Beds, Birthing

Scope of this Product Comparison

This Product Comparison covers motorized electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic birthing beds.
Delivery/obstetric tables and stretchers are excluded from this report.
These devices are also called: labor beds, delivery beds.

Purpose
Birthing beds allow women in labor to assume more natural
delivery positions and, in many cases, to remain in the same bed
throughout labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. As a
result, patients can often avoid the discomfort, risk, and time
expenditure associated with transferring from a bed to a
stretcher and then to an obstetric table. Birthing beds are often
used in birthing units, which provide a homelike atmosphere in
which the patient can remain throughout the birthing process
while still receiving all necessary care and medical treatment.
Some birthing beds are designed to convert to operating room
(OR) tables or to stretchers should emergency transfer to the OR
become necessary.

Principles of operation
The typical birthing bed has three adjustable sections—the backrest, the seat, and the foot. Each section consists
of a support pan covered by a section of mattress. The backrest angle, foot height, and bed height are adjustable,
and the foot section can be removed to permit access to the mother’s perineal area. Some beds are also capable of
Trendelenburg (body straight, feet elevated) and reverse-
Trendelenburg (body straight, feet lowered) positioning and have
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) controls, which quickly lower the UMDNS Information
bed for administration of CPR.
Foot or leg supports can be attached to the bed frame, and a drain This Product Comparison covers the
following device terms and product codes
pan can be affixed beneath the mother’s perineum to collect as listed in ECRI Institute's Universal
physiologic and irrigating fluids. The removable headboard provides Medical Device Nomenclature System™
(UMDNS™):
access for the anesthetist similar to that of conventional labor/delivery Beds, Electric [10-347]
tables, and the beds have bumpers and large (at least 12.7 cm [5 in] Beds, Electric, Birthing [15-732]
Beds, Electric, Obese [15-760]
diameter) casters that permit the beds to be wheeled through doorways Beds, Electric, Radiography/Fluoroscopy [10-351]
and over carpeted or bare floors. Beds, Hydraulic, Birthing [18-386]
Beds, Mechanical, Birthing [18-388]
Most birthing beds are wider than traditional labor/delivery tables,

5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA Tel +1 (610) 825-6000 Fax +1 (610) 834-1275 Web www.ecri.org E-mail
hpcs@ecri.org
 Beds,

especially those beds designed for labor/delivery/recovery/postpartum use. Patient controls, usually of the
pendant type, are electric (operated on low voltage), hydraulic, or pneumatic (with no electrical wiring); they can
also be placed on the retractable rails located at either side of the bed. Electric beds usually have a separate
motor for each function, and most beds should be capable of being adjusted with a hand crank in case of
component failure. Most beds also come equipped with a separate caregiver panel that duplicates the functions
of the patient controls and that may, in addition, have functions not normally used by the patient (e.g.,
Trendelenburg positioning), as well as lockout switches for disabling the patient controls. With the foot segment
of the bed removed, the backrest and seat section position can still be adjusted using the controls.
Accessories for birthing beds include handgrips, labor/squatting bars, arm boards, siderails, intravenous poles,
straight-edged or V-shaped mattresses, and egg-crate or foam/air mattress pads.

Reported problems
Birthing beds are susceptible to acting as fomites, or inanimate objects that can lead to the spread of infection,
if proper disinfection is not performed frequently. Also, improper functioning of controls can lead to poor body
alignment or discomfort for the patient. A bed can become unstable, tipping or slipping out of position if the
weight limit is exceeded or if warnings from the manufacturer are not acknowledged. Prolonged repeated use
can lead to mechanical dysfunction.
Physiologic fluids are good conductors of electric current; therefore, the electrical components of birthing beds
must be adequately protected from the copious amount of fluid present during delivery. In two separate
reported incidents, patients received shocks to their legs from a particular model of birthing bed, which has
since been discontinued. After the second incident, ECRI Institute conducted an investigation that revealed
corroded terminals and amniotic fluid inside the control box. It was found that stray current most likely
originated at a
line-voltage-carrying terminal within the control box and was conducted to the patient by a fluid pathway
present on the box, bedsheets, and mattress cover. When the patient was placed in the leg supports, the circuit
was completed, and the current was conducted to ground through the bed frame. The manufacturer later
modified the bed’s design to incorporate a permanent fluid shield over the inboard section of the control box.

Purchase considerations
ECRI Institute recommendations
The accompanying product comparison chart includes ECRI Institute’s recommendations for minimum
performance requirements for birthing beds. Certain features are necessary for the proper functioning of these
devices. For example, it is recommended that the bed have a removable headboard to allow easy access to the
patient’s head, if the need arises. Leg supports for the patient and a removable foot section to facilitate the
birthing process are also beneficial. The bed height should be adjustable over a minimum range of 22 to 40
inches; a larger range may be preferred in certain situations. Casters should be at least 5 inches in diameter to
allow easy movement over small obstacles that may be encountered during transport. There should be at least
two brakes located diagonally from each other. A removable drain pan to collect fluids is also recommended.

Other considerations
When purchasing a birthing bed, buyers should consider the range of bed positions, the quality of
construction and mechanical reliability, the service history of the unit, and ease of use (e.g., patient access to
controls, ease of operation of controls, bed maneuverability). Because inspection and maintenance costs can
exceed the purchase price over time (sometimes by a factor of three or more), buyers should also consider the
expense of maintenance and the availability of manufacturer support and replacement parts.

2 ©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.

 Beds,

Stage of development
Birthing beds have been available since the mid-1970s. Although their popularity has increased with the
emergence of birthing centers, their basic design has changed little.
Almost all newer bed models feature electric control buttons marked with symbols indicating their function.
Symbols can circumvent language barriers and are more effective than words for patients who have poor
eyesight or who cannot read.

Bibliography
ECRI. Obstetrics and neonatal care. Technology Review 1996 Jan; 4.
Johnson TR, Repke JR, Paine LL. Choosing a birthing bed to meet everyone’s needs. Contemp Ob Gyn 1987 Oct
[special issue];28:70-3.

Supplier information
FAMED
Famed-Zywiec Ltd [185397]
ulica Fabryczna 1
Zywiec PL-34-300
Poland
Phone: 48 (33) 8613159 Fax: 48 (33) 8614678
Internet: http://www.famed.com.pl
E-mail: famed.zywiec@famed.com.pl

HILL-ROM
Hill-Rom Canada Ltd [107911]
5444 Timberlea Blvd
Mississauga ON L4W 2T7
Canada
Phone: (905) 206-1355, (800) 267-2337 Fax: (905) 206-0561
Internet: http://www.hill-rom.com
E-mail: wayne.flynn@hill-rom.com

Hill-Rom Co Inc [101318]

1069 State Rt 46 E
Batesville, IN 47006-9164
Phone: (812) 934-7777, (800) 445-3730 Fax: (812) 934-8189
Internet: http://www.hill-rom.com
E-mail: askhill-rom@hill-rom.com

Hill-Rom GmbH [354512]

Franz-Rennefeld-Weg 4
Deusseldorf D-40472
Germany
Phone: 49 (211) 16450111 Fax: 49 (211) 16450310
Internet: http://www.hill-rom.com
E-mail: askhill-rom@hill-rom.com

©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved 3

Beds,
Hillenbrand Industries Inc [150050]
700 State Rt 46 E
Batesville, IN 47006-8835
Phone: (812) 934-8197 Fax: (812) 934-1691

HUNTLEIGH HEALTHCARE
Huntleigh Healthcare LLC [102764]
40 Christopher Way
Eatontown, NJ 07724-3327
Phone: (732) 578-9898, (800) 223-1218 Fax: (732) 578-9889
Internet: http://www.huntleigh-healthcare.com

Huntleigh Healthcare Ltd [272792]

310-312 Dallow Road
Luton LU1 1TD
England
Phone: 44 (1582) 413104 Fax: 44 (1582) 459100
Internet: http://www.huntleigh-healthcare.com
E-mail: sales.admin@hunhcare.co.uk

MERIVAARA
Merivaara Corp [152547]
Puustellintie 2
Lahti FIN-15150
Finland
Phone: 358 (3) 3394611 Fax: 358 (3) 33946144
Internet: http://www.merivaara.com
E-mail: merivaara@merivaara.com

STRYKER
Stryker Canada [183623]
45 Innovation Dr
Hamilton ON L9H 7L8
Canada
Phone: (905) 690-5700, (800) 668-8323 Fax: (905) 690-5698
Internet: http://www.stryker.ca
E-mail: info@stryker.ca

Stryker Corp [271227]

6300 S Sprinkle Rd
Kalamazoo, MI 49001-9799
Phone: (269) 329-2100, (800) 787-9537 Fax: (269) 329-2311, (800) 329-7879
Internet: http://www.stryker.com
E-mail: webmaster@med.strykercorp.com

Stryker Europe SA [185116]

Cite-Centre Grand rue 92
Montreux CH-1820
Switzerland
Phone: 41 (21) 9661201 Fax: 41 (21) 9661200
Internet: http://www.stryker.com

Stryker Japan [440017]

IOI Sompo Shinjuku Building 3-25-3 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku

4 ©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.

 Beds,
Tokyo 151-0053
Japan
Phone: 81 (3) 53529080 Fax: 81 (3) 53521789
Internet: http://www.stryker.com

Note: The data in the charts derive from suppliers’ specifications and have not been verified through
independent testing by ECRI Institute or any other agency. Because test methods vary, different products’
specifications are not always comparable. Moreover, products and specifications are subject to frequent changes.
ECRI Institute is not responsible for the quality or validity of the information presented or for any adverse
consequences of acting on such information.
When reading the charts, keep in mind that, unless otherwise noted, the list price does not reflect supplier
discounts. And although we try to indicate which features and characteristics are standard and which are not,
some may be optional, at additional cost.
For those models whose prices were supplied to us in currencies other than U.S. dollars, we have also listed the
conversion to U.S. dollars to facilitate comparison among models. However, keep in mind that exchange rates change
often.

Need to know more?

For further information about the contents of this Product Comparison, contact the HPCS Hotline at +1 (610)
825-6000, ext. 5265; +1 (610) 834-1275 (fax); or hpcs@ecri.org (e-mail).

Last updated July 2009

©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved 5

Beds,

Policy Statement
The Healthcare Product Comparison System (HPCS) is published by ECRI Institute, a nonprofit organization.
HPCS provides comprehensive information to help healthcare professionals select and purchase diagnostic and
therapeutic capital equipment more effectively in support of improved patient care.
The information in Product Comparisons comes from a number of sources: medical and biomedical
engineering literature, correspondence and discussion with manufacturers and distributors, specifications from
product literature, and ECRI Institute’s Problem Reporting System. While these data are reviewed by qualified
health professionals, they have not been tested by ECRI Institute’s clinical and engineering personnel and are
largely unconfirmed. The Healthcare Product Comparison System and ECRI Institute are not responsible for the
quality or validity of information derived from outside sources or for any adverse consequences of acting on
such information.
The appearance or listing of any item, or the use of a photograph thereof, in the Healthcare Product Comparison
System does not constitute the endorsement or approval of the product’s quality, performance, or value, or of
claims made for it by the manufacturer. The information and photographs published in Product Comparisons
appear at no charge to manufacturers.
Many of the words or model descriptions appearing in the Healthcare Product Comparison System are
proprietary names (e.g., trademarks), even though no reference to this fact may be made. The appearance of any
name without designation as proprietary should not be regarded as a representation that is not the subject of
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Product Comparison System accepts no advertising and has no obligations to any commercial interests. ECRI
Institute and its employees accept no royalties, gifts, finder’s fees, or commissions from the medical device
industry, nor do they own stock in medical device companies. Employees engage in no private consulting work
for the medical device industry.

About ECRI Institute

ECRI Institute, a nonprofit organization, dedicates itself to bringing the discipline of applied scientific
research in healthcare to uncover the best approaches to improving patient care. As pioneers in this science for
over 40 years, ECRI Institute marries experience and independence with the objectivity of evidence-based
research.
More than 5,000 healthcare organizations worldwide rely on ECRI Institute’s expertise in patient safety
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Quality. For more information, visit http://www.ecri.org.

6 ©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.

 Beds,

Product Comparison Chart

©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved 7

Beds,

Product Comparison
Chart

MODEL ECRI INSTITUTE'S FAMED HILL-ROM HUNTLEIGH

RECOMMENDED HEALTHCARE
SPECIFICATIONS1
Birthing Beds LM-01.4 Affinity 41 Birthright 170000
WHERE MARKETED Africa, Asia, Europe, South Worldwide Worldwide
America
FDA CLEARANCE No Yes Yes
CE MARK (MDD) Yes Yes Yes
PATIENT CONTROLS
Type Electric Electric (rail), pendant Mechanical
Functions Patient positioning, nurse Electric backrest; electric Head, foot, high/low, nurse Gas-spring backrest,
call; TV, radio, phone are height adjustment, light, call, TV, radio, lights, high/low
optional nurse call lumbar/seat air cushion
CAREGIVER CONTROLS Patient positioning, patient Same as patient, plus Trendelenburg-like Tilt, backrest, height, CPR
weight, patient lockout Trendelenburg and CPR, mechanism, EasyGlide foot
leg-segment control and calf supports
(manual)
MAXIMUM ANGLE
Backrest 70° 63° 65°
Seat 17° 15° 12° by tilting bed
CONSTRUCTION
MATERIAL
Frame Steel profiles covered with Steel weld Nylon-polyester-coated mild
powder varnish steel
Mattress Polyurethane foam covered Dartex ticking with foam or Polyurethane foam with
with Ecolastic fabric foam and air interior pressure-reduction cover
IV POLE
Storage Not specified Not specified Yes
Mounts Yes Not specified Yes
DRAIN PAN Yes, removable Yes Yes Yes
LEG SUPPORTS Yes Yes Yes Yes
REMOVABLE Yes Yes Yes Yes
HEADBOARD
CRANK STORAGE Trolley for accessories NA NA
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
L x W, cm (in) 217 x 106 (85.4 x 41.7) 229 x 99 (90 x 39) with 221 x 100 (87 x 39)
siderails up, 229 x 91 (90 x
36) with siderails down
Height, cm (in) ≥55.8-101.6 (22-40) 56-93 (22-36.6) 58-99 (23-39) with mattress, 50-94 (20-37)
45-86 (18-34) without
mattress
SIDERAIL LENGTH
Fraction of overall bed Various available 1/3 1/2 1/2
length
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 130 (227.1) 218 (480) 135 (297)
CASTERS
Diameter, cm (in) ≥12.5 (5) 15 (5.9) 15 (6), 20 (8) 12.5 (5)
Swivel locks Central blockade with 1- Yes Central
directional wheel
Brakes ≥2 Yes Rod and link, dual-locking Central
MAX PATIENT WEIGHT, Not specified 227 (500); 181 (400) on foot 180 (396)
kg (lb) section
BUMPERS Preferred Yes Yes Yes

This is the first of two pages

covering the above
model(s). These
specifications continue onto
the next page.

8 ©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.

 Beds,

Product Comparison
Chart

MODEL ECRI INSTITUTE'S FAMED HILL-ROM HUNTLEIGH

RECOMMENDED HEALTHCARE
SPECIFICATIONS1
Birthing Beds LM-01.4 Affinity 41 Birthright 170000
ELECTRICAL
Power required, VAC 230, 50-60 Hz (optional 120, 230 NA
110V)
Current required, A Not specified Power/input, 4/2 NA
Number of motors 2 3 DC NA
Frame grounded Yes Yes NA
PURCHASE
INFORMATION
List price std <$8,000 $16,821-24,450 $4,350
configuration
Warranty 2 years 2 years, mattress; lifetime, 1 year
frame welds; lifetime
exchange program for PC
boards; guaranteed 10-year
part availability
Delivery time, ARO 6-8 weeks 6-8 weeks 6-8 weeks
Year first sold 2000 2006 1999
Fiscal year January to December October to September January to December
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Mattress fabric is New mattress designed for 2-part mattress; safety rails;
breathable, waterproof, patient comfort; lightweight; accessory storage trolley
flame retardant, and V-cut or straight-edge and cover; leg rests/knee
removable. Meets mattress; central crutches; foot supports;
requirements of CE, EN brake/steer; self-spring calf hand grips; fluid bowl.
46001, and ISO 14001 and supports; battery backup; Meets requirements of CE.
9001. breakaway electric cord;
instant CPR release; built-in
night light; zero transfer
gap; 500 lb bed lift capacity;
400 lb foot section lift
capacity; siderails rated at
300 lb outward force and
400 lb downward force; gas-
assist OneStep foot
supports; EasyGlide One-
Step locking calf supports;
full-leg supports; optional
full-telescoping leg
supports; 3 wood styles with
4 stain options; blow-
molded with 5 wood grain
laminate and 2 color
options; accessories include
anesthesia screen, arm
boards, comfort pad,
disposable drapes, Foley
hook, and Stow and Go or
lift-off foot sections.
LAST UPDATED May 2007 May 2007 May 2007
UMDNS CODE(S)
Supplier Footnotes 1These recommendations
are the opinions of ECRI
Institute's technology
experts. ECRI Institute
assumes no liability for
decisions made based on
this data.
Model Footnotes 1 Replaced the Affinity 3.
Data Footnotes

©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved 9

Beds,

Product Comparison
Chart

MODEL HUNTLEIGH MERIVAARA MERIVAARA MERIVAARA

HEALTHCARE
Electric Birthright 170000 Optima Optima Minor Optima Plus
EL
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide
FDA CLEARANCE Yes No No No
CE MARK (MDD) Yes Yes Yes Yes
PATIENT CONTROLS
Type Electric Manual; height hydraulic, Minor hydraulic, height Height, back, leg and
back and leg gas spring hydraulic, back and Trendis electric
assisted, Trendelenburg gas Trendelenburg gas spring
spring assisted, or electric assisted
Optima with all adjustment
electric, Trendelenburg gas
spring assisted
Functions Backrest, high/low Height, back, and foot Height, back, and foot Height, back, and foot
adjustments, Trendelenburg adjustments, Trendelenburg adjustments, Trendelenburg
CAREGIVER CONTROLS Tilt, backrest, height, CPR, Not specified Not specified Not specified
battery backup
MAXIMUM ANGLE
Backrest 65° 70° 68° 70°
Seat 12° by tilting bed 12°/5° 15°/3° 12°/5°
CONSTRUCTION
MATERIAL
Frame Nylon-polyester-coated mild Steel Steel Steel
steel
Mattress Polyurethane foam with Foam Foam Foam
pressure-reduction cover
IV POLE
Storage Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
Mounts Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
DRAIN PAN Yes Optional Optional Optional
LEG SUPPORTS Yes Optional Optional Optional
REMOVABLE Yes No No No
HEADBOARD
CRANK STORAGE NA Not specified Not specified Not specified
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
L x W, cm (in) 221 x 100 (87 x 39) [145-200] x 105 ([57-78.7] x 194 x 91 (76.3 x 35.8) [137-202] x 105 ([54-80] x
41.3) 41.3)
Height, cm (in) 50-94 (20-37) 56-93 (22-36.6) 65-101 (25.6-39.8) 56-93 (22-36.6)
SIDERAIL LENGTH
Fraction of overall bed 1/2 Various available Not specified Not specified
length
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 130 (287) 114-118 (251.4-260) 110 (243) 125 (275)
CASTERS
Diameter, cm (in) 12.5 (5) 12.5 (5) 15 (6) 12.5 (5)
Swivel locks Central Yes Yes Yes
Brakes Central 3 3 3
MAX PATIENT WEIGHT, 180 (396) 180 (400) 180 (400) 180 (400)
kg (lb)
BUMPERS Yes Yes Yes Yes

This is the first of two pages

covering the above
model(s). These
specifications continue onto
the next page.

1 ©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.

 Beds,

Product Comparison
Chart

MODEL HUNTLEIGH MERIVAARA MERIVAARA MERIVAARA

HEALTHCARE
Electric Birthright 170000 Optima Optima Minor Optima Plus
EL
ELECTRICAL
Power required, VAC 220, optional 100 or 120 230 230 230
Current required, A 0.1-0.7 5.5 5.5 5.5
Number of motors 2 2 2 4
Frame grounded No (double insulated) Subframe grounded Subframe grounded Subframe grounded
PURCHASE
INFORMATION
List price std $5,000 Not specified Not specified Not specified
configuration
Warranty 1 year Not specified Not specified Not specified
Delivery time, ARO 6-8 weeks Not specified Not specified Not specified
Year first sold 1999 Not specified Not specified Not specified
Fiscal year January to December Not specified Not specified Not specified
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS 2-part mattress; safety rails; None specified. None specified. None specified.
accessory storage trolley
and cover; leg rests/knee
crutches; foot supports;
hand grips; fluid bowl.
Meets requirements of ETL
and IEC 601-1.
LAST UPDATED May 2007 July 2008 July 2008 July 2008
UMDNS CODE(S)
Supplier Footnotes
Model Footnotes
Data Footnotes

©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved 1

Beds,

Product Comparison
Chart

MODEL STRYKER
LD304 Birthing Bed
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide
FDA CLEARANCE Yes
CE MARK (MDD) Yes
PATIENT CONTROLS
Type Electric; rail-embedded and
pendant types available
Functions All-motion, communication,
powered lumbar pillow,
powered perineal pillow,
Skoocher, electric
Trendelenburg
CAREGIVER CONTROLS Electric Trendelenburg, all-
motion, lockout Skoocher,
mattress air pillow control
MAXIMUM ANGLE
Backrest 70°
Seat 4°
CONSTRUCTION
MATERIAL
Frame Steel
Mattress Viscoelastic foam
IV POLE
Storage Not specified
Mounts Permanent and standard
DRAIN PAN Yes
LEG SUPPORTS Yes
REMOVABLE Yes
HEADBOARD
CRANK STORAGE Yes
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
L x W, cm (in) 94 x 236.2 (37 x 93)
Height, cm (in) 48-94 (18.9-37), 19-37 (7.5-
14.6)
SIDERAIL LENGTH
Fraction of overall bed 7/20
length
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 220 (485)
CASTERS
Diameter, cm (in) 15 (6), 20 (8)
Swivel locks Yes
Brakes 4 wheel brakes
MAX PATIENT WEIGHT, Not specified
kg (lb)
BUMPERS Yes

This is the first of two pages

covering the above
model(s). These
specifications continue onto
the next page.

1 ©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved.

 Beds,

Product Comparison
Chart

MODEL STRYKER
LD304 Birthing Bed
ELECTRICAL
Power required, VAC 120, 230
Current required, A 10
Number of motors 4, 5 with Skoocher
Frame grounded Yes
PURCHASE
INFORMATION
List price std Not specified
configuration
Warranty 2 years
Delivery time, ARO 8 weeks
Year first sold 2004
Fiscal year January to December
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Built-in adjustable lumbar
and perineum support;
attached IV pole; 3-position
siderails; 6-way adjustable
footrests; labor grips; 5"
egg-crate-topped enhanced-
comfort mattress; Lock-Rite
foot section. UL listed.
LAST UPDATED July 2008
UMDNS CODE(S)
Supplier Footnotes
Model Footnotes
Data Footnotes

©2009 ECRI Institute. All Rights Reserved 1