If you like to eat or use your laptop in bed, then an overbed table is an excellent addition to your room at home or in a care facility. Keep reading to learn more.

An overbed table is a simple solution for those who enjoy working or eating from their bed. It can also be useful for those who are recovering from injuries and are forced to stay in bed. 

Wondering if an overbed table is right for you? You're in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

First, let's go over the basics...

What is an Overbed Table?

An overbed table is an adjustable table that is designed to roll over a bed and provide a flat and stable surface. They typically have lockable wheels which allow for easy maneuverability. This makes them especially useful for hospitals and individuals who prefer to work from their bed or couch.

What is an Overbed Table Used For?

1. Overbed Tables for At-Home Use

Overbed tables are the perfect addition to many rooms. They are compact and portable, making them easy to pull out and use when needed. An overbed table provides a hard, ergonomic surface that can be used when working on a laptop instead of resting it on your lap. Its hard, smooth surface makes it ideal to eat on and allows for easy cleanup if there are any spills.

2. Overbed Tables for Care Facility Use

Overbed tables can be used in hospitals to provide patients with a smooth, flat surface that allows them to eat, work, and hold their personal belongings while in a bed. Additionally, they provide a surface for medical staff to hold their supplies while working with a patient.

Different Types of Overbed Tables

At HaloHealthcare.com we carry many different types of overbed tables including tilting, single top, and double top. Each overbed table has its own unique features that will benefit its user in different ways.

Keep reading to learn how to choose the right overbed table for your needs.

How to Choose an Overbed Table

Choosing an overbed table may seem like a simple task, and it is, but there are a few things you should consider:

• What height do you need your table to be? Although most overbed tables are adjustable, they are not all the exact same. Get an idea of how tall you would need your overbed table to be before making your purchase.
• Do you want a tilt-top overbed table? This will allow you to have a more ergonomic angle if you are using a laptop in bed.
• A double-top overbed table is a great option because it allows for one surface to remain level while the other is tilted. 

Not sure where to start? The Drive Medical Overbed Table Double Top is one of our best-sellers. Keep reading to see why.

Drive Medical Overbed Table Double Top Features & Benefits

The Drive Medical Overbed Table Double Top is a unique overbed table option. This is because it has two tops that move independently: one that tilts to give you the optimal ergonomic angle and another that is stationary. This way, your drink of choice doesn't spill if you want to tilt your table. The Drive Medical Overbed Table is a premium adjustable table and one of the best choices on the market today.

The chrome-plated steel and walnut laminate top gives this table a premium and sturdy feel.

Other features include:

• Two table surfaces - a larger one that tilts in either direction and a smaller one that stays securely in place
• Easy assembly
• Walnut, wood grain laminate top
• The top can be easily adjusted infinitely between 30" - 46"
• Swivel casters allow for easy maneuverability

How to Set up Your Drive Medical Overbed Table

If you prefer to watch the instructions, check out this video:

Step 1: Lay out all of the pieces and make sure to inspect them before assembly.

Step 2: Take the square column assembly and place the trip lever on top of the trip rod and secure it with the long silver bolt and nut.

Step 3: Remove the triangle knob and spacer and remove the inner tube from the outer tube.

Step 4: Insert the outer tube on column assembly through the mounting tube on the short top. Then insert the outer tube through the mounting tube on the large top. Finally, insert the inner tube through the mounting tube. Tighten the thumbscrew into the hole on the outer tube.

Step 5: Replace the triangle knob and spacer and secure by tightening the knob.

Step 6: Install the two casters with locks into the base, which connects to column assembly. Install two non-locking casters into the base opposite column assembly.

Step 7: Flip the base upside down and install two-bolt sleeves into the corresponding holes. Then position two bolts through the bolt plate and the bolt sleeves. Position the base over the column assembly and thread the bolts into the bottom of the column assembly. Tighten using a 16mm wrench.

Step 8: You can now flip the table over and stand it on the casters.

Step 9: CAUTION This step must be completed last to prevent damage to the spring-loaded mechanism. Remove the black screw in the column assembly collar labeled "Remove for Assembly" and replace it with the chrome screw contained in the hardware package. Do not remove the chrome screw labeled "Do Not Remove".

You are now ready to use your Drive Medical Overbed Table Double Top. With just a few tools and a little bit of time, you will be able to work, eat, and read from the comfort of your bed. 

Closing Thoughts

Overbed tables are a great option to help you function from your bed. Whether it's eating, working on a laptop, or reading, an overbed table can improve your ergonomics and help you be more comfortable.

Finally, don't forget to check out our wide assortment of overbed tables here.