A hospital bed is a specialized piece of furniture used in healthcare settings, primarily in hospitals, but also in other medical facilities such as nursing homes and clinics. It is designed to provide comfort, safety, and mobility for patients who are receiving medical care or recovering from illness or surgery.

Hospital beds are designed with several features that make them suitable for medical purposes. These features often include adjustable height, allowing healthcare providers to position the bed at a comfortable working height for attending to patients or conducting medical procedures. The head and foot sections of the bed can also be raised or lowered independently, providing various positioning options for patients.

Another important feature of hospital beds is the ability to raise or lower the entire bed's height. This is especially useful for transferring patients to and from the bed, as well as for providing proper care and support for healthcare professionals.

Hospital beds often have side rails to prevent patients from accidentally falling out of bed, especially those who may be weak, disoriented, or have mobility issues. These side rails can be raised and lowered as needed.

Some hospital beds also have additional features such as specialized mattress surfaces that reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, built-in electronic controls for adjusting bed positions, integrated patient monitoring systems, and the ability to connect to medical equipment and devices.

Overall, hospital beds are designed to enhance patient comfort, facilitate medical care, and ensure the safety of patients and healthcare providers. They play a vital role in the healthcare system by providing a supportive and adaptable environment for patients during their hospital stay.