Why do hospital beds make noise?

September 23, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hospital noise levels routinely exceed safe recommendations, often reaching levels comparable to heavy traffic. This constant ambient sound often includes the distinct noises of hospital beds. So, why do hospital beds make noise and what can be done to address it?

Quick Summary

Hospital beds make noise primarily due to the motors and actuators that power their adjustable features, as well as friction from mechanical parts and alarms from integrated monitors. Over time, wear and tear, and a lack of lubrication can increase these sounds, affecting both patient sleep and recovery.

Key Points

Motor and Actuator Noise: The humming and whirring sounds from hospital beds are primarily caused by the electric motors and actuators that power their adjustable features, which is a normal part of their function.
Squeaking from Friction: High-pitched squeaking or creaking noises often indicate friction between mechanical parts, a common sign that the bed's joints and hinges require lubrication.
Critical Safety Alarms: Loud beeping from the bed often signals a bed exit or patient position alarm, a critical safety feature designed to alert staff to a potential fall risk.
Impact on Patient Health: The constant noise from beds and other equipment can disrupt sleep, increase patient stress and anxiety, and even heighten pain perception, hindering recovery.
Noise Reduction Strategies: Minimizing bed noise involves a combination of regular maintenance (lubricating parts), using quieter equipment, and staff training to handle equipment gently.
Address Wear and Tear: Persistent grinding or unusually loud noises are not normal and suggest serious wear and tear on internal components, requiring inspection by a certified technician.

The Science Behind the Sounds

Hospital beds are complex pieces of medical equipment designed to provide comfort, safety, and specialized care to patients. Unlike a standard home bed, a hospital bed contains intricate mechanical and electrical systems that allow for a wide range of adjustments. These systems are the primary source of the various noises patients and staff hear on a daily basis. From the subtle whirring of a motor to a loud, alarming beep, each sound has a specific origin and purpose. While some noises, like a motor running, are expected and necessary for operation, others can signal a need for maintenance or an important change in the patient's condition.

Mechanical and Electrical Components

The Role of Motors and Actuators

At the heart of every adjustable hospital bed are electric motors and linear actuators. These devices convert electrical energy into the mechanical force needed to raise and lower the bed, or adjust sections like the headrest and footrest.

Motor whirring and humming: As the motors operate, they produce a distinct whirring or humming sound. This is a normal part of their function and is often more noticeable in older or more heavily used beds.
Actuator engagement: The actuators, which are essentially hydraulic or electric rods, also produce sounds as they extend and retract. These can include a subtle buzzing or clicking as they lock into position.

Friction from Moving Parts

Metal-on-metal or plastic-on-plastic contact is another frequent cause of bed noise. Over time, regular use can cause the components to wear down, increasing friction.

Squeaking and creaking: When the joints and hinges of the bed's frame move, they can generate high-pitched squeaks or deeper creaks. This is a common indicator that the parts need lubrication.
Grinding: A grinding sound is more serious and often suggests significant wear and tear on gears, bearings, or other internal mechanisms. This requires professional attention.

Noises with a Purpose: Alarms and Alerts

Beyond mechanical sounds, many hospital beds are equipped with integrated monitoring systems that produce audible alerts. These alarms are critical for patient safety but can contribute significantly to the overall noise level in a hospital ward.

Integrated Alarms

Bed exit alarms: This is one of the most common and loud alarms. It is designed to alert staff if a patient attempts to get out of bed without assistance, especially if they are a fall risk. The alarm can be triggered by pressure sensors in the mattress.
Patient position alarms: Some advanced beds have sensors that monitor the patient's position. An alarm may sound if the patient has shifted in a way that puts them at risk of developing pressure ulcers or other complications.

The Problem of Alarm Fatigue

The sheer number of alarms from hospital beds and other medical equipment can lead to a phenomenon known as alarm fatigue. Staff can become desensitized to the constant beeping, potentially delaying their response to a critical event. Modern technology and protocols aim to manage and reduce unnecessary alarms, but they remain a major source of hospital noise.

Impact on Patient Comfort and Recovery

Noise from hospital beds and the surrounding environment has a significant, and often overlooked, impact on patient well-being and recovery. A consistently noisy environment is not conducive to rest and healing.

Sleep disruption: Consistent noise, especially at night, can prevent patients from getting adequate, restful sleep. Sleep deprivation is linked to delayed healing, weakened immune function, and increased stress levels.
Increased stress and anxiety: The constant hum of machinery and sudden, loud alarms can elevate a patient's stress and anxiety, triggering the release of stress hormones and increasing blood pressure.
Pain perception: Research suggests that excessive noise can heighten a patient's sensitivity to pain, potentially leading to a higher dependency on pain medication.

A Comparison of Hospital Bed Noises

To better understand the different sources of noise, here is a comparison table outlining common sounds, their causes, and potential solutions.


Type of Noise	Cause	Significance	How to Address
Whirring/Humming	Electric motors and actuators adjusting the bed position.	Normal function; intensity can increase with age/wear.	Regular maintenance, lubrication of mechanical parts.
Squeaking/Creaking	Friction in metal joints, hinges, or casters due to wear.	Indicator of friction; can be addressed with lubrication.	Apply a medical-grade lubricant to moving parts.
Grinding	Significant wear of gears or bearings within the motor system.	More serious issue; signals a need for professional repair.	Contact a certified technician for inspection.
Clicking/Buzzing	Engagement/disengagement of electrical components or actuators.	Normal operating sound of the electronic systems.	Generally unavoidable, but monitoring can detect abnormalities.
Loud Beeping	Safety alarms, such as a bed exit or patient position alert.	Critical for patient safety; indicates a change in status.	Proper management and calibration of alarm systems.
Thumping	Patient repositioning or side rails being moved.	Can be a consequence of patient movement or staff activity.	Ensure staff are trained on gentle handling of equipment.

Minimizing Bed and Ward Noise

Hospitals and caregivers can take several steps to mitigate bed-related noise, creating a more peaceful environment for patients.

Regular maintenance: Implementing a routine maintenance schedule for all hospital beds is crucial. This includes lubricating moving parts, tightening bolts, and inspecting motors for wear.
Staff training: Educating staff on how to operate equipment gently, respond to alarms promptly, and minimize unnecessary noise can have a significant impact. For instance, adjusting side rails gently rather than letting them clank down can help.
Quiet technology: Modern hospital beds and equipment are being designed with quieter technology, such as quieter motors and adjustable alarm settings.
Noise-absorbing materials: Using acoustic panels, quieter flooring materials, and sound-absorbing curtains can help to absorb and dampen ambient noise throughout the ward.

Conclusion

The sounds produced by hospital beds are not random but a product of their complex mechanical and electrical systems, as well as integrated safety features. While some noise is a normal part of their operation, excessive or unusual sounds often indicate a need for maintenance. Acknowledging and addressing these noise sources is crucial, not just for the bed's longevity, but for the overall well-being and recovery of patients. By implementing regular maintenance, utilizing quieter technology, and educating staff, healthcare facilities can create a more serene and healing environment, which is vital for patient health.

For more information on the impact of hospital noise on patient outcomes, consult the Center for Health Design, which offers comprehensive research on acoustics in healthcare settings. https://www.healthdesign.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

The main cause of noise in an electric hospital bed comes from the motors and actuators that power its movement. These components produce a regular humming or whirring sound as they adjust the bed's position, and this can increase as the bed ages.

Not necessarily. A squeaking bed often indicates increased friction between moving mechanical parts, like joints and casters, and typically means the bed needs lubrication. However, if the noise is a persistent grinding, it could signal a more serious issue requiring repair.

Hospital bed alarms are intentionally loud to ensure staff can hear them from a distance, even amidst the other noise in a hospital. They serve as critical safety alerts, such as when a patient at risk of falling is trying to exit the bed.

To reduce noise from a home hospital bed, first check the instruction manual for maintenance tips, such as lubricating motors or other moving parts. Ensure all bolts and screws are tight and the wheels are clean. If the noise persists, it may require a technician.

Hospital bed noise can have several negative effects on patients, including sleep disruption, increased stress and anxiety, and heightened pain sensitivity. These factors can impede the healing process and lower patient satisfaction.

No, not all hospital bed noise is abnormal. A soft humming or clicking during adjustments is usually a normal part of the bed's operation. However, loud squealing, grinding, or unexpected loud beeping can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping bed noise to a minimum. Lubricating moving parts, tightening loose fasteners, and inspecting electrical components can prevent increased friction and wear, addressing many of the root causes of bed-related noise.