Adjustable beds offer many people comfort and relief not available from sleeping on a standard, flat surface. Furthermore, adjustable beds may help ease breathing issues like COPD or snoring while simultaneously decreasing swelling in feet and legs.
However, adjustable beds tend to be more costly than traditional bases and may be difficult to assemble or incompatible with most mattresses. Here are six things you should keep in mind before purchasing an adjustable bed:
1. Comfort
An adjustable bed can improve comfort and alleviate symptoms for various health conditions, including acid reflux and sleep apnea. Furthermore, these beds can help alleviate neck and lower back aches more effectively than traditional mattresses due to being raised or lowered both the head and foot of a bed allowing users to find their preferred sleeping positions more easily than with traditional mattresses alone. Some models even come equipped with features such as Zero Gravity functions or anti-snore settings which elevate the head of the bed to relieve airway pressure to help alleviate snoring.
Many of the adjustable beds we reviewed come equipped with remote controls that enable you to easily customize both head and foot positions of the bed to your preferred positions. Many models also feature one-touch preset positions like anti-snore positions and Zero Gravity settings for easier positioning. Furthermore, some can even come equipped with massage functionality that can increase circulation while soothing sore muscles.
Some models feature built-in power outlets and USB ports to eliminate the need for extension cords, freeing up wall outlets in your bedroom. Others come equipped with underbed lighting to assist with getting in and out of bed at night.
One or more of the adjustable beds we reviewed feature smart home integration options compatible with smart devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control or smartphone app operation; they may also include sleep tracking dashboards and mobile apps to view, edit, and save favorite positions. If you prefer more traditional feel beds such as Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed with its adjustable base and temperature-regulating memory foam mattress that mimics innerspring construction are great alternatives;
2. Convenience
“Adjustable beds offer more benefits than just elevating the head or foot sections of your mattress,” according to Costner, than simply elevating these sections of your mattress. They can help relieve common ailments like heartburn, snoring, back pain and allergies/asthma; furthermore sleeping in specific positions can relieve symptoms associated with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
An example Tempur-Pedic model we reviewed featured preset positions such as zero gravity and anti-snore that mimicked the experiences of lying on a beach or flying an airplane, respectively. By elevating head positioning and relieving sinus pressure, anti-snore positions may help eliminate snoring; zero gravity functions offer weightless comfort to soothe tension and promote sound sleep overall.
No matter the type of adjustable bed you select, we advise reading its user manual thoroughly in order to become acquainted with its functions and maximize their benefits. It should include instructions for operating its remote as well as details regarding any special features included with it.
Common extra features on mattresses include USB charging ports that allow users to recharge their smartphones or tablets directly, built-in power outlets that eliminate extension cords, under bed lighting and massagers at either end of your mattress.
GhostBed offers an adjustable base with minimal features to meet your needs at an unbeatably affordable price point, including both head and foot adjustability, massagers at two parts of its frame, compatibility with foam and hybrid mattresses and affordable pricing.
3. Durability
Investing your hard-earned cash on an adjustable bed requires purchasing one with lasting qualities. Adjustable beds feature numerous mechanical parts that must operate reliably for years – which is why we’ve reviewed many adjustable beds that provide comprehensive warranties and support services so as to reduce premature failure.
Alternatively, consider other beds with longer warranties that cover common issues more fully. When making this decision, also take into account frame durability and component quality as well as compatibility issues – many regular mattresses should work fine when purchased with adjustable frames but it is best to check with their manufacturer in case there are any concerns.
Most of the adjustable beds we’ve reviewed provide many customization options, such as programmable memory settings, zero-gravity and anti-snore positions, massage settings, and sleep trackers to help improve your sleeping habits and gain better insight into how well you are sleeping.
However, due to so many features being available, adjustable beds with many extras are likely to cost more money. To cut expenses and save money, simpler models like Lucid’s L150 Adjustable Base may be ideal as it offers elevation options but without all of the unnecessary extras that other beds include. Its easy assembly process and remote also doubles up as flashlight feature make for hassle-free use; and its 25 year limited warranty make this bed an affordable solution – read our review for more info!
4. Flexibility
When purchasing an adjustable bed, it’s essential to take note of its range of positions. Most models provide multiple preset positions – including an anti-snore position that raises the head slightly to relieve sinus pressure and help prevent snoring; and zero gravity positions which raise both feet and head for an encased feeling. Some positions even allow users to program their preferred settings.
Consider also whether an adjustable bed with massage motors and under-bed lighting would enhance your comfort while adding subtle design features to the room. Wired models typically require access to an electrical outlet nearby while wireless remotes connect seamlessly to Wi-Fi networks and work seamlessly with most smart home devices, including voice assistants.
Hybrid mattresses may also be worth exploring; these hybrid models combine foam layers with pocketed coils or springs. While these mattresses may be firmer than all-foam options, they’re more flexible than innerspring options and could help ease back pain for some individuals.
DreamCloud offers an easy-to-assemble adjustable bed frame featuring 8- and 3-inch legs plus 2-inch extenders that accommodates most mattress sizes, along with a smartphone app and remote that integrates with Alexa for hands-free operation. When tested during our research phase, this model proved straightforward to set up; its app also provided clear instructions for its features.
5. Safety
Hospital beds may be beneficial in treating severe back issues, but occupational therapist Amanda Weeks believes at-home adjustable bed bases may also offer medical benefits. She notes these beds can alleviate sleep apnea, chronic back and neck pain and poor circulation as well as improve balance and flexibility, she states. These models allow users to tilt both head and feet separately for ultimate comfort and support as well as reduce the risk of pressure sores.
As well as relieving common aches and pains, many bed frames come equipped with built-in smart features that go beyond helping relieve symptoms. Some models feature preset options for anti-snoring or zero gravity positions as well as underbed lighting and dual massage features targeting your head and feet with three intensities of pressure massages. Furthermore, mobile apps enable easy control as well as customizable alarms for timed rises or bedtime reminders.
These extra features do increase the cost of an adjustable base, and some offer greater weight capacities than others; it is essential that when comparing prices and choosing an adjustable bed that it takes these restrictions into consideration.
Keep in mind that some adjustable bed frames only work with their respective brand of mattresses; you may need to find one compatible with your adjustable base in order for its warranty not to void.
Our Reviews Team recommends the Puffy Serenity Adjustable Base as an economical option with basic features, including standard foot and head adjustments as well as underbed lighting, plus it provides the longest trial period at an attractive price point.