterproof fabric makes them easy to clean, and the vinyl upholstery can withstand the heavy use in hospitals.
In developing our own hospital bedside chair we have carried out direct market research, speaking to many different ward managers and Moving & Handling specialists in acute care. We have used their feedback about the benefit and pitfalls of different bedside chairs to develop a market-leading solution that resolves these issues.
In this article, we carry out an honest comparison of some of the most commonly used bedside chairs throughout the hospital market, saving you the research work and giving you a comprehensive review guide to work from.
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Comparison of Different Hospital Bedside Chairs
Arvada
Benefits:
The Ocura Arvada chair is designed with patient comfort and adjustability in mind. Its ergonomic design provides a supportive high backrest and an adjustable seat height, accommodating users of different heights and mobility levels.
The chair features an antimicrobial vinyl upholstery, which enhances hygiene and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
It is lightweight yet durable, making it easy to reposition while being robust enough for hospital use.
Drawbacks:
Some users report that the adjustment mechanisms can be stiff or difficult to use, leading to strain for staff members.
The chair’s lightweight design, while beneficial for moving, may feel less stable for patients with reduced mobility.
Atlas Patient High Back Arm Chair
Benefits:
Known for its robust frame and extra-wide seat, the Atlas chair is ideal for bariatric patients or those who require more space for comfort.
Its padded armrests provide additional support, helping patients transfer in and out of the chair with ease.
The chair’s height is adjustable, allowing staff to customise it for individual patient needs.
Drawbacks:
Its heavy-duty construction makes it heavier than other models, which can make repositioning or transport more difficult for hospital staff.
The wide seat may not be ideal for smaller spaces, such as compact hospital rooms or busy ward areas.
NRS Healthcare High Back Chair
Benefits:
This chair is among the most affordable options, making it a popular choice for hospitals with budget constraints.
It features a sturdy metal frame and high backrest, providing essential postural support for patients.
The seat and backrest are cushioned for comfort and are easy to clean due to the waterproof upholstery.
Drawbacks:
The lack of adjustable height or tilt options makes it less versatile than other models.
Some patients and staff report that the cushioning is too firm, leading to discomfort during extended use.
George Eliot Bedside Chair
Benefits:
The Roma Eliot chair is known for its classic design and solid construction, providing a dependable seating solution.
Its padded seat and backrest offer a balance of comfort and durability.
The chair is lightweight and easy to move, making it practical for busy hospital environments.
Drawbacks:
This chair lacks adjustability features, which can be a significant limitation for accommodating patients with varying needs.
The design, while reliable, is less ergonomic compared to newer models, potentially causing discomfort during prolonged use.
Common Pain Points Across the Range
While each of these bedside chairs has its strengths, certain pain points are consistent across the board:
Discomfort During Prolonged Use
Despite padded seats and backrests, many models fail to provide adequate cushioning or ergonomic support, leading to complaints of discomfort.
Risk of Falls
Chairs without secure armrests may increase the risk of falls, especially for elderly or mobility-impaired patients.
Difficult Adjustment Mechanisms
Stiff or awkward adjustment systems can result in repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) for hospital staff, who need to frequently adapt the chairs between patients.
Limited Durability
Some chairs struggle to withstand the heavy use and diverse demands of a hospital environment, leading to wear and tear over time.
In the next section of this article, we’ll discuss innovative solutions to these challenges and how our newly developed high back chair sets a new standard in hospital bedside seating.
Vivid Care HiBack Bedside Chair
Our own high back chair is unique in that there is nothing like it on the market – the only one of its kind!
HiBack Bedside Chair
It has been designed and manufactured exclusively by ourselves using direct market feedback to solve the widespread issues with standard high seat chairs, including the following features:
- Easy Height Adjustment: Adjusting the height of the chair is effortless with a simple turn handle. There is no need to tip the chair or adjust complex mechanisms on individual legs, meaning reduced strain and risk of injury for hospital staff.
- Adjustable seat dimensions: The seat width can be adjusted from 16–20 inches, and seat depth from 19–21 inches.
- Cutting-Edge Pressure Care: Visco foam seat cushions come as standard, upholstered with four-way stretch and breathable dartex fabric. The seat and back cushions can be adapted to the postural needs of each user with adjustable lumbar support and cushion positioning.
- Modular, Ergonomic Design: Cushions can be interchanged for different sizes or colours, and the raked seat and angled backrest improve postural support. Replaceable components ensure longevity and ease of maintenance.
- Infection Control Friendly: All surfaces are easily accessible for maximum infection control. The upholstery can even be removed for machine washing!
- Removeable arms for side transfers. The arms can be swapped over to change armrest positioning and encourage more centreline with elbows nearer the body for those who need more postural stability.
Conclusion
Hospital bedside chairs are a critical component for patient comfort, safety and mobility during their hospital stay. Different models of hospital bedside chairs have their own strengths and weaknesses, however common pain points such as discomfort during prolonged use, difficulty with adjustment mechanisms, and limited durability have built a strong case for product innovation in this area.
The Vivid Care HiBack Bedside Chair addresses these challenges head-on, offering features such as effortless height adjustment, customisable seat dimensions, cutting-edge pressure care, and infection-control-friendly surfaces. Designed with direct feedback from healthcare professionals, it sets a new standard for bedside seating, combining comfort, functionality, and durability in one innovative package.
FAQs
- What are the key features to look for in a hospital bedside chair?
Look for features such as ergonomic design, adjustable height and seat dimensions, durable and easy-to-clean materials, and infection-control-friendly surfaces. Chairs with padded armrests, lumbar support, and modular designs are also beneficial.
- Why is adjustability important in a bedside chair?
Adjustability ensures that the chair can accommodate patients of varying sizes and mobility levels, improving comfort and safety. For staff, easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms reduce strain and the risk of injury during frequent repositioning.
- How does the Vivid Care HiBack Chair differ from other models?
The Vivid Care HiBack Chair offers unique features, including effortless height adjustment with a turn handle, customisable seat dimensions, advanced pressure care with visco foam cushions, and modular, ergonomic design. It also emphasizes infection control with removable, machine-washable upholstery.
- What challenges do standard bedside chairs commonly face?
Common issues include discomfort during prolonged use, difficulty with adjustment mechanisms, risk of falls due to inadequate armrest support, and limited durability in demanding hospital environments.
- How does infection control influence the design of hospital bedside chairs?
Infection control is a key consideration. Chairs should have easily accessible surfaces for thorough cleaning, waterproof and antimicrobial upholstery, and removable components for deep cleaning or replacement when necessary.
- Can the Vivid Care HiBack Chair’s components be replaced?
Yes, the Vivid Care chair features a modular design with replaceable components, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance over time.
If you have more specific questions about bedside chairs or the Vivid Care HiBack Chair, feel free to contact us!
Speak to our team today
Ralph has many years' experience in the healthcare sector. In a previous life he worked in finance, and his spreadsheet skills come in handy for all the analysis and research he does as he investigates topics and solutions for some of the world's most complex healthcare conditions and challenges. Aside from writing in-depth articles and organising webinars and interviews with top healthcare professionals, Ralph also administrates Vivid's "Healthcare Pioneers Board", a large group of healthcare specialists with multiple disciplines, who are working together to improve care for years to come.
