A Complete Guide to Hospital Bed Maintenance

Hospital beds are the workhorses of patient care. They lift, tilt, roll, lock, signal, and support clinical care every minute of the day. A single bed can cycle through dozens of height and head-foot adjustments during one shift, carry a patient across the hospital, and interface with side rails, call systems, and therapeutic surfaces. When maintenance is not prioritized, patient comfort can suffer, caregiver strain increases, and small problems can easily turn into costly repairs or replacements.

A disciplined hospital bed maintenance program protects safety, uptime, and budgets. This guide translates best practices into clear, repeatable steps for HTM and facilities teams. You will find what to inspect, how often to service, how to troubleshoot common problems, and when to call in a professional. 

Key Components of Hospital Bed Maintenance

Frame and Structure

Start with the foundation. Inspect the deck, welds, and frame members for cracks, bending, corrosion, chipped coatings, and loose fasteners. Ensure the deck is level and square, then verify smooth articulation of head and foot sections through the full range of motion. Check side rail hinges and latch mechanisms for play, alignment, and positive locking. Any structural instability can cascade into motor strain, binding actuators, and unsafe patient positioning.

Motors and Electrical Systems

Hospital bed motion depends on actuators, control boards, power supplies, and a pendant or panel. Inspect power cords for cuts, kinks, exposed conductors, and damaged strain relief. Verify proper grounding and test outlets before blaming the bed. Cycle each motor under load, listening for hesitations, ticking, or grinding. Check connectors and harnesses for oxidation or loosening. Document any fault codes that appear on displays, then clear and retest. If the bed uses a battery backup, test charge acceptance and runtime.

Controls, Sensors, and Safety Systems

Examine the hand pendant, staff control panel, and any embedded sensors. Clean sticky buttons, confirm backlighting, and test bed exit alarms and nurse call integration. Confirm that brake interlocks, safe-low height indicators, and lockout functions work as designed. Verify that emergency CPR release mechanisms operate smoothly and reset correctly after use.

Brakes, Casters, and Mobility

Roll the bed forward and backward to feel for flat spots and drag. Activate brakes and ensure they hold on multiple floor types. Check swivel locks, forks, caster bearings, and axle alignment. Inspect bumpers, corner guards, and push handles for tightness and integrity.

Mattress and Surface Care

Inspect the primary mattress or therapeutic surface for tears, bottoming out, fluid ingress, and uneven foam or air bladders. Confirm that surfaces inflate and deflate as intended and that hose quick-connects seal properly. Clean per IFU using hospital-grade disinfectants that will not degrade covers or seals.

Power and Cabling Management

Secure cords and hoses with strain relief and guides. Remove trip hazards, replace broken clips, and route lines to avoid pinch points when the bed articulates. Many intermittent faults trace back to cable routing and connector stress.

For a deeper look at how each part contributes to overall functionality, see our guide on the parts of a hospital bed

A Practical Maintenance Schedule and Checklist

At every turnover or cleaning

• Wipe down high-touch surfaces, side rails, hand pendant, and panels
   

• Inspect for obvious damage, missing components, or loose hardware
   

• Verify wheels roll freely, brakes hold, and rails latch securely
   

• Quick function test of height and head-foot adjustments
   

Monthly

• Full motion test of all actuators under load
   

• Inspect cords, plugs, and harnesses for wear or heat discoloration
   

• Check pendant and staff controls, nurse call functionality, and alarms
   

• Lubricate specified pivot points per manufacturer IFU
   

• Inspect mattresses for surface integrity, pressure distribution, and signs of wear 

Quarterly

• Inspect frame welds, deck alignment, and fastener torque
   

• Test battery backup (if equipped) for charge acceptance and runtime
   

• Validate safe-low indicators, bed exit sensors, and lockouts
   

• Evaluate caster condition, wheel concentricity, and fork alignment
   

Annually

• Refer to comprehensive PM per OEM checklist, including motor current draw and noise baseline
   

• Replace high-wear items as a preventive action based on usage counts
   

• Review service history and update PM intervals if failure trends emerge
   

Document each task in your CMMS with date, technician, findings, corrective actions, and parts used. Consistent documentation supports compliance, warranty claims, and continuous improvement.

Common Hospital Bed Issues and How to Fix Them

Bed Frame and Positioning Issues

Problem: The bed feels unstable or fails to achieve commanded positions.
Fix: Inspect for bent frame members, cracked welds, and worn pivot bushings. Tighten loose fasteners and lubricate approved points. If articulation binds at a repeatable angle, check linkage geometry and actuator mounting hardware for slippage. Replace damaged components rather than attempting to bend parts back into shape.

Motor and Electrical Malfunctions

Problem: Motors will not raise or lower the bed, or motion is intermittent.
Fix: Confirm outlet power and ground, then test the bed on a known good circuit. Inspect the main fuse and power supply. Unplug and re-seat actuator connectors. Swap the hand pendant with a known good unit to isolate input versus actuator faults. If a single actuator fails, measure resistance and check for thermal overload. Replace the actuator if resistance is out of spec, if thermal reset does not restore function, or if gears grind under load.

Mattress Wear and Tear

Problem: The mattress is uneven, leaks, or contributes to pressure injuries.
Fix: Rotate or replace according to hours of use and IFU. For air surfaces, leak-check hoses and manifolds, then run a pressure test. Verify the pump delivers stated pressure and cycle times. Replace covers with compromised seams or zippers to prevent fluid ingress.

Noisy Bed Movement

Problem: Squeaks, grinding, or clunks during motion.
Fix: Identify the noise source with a slow articulation test. Tighten hardware, replace worn bushings, and apply OEM-approved lubricant to pivots and screw jacks. Noise that persists after lubrication often indicates bearing or gear wear, which warrants replacement rather than repair.

Bed Height Adjustments Not Functioning

Problem: Bed raises or lowers slowly, stalls, or stops at random.
Fix: Check for actuator contamination, bent lift arms, and binding slider rails. Verify voltage under load at the actuator connector. Weak power supplies, failing motors, or obstructions in the lift path are common causes. Correct alignment issues before replacing actuators to avoid repeat failures.

Unresponsive Control Panels or Handset

Problem: The pendant or panel does not respond, or only some buttons work.
Fix: Inspect cable integrity, clean connectors, and look for liquid ingress in the pendant. Replace worn membranes or assemblies. If multiple controls fail simultaneously, suspect the control board or a broken common ground.

Best Practices for Extending the Life of Hospital Beds

Regular Cleaning and Disinfection

Follow IFU-approved disinfectants and dwell times to protect both patients and materials. Avoid oversaturation that wicks into switches, pendants, and seams. Clean after each patient, and schedule deeper decontamination during quarterly PMs.

Proper Weight Management

Assign bariatric beds to appropriate units, and clearly label weight limits on each bed. Overloading shortens actuator life, stresses welds, and damages casters. Monitor usage patterns in your CMMS and shift assets if certain units regularly exceed design loads.

Technician Training and User Education

Many service calls stem from use errors, such as disabled lockouts or incorrectly seated pendants. Provide quick-reference cards at the nurse station. Hold periodic in-services for hospital staff that cover safe operation, cleaning that protects electronics, and what to report to ensure a problem doesn’t escalate.

Parts Standardization and Spares

Standardize on a small set of models where possible. Keep on-hand spares for pendants, actuators, casters, rail latch kits, and power cords. A stocked kit reduces downtime and avoids rush freight costs.

When to Use Professional Service

Engage certified service when you encounter repeated actuator failures, unexplained electrical faults, fluid ingress in electronics, or structural defects. Some issues require specialized tools, calibration, or access to OEM diagnostics.

Regular upkeep also extends the life of essential accessories for hospital beds, from side rails to pressure relief surfaces, ensuring the entire system works together effectively.

Documentation, Compliance, and Safety

A strong hospital bed maintenance program is measurable and auditable. Keep PM logs, corrective actions, and parts usage in your CMMS. Tie beds to locations and clinical units so you can analyze failure patterns. Follow instructions from hospital bed manufacturers, applicable IEC and UL standards for electrical safety, and your facility’s infection prevention protocols. Train technicians to de-energize equipment before service, lock and tag as required, and lift with proper aids to avoid injury.

Sourcing Parts, Surfaces, and Accessories

When it comes to maintaining hospital beds, quality parts shorten repair times and reduce repeat failures. When the fix requires a new pendant, actuator, caster set, or surface, work with a supplier that can trace quality and provide fit-for-purpose options. PartsSource offers a wide range of patient beds, parts, and accessories to support both scheduled maintenance and urgent repairs.

FAQ: Hospital Bed Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Why is my hospital bed not working?

Start with power. Verify the outlet, breaker, and ground. Inspect the power cord for damage and confirm the pendant is fully seated. If only one motion fails, the issue is likely that actuator or its wiring. If nothing works, suspect the power supply or control board. Document any fault codes and test on a known good circuit.

How often should hospital beds be serviced?

At minimum, perform a quick inspection at every turnover, a monthly functional test, a quarterly mechanical and electrical review, and a full annual PM per the manufacturer’s checklist. High-use units, such as ED or med-surg, may warrant shorter intervals.

What is the typical lifespan of hospital bed motors and actuators?

Usage patterns drive lifespan. Many actuators last three to seven years in general med-surg, less in heavy bariatric or ICU use. Trend current draw and noise during PMs. Rising draw or new gear noise under load is an early replacement signal.

Our bed is stuck in the lowest position. What should we check?

Confirm power, then examine the height actuators for bent lift arms, binding rails, or damaged cables. Try a manual reset if the model supports it. If the actuator is overheated, allow it to cool and retest. Persistent failure indicates an actuator or control fault.

The handset buttons are unresponsive. Replace or repair?

Clean the membrane, check the coil cord for breaks, and inspect connectors. If only some buttons fail, the pendant is the likely culprit. If multiple inputs from both pendant and staff panel fail, suspect the control board.

How do we clean and disinfect without damaging electronics?

Use approved disinfectants, apply with a damp cloth rather than spraying directly on electronics, and avoid pooling near seams and buttons. Do not submerge pendants or panels. Respect dwell times, then remove residue.

What can cause intermittent alarms from bed exit sensors?

Loose connectors, dirty sensor mats, incorrect sensitivity settings, or firmware mismatches can trigger nuisance alarms. Reseat connectors, clean mats, recalibrate per IFU, and update firmware if applicable.

Where can we find replacement parts that fit our fleet?

Maintain a preferred list of approved parts and sources in your CMMS. For verified fit and fast fulfillment, PartsSource offers patient beds, rail kits, casters, actuators, pendants, and surfaces with sourcing support that matches parts to your models.

Conclusion: Keep Beds Safe, Comfortable, and Ready

Hospital bed maintenance protects patients, supports caregivers, and preserves capital budgets. With a clear schedule, disciplined care and inspections, and documented fixes, you can catch small issues before they become urgent repairs. Train users, stock critical spares, and partner with trusted suppliers to keep every bed safe, quiet, and responsive.

When your team needs quality components or a reliable replacement fast, turn to PartsSource for patient beds, parts, and accessories made by top brands, from Stryker medical beds to Hill-Rom hospital beds. Made to meet clinical demands and maintenance standards, these beds will last longer, perform better, and be ready for the next patient who needs them.