Adjustable Beds Aren’t Just For The Elderly Or Disabled

Jun 25, 2018 | Beds & Accessories

If you thought that electrically operated adjustable beds were just for the elderly or disabled – think again! Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just those particular sectors of the population that can benefit from adjustable beds – we all can. However, there seems to be a misconception in the UK that you have to have a specific medical need that requires you to sleep in a raised position or with your legs elevated before enjoying the benefits such products can bring.

That’s simply not true and for those of us fortunate to be in good health, having an adjustable bed is more of a lifestyle choice. After all, what’s better – propping yourself up with multiple pillows and cushions to read a book in bed or simply pressing a button that slowly and quietly raises the back and neck sections so that you can achieve the perfect angle to read without straining your neck? Then pushing another button to slightly raise your legs for increased comfort and improved blood circulation.

At the National Bed Federation, we don’t encourage the inclusion of TV’s in the bedroom (as bedrooms should be associated with sleep) but if you do want to watch your favourite programme in bed, what better way than from comfort of an adjustable bed. Similarly, if you use a laptop or tablet device in bed, it’s so important that you achieve the correct position so as not to put excessive strain on your neck, back and shoulders.

Of course there are certain medical conditions that can be alleviated by using an adjustable bed – lower back pain, swelling of the legs, hiatus hernia, gastric reflux, pains due to muscular fatigue, night-time heartburn etc and those with mobility problems can find getting into and out of bed much easier if they have an adjustable bed.

What about style and design?

There’s now no need to compromise on style as adjustable beds can be as traditional or modern as you like. Yes, the majority on offer in the UK look like a traditional British divan bed but adjustable bases can be fitted inside all types of different designs of bed frames – either wooden, fabric, leather or metal. So if you want a sleek, sophisticated, highly fashionable bed with adjustability, there’s plenty of choice.

Are they expensive?

You should expect to pay more for a bed with an adjustable base but you don’t have to pay thousands of pounds to get a reasonable model that allows you to raise the head and leg sections. More often than not, it is the specification of the mattress that determines the overall cost of the bed, although more sophisticated bases may include features such as adjustable firmness, ‘wall-hugging’ actions that keep the user closer to the bedside cabinet when the back section is raised and some even come with massage systems.

Things to look out for:

Does the mattress bend easily and conform to the shape of the adjustable bed when it is operated?

Cheaper mattresses are unlikely to conform as readily as ones that have been specifically designed to be used with adjustable bases.

Does the mattress cover ‘ruck up’ when the base is adjusted?

Excessive rucking of the cover could cause discomfort to the user when the bed is in a raised position. Try to choose a mattress with a good quality stretch cover and ideally one that can be removed and laundered.

What guarantee does the motor have?

Most motors come with a one year guarantee but you may find some with 2 or 3 year guarantees. These tend to be more powerful motors that are capable of lifting more weight.

Remember that an adjustable base has plenty of moving parts that will require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep things working properly and quietly. Check the care instructions that come with your bed for details. You don’t want a creaking, squeaky adjustable base.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Healthy Habits to Create a Restful Bedroom

Healthy Habits to Create a Restful Bedroom

Whether or not you're a believer in New Year's resolutions, carrying these healthy habits into 2024 will create a calm, restful bedroom environment and significantly increase your chances of getting a great night's sleep. Make your bed every day Making your bed daily...

read more