Best Overbed Tables For the Bedridden and the Infirm
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If you’re recovering from a recent operation, or you suffer from reduced mobility, and you spend a lot of time resting in bed, you will no doubt know that trying to keep comfortable can be a real struggle. Performing simple tasks such as using a laptop, balancing a food tray, writing a letter or reading a newspaper, can prove a real challenge when lying in bed.
A useful aid for bed bound indivduals is an overbed table. Unlike a regular desk or table, the base of an overbed table slides under the bed and the table top sits over the bed. These portable tables are height adjustable, and some can be tilted to different angles to suit the user’s particular needs.
These simple but effective aids allow a user to have everything to hand so they can perform daily activities such as eating, reading, or carrying out work with ease from the comfort of their own bed or chair. Importantly, they can help to reduce straining, therefore making life more comfortable.
There are a wide variety of overbed tables to suit all needs. In this article we will cover some of the best overbed tables that are currently on the market.
Overbed Tables Comparison Chart
Vaunn Medical Adjustable Overbed Table | TigerDad Overbed Table | Goplus Adjustable Overbed Table | Invacare Overbed Table | Carex Overbed Table | |
  |   |   |   |   | |
Height Adjustability | 29" – 41" | 25.6" – 37.4" | 27" – 44" | 28" – 40" | 28" – 42" |
Tabletop Dimensions | 30" x 15" | 47.2" x 18.1" | 24'' x 16'' | 30" x 15" | 33" x 16" |
Does It Tilt? | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Product Weight | 26 lbs | 36.9 lbs | 19 lbs | 19 lbs | 30.4 lbs |
Number of Wheels/Castors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Lockable Wheels | 2 locking wheels | 4 locking wheels | 2 locking wheels | 2 locking wheels | No locking wheels |
Rating | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 |
Price |
Factors to Consider When Buying an Overbed Table
When deciding on an overbed table it is important to choose one that will meet your particular needs as not all are equal. To prevent buying the wrong one, consider the following important factors:
Height Adjustability
A vital factor to consider when choosing an overbed table is its height adjustability. It is important to check that it will accommodate the height and size of your bed. If the bed is particularly high or low, ensure that the table can be suitably raised or lowered so that it can fit over the bed and allow the user to lay or sit-up comfortably beneath it.
Ensure that the legs of the table can comfortably slide underneath the bed. This is essential if you’re thinking of getting one with wheels which will require more clearance space to roll under the bed.
Tabletop Surface Area
What are the main activities that you will be performing using the table? If you plan on working from it i.e. you’ll be using a laptop and you may require access to other items within easy reach or you require it to accommodate a meal tray, a larger sized table top surface area is recommended.
To stop things from slipping off and to help prevent spills, opt for one that has lipped surface around the perimeter. This will help to improve safety and assist in keeping things in place when the table is tilted.
If you plan on using your table mainly in the titled position, and you would like to keep a beverage nearby, consider opting for a model that has a split countertop surface. This type of table has a smaller section that remains stationary and cannot be tilted where you can place smaller items such as beverages, food, medication, glasses while the other section is larger and can be tilted/adjusted.
Ease of Use and Portability
If you plan on using the table around the home such as in the living room, make sure you choose a table that is lightweight, portable and that is easily maneuverable. This is particularly important for users with reduced mobility who may suffer with balance issues and therefore may struggle moving a heavier table.
A table fitted with wheels or swivel castors will help with positioning and it will allow the user to easily move the table from the comfort of their bed or recliner. To help keep the table stationary once positioned, select one that has lockable wheels.
If you intend on using the table from a riser recliner, consider opting for one that has a width adjustable U-shape base. This type of base will allow you to easily slot the table around different sized recliners promoting increased comfort and positioning.
For wheelchair users, a kidney shaped table may be more suitable. The contoured nature of this type table allows for a wheelchair user to sit closer and thus allowing them to adopt a more natural and comfortable seating position.
If space is limited, choose a table that is collapsible for easy storage when it’s not in use.
Aesthetics
Most tables have either a steel or lightweight aluminum frame and the table top is normally constructed from plastic or a wood grain, both of which are easily wipeable. For a more luxurious feel, opt for a wood effect grain surface. These come in different shades, from a light beech effect, to darker browns to suit all tastes and decors.
Top Overbed Table Reviews
1. Vaunn Medical Adjustable Tiltable Overbed Table
Vaunn Medical Adjustable Tiltable Overbed Table
This table is perfect to use around the house and it is extremely versatile allowing you to perform all activities comfortably due its 360 degree tiltable table top feature.
If you’re looking for a versatile and reasonable priced overbed table then you really can’t go wrong with this one from Vaunn medical. It has a split countertop tabletop. The smaller tabletop section which measures 8″ x 15 is stationary and it is perfect to store items such as a drink, medication or your cellphone. The larger tabletop section 22″ x 15″ can comfortably accommodate a meal tray or laptop. The main tabletop is fully tiltable and it can be positioned in infinite positions meaning you’ll always be able to stay comfortable and you will never need to strain when using the table.
It has 4 casters so it will glide over most surfaces with ease allowing you to use the table throughout the home. It has 2 locking wheels so you can keep the table stationary when in use.
Assembling the table is relatively straightforward as demonstrated in the above video, it should take no more than 5 mins to fully assemble. The table comes in 2 colours, brown or walnut brown.
Key Specs:
- Height adjusts from 29″ to 41″
- Powder coated heavy-gauge steel frame
- Split countertop tabletop (large tray (22″ x 15″), small tray (8″ x 15″))
- Tilt-top allows for infinite positions in either direction
- 2 locking wheels
- Weight capacity 45 lbs
2. TigerDad Overbed Table for King/Queen Sized Bed
TigerDad Overbed Table for King/Queen Sized Bed
A sturdy and extremely practical table that is perfect for use in the bedroom. It can be used by more than one person and it can also double-up as a permanent computer table.
One of the drawbacks of traditional overbed tables is they can only really be used by one person at a time. This is not the case with the table from TigerDad. The overbed table from TigerDad can actually extend to fit both a queen or king sized bed meaning both your partner and youself can use the table together.
While the tabletop may not be tiltable, it does have some impressive dimensions (47.2″ x 18.1″) allowing you to carry out a range of activities whether that be working on your laptop, reading the daily newspapers or having your breakfast with ease. It has a weight capacity of 350 pounds which means you won’t need to worry about it giving away under too much weight.
Due to its larger width (55.1″ (when not extended)), the table is probably more suited for use in the bedroom rather than in the lounge. The table does however have four 1.5″ castors so it can be moved freely if required and all 4 wheels are lockable.
One of the advantages of the table is it can also double up as a permanent computer table. If you’re only planning on using an overbed table temporarily, maybe because you’re recovering from a recent operation, the table can still be used afterwards.
Key Specs:
- Height adjusts from 28″ to 40″
- Tabletop demensions 47.2″ x 18.1″
- Length and height adjustable
- Fits a queen or king sized beds
- Weight capacity 350 lbs
3. Goplus Adjustable Tiltable Overbed Table
Goplus Adjustable Tiltable Overbed Table
A well-priced entry-level table that is perfect if you’re looking for a smaller table to use in the bedroom or in the lounge.
The adjustable tiltable overbed table from GoPlus is perfect if you’re looking for a smaller table to perform activities such as reading, writing, playing games or eating from the comfort of your bed or recliner.
While this has the smallest tabletop dimensions (24” x 16”) of all the tables that we have reviewed here, it is ideal if you have limited space at home. It is also only weighs just 19 lbs so it’s extremely portable and it has an H-shape steel base which provides extra stability and helps to prevent it from toppling over.
In terms of height adjustability, it extends from 27″ to an impressive 44″ allowing you to extend it to the desired height no matter whether you’re lying or sitting up in bed or you’re in your favourite recliner. The tabletop can be adjusted to a range of positions ensuring that you always remain comfortable. It is constructed from durable MDF and PVC which is easily wipeable and it comes in a choice of colours including gray or a light-brown wood grain effect.
Key Specs:
- Height adjusts from 27″ to 44″
- Tabletop dimensions 24” x 16”
- 2 locking wheels
- Tabletop surface made from high quality MDF and PVC
- H-shape steel base
- Tiltable and lockable tabletop
4. Invacare Non-Tiltable Overbed Table
Invacare Non-Tiltable Overbed Table
A good value versatile table that is perfect for use throughout the home.
Raising or lowering the overbed table from Invacare is a breeze, with it’s simple to use auto-touch height adjustment handle. Just a light upward touch on the handle will elevate the table, in order to secure the position, you simply just need to apply a light downward motion on the table. The height can extend from 28″ to 40″ which should be suitable for most needs.
The tabletop dimensions are generous at 30″ x 15″ and the walnut wood-grain laminate is luxurious looking. It features a moulded edge for damage protection.
The base is constructed from steel and 2 of the 4 casters are lockable to provide extra stability.
Key Specs:
- Height adjusts from 28″ to 40″
- Tabletop demensions 30″ x 15″
- Height adjustable
- Weight capacity 25 lbs
- Molded edge for damage protection
5. Carex Adjustable Overbed Table
Carex Adjustable Overbed Table
A well-constructed premium table, due to the shape of its base it’s particularly suited for wheelchair users and for individuals who spend extended periods sitting in a chair or recliner.
The Carex adjustable table is well-constructed, it has a tabletop that is made from durable ABS plastic and the base from polypropylene. It has a good sized tabletop which is fixed and measures 33″ x 16″ which is ideal for all range of purposes. The tabletop also has a cut-out section for a cup which is handy to prevent spills.
It is height adjustable from 28″ to 42″, it features a large lever which can be used to adjust the height of the table. Due to the nature of the lever, it should be easy to operate even for users who have limited hand dexterity or who may suffer with arthritic hands.
The C-shaped base allows for easier and closer table access, so it’s perfect if you spend a lot of time sitting in a chair or you’re a wheelchair user.
It has four swivel casters for easy manoeuvrability. A feature which is lacking though is it does not have any lockable wheels which is a shame. Depending on your floor surface it may not be suitable for all homes especially if you have wooden floors.
Key Specs:
- Height adjusts from 28″ to 42″
- Tabletop demensions 33″ x 16″
- Height adjustable
- Weight capacity 50 lbs
- 4 casters
