The term ‘Fowler’ for beds has been borrowed from its inventor, George Ryerson Fowler. He was known as an American surgeon who revolutionized healthcare with his innovative idea of a patient-positioning bed. He noted that positioning of the patient contributes majorly, leading to an improved recovery. Ever since this study, the Fowler beds have evolved with time. Nowadays, technologically advanced Fowler beds are available to support the patient’s well-being.

Fowler Bed – A General View

Fowler beds are the most common in ICUs these days. At Neolight Creations, we have technologically advanced Fowler beds that are useful for OPD. Since a Fowler bed can adjust the backrest and knee rest elevation, it provides better blood circulation by improving body positioning. Healthcare professionals recommend such beds to patients who are suffering from conditions like cardiovascular problems, post-surgical care, heart ailments, nausea, pregnancy, and so on.

Benefits

Beds in Fowler position can be adjusted to a 45-90 degree angle, creating a semi-sitting position for the patient. In such positioning, a patient can perform his tasks, such as having meals, reading etc., with a certain ease. The elevated bed positioning eases the pressure on the heart and enhances the lungs’ capacity, which is necessary for optimal cardiac function.

Semi-Fowler Bed – A General View

Semi-Fowler beds have their limitations, especially in the keynote feature, kneerest, but all the other functionalities are equal to the Fowler beds. Semi-Fowler beds can elevate upto a 30-45 degree angle. Thus, this makes it less steep in comparison to a Fowler bed.

Benefits

Since Semi-Fowler beds can’t be adjusted to an upright angle, these would rather be suitable for patients who don’t need one. This reclining position still helps patients who are in a post-operative condition and have respiratory issues.

How Positioning Affects Recovery?

Despite its complexity, positioning plays a major role in recovery, and research indicates that positioning either delays or speeds up the recovery time. The positioning also contributes to other underlying factors such as comfort, and psychological bends, as both are interrelated. Since we have elaborated on how positioning aids lung expansion and respiratory function, therefore, correct positioning lowers the risk of developing pneumonia.

READ MORE: Types of Hospital Beds and Their Benefits and Uses

The Blood Circulation & Positioning

The correct positioning ensures the proper circulation to vital organs. Therefore, the risk of blood clots automatically reduces. Fowler beds provide a good kneerest, and thus legs won’t develop venous stasis, which prevents them from growing an ulcer.

Wound Healing & Pain Management

If a patient has gone through any surgery, the right elevation of the Fowler and Semi-Fowler bed makes sure that the wound won’t be pressurized. This provides swift wound healing and also alleviates the pain associated with pressure, particularly in the cases of orthopaedic post-surgical care.

Gastrointestinal Functions to Psychological Well-Being

Both Fowler beds and Semi-Fowler beds provide changeable positions for the patients’ posture. And this aids in smooth digestion. In the case of patients with feeding tubes, the correct positioning negates issues like swallowing problems. Since reclining and upright positions give more access to a patient to interact with ease, it releases stress and improves his psychological state. Better positioning = better mental health.

Concluding the Facts

Both Fowler and Semi-Fowler beds hold great contributory factors for healthcare. These beds are adjustable and also help to ease the pressure on the lungs. Hence, both beds are recommended equipment for cardiovascular ailments. The primary contrast lies in their angles and positioning.

At Neolight Creation, we have designed and developed manually and electrically operated  ICU beds, including Fowler and Semi-Fowler styles. These beds facilitate ease of access to the medical professionals to examine the patients closely. Feel free to browse our product catalogue if you require further information on each product’s specifications to analyse the difference.

FAQs

Q. What is a Fowler Bed?

Ans. An adjustable bed with 45-90 degree head elevation, a Fowler bed with such specifications allows the patient to an upright position and aids in well-being.

Q. What is a Semi-Fowler bed?

Ans. An adjustable bed with a reclining position up to a 30-45 degree angle, a Semi-Fowler bed provides moderate elevation and comfort to the patient.

Q. Can these beds help with pain management?

Ans. Both Fowler beds and Semi-Fowler beds provide better positioning to the patient and allow the proper blood circulation that alleviates the pain.