Fall Protection:   built into the structure of the bed should be some physical barrier to minimize the likelihood that the patient can fall out of bed.  In many patients this protection has to apply while the patient is awake and moving around, not just while sleeping.

Caregiver assistance to exit:  similar to many safety products,  the safety features should not be able to be accidentally disengaged.  Many patients are unable to safely exit a bed and/or are not safe to be allowed unsupervised mobility as they are a danger to themselves or others.

Protection from Entanglement / Entrapment:  built into the design of the bed is a reduction of gaps and openings to minimize the likelihood of the patient becoming stuck in the frame or between mattress and frame.  For more information on this topic, please see below.

One hand operation: doors or openings should be easy to operate.  Doors should be able to be opened or closed with one hand  which allows the free hand to assist patient as needed.  At no point should the caregiver have to divert his/her attention away from the user to operate the unit.