An adjustable bed, also called an electric bed, lets you change the position of the mattress from top to bottom so you can choose a comfortable sitting or lying position without moving Which?. These beds need special mattresses with divisions that match the sections of the base so they bend with it when it moves Which?. Adjustable beds also tend to be a bit wider than standard beds, so check that one will fit your bedroom before purchasing Which?.
Two main types of adjustable bed
Profiling beds, also known as variable posture beds, offer a wider variety of positions and features than lifestyle beds, so they can be more suitable for those with specific medical or health needs Which?. Lifestyle beds usually offer a "sit up" function to make it more comfortable to read or watch TV in bed, but they are unlikely to offer different sleeping positions or adjustable height options Which?.
Mattress compatibility is critical
A normal mattress is not advisable on an adjustable base because the mattress needs to work with the movement of the bed, and a specially designed mattress will be more robust and comfortable Which?. The Sleep Foundation, an affiliate review site that earns from shop links, warns that not all mattresses are designed to work with adjustable bed frames and that hybrid and innerspring models in particular may become damaged if they are not used with a flat surface Sleep Foundation. Simmons, a mattress brand, says adjustable foundations are covered by a separate warranty and that the owner's manual lists the required support Simmons.
Size and length matter
An adjustable bed tends to push you down the bed a little as you sit up, so ideally the bed should be 15cm (6in) longer than the tallest user Which?. Measure your bedroom clearance as well, since adjustable beds tend to be a bit wider than standard beds Which?.
Weight and moving
Adjustable beds are quite heavy due to their internal mechanisms and metal frames; most models weigh between 140 and 200 pounds and are not designed to be moved by a single person, according to the Sleep Foundation, an affiliate review site that earns from shop links Sleep Foundation. Plan for two people to move or position the bed.
Warranty coverage differs by component
The typical warranty length for the frame is 10 years, which may vary from brand to brand, while warranties may also cover replacement or repair of the mechanical and electrical components but this coverage tends to be limited to just a few years, according to the Sleep Foundation, an affiliate review site that earns from shop links Sleep Foundation. Simmons, a mattress brand, says adjustable foundations are covered by a separate warranty Simmons. Read the warranty terms for each component before you commit.
Returns and trying before you buy
Whether you're shopping online or in-store, make sure you pay attention to the shop's returns policy Which?. The Sleep Foundation, an affiliate review site that earns from shop links, says many leading brands do not allow you to return your adjustable bed after it has been delivered Sleep Foundation. Which? advises trying before you buy: go to the showroom, or ask a family member or friend to go on your behalf, and have a lie down to see if it feels comfortable Which?.
Options for couples
Many retailers offer two single beds that work independently but clip together to form a double, which suits couples who want to move independently or if one partner might need nursing care in the future Which?. The Sleep Foundation, an affiliate review site that earns from shop links, explains that a split base lets each side of a king or California king bed be adjusted separately, as long as the mattress is also a split model Sleep Foundation.
UK-specific help with cost
If you, or the person you are buying for, has been assessed by the local health authority as needing an adjustable bed, there may be some funding available, though this is likely to cover only current needs and no unnecessary features Which?. If you are registered disabled or have a long-term illness, you don't have to pay VAT on adjustable beds or any other disability aids for your personal use Which?.
Safety note
Lowering a height-adjustable bed closer to the floor can help reduce the risk of injury caused by falling out of bed Which?.
For a personal answer matched to your sleep position, weight, budget, base type and any special cases, try Bed Fit on the bed.chat home page.
Sources
- Which? (UK consumer organisation)
- Sleep Foundation (review site that earns from shop links)
- Simmons (mattress brand)
Before you order, measure your room, confirm the mattress is built for an adjustable base, read the returns policy, and check the warranty split between frame and motors.