Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds can improve health and well-being

Adjustable beds, developed out of the profiling beds used in hospitals and nursing care, have proved very popular for use in the home. There is a wide range of models available: adjustable head and foot, hi-low action, with cot-sides, single and double sized – the latter, as shown here, with the two sides controlled independently.

They are ideal for people who have a range of health conditions which make sleeping or getting in and out of bed difficult.

For example, those who suffer from chronic back pain, sciatica, arthritis, may find it easier to achieve a comfortable sleeping position. People whose mobility is reduced or who have muscle weakness, can get in and out of bed more easily.

You can adjust the position of the bed, until you find the one that suits you best – for example, if you have poor circulation in your legs or swollen ankles, you might find it beneficial to elevate your legs while sleeping.

Choosing the right sleeping position can help with other problems, including joint and muscle pain, indigestion, pressure sensitivity and circulation problems.

If you need to spend quite a lot of time in bed, it is convenient to be able to adjust it to support you in a sitting up position, making it easier to eat, read or watch television.
 

Do you need height adjustment?

As well as being able to choose a sleeping position that is more comfortable, another feature offered by some adjustable beds is the ability to change the height.

If the bed’s occupant needs help from a carer, this is much more easily managed with the bed at a higher level – around waist height for the carer – so that they don’t have to stoop and risk injuring their back.

It may also be easier to get in and out of bed if it is slightly higher, allowing you to sit on the edge with your legs bent at 90° and feet firmly planted on the floor.

The bed should not be left at an elevated height through the night because of the increased risk of injury from a fall.

In fact, for anyone who is prone to falling, either because of confusion due to dementia or a physical condition such as Huntington’s or Parkinsons, some height adjustable beds will go right down to almost floor level, minimising the distance they might fall. A bedside fall mat can cushion the impact as well.

Bed rails – also known as cot sides – may be available for some adjustable beds. Care needs to be taken with these, to prevent any risk of entrapment, but they can be useful for some people.
 

Double Adjustable Beds

Continue to share a bed with your partner and enjoy independent function on either side of the bed for individual comfort and needs. The bed shown here is specified to your exact requirement, meaning that you can have any combination of functions or sizes together in a bed that looks like part of your home.

With an upholstered surround, it is possible to have two individual matching enclosures that latch together. This allows for separation of the two sides if required, to gain access to both sides of either half of the bed.

For situations where carers are involved, this is a great help in reducing the risk of back injury. One or both beds can be mounted on locking castors, allowing easy separation. The double headboard will have to be mounted on the wall, in order for the two sides to be separable.
 

How about the mattress?

If you are buying an adjustable bed, you need a mattress designed for it. An ordinary mattress won’t bend as required.

Suppliers should offer a range to go with their beds, so that you can choose the type of mattress you find most comfortable. There are two broad types: foam and sprung. Foam mattresses vary from a single layer to more high tech “sandwiches” of foam, with each layer bringing its own qualities. They may include a top layer of memory foam for excellent comfort.

Traditional mattresses with pocket springs tend to be more durable, and can also include a top layer of foam or gel, which helps prevent the bed’s occupant becoming too warm.

For anyone with reduced mobility who spends extended periods in bed, pressure care and prevention of pressure damage are very important considerations. We have a section about pressure care mattresses here
 

Beds to Sit and Stand

A rotating chair bed, such as the one shown here, combines an adjustable bed with powered assistance to get in and out of bed. It is available as a single or double bed.

A single button push on the hand control moves the user between a sitting and lying position, and as there are two separate mattresses in the double bed configuration, all adjustments can be made without disturbing the other person.

There is more information about beds that automatically help the user to sit or stand in our hospital beds area

Adjustable beds may also include a massage unit, to help ease aching muscles and joints, to help you sleep better, and improve mobility in the morning.

You can find useful guidance on staying safe and preventing falls in the bedroom here