How Overbed Tables Designed for 5th-Wheel Beds Improve Bedside Workflow
Overbed Table Compatibility with Center-Wheel Hospital Beds
Overbed tables are used constantly in patient rooms, yet their interaction with modern hospital beds is often overlooked during specification. As hospital beds equipped with a center wheel—often referred to as 5th-wheel beds—have become common in ICU, PACU, emergency, and other high-acuity units, nurses struggle to position traditional overbed table bases correctly at the bedside. Tables that collide with extended wheel housings or require awkward repositioning create inefficiencies for caregivers and frustration for patients. MedViron has designed an overbed table specifically to work with 5th-wheel beds that fundamentally changes bedside workflow.
Surface Width is an Important Consideration
Wider overbed tables support a broader range of patient and caregiver activities, from meals and personal belongings to education, documentation, and device use. The MedViron 39″ Sotto Overbed Table’s work surface provides additional usable space. In rooms where activity levels are higher or patients remain for extended periods, surface size directly influences organization and ease of use.
The MedViron 39″ Sotto Overbed Table combines its wider work surface with a patented base geometry designed to work seamlessly with 5th-wheel beds and stretchers. The base design is shared with the 32″ Sotto model, allowing facilities to standardize across different table sizes while maintaining consistent bed compatibility. This consistency reduces variability for staff and simplifies equipment planning across units.
Engineered for Caregivers
Unlike traditional overbed table bases that interfere with extended center-wheel housings, the Sotto base is engineered to clear 5th-wheel and center-wheel hospital bed designs without requiring caregivers to struggle to get the table into position. This improves safety and efficiency during routine bedside tasks and during moments when speed and predictability matter most. Caregivers can position the table smoothly alongside the bed, maintaining proper access without interrupting patient care.
Accessories
The 39-inch Sotto offers the same accessory options as our standard 39-inch overbed table, allowing facilities to maintain a unified feature set while selecting the base that best supports their bed fleet. Optional accessories include cupholders, a vanity tray with mirror, a tablet holder, and an undermount shelf with a removable KYDEX tray. These options enhance patient independence by keeping frequently used items within easy reach and reducing reliance on caregivers for simple tasks.
The undermount shelf replaces the pull-out secondary surfaces commonly found on competitor overbed tables. Traditional pull-out tops slide beneath the main surface and create recessed areas that are difficult to access and clean. MedViron’s removable KYDEX tray provides additional storage without mechanical slides and – although not recognizable to the patient – can be lifted out entirely for thorough cleaning. This design improves maintainability while preserving a clean, uncluttered tabletop during mealtimes.
Additional Patient Storage Option
For patient rooms that need additional personal storage, the 39-inch Sotto can be equipped with a hanging pedestal that includes two narrow removable KYDEX trays. These trays are sized specifically for personal items such as phones, glasses, or small devices and are designed to support patients with limited dexterity. The pedestal side panels are constructed of HDPE to provide lightweight structural support without adding unnecessary bulk. Together, the pedestal and trays create an accessible, organized storage solution that supports patient autonomy.
Material performance is central to long-term reliability.
Where to Consider Using the Sotto 39" Overbed Table
The MedViron 39″ Sotto Overbed Table is particularly well suited for units where 5th-wheel beds are standard and bedside activity is high. Emergency departments, PACU, ICU, and high-acuity inpatient units all benefit from equipment that moves easily, stays accessible, and supports a wide range of tasks. By combining surface width, accessory flexibility, and a patented base geometry, the 39in Sotto model addresses challenges that traditional overbed tables often overlook.
For facilities standardizing on hospital beds with center wheels, selecting overbed tables designed specifically for these configurations can significantly reduce daily workflow friction.
As hospitals evaluate overbed tables, compatibility with modern bed designs should be considered alongside surface size and accessory options. Tables designed specifically for 5th-wheel beds offer measurable advantages in efficiency and ease of use. The 39-inch Sotto demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can improve bedside workflow while maintaining the durability and flexibility required in today’s healthcare environments.
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