Healthcare facilities are designed to offer patients thorough medical attention and care. Healthcare furniture is crucial in providing comfort, functionality, and support for patients, visitors, and medical staff within these establishments. High-quality healthcare furniture not only enhances the overall ambiance of the facility but also contributes to the recovery and well-being of patients.

Since this furniture is subjected to rigorous use and must adhere to strict hygienic standards, choosing the suitable material for its construction is essential. There are many options available. Read on to learn about them.

Healthcare Furniture Material Options

When it comes to healthcare furniture, there are several material options available on the market. Each material has its unique set of features that make it suitable for specific applications in healthcare settings. Among the many possibilities, stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic are popular.

1.        Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for healthcare furniture because of its easy cleaning, durability, and corrosion resistance.

Critical features of stainless steel healthcare furniture material include:

• Durability: Stainless steel is highly durable and can withstand heavy use. This feature makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas in healthcare facilities.
• Corrosion Resistance: This material is naturally corrosion-resistant and ensures a long lifespan with minimum maintenance requirements.
• Hygiene: The non-porous surface of stainless steel makes it easy to clean and sanitize, which is crucial for maintaining a hygienic environment in the healthcare facility.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel has a sleek and modern appearance which adds to the overall aesthetic of the medical facility.

Suitable applications of stainless steel material in healthcare furniture include the following:

• Medical Carts: Stainless steel carts are commonly used to transport medical supplies, medications, and equipment throughout the facility.
• Instrument Trays: Stainless steel trays allow medical staff to organize and sterilize medical instruments in operating rooms and examination areas.
• Examination Tables: Stainless steel examination tables provide a hygienic and sturdy surface for patient examinations and procedures.

2.        Aluminum

Aluminum is another popular healthcare furniture material known for its lightweight yet sturdy construction. Furniture made from aluminum is easy to maneuver, which makes it suitable for mobile applications, e.g., light medical equipment, transport chairs, etc.

Critical features of aluminum healthcare furniture material include:

• Lightweight: Aluminum is significantly lighter than other hospital furniture materials, e.g., stainless steel. This feature makes it ideal for portable and mobile furniture applications.
• Strength: Although lightweight, aluminum is durable and robust and can easily support heavy loads.
• Corrosion Resistance: Similar to stainless steel, aluminum is resistant to corrosion and is, therefore, long-lasting.
• Easy to Clean: The surface smoothness of aluminum furniture makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Suitable applications of this material in healthcare settings include the following:

• Lightweight Medical Equipment: Aluminum is used to construct various light medical equipment, e.g., bedside tables, IV stands, etc.
• Transport Chairs: Lightweight and maneuverable aluminum chairs are commonly used for patient transport within the healthcare facility.
• Adjustable Stools: Aluminum stools provide flexible seating options for medical staff in laboratories and examination rooms.

3.        Plastic

Plastic furniture is cost-effective and versatile, making it a hot choice for healthcare facilities on a budget. It is the most commonly found healthcare furniture material in medical settings and other public areas in general.

Plastic healthcare furniture has the following key features:

• Affordability: Plastic furniture is more cost-effective than other healthcare furniture materials.
• Versatility: Plastics come in many forms and can be molded into various designs and shapes to fit specific furniture needs.
• Easy to Clean: Plastic surfaces are easy to clean and disinfect. This feature makes the material particularly an excellent choice for high-traffic areas in healthcare facilities.
• Chemical Resistance: Certain types of plastic resist chemicals and harsh cleaning agents.

Suitable applications of plastic healthcare furniture material include the following:

• Waiting Room Chairs: Plastic chairs are commonly used in waiting areas because of their affordability and ease of maintenance.
• Storage Solutions: Plastic cabinets and shelving units are lightweight and durable medical supplies and equipment storage options.
• Kids’ Furniture: Plastic furniture is often used in pediatric healthcare settings because of its child-friendly designs and vibrant colors.

OEKAN Offers Diverse Healthcare Furniture Lineup

As a seasoned healthcare furniture brand, OEKAN offers a wide range of quality healthcare furniture options that cater to many areas within a medical facility. OEKAN’s custom-made furniture lineup includes (but is not limited to) the following offerings:

1.        Patient Room Furniture

OEKAN’s patient room furniture is designed with functionality and comfort in mind. From patient beds and bedside tables to recliners and wardrobes, we offer many products to ensure patients feel at ease during their stay.

2.        Treatment Area Furniture

For specialized treatment areas, OEKAN supplies furniture designed to meet specific requirements. Examination tables, treatment chairs, and equipment stands are included. All of these different types of furniture are built to provide healthcare professionals with the support they need to deliver efficient care.

3.        Public Area Furniture

Comfort and aesthetics are crucial factors in public spaces within healthcare facilities. OEKAN offers waiting room chairs, tables, and benches that combine functionality with an appealing design.

4.        Administrative Furniture

In administrative areas, efficiency and organization are top priorities. OEKAN understands this. Therefore, we offer healthcare facilities with high-quality desks, filing cabinets, and ergonomic chairs to ensure a conducive workspace for administrative tasks.

Product Highlight: Tivoli ENT Ophthalmic Chair

In the ophthalmic chair category, OEKAN offers many premium quality products. One of the top-selling products from us is the Tivoli ENT Ophthalmic Chair. Designed to meet the specific needs of ENT specialists in hospitals and medical facilities, it has the following key characteristics and features:

• Ergonomic design to ensure maximum comfort, adjustability, and performance.
• Advanced foot control system allows specialists to quickly activate the chair’s functionality to focus solely on patient care.
• High-density cotton surface with polyurethane (PU) cover for enhanced comfort and durability.
• Iron or stainless steel tube frame featuring an epoxy powder-coated finish for long-lasting stability and easy maintenance.
• ISO, SGS, TUV, BV, FDA, and CE certified to ensure quality and safety standards compliance.
• Available in hundreds of color options to allow healthcare facilities to customize the aesthetics according to their preference.
• Extensive 3-8 years warranty to give peace of mind regarding the chair’s longevity and performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the suitable material for healthcare furniture is crucial for providing patients with a comfortable and hygienic environment while ensuring long-lasting durability. Each option has its specific advantages for various healthcare furniture applications. You should choose the material that best aligns with your preferences and needs. Here are some tips to help you in this regard:

• Consider the particular needs of your healthcare facility, e.g., durability, cleaning requirements, and budget constraints.
• Choose a material that features a non-porous surface and is easy to clean.
• Look for material that meets industry certifications and quality standards.
• Consider the aesthetics of the material and how it complements the overall design and ambiance of your healthcare facility.

Choose a reputed brand, no matter which material you select for your healthcare furniture. Choose a manufacturer that specializes in offering high-quality products and provides customization options with extended warranty periods. As a reputed brand, OEKAN ticks all these checkboxes and more. Visit our website to explore our complete range of healthcare furniture offerings.