care & love
If you've ever cared for a loved one with limited mobility—or worked in a healthcare setting—you know how much a quality nursing bed impacts daily life. More than just a place to sleep, it's a tool that enhances safety, eases caregiving, and preserves dignity for patients. In Europe, where aging populations and a shift toward home-based care are driving demand, nursing bed manufacturers are stepping up with innovative designs that blend functionality, comfort, and adaptability. Whether you're looking for a basic home care model or a high-tech hospital bed, the right manufacturer can make all the difference. Let's dive into the top players shaping Europe's nursing bed market in 2025.
Europe has long been a hub for healthcare innovation, and nursing beds are no exception. Strict safety standards (like CE marking) and a focus on user-centric design mean European manufacturers prioritize features that matter most: easy height adjustment for caregivers, pressure-relief mattresses, intuitive controls, and different nursing bed positions (trendelenburg, fowler, etc.) to support patient comfort and medical needs. Many also lead in sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient motors—an important consideration for both hospitals and home care settings aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
When it comes to heritage and reliability, Stiegelmeyer is a name that's been trusted for over 130 years. Based in Herford, Germany, this family-owned company has grown into one of Europe's largest electric nursing bed manufacturers , with a reputation for engineering beds that last decades.
Their flagship line, the Novum series, is a favorite in hospitals and nursing homes. These beds aren't just sturdy—they're smart. Features like the "Soft Care" side rails that retract silently, adjustable heights (from 28cm to 80cm), and built-in scales make daily care easier. For home use, their HomeCare line offers compact, customized multifunction nursing bed options that fit into smaller spaces without sacrificing features. Stiegelmeyer also partners with mattress experts to ensure optimal pressure distribution, a critical factor for preventing bedsores.
What sets them apart? German precision. Every bed undergoes rigorous testing, and their customer service network across Europe ensures quick support if issues arise. If you're looking for a bed that balances durability and innovation, Stiegelmeyer is a top contender.
Linet might not have the same century-old history as Stiegelmeyer, but this Czech manufacturer has made a name for itself by prioritizing cutting-edge technology. Founded in 1990, Linet focuses on beds that "adapt to people," not the other way around—perfect for both acute care and long-term home settings.
Their Eleganza line is a standout for home care: a sleek, modern electric homecare nursing bed with whisper-quiet motors and a minimalist design that doesn't scream "medical equipment." For hospitals, the Multicare series offers advanced features like automatic patient positioning (via a touchscreen remote) and integration with nurse call systems. One unique selling point? Their "Low Bed" models, which sit as low as 20cm from the floor—ideal for patients at risk of falls.
Linet also leads in sustainability, using recycled plastics and energy-efficient components. With offices in over 50 countries, including major European hubs like the UK and Germany, they're easy to reach if you need to order a nursing bed for sale or request a demo.
Arjo is more than a bed manufacturer—it's a global leader in "mobility solutions" for healthcare. Based in Malmö, Sweden, their mission is to "improve quality of life for people with reduced mobility," and their nursing beds reflect that focus on both patient and caregiver well-being.
Their Maxi Sky line pairs nursing beds with overhead lifting systems, making transfers safer for both patients and staff—a game-changer for hospitals struggling with caregiver burnout. For home use, the Sara Flex bed is designed with families in mind: lightweight, easy to assemble, and compatible with home care accessories like bed rails and mattress overlays. Arjo also emphasizes different nursing bed positions , with pre-programmed settings for activities like eating, reading, or physical therapy.
What makes Arjo unique? Their beds are part of a larger ecosystem. If you invest in an Arjo bed, you can add compatible lifts, scales, or pressure management systems later—no need to switch brands. This seamless integration is why many healthcare facilities stick with Arjo long-term.
Handicare, a Danish company with a focus on accessibility, is all about making home care easier. While they're best known for stairlifts, their nursing bed line has gained popularity for its affordability and practicality—perfect for families looking for a fair price multifunction nursing bed that doesn't skimp on safety.
Their HomeCare bed is a top pick for home use. It's compact (fits through standard doorways), has a weight capacity of 250kg, and offers basic but essential features: electric height adjustment, backrest and legrest positioning, and fold-down side rails. For those on a budget, Handicare also offers manual beds with gas-spring assistance—easier to adjust than fully manual models but more affordable than electric ones.
Handicare's strength is in simplicity. Their beds are easy to assemble (no tools required, in most cases) and come with clear user manuals—important for families new to home care. Plus, their European distribution network means you can find a nursing bed for sale through local dealers in countries like France, Spain, and Italy.
Drive DeVilbiss, with its European headquarters in Warwickshire, UK, is a go-to for healthcare providers and families alike. They balance affordability with quality, offering a range of beds from basic home models to advanced hospital beds.
Their Delta Pro line is a workhorse for hospitals: durable, easy to clean, and equipped with features like CPR release (for emergency situations) and bed exit alarms. For home care, the Fowler Home Bed is a crowd-pleaser. It's a customized multifunction nursing bed with a simple remote control, adjustable height, and a "quiet drive" motor that won't disturb sleep. Drive DeVilbiss also offers a wide range of accessories—mattresses, bed rails, overbed tables—to tailor the bed to specific needs.
What makes them stand out? Accessibility. Drive DeVilbiss beds are widely available through medical supply stores and online retailers across Europe, making it easy to find a nursing bed for sale quickly. They also offer short-term rental options, which is helpful for families caring for someone recovering from surgery or an injury.
With so many great options, how do you narrow it down? Start by asking: Where will the bed be used? (Home vs. hospital? Small apartment vs. large facility?) What features are non-negotiable? (Electric vs. manual? Low height for fall prevention? Compatibility with lifts?) What's your budget? (Mid-range like Handicare vs. premium like Stiegelmeyer?)
Don't forget to read independent reviews from other caregivers or healthcare professionals—real-world feedback often highlights pros and cons manufacturers don't mention in brochures. And if possible, test the bed in person. Adjust the height, try the controls, and lie down to get a feel for comfort—after all, this bed will be a big part of daily life for whoever uses it.
| Manufacturer | Country | Key Products | Price Range* | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stiegelmeyer | Germany | Novum (hospital), HomeCare (home) | Premium (€3,000–€8,000) | Long-term care facilities, high-end home care |
| Linet | Czech Republic | Eleganza (home), Multicare (hospital) | Mid-to-Premium (€2,500–€7,000) | Tech-focused homes/hospitals, fall-risk patients |
| Arjo | Sweden | Sara Flex (home), Maxi Sky (hospital) | Premium (€3,500–€9,000) | Facilities with integrated mobility solutions |
| Handicare | Denmark | HomeCare bed, manual assist models | Budget-to-Mid (€1,500–€4,000) | Home care, families on a budget |
| Drive DeVilbiss | UK | Delta Pro (hospital), Fowler Home Bed | Mid-Range (€2,000–€5,000) | General home/hospital use, rental options |
*Prices are approximate and vary by model/accessories. Always check with local distributors for current nursing bed for sale pricing.
Choosing a nursing bed is a big decision, but with Europe's top manufacturers leading the way in innovation and quality, you're spoilt for choice. Whether you need a basic home care bed or a high-tech hospital model, brands like Stiegelmeyer, Linet, and Arjo offer solutions that prioritize safety, comfort, and ease of use. Remember to assess your needs, read reviews, and test-drive if possible—and you'll find a bed that makes caregiving a little easier for everyone involved.
Ready to start shopping? Most manufacturers sell through local distributors or online retailers, so a quick search for " nursing bed for sale [your country]" should point you in the right direction. Here's to better care—one bed at a time.