Overbed Tables: Practical Uses and Choosing the Right Height

An overbed table (also called a bedside table on wheels or hospital-style tray table) is a height-adjustable surface that rolls under the bed frame or mattress, positioning a work surface directly over the bed or a seated patient. Originally a hospital fixture, overbed tables are now commonly used in home settings — and are considerably more useful than many people realize before they need one.

Who Uses Overbed Tables?

• Post-surgical recovery patients — eating, reading, using a tablet, or working while restricted to bed rest
• Chronic illness patients — those who spend significant time in bed and need a functional surface within reach
• Seniors with limited mobility — who eat or perform daily activities from bed or a bedside chair
• Anyone in home care — caregivers use them to bring meals, medications, and hygiene items to the bedside

Key Uses in a Home Setting

• Eating meals in bed without spills — the adjustable surface positions food at a comfortable eating height
• Reading, using a laptop or tablet, or working from bed
• Personal care activities — grooming, wound dressing, medication management
• Holding a phone, TV remote, and frequently needed items within reach
• Post-surgical respiratory exercises — positioning a spirometer or breathing device at comfortable height

Height Adjustment: What to Look For

The height adjustment range is the most important specification in an overbed table. The base rolls under the bed frame, and the tabletop height is adjusted by a knob or lever. Key considerations:

• Minimum height: Must be low enough to clear the mattress height when the user is sitting up in bed. Standard mattresses are 50-60 cm from the floor; adjustable tables should reach this height or below.
• Maximum height: Should be able to rise high enough for use while sitting in a bedside chair or wheelchair
• Easy adjustment mechanism: For users with limited hand strength, a simple lever or hand-wheel is preferable to a complex adjustment system

Surface Tilt

Some overbed tables feature a tiltable surface — the top tilts at an angle for reading or writing, similar to a drafting table. This is a useful feature for those who read or work extensively from bed, reducing neck strain compared to a flat surface.

Base Clearance

Verify the base of the overbed table fits under your specific bed frame. Platform beds and beds with large wooden frames may not have sufficient clearance. Most standard bed frames (with legs) accommodate typical overbed table bases, but checking measurements against your bed is worthwhile.

Browse overbed tables at Factory Direct Medical, available with Canada-wide shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions