By The Medical Department Store Team | Published: March 18, 2026
Overbed Tables for Home & Hospital Use
An overbed table — sometimes called a hospital bed table or bedside tray table — is one of the most practical pieces of adaptive equipment you can have during recovery, illness, or for daily living with limited mobility. Rolling on swivel casters and adjusting to your exact height, a good overbed table puts everything you need within arm's reach: meals, a laptop, books, paperwork, or personal items — without having to leave the bed or chair.
At Medical Department Store, we carry a carefully selected range of overbed tables to suit every situation, from basic non-tilt flat-top models for everyday use to advanced tilt-top and dual-surface designs for reading, writing, or working at the perfect angle. Whether you're outfitting a home hospital bed, a power wheelchair workspace, or a long-term care room, there's a right table for the job — and we'll help you find it.
Types of Overbed Tables
Not all overbed tables are built the same. The right choice depends on how you'll use it and who will be using it. Here's a quick breakdown of the main categories:
Non-Tilt (Flat-Top) Overbed Tables
The most common type. The tabletop stays flat at all times and height adjusts via a lever or squeeze handle. Ideal for meals, laptops, writing, and general use. Models like the Drive 13067 Silver Vein, Lumex Non-Tilt, Journey Adjustable, and Drive Plastic Top fall into this category.
Tilt-Top Overbed Tables
The tabletop tilts at an angle — usually in either direction — making them ideal for reading, drawing, writing, or using a tablet without straining your neck. Some tilt models also keep a small flat section for drinks or remotes. See the BodyMed Tilt, Drive 13008 Deluxe Tilt, Invacare Tilt-Top, and Drive Double Top.
Pivot & Tilt Overbed Tables
A specialty category where the entire mast pivots from flat on the floor to 90°, allowing the table to be positioned above a bed, in front of a wheelchair, or folded flat for storage. The Drive Pivot & Tilt is the standout option here.
Dual-Surface (Double Top) Overbed Tables
Two independent surfaces in one: a larger tilting top for reading or working, plus a smaller fixed surface to keep drinks, a phone, or a remote steady. The Drive Double Top (13068BV) is the only model in this category and is ideal for patients who want to eat and read at the same time.
Wheelchair-Accessible Overbed Tables
Designed with a C-shaped or open base that slides over a wheelchair footrest, allowing wheelchair users to roll up close. The Carex FGP56700 Wheelchair Desk and Carex Home Overbed Table are specifically designed for this purpose, with a C-base interior clearance of 26"W x 15"D.
Auto-Touch / One-Handed Height Adjustment
For users with limited hand strength or arthritis, the Invacare Auto-Touch (6417) uses a spring-loaded handle that allows full height adjustment with minimal effort — no grip strength required.
Overbed Table Comparison Guide
Use this quick-reference guide to compare all 12 models side by side.
BodyMed Tilt
Top: 30"x15" | Height: 30"–47"
Tilt: Yes (3 positions) | Capacity: 20 lbs
Best for: Reading, writing, recovery
Journey Adjustable
Top: 30"x15" | Height: 28.3"–44.8"
Tilt: No | Capacity: 22 lbs
Best for: Meals, laptop, everyday use
Drive Plastic Top (13069)
Height: 29"–42" | Tilt: No
Capacity: 50 lbs
Best for: Spill-prone environments
Drive Pivot & Tilt
Mast pivots 0°–90° | Tilt: Yes
Folds flat for storage
Best for: Wheelchair, bed, or floor use
Drive Double Top (13068BV)
Top: Lg 23"x15" + Sm 15"x15" | Height: 30"–46"
Tilt: Larger top tilts both ways | Capacity: 55 lbs
Best for: Multi-tasking, meals + reading
Carex FGP56700 Wheelchair Desk
Top: 33"x16" | Height: 28"–42"
Tilt: No | Capacity: 50 lbs
Best for: Wheelchair users, large surface
Lumex Non-Tilt (GF8902)
Top: 31"x15" | Height: 28"–44"
Tilt: No | Capacity: 30 lbs
Best for: Home & clinical, budget-friendly
Drive 13067 Silver Vein
Top: 30"x15" | Height: 28"–45"
Tilt: No | Capacity: 40 lbs
Best for: Home recovery, lifetime warranty
Drive 13008 Deluxe Tilt-Top
Top: 30"x15" | Height: 29.5"–46"
Tilt: 33° either direction
Best for: Reading, angled work
Carex Home Overbed Table (P567)
Top: 33"x16" | Height: 28"–42"
Tilt: No | Capacity: 50 lbs
Best for: Home use, wheelchair access
Invacare Tilt-Top
Height: 28"–40" | Tilt: 3 positions either way
Walnut laminate, molded edge
Best for: Clinical & home, reading & writing
Invacare Auto-Touch (6417)
Height: 28"–40" | Tilt: No
Spring-loaded one-hand height adjust
Best for: Arthritis, limited hand strength
How to Choose the Right Overbed Table
What Will You Use It For?
For meals, a laptop, or general use, any non-tilt flat-top model works well. If you plan to read for long periods, a tilt-top model reduces neck and eye strain significantly. If you need two surfaces — say, to keep a drink steady while reading — the Drive Double Top is the only dual-surface option in the category.
What Type of Bed or Chair Will It Be Used With?
Standard hospital beds and home care beds accommodate most H-base models. For power wheelchairs or recliners, look for a C-base model like the Carex FGP56700 or Carex Home Table — the open C-base slides over the footrest, letting the user roll right up to the table surface. Check that the inside base clearance (26"W x 15"D on Carex models) fits your chair.
Height Range Matters More Than You Think
Most overbed tables adjust between roughly 28" and 45". If you're using the table with a low hospital bed or a hemi-height wheelchair, look for a model that goes below 29". If you need it high enough to use while standing — for example, as a bedside rolling workstation — the Drive Double Top reaches 46" and the BodyMed reaches 47".
Hand Strength and Ease of Adjustment
Most height adjustment systems require squeezing or lifting a lever. For users with arthritis, weak grip, or post-surgical limitations, the Invacare Auto-Touch uses a spring-loaded system that requires minimal pressure and works one-handed.
Surface Material: Laminate vs. Plastic
Walnut wood-grain laminate is the standard on most models — attractive, easy to wipe down, and durable. The Drive Plastic Top (13069) and Carex models use molded plastic or ABS surfaces, which are fully waterproof, have raised edges to contain spills, and won't crack or peel — ideal for messy eaters or high-use environments.
Weight Capacity
Standard overbed tables support 30–50 lbs, which is more than enough for meals, a laptop, books, and personal items. The Drive Double Top leads the category at 55 lbs. If you're placing heavy equipment on the table, always check the rated capacity before purchasing.
Shop All Overbed Tables
Browse our full selection below, or use the links to jump directly to the product you need.
Tilt-Top Overbed Tables
Non-Tilt Flat-Top Overbed Tables
- Drive Medical Non-Tilt Overbed Table Silver Vein (13067) — 28"–45", 40 lb capacity, lifetime warranty
- Lumex Non-Tilt Overbed Table (GF8902) — 28"–44", walnut laminate, chrome H-base
- Journey Adjustable Height Overbed Table — 28.3"–44.8", locking casters, walnut laminate
- Drive Plastic Top Overbed Table (13069) — 29"–42", raised edge, spill-resistant, 50 lbs
- Invacare Auto-Touch Overbed Table (6417) — Spring-loaded one-hand height adjust, 28"–40"
Wheelchair-Accessible Overbed Tables
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an overbed table?
An overbed table is a height-adjustable table on wheels that positions over a bed, wheelchair, or recliner to give the user a convenient flat surface for eating, reading, working, or other activities without having to leave their seat or bed. They are standard equipment in hospitals and are widely used in home care settings.
Can overbed tables be used with wheelchairs?
Yes — but not all models are designed for it. Standard H-base overbed tables may not fit over a wheelchair's footrests. Look for a C-base or open-base model such as the Carex FGP56700 or Carex Home Table, which are specifically designed to accommodate standard and power wheelchairs.
What is the difference between a tilt-top and non-tilt overbed table?
A non-tilt table stays flat at all heights — best for meals, laptops, and general use. A tilt-top table lets you angle the surface toward you, which reduces neck strain when reading, drawing, or watching a tablet. Some models like the Drive Double Top give you one of each in a single unit.
Are overbed tables covered by Medicare or insurance?
Overbed tables that meet HCPCS code E0274 — such as the Lumex GF8902 — may qualify for Medicare coverage when prescribed by a physician for a qualifying medical condition. Coverage depends on your specific plan and circumstances. Contact your insurance provider or physician for guidance.
How do I clean an overbed table?
Most laminate-top models can be wiped down with a damp cloth and standard household disinfectant. Plastic-top models such as the Drive 13069 are fully waterproof and can handle more rigorous cleaning. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions before using chemical disinfectants.
About The Medical Department Store Team
The Medical Department Store Team consists of experienced home medical equipment specialists dedicated to helping patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals find the right equipment for every need. We research every product we carry and stand behind the quality and value of our selection.
