FAQ

When was the Company established and how long has The Freedom Bed™ been available?
Many years of intensive research and development have allowed us to create what we believe is simply the world’s finest rotation therapy system for the immobilized community. The company was established in 1989 and versions of the Freedom Bed^TM have been marketed since 1994. Various models of the Freedom Bed^TM, complete with their unique air-powered head and leg raising feature, have been available (and receiving “rave” reviews) since the spring of 2001. We feel privileged to build and supply this exceptional bed to the immobilized amongst us.

What Are the Medical Benefits of Rotation?
A healthy, mobile person turns several times an hour while sleeping. This movement relieves pressure, stimulates the body, improves circulation, and prevents problems associated with immobility. Immobilized people who are not turned, or rotated, frequently enough are at significant risk of developing pressure ulcers (also known as bed sores), kidney and bladder infections, and pulmonary/respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Any one of these problems associated with immobility can have serious consequences for the person, including death. The Freedom Bed^TM, through its ability to provide frequent rotation, and complex positioning, addresses these conditions while improving comfort, independence, control, and quality of life.

How Does The Freedom Bed™ Work?
The horizontal surface of the bed (the platform) that supports the mattress is hinged into three longitudinal sections. The user of the bed is positioned on his/her back in the centre of the three-part sleeping platform.

As the bed smoothly and quietly rotates to one side the outer section of the three-part platform on the lower side turns up to form a “wing” which supports the body along its entire length from the ankle to the shoulder. Thus the bed-user is carefully cradled by the bed’s structure to prevent sliding and shear forces that can increase the potential of developing bedsores. Any pressure transferred to this side of the user is thus dispersed along the entire frame of the body. The wing on the upper side of the platform lowers during this process to properly balance the entire platform and provide integral strength throughout the structure. As the bed reverses the rotation the lower wing rises as the higher wing lowers so that, at the horizontal position, all three sections of the platform are horizontal. The bed then automatically rotates to the other side to complete the cycle.

How Far Does The Freedom Bed™ Turn You?
The Freedom Bed™ has a 60° range of rotation - 30° left and 30° right- from the horizontal position. Rotation can be programmed to stop at any degree to meet clinical or specific comfort and positioning requirements of the user. The Freedom Bed’s rotation system is a sophisticated mechanical device that ensures accuracy and consistency of turning.

How Long Can You Stay in Any One Position?
The bed can be programmed to stay in any of the positions (left, right or center) for a time period from 1 minute to 4 hours. Each position can have a different time setting, allowing for a totally adjustable schedule to suit the user. For example, the user could move to 20 degrees on the left side for 30 minutes, then 15 minutes at center (horizontal), then to the right side to 27 degrees for 45 minutes. The schedule would then repeat through the night. The bed can also be set to bypass a position by setting that “dwell” time to “0” minutes. This is commonly done by people who do not like, or are not able, to sleep flat on their backs, but prefer to turn from side to side without stopping at the flat position. NOTE: Your medical professional should be consulted to determine the optimal rotation schedule to meet your specific requirements.

How Many Models of The Freedom Bed™ Are Available?
ProBed Medical Technologies Inc. currently offers three models of the Freedom Bed^TM. Each model is built on the foundation of the company’s unique, patented, well-proven lateral rotation system. Enhancements to the basic model include a variable height (High-Low) platform, Trendelenburg positioning and a unique air-powered head and leg elevation system that provides extremely comfortable seating while reducing seating pressure.

FEATURE	PAR3-A3F	PAR3-A3FX	PAR3-A3FXB
Automatic or Manual Lateral Rotation
Three Sectional Wound Care Mattress
Head and Foot Boards
Dynamic Side Rails
Heavy-Duty Casters
Battery Backup with “Smart” Charger
Air Powered Head and Leg Elevations
Powered Hi -Lo Elevations
Trendelenburg / Reverse Trendelenburg
Standard Length - 78" Sleeping Surface
8" Extended Length for Tall Users - 86"
Ext. length 86" ext. width 54" - bariatric model for users up to 600lbs.

Note: ProBed offers the longer model (PAR3-A3FX) of the bed for tall persons over 6’1”. Clients with foot drop may also benefit from this model. The model PAR3-A3FXB is our newest Freedom Bed™ and will accommodate persons weighing up to 600lbs and/or of extended width.  Contact your representative for more detailed information.

Does The Freedom Bed^TM Sit Up?
Yes. Models PAR3-A3F, PAR3-A3FX and PAR3-A3FXB come equipped with the head and leg elevation system that allows the user to be in a full-sitting position (70 degrees) and in an almost infinite number of different positions to suit his or her individual needs or preferences.

Does The Freedom Bed^TM Have Electric Up and Down?
Yes. Models PAR3-A3F, PAR3-A3FX and PAR3-A3FXB come equipped with a variable height (High-Low) platform that allows the positioning of the platform at any height from 22 inches (wheelchair transfer height) up to 34 inches off the ground (at the level of the top of the mattress). This feature is extremely helpful when moving the user to or from a wheelchair or other item of medical equipment and is, most certainly, of significant benefit to caregivers who can adjust the platform height to provide for comfortable and safe administration of care. It should be noted that approximately 80% of care-giver injuries involve back, neck, and shoulder problems as a result of moving, repositioning or otherwise caring for patients.

Does The Freedom Bed^TM offer Trendelenburg and/or Reverse Trendelenburg?
Yes it does. Models PAR3-A3F, PAR3-A3FX and PAR3-A3FXB offer Trendelenburg positioning. This position results when the entire bed platform is “tilted” from end to end along a level plane with the foot end being raised higher than the head end. Reverse Trendelenburg results when the entire platform is ”tilted” from end to end along a level plane with the head end raised higher than the foot end. There are numerous medical reasons for requiring Trendelenburg and/or Reverse Trendelenburg positioning and such requirements should be discussed with your medical professional. The turning function of the bed is not affected by the angle of Trendelenburg or Reverse Trendelenburg selected.

Does The Freedom Bed^TM Have Side Rails?
The Freedom Bed^TM comes equipped with “dynamic side-rails”. We call them “dynamic” because they move in unison with the rotational platform to provide an extra level of comfort and safety. Recognizing that many users of the Freedom Bed^TM spend many extra hours in bed, the rails have been designed to provide an optimum viewing area around the user and to minimize any feelings of containment. Transparent side rail covers made of clear, tough lexan provide added safety and protection, while allowing clear visibility.  A 2/3 length rail is available as an option for users who may wish to transfer themselves, or for applications where full-length rails may not be applicable or allowable.

Does The Freedom Bed^TM have Battery Back-Up?
Yes. In fact, the Freedom Bed^TM runs on a 12-volt DC system that is “topped-up” as required by an automatic smart charge system to ensure that the battery is always fully charged. With many Freedom Beds being used in residential situations, where emergency power is not usually available, users, care-givers and family members can all get a good night’s sleep knowing that the Freedom Bed^TM will operate seamlessly in the event of power disruptions, black-outs, brown-outs etc. This low voltage system also has the added benefits of (patient / care-giver) patient/caregiver safety and substantially reduced operating costs.

Is The Freedom Bed^TM Quiet?
The Freedom Bed^TM has been designed with the user in mind and can best be described as “whisper quiet” when turning. Rotation is also exceptionally smooth allowing users to sleep through rotations and throughout the night providing them with a “good night’s sleep”. Some operational noise associated with the air-powered head and leg elevating system is noticeable only during inflation but this is minimized as much as possible with insulation.  Note that this is not a function that is used during sleeping.

Is The Freedom Bed^TM a Mattress Only or a Complete Bed?
The Freedom Bed^TM is the only completely integrated mechanical full bed turning system on the market today. It provides many years of safe, comfortable and reliable service to users. Many Freedom Beds are still in use after 15 years, or more, of daily operation. Its unique mechanical rotation system is contained within the framework of the bed. It is important to note that, unlike air mattress systems where replacement is a major capital expense, replacement of the Freedom Bed^TM mattress, in the event that this is required in the future, is an inexpensive consideration.  Available medical grade mattress cover sheets help further extend the life of the mattress.

What Kind of Mattress Does The Freedom Bed^TM Have?
The Freedom Bed^TM comes equipped with a high quality, three section, multi density foam mattress with a top layer of memory foam, that is hinged longitudinally to follow the contours of the bed. It has a pocket on the underside of the head end, that is placed over the reaction board in the center of the bed. This will keep the mattress in its preferred position while the bed is in motion and provides added stability for the user.

Each of the three sections of the mattress has its own zipper. This allows the removal of the foam for laundering the cover if required. It also allows for the changing of a foam section to suit a specific requirement. Note that while the rotation provides very good pressure relief, the mattress can be used with specialty foams, gel pads, Roho type inserts etc. if you require a custom surface. Contact your ProBed representative to determine what customization is available to meet your specific requirements.

The latest mattress design incorporates three densities of foam laminated together with 2” of visco-elastic foam on top, providing increased levels of pressure distribution and comfort. Visco-elastic foam was originally developed at NASA in an effort to relieve astronauts of the incredible g-forces experienced during lift-off. The cellular structure of visco-elastic foam is completely different. It is made up of billions of high-density spherical memory cells that are very durable and temperature sensitive. The cells in contact with the warm areas of the body will literally soften, shift position and reorganize to conform to body contours.

The foam sections are covered by a medical grade polyurethane coated polyester stretchable wound care fabric. This is an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, fluid resistant and vapor permeable material that is fire retardant and meets CAL 117 and other specifications for fire retardancy.

The Freedom Bed institutional mattress has also been tested and complies with California TB129 Flammability Test for Mattresses for use in Public Buildings. There is no extra charge for this mattress, but please let us know if your application will be in a public building, thus requiring this certification.

Can The Freedom Bed^TM Be Operated Automatically?
Yes. In fact one of the compelling reasons for using the Freedom Bed^TM is its user-friendly programming system that ensures extremely reliable and comfortable automatic rotation for the user and restful nights for family members and care-givers. Easy-to-follow programming instructions are included in the Users’ Manual that comes with each Freedom Bed^TM.

It should be noted that the training session that takes place upon the delivery of each new Freedom Bed^TM provides ample opportunity for family members, care-givers and, if appropriate, users, to become fully acquainted and comfortable with programming and the full range of functions to be found on the Freedom Bed^TM. The automatic rotation program is simple to activate with the push of a single button.

Can The User Control the Operations of The Freedom Bed^TM?
Depending on the user’s personal circumstances he or she may be able to have full, or partial, control over the many functions of the Freedom Bed^TM. The company presently offers a hand-held wand for those with full manual dexterity and an override button and finger switch for those with limited digital capabilities.

The company also offers an optional Freedom Bed IR (Infrared) control box that allows the bed to interface to, and be controlled by, most available voice control and ECU products.  Please refer back to our web-site from time to time for more information on new products and enhancements to our range of Freedom Beds.

How Big/Heavy is The Freedom Bed^TM?
The following chart lists sizes and weights are for each model of the bed. Weights include mattress and woodwork.

*Extra Length Option - Add 8 inches to all length measurements.

Is it easy to install The Freedom Bed^TM in a house, apartment or trailer?
No problem at all. The bed is designed to be easily disassembled to allow it to be moved up stairs, in elevators and along hallways without problem. Also, the Freedom Bed weighs much less than many specialty beds, so no extra work to floors or doorways is required.

ProBed also offers a 'Bed Delivery Wheel Kit' that assists in delivery, installation and moving of beds without having to lift. The kit consists of two sets of two casters that bolt to the side of the bed, one at each end. The bed can then be turned on its side and rolled easily through any standard width door or hallway.

For What Medical Conditions is The Freedom Bed^TM Recommended?
The clinically proven Freedom Bed^TM is recommended for persons suffering from temporary or permanent immobility resulting from:

• Spinal cord injuries causing paraplegia and quadriplegia
• Muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and stroke
• Severe respiratory ailments such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Immobility due to aging
• Cancer
• Guillain Barre Syndrome
• AIDS
• Coma
• Amputations
• Osteomyelitis
• Degenerative disk disease, post-spinal fusion and laminectomy
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• Any other condition where turning assistance is required.

NOTE: The Freedom Bed^TM is suitable for persons who are tube fed and/or on ventilators, where they require constant head elevation up to 30°. The bed has a safety feature that prevents rotation when the head is elevated above this angle.  Additional head, or upper torso, elevation is provided, when deemed necessary, by utilizing the Reverse Trendelenburg feature of the Freedom Bed^TM.

Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice to ensure that you do not have any medical reasons why you should not use a turning bed such as the Freedom Bed.  After their review of the Freedom Beds’ many features and benefits you will want to ask them for a Prescription and Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).   

Should your doctor have questions, they are invited to contact the ProBed Medical Clinical Department to speak to one of our team of medical professionals to discuss – in confidence- your specific condition and medical needs.

Where are Freedom Beds Used?
Most Freedom Beds are used in residential settings. The reason is that the Freedom Bed’s unique rotation system permits many people to live at home rather than in nursing homes or care facilities, as it solves care-giving functions that are too difficult for many family members due to age, physical strength or their own infirmity. It allows families to remain together and provides for the user and all family members to get a good, uninterrupted, night’s sleep providing a solid foundation for good health for all concerned.

The Freedom Bed^TM is also designed to be used in extended care facilities and hospitals where it is seen as a benefit to nursing and support staff, in that it reduces the incidence of back injuries caused by turning or repositioning and allows them more time to carry out other necessary and important patient care procedures.

What is the support capability of the bed?
Models PAR3-A3F and PAR3-A3FX are rated to support a person weighing up to 400 lbs while the new PAR3-A3FXB is rated to 600 pounds. However, a person’s dimensions are sometimes more critical than their weight, creating some practical limitations.  Please contact us for more specific information.

Is the Freedom Bed^TM Hard to Get Used To?
The Freedom Bed^TM is unlike anything you will have tried before and it may take two or three days to become completely used to its operation. Many users find they sleep right through the very first night (although their care-givers continue to check on them every couple of hours for days, or weeks, after installation!) Our advice to potential users is to expect it to be a little different - because it is. You will find the benefits of using the Freedom Bed^TM will show up very quickly and you will wonder how you managed to sleep before. The rotation is, in fact, so smooth that some users have woken up in the morning and complained that the bed was not working, because they were able to sleep and did not feel the turns!! What a pleasant surprise!

What About Funding – Who Pays for The Freedom Bed^TM?
Availability of funding varies amongst the many jurisdictions across North America and the rest of the world and it is impossible to provide specific information in this regard. However, we can report that many state/provincial and federal programs across the US, Canada and Australia have purchased or rented the Freedom Bed^TM.  Workers’ Compensation, Veterans’ Affairs and most other private insurance companies also fund the Freedom Bed^TM.  ProBed also works with a number of billing companies and our representatives are available to discuss funding issues with potential clients.  Our representatives will be happy to offer assistance in making funding applications.

Can The Freedom Bed^TM be Leased or Rented?
The company has rental and purchase finance programs as a means to make the Freedom Bed available to those with only partial, or no, outside funding available to them.  For more information please refer to our Funding, Leasing & Renting page.

Freedom Beds can be rented for periods of two months or more.  The rental program includes a financial incentive for those who elect to purchase a unit within the first two months of rental.  Please contact us for more information specific to your needs.

Is The Freedom Bed^TM Expensive / Cost Effective?
The Freedom Bed^TM is competitively priced when compared with other specialty beds available. As a full bed mechanical system, the bed is designed to last and provide many years of flawless and cost effective service. This is because, the lateral rotation capability of the Freedom Bed^TM addresses many of the complications associated with immobility and has been proven to reduce and even eliminate hospitalization caused by many common conditions such as pneumonia and pressure sores (decubitus ulcers). Using the Freedom Bed^TM can result in reduced care-giver costs, lower medication and drug expenses, and an improved lifestyle.

In the final analysis, users of the Freedom Bed^TM consider it priceless.

See Cost-Benefit Analyses.

Can I Talk to Someone Who Uses a Freedom Bed^TM?
Yes. Many users, family members of users, case managers and other interested parties are very willing to talk about the Freedom Bed^TM and its many benefits. Please contact the company for more information.

Does the Freedom Bed^TM have Regulatory Approval?
Yes. The beds have regulatory approval Canada, the United States, Australia and the European Union.

How Do I Get More Information, or Get a Freedom Bed^TM?
Simply complete the Contact Form and we will be happy to send you a full package of information including, brochures, price list and testimonials.

If you prefer, please call our toll free number at 1-800-816-8243, to speak with a ProBed representative who will learn about your needs and help you determine if one of the Freedom Bed^TM models can provide a solution for you.

Feel free to download brochures and information from our contact page.