The importance of Comfort in Electric Beds

Comfort

This is certainly the most important element to consider. At the same time, one has to be careful since its interpretation is complex. Some users perceive comfort at a physical level, in terms of the physical contact between the body and the surface on which the person lies (i.e. mattress comfort). In fact, in order to maximize comfort, the occupational therapist must also be concerned with the type of mattress, which seems to be as important, if not more, than the type of bed. Others perceive comfort in terms of the dynamic sensation felt when the bed is elevated or when it is adjusted at the head or foot (i.e. comfort experienced from change of position). And again, other users interpret comfort globally at a psychological level, in other words by considering the bed as contributing to an improvement in the quality of life (i.e. comfort while engaging in self-care activities). Therefore, it appears that comfort is an element that an occupational therapist must discuss in detail with the user.