Best Bed Only: Invacare Homecare Bed

If you already have a mattress and just need a bed platform only, we recommend this one by Invacare. This brand was mentioned by more than one of our readers and we agree: the quality here is very good. Here’s more: 

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Side rails are unobtrusive.

• Control is easy to use.

• Good tech support.

• Quiet operation.

• Sturdy construction.

What Needs Work

• Assembly could be easier.

Best Budget-Friendly: LUCID L300 Bed Base

Yes, this is a bed-only solution, with options for a 10″ or 12″ mattress—so if you already have a mattress, this would be an affordable solution. We like how easy this bed is to assemble, versus others we researched. And yes, it includes USB ports, which is a nice touch.

What We Liked

• Quiet operation.

• 2 USB ports.

• Affordable.

• Wireless remote has flashlight.

• Head can incline up to 60 degrees.

What Needs Work

• Too high off the floor for some folks.

Best Lightweight: Full Electric Hospital Bed with Premium Foam Mattress and Full Rails

At just 42 lbs., this hospital bed is lightweight, quiet and easy to use (it is bed-0nly—no mattress is included). We like the smooth movement and easy-to-use controller with large buttons.

What We Liked

• Comfortable.

• Quiet.

• Recessed head and foot boards.

• Spring-loaded rails can be installed without tools.

What Needs Work

• Assembly directions could be more detailed.

Best For Longer Use: Hopefull Premium 5 Function Full Electric Hospital ICU Bed

Yes, this bed is pricey but it comes with a impressive memory foam mattress and has five different positions—given the price, it probably makes sense if you are planning to use it long term.

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Battery backup system in case of power outage.

• Includes good quality memory foam mattress.

• Fully assembled.

What Needs Work

• Motor must be oiled periodically.

• Pricey.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!