What to consider when buying bariatric equipment

When it comes to choosing bariatric equipment, there are a few things to consider. You want to make sure the equipment you choose meets the medical needs of bariatric patients. But patient comfort is also key.

Bariatric equipment often costs more than standard medical equipment for two reasons: the increased size of the product and the need for more durability (both of which can mean more material is used during production).

As with all medical equipment, bariatric equipment should be bought from a trusted manufacturer to ensure the products are of high quality. Products should be tested and rated as safe for the user’s weight, and the maximum recommended weight should be marked on the equipment.

Also, consider that there can be a difference between equipment designed with bariatric patients in mind and equipment that is simply larger or oversized. The latter may provide general support, but if the manufacturers haven’t considered the unique needs of bariatric patients, the equipment could still be unsuitable.

If you’re buying bariatric equipment for a single patient – such as in a home-care environment – it’s important you keep the needs of the user in mind. How do they like to spend their time? How does their current equipment perform and what improvements could be made so they can be more comfortable or even increase their mobility and independence? Communication and consultation are essential to finding the right mobility aids for any user.

When selecting bariatric equipment for a larger facility, think about how that equipment can be used for various patients. While quality is still important, consider also how easy it is to make adjustments to the equipment to suit different users. This gives you more flexibility while helping to meet the needs of bariatric patients and those with standard requirements.