Adjustable Bed Frames: Everything You Need to Know

For years, adjustable beds were associated with hospitals and health centers only; however, recently, many people have started to buy them and use them as their regular sleeping beds because of the many cutting-edge technologies and functionalities they include.

Even if you’re not suffering from any serious health issues, adjustable beds can relieve the pressure on your joints, ease your muscles after a workout, and enhance the overall comfort of your sleep.

What are adjustable bed frames?

Just like the name implies, adjustable beds are bed frames that can help you increase the quality of your sleep by adjusting to your preferred sleeping position.

The head-foot area height and angle can be adjusted, each area separately or together, which offers an overall better sleeping experience.

Adjustable beds are also known for their cutting-edge technologies, as they often implement many features such as a massage unit, USB ports, built-in lights, and many more.

Pros of adjustable beds

Better Sleep

Finding the best sleeping position for you, which fits your sleeping style and preference, is one of the most vital factors that could affect your sleep, and there’s no better or easier way to explore and find your preferred sleeping position than adjustable beds, as you can adjust the head and the foot of the bed according to your needs.

Health Benefits

Many medical professionals advise using adjustable beds because they have a wide range of health advantages, including the ability to relieve arthritis pain and back pain as well as acid reflux and heartburn.

Variety

Adjustable beds are available in all mattress sizes, from Twin and Twin XL to King and California King. You can also choose a bed with features that match your needs only, which will make it less expensive than the beds that include more features and functionalities, while also giving you the option to pick whichever mattress you want.

Multifunctional

Because of the many features of adjustable beds, they can be used for so many things other than sleeping, as you can use them as a message unit, charge your phone, or even prop yourself up while watching TV.

Cons of adjustable beds

Cost

Adjustable beds utilize the most advanced cutting-edge technologies and implement state-of-the-art features, which makes them more expensive than traditional beds. It’s an investment, but with all the features that you’re getting with it, it’s well worth buying if it’s within your budget.

Maintenance

The more functionality your adjustment bed has, the more maintenance you’ll have to go through to keep the bed operating properly. This could present an issue for people with limited time, as they won’t be able to handle the extensive amount of maintenance the adjustable bed requires.

Space Requirements

If you live in a small apartment or a tiny house, then adjustable beds might not be the best pick for you.

They are the same size as regular beds, but they often come with some gadget that takes up extra space. If you’re trying to find a space-saving solution, then there are better options, such as Murphy beds.

Weight

If you have the habit of changing the placement of your furniture around the house most often, then you should reconsider adjustable bed frames, as they tend to be quite heavy and very difficult to move and maneuver around the house.

Who should get an adjustable bed?

• Diabetics: Adjustable beds can be beneficial for diabetics, as they can elevate their legs and prevent fluid retention, which enhances their blood flow and keeps their insulin levels balanced.
• Arthritis sufferers: By adjusting the bed to your preferred position, you can distribute the weight of your body equally across the bed, which provides pressure relief to the inflamed joints because of the arthritis.
• Sleep apnea and reflux sufferers: Studies show that about 60 percent of people with sleep apnea have chronic acid reflux, which makes it difficult for them to breathe while they’re asleep. However, by elevating your head to the best position with the help of an adjustable bed, you can breathe easier and have better sleep.
• Individuals with limited mobility: The adjustability of the bed frame can be useful for people with mobility issues to get in and out of bed in a more smooth way.
• Post-surgery patients: The smallest moves after surgery can be a difficult task, but adjustable beds help post-surgery patients move around in bed without exerting effort.
• People who work from bed: If you work from your bed most often, you’ll find that you can experience pain in your neck and lower back because of the pressure buildup that occurs from sitting in an uncomfortable position for a long time. However, with adjustable beds, you can alleviate that constraint by finding a more supportive position for the bed.
• Frequent readers or TV watchers: If you sit in bed for many hours watching TV or reading, you’ll find that you’re always shifting positions to help ease the tension on the pressure points of your body. However, with adjustable beds, you can adjust the head and foot of the mattress to provide pressure relief and support for your joints.
• Pregnant women: By allowing you to elevate your legs or head, adjustable beds can be beneficial for pregnant women, as they can prevent symptoms such as heartburn and swelling.

Who should not get an adjustable bed?

• Elderly individuals or those with limited strength and dexterity: Elderly people with less knowledge of technology might find operating the adjustable bed a daunting task and would probably prefer a traditional bed frame over it.
• Individuals with balance issues: As we grow older, we might experience a disruption in our sense of balance, and an adjustable bed can present an issue for people with balance issues as they might experience imbalance while the bed is adjusting from one position to another.
• Limited budget: It’s a known fact that adjustable beds are some of the most expensive bedframes on the market, and while you can probably find one that fits your budget depending on it’s size and features, a traditional bed frame can be a better fit for some people, and it’s way cheaper as well as picking a budget friendly mattress.
• Frequent movers: If you frequently move due to work or other reasons, owning an adjustable bed might add an extra layer of inconvenience during relocations.

How to choose the best adjustable bed for you?

Adjustable Bed Size

Adjustable beds are available for many mattress sizes, such as Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King, and Split King. You should consider which bed size you want depending on the space available in your house and how many people are going to sleep on the bed.

Mattress Compatibility

You should make sure that the mattress is an adjustable mattress and is compatible with your adjustable bed. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are probably the best choices for adjustable beds, as they’re known for their flexibility and their contouring qualities.

Desired Features and Functions

You should take into consideration which features and functions you require in the adjustable beds, as they come in a wide variety of features that can differ from one model to another.

Budget

The price range of adjustable beds can differ drastically depending on their size, material, and features, so you need to choose wisely which adjustable bed is best for you, according to your needs, and within your budget.

Adjustable bed features

Motor

There are two types of motors for adjustable beds: single motors and dual motors.

Single motors adjust the head and foot of the bed at the same time, which means you can’t control each area separately, as the two areas will move at the same time. Adjustable beds with this type of motor are often less expensive.

Dual motors allow you to adjust the head and foot of the bed separately or simultaneously, giving you more freedom to explore and find the most relaxing sleeping position for you.

Battery Backup

As we mentioned, adjustable beds have many cutting-edge technologies and features that require power to function; however, in cases of power outages, adjustable beds can stay functional for a couple of hours due to their chargeable battery backup.

Massage Unit

One of the best features of adjustable beds is that some models come with a built-in message unit, which applies light vibrations to your muscles, which has many benefits such as deeper relaxation, tension alleviation, and increased blood flow.

Memory Presets

After adjusting the head and foot of the adjustable bed to your preferred angle and height, you can easily save the position as a preset on the adjustable bed, which allows you to adjust the bed to your optimal sleeping position quickly each time and with accuracy.

USB Ports

Adjustable beds are also fitted with USB ports, so you can easily charge your mobile phone, tablet, or any of your electronic devices while you’re asleep and avoid the hassle of finding a power plug near your bed frame.

Smart Home Integration

Adjusting the head and foot of your adjustable bed can be done from the bed frame itself, but it can also be controlled through integrated apps.

Head and Foot Elevation

The head and foot of the bed can be raised or lowered according to your preference for an adjustable bed for better support for your back. It also allows you to relieve the constraint on your pressure points.

Individual Side Adjustments

You can only adjust one side of the bed, which means you can change the position of either the head or the foot of the bed separately, which allows for more sleeping positions that can be achieved with the bed and gives you unlimited control over the adjustable bed.

Lumbar Support

Because of the countless positions that you can adjust your bed to, you can always achieve the best sleeping positions that promote spinal natural alignment and provide the best lumbar support, which could be very beneficial for people who suffer from back and joint pain.

FAQs

Can you use any mattress with an adjustable bed?

An adjustable bed doesn't require a certain kind of mattress, but it does require a suitable one. Generally speaking, a latex, memory foam, or hybrid mattress should not be overly thick.

Can you get VAT relief on an electric bed?

You might be exempt from paying VAT on your adjustable bed if you have a long-term medical condition or a physical or mental handicap.

Do you need a pillow with an adjustable bed?

No, you don’t need a pillow to sleep on an adjustable bed, as the head of the bed can be adjusted to your preference.

Is it healthy to sleep on an adjustable bed?

Yes, adjustable beds improve blood flow, provide pressure relief, and distribute your body weight across the bed, which increases overall comfort and helps you experience better sleep.

Can I sleep on my side in a zero-gravity position?

The zero-gravity position is especially beneficial for side sleepers as it eases the tension on their hips and shoulders, and by elevating the head and foot of the bed and aligning them, you distribute the weight evenly on the surface of the bed.

Conclusion

Adjustable beds have the extremely unique ability to adjust the position of the head and foot of the bed separately or together, which helps you find your optimal sleeping position and promotes spinal alignment and pressure relief.

Many cutting-edge technologies and features are implemented in the bed, such as massage units, USB ports, and many other features that enhance the comfort of the bed.

It also includes many health benefits, such as being beneficial for diabetics and people who suffer from sleep apnea, arthritis, and reflux.