How to Select the Right Rotec Bed
Rotec takes pride in providing hospital beds that are in tune with the challenges of modern healthcare facilities. That’s why the VersaTech line of beds thoughtfully adapts to the many caregiving scenarios and demands that arise in U.S. hospitals today.
When purchasing a Rotec bed, hospitals and rental companies have three VersaTech bed options to choose from: VersaTech Bariatric; VersaTech Med-Surg XL 39"; and VersaTech Med-Surg 36". Which one fits your facility best depends largely on the patient population you serve.
Best for Bariatric Populations
The VersaTech Bariatric bed is designed to support individuals with the highest weight and size needs, up to 1,100 pounds (500 kg). It accommodates mattresses up to 48 inches wide and can extend in length from 80" to 84" to 88", allowing it to adjust to both wider and taller patients. This adaptability, combined with its robust weight capacity and advanced features, makes it the most versatile option available for bariatric care environments.
The VersaTech Bariatric bed is ideal for patients of size who may be unsafe in a traditional hospital bed. The added space and support help reduce the risk of falls, pressure injuries, and physical strain on caregivers. It is typically the preferred choice for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher.
In addition to its size and strength, the VersaTech Bariatric bed offers the lowest bed profile on the market. The ultra-low frame sits at just eight inches from the ground, for greater protection against patient falls. The VersaTech Bariatric bed further enhances safety and ease of use with features like three-zone bed exit alerts and industry-leading sturdiness.
To promote safer transfers, the VersaTech Bariatric bed can be equipped with the VersaDrive motorized drive assist system. The VersaDrive system automatically adapts to the caregiver’s walking speed and intended direction, and features automatic braking for added patient safety.
Together, these capabilities offer greater safety and help maintain the comfort and dignity of high-BMI patients. The VersaTech Bariatric bed truly sets a new standard for bariatric care.
Best for Versatility
The VersaTech Med-Surg XL 39” carries the mantle for being the most versatile solution for hospitals in search of a bed that accommodates a variety of patient sizes and needs.
Over the past two decades, the percentage of adults considered obese in the US has risen from 30.5% to 41.9%.¹ While the VersaTech Bariatric bed is still better suited for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, VersaTech Med-Surg XL 39” bed was designed in response to the increasing size of the average population.
For patients who find standard-sized beds uncomfortable due to their frame or height, this bed has more space for added comfort. Its 39” XL frame is a few inches wider than the typical med-surg bed, and its length can extend from 80’’ to 84’’ to 88’’ long.
As with the VersaTech Bariatric bed, the VersaTech Med-Surg XL 39” boasts the lowest profile among any hospital bed, just eight inches from the ground. It can also be optionally equipped with the VersaDrive motorized drive assist system for additional caregiver and patient safety during transfer.
The versatility of the VersaTech Med-Surg XL 39” also makes it an ideal solution for rental companies needing a bed that adapts to a variety of facilities.
Best for General Med-Surg and Longer-Term Care
At 36” wide, VersaTech Med-Surg 36" fits most patients comfortably. Its frame extends to 36” wide, and like every VersaTech bed, it features an ultra-low profile to prevent patient falls. It sits at just eight inches from the ground at its lowest height, empowering patients to stand up on their own without caregiver assistance.
Because this bed suits a broad range of patient types, it's ideal for general med-surg units with patients undergoing short- or medium-term hospital stays. Its compact 36" width also fits easily into standard room layouts and allows for efficient maneuvering in tight spaces.
Like the VersaTech Bariatric and VersaTech Med-Surg XL beds, the VersaTech Med-Surg 36” bed offers adjustable positioning for comfort and optimal recovery that also helps reduce complications such as pressure injuries or respiratory issues.
We recommend this bed for patients under the weight maximum that still need extra assistance repositioning and avoiding falls. It’s also designed with safety at the center, offering bed exit alarms and sturdy side rails, and its sleek design and quiet motor is well-suited to longer-term recovery settings.
Safety Runs in the Family
Rotec’s VersaTech beds offer several key features that simply “run in the family” of Rotec patient care beds, meaning these features will be included regardless of which model you choose. These features include:
- Ultra-low platform: All three VersaTech beds adjust to as low as eight inches from the ground to protect patients from falls, and to enhance their mobility and autonomy.
- Fall prevention features: Every VersaTech bed model includes sturdy bedside rails equipped with integrated controls, a three-zone bed exit alarm system, and warning alarms.
- Ease of use: Caregivers appreciate how all of the beds are user-friendly without neglecting the comfort and safety features that patients and providers need. Furthermore, there’s a QR code on each bed so nurses can quickly access tutorials when needed.
- Sturdiness: All of our beds are built from top-quality materials, especially critical in high-use rental environments.
Reliability and service: We offer top-notch technical support, regardless of which bed you choose.
No two patients are alike. The intuitive and intentional design of the three VersaTech beds demonstrates our commitment to providing comfort and safety across varying patient populations. Using the right hospital bed for your care environment ensures the safety of patients and caregivers alike.
The best possible care starts with the best possible hospital bed. With three options to choose from, Rotec beds set a new standard for patient care and safety.