When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, your mattress isn’t the only thing that matters. An old, unsupportive mattress can certainly ruin your sleep but the benefits of even a high-quality mattress can be limited by placing it on the wrong foundation.
If you’re sleeping on a regular bed instead of an adjustable bed, you might be putting yourself at a disadvantage. Adjustable bed frames are quickly gaining popularity for their versatility and advanced features. They’re no longer a lavish luxury but an affordable and flexible alternative to standard bed frames.
In this guide, we’ll review the differences between adjustable beds and regular beds to help you determine which option is the best fit for your needs.
What is an Adjustable Bed?
A standard bed frame is a static structure that provides support for your mattress. Though adjustable bed frames are supportive as well, they offer a great deal more flexibility than traditional beds.
Adjustable beds enable you to raise and lower the head or foot of the bed—sometimes both. Depending on the model, adjustable beds can be controlled using buttons on the frame, a separate remote, or even a smartphone app. On top of simple adjustments, advanced models offer unique features like zero-gravity positioning, massage settings, under-bed lighting, USB charging ports, and more.
By enabling you to customize your sleep experience, adjustable beds are designed to improve comfort and sleep quality. Compared to regular beds, they may better support certain health concerns and conditions like joint stiffness, back pain, poor circulation, and sleep apnea.
Now, let’s explore the differences between adjustable beds and regular beds.
1. Movable Frame
A standard bed frame is designed to sit flat on the floor, keeping your mattress level and supported. An adjustable bed frame still keeps your bed properly supported but allows you to raise and lower sections of the frame. Aside from giving you control over your own comfort, this flexibility makes adjustable beds more easily accessible for many people.
2. Enhanced Comfort
By switching from a regular bed to an adjustable bed, you could enjoy a customizable level of comfort and support that improves your sleep quality and enables you to feel rested and refreshed each and every day. Adjustable beds enable you to find a setting that’s just right for you, whether you sleep on your back, stomach, or side. And if one position stops being comfortable, you can easily change the settings with the touch of a button.
3. Targeted Support
Getting a good night’s sleep is about more than just being comfortable. If your bed doesn’t offer support where you need it, you could still wake up feeling stiff and sore. With an adjustable bed, you can change the position of the head or foot of the bed to alleviate pressure on your legs and back. Some models even have a zero gravity feature that automatically adjusts the settings to simulate a feeling of weightlessness.
4. Improved Circulation
Maybe you think of your bed simply as a surface you sleep on. In reality, your bed could be so much more. For example, being able to adjust the head and foot of the bed could be a gamechanger if you have circulation issues. If you experience swelling due to poor blood flow in your legs, for example, slightly elevating the foot of your bed during sleep could help.
5. Snoring Reduction
If you or your partner snores, it can be difficult to sleep even if you have a comfortable mattress. With an adjustable bed, you can elevate the head of the bed slightly to help prevent snoring. Some adjustable beds even have an anti-snore setting that raises the head of the bed automatically or with the touch of a button, so you can get back to sleep.
6. Advanced Features
There’s something to be said for simplicity but if you want your bed to do a little bit more for you, you may have to upgrade to an adjustable bed. Depending on the model, many adjustable beds offer advanced features to improve your comfort and alleviate minor health concerns. Some come equipped with massage settings, under-bed lighting, and even that zero-gravity positioning mentioned above.
7. Cost and Complexity
A decent bed frame and mattress is an investment, no matter what size or style you choose. Adjustable beds tend to be more costly than regular beds but there are plenty of options to fit every budget. There’s also a bit more work involved in the installation of an adjustable bed but many sleepers find the benefits greatly outweigh the challenges.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If you’ve been struggling to get a good night’s rest, it might be time to upgrade your sleep situation. It’s easy enough to swap out your mattress but if you want to make a long-term investment in your sleep quality, consider making the switch to an adjustable bed.
An adjustable bed might be a better option for you than a regular bed if:
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You can’t get comfortable lying flat on your mattress
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You struggle with chronic pain or joint stiffness
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You experience regular heartburn or have GERD
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You have poor circulation or restless legs syndrome
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You like to sit up to read or watch TV in bed
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You or your partner causes sleep disruptions with snoring
An adjustable bed may not be a comprehensive solution for chronic health concerns like sleep apnea but being able to customize your sleep experience could make a big difference in your life. You may even be able to keep your mattress, depending on the design you choose.
If you’re ready to start shopping for an adjustable bed, check out the selection at Ergomotion.