How to Choose a Medical Overbed Table?

The appearance of the medical overbed table should meet the following requirements:

1. The surface of parts should be free of burrs, sharp corners, and sharp edges.

2. The surface of plastic materials should be uniform in color, without cracks or flash.

3. The surface of welded parts should be even and flat, with no missed welds.

4. The surface of plating or coating layers should have a uniform color and be free of rust or exposed substrate.

5. Solid wood parts shall be firmly joined, with no defects on the processed surface.

6. Artificial board components should be edge-sealed or painted.

7. The ends of rigid pipes should be protected with handle sleeves or pipe plugs.

Structural design requirements

1. The tabletop depth (the front-to-back dimension) should be at least 300 mm, and the tabletop width (the left-to-right dimension) should be at least 600 mm.

2. If the tabletop includes a retaining edge to prevent items from slipping, its height should preferably be no less than 5 mm.

3. Adjustable components shall be equipped with reliable locking mechanisms that can be operated without tools.

Requirements for shelf type

The tabletop shall be reliably connected to the nursing bed's side rails. When the tabletop is fixed, the center distance between the slots connecting it to the side rails should match the spacing of the side rails. If the tabletop's width is adjustable, the range of extension should be clearly defined.

Requirements for flip type

For a flip-type overbed table, the height difference between the table and the bed should be at least 300 mm.

Requirements for bedside type

If the table is adjustable and rotatable, the adjustable range and rotation angle should be clearly defined, with a tolerance not exceeding ±3%. The height of the base should be less than 150 mm. The bottom of the support column should be equipped with braked casters, ensuring stability on the ground. The difference between the ground-contacting part and the horizontal plane shall be less than 2 mm.

Inspection upon receiving a new medical overbed table

Upon receiving a new overbed table, the user should begin with a general inspection, visually and tactilely assessing the product's material appearance, workmanship, and assembly quality. First, check whether all the connectors are firmly installed, whether the whole table is loose or wobbly, whether the movement is smooth and stable, and whether the casters make abnormal noises or get blocked. For shelf-type and flip-type overbed tables, apply a certain vertical pressure to the center of the tabletop. For bedside-type overbed tables, apply moderate vertical downward pressure at a point 50 mm from the edge of the front center. Observe for any deformation, cracks, damage, or looseness. Then perform a tabletop adjustment test to check the full range of motion. Gently shake the table legs to see if the supporting structure is sturdy. If the connection structure between the shelf-type table and the nursing bed rail is a buckle, repeatedly test it to observe the assembly condition.

Daily use guidelines

In daily use, the overbed table should be inspected and cleaned regularly to keep the tabletop hygienic and clean, ensuring its safe use. Regularly check whether the supporting structure, casters and other components are loose. During use, if the table shakes, tilts, or moves after adjustment, any problems found should be repaired in time to eliminate potential safety hazards. For users with weak upper limb strength or poor balance, relatives or caregivers should be present during use to prevent the tabletop from overturning or other accidents.