If you’re still struggling with sleep, it might not be you or your mattress—your bed could be the problem. Proper support is crucial for a mattress but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a clunky platform bed or unsightly metal frame. An adjustable bed that enables you to customize your sleep experience might be just what you need.
In this guide, we’ll explore the subject of adjustable beds to learn what they are and what benefits they provide. You’ll also receive actionable tips for choosing an adjustable bed and making the most of it once it arrives.
What Is an Adjustable Bed?
While a mattress is the cushioned surface you sleep on, the term “bed” generally refers to the furniture it rests on. A bed can be as simple as a metal frame or it might include a headboard and footboard in addition to the necessary underlying support structures. An adjustable bed enables you to change various features to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Compared to the static support traditional bed frames offer, adjustable beds are customizable. Integrated motors make it possible to elevate or decline the head and foot of the bed, all at the touch of a button. Some adjustable beds are split, allowing you and your partner to select different settings to suit your individual sleeping styles.
Rather than stacking pillows behind your back, an adjustable base makes it possible to elevate the head of the bed itself. Or maybe your partner snores—adjusting their side of the bed with a slight incline could provide you with blissful silence. Keep reading to explore the many benefits adjustable beds have to offer.
The Top 7 Benefits of Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds are unparalleled in their versatility. The upfront cost of an adjustable bed is typically higher than a standard frame, but you’ll get a better night’s sleep than you ever dreamed of. It all comes down to customization. Adjustable beds enable you to tailor your sleep experience to your individual needs and preferences, but let’s dig a little deeper into what specific benefits such customization might provide.
Here are some of the benefits an adjustable bed may provide:
1. Relief from pain and stiffness. Proper support is crucial to alleviating back, neck, and arthritis pain. With an adjustable bed, you can raise or lower the head and foot of the bed to evenly distribute your body weight and reduce tension where you need it most.
2. Fewer sleep disruptions from snoring. Sleeping with your head elevated may help keep the airways open and reduce snoring. Some adjustable beds even have an anti-snore feature that automatically elevates the head when snoring is detected.
3. Improved sleep quality and duration. Insomnia sufferers may benefit from a bed they can adjust throughout the night to find the position that feels most comfortable at that moment.
4. Relief from acid reflux. People who suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often find that sleeping with the torso elevated to an angle up to 45 degrees helps prevent stomach acid from creeping back up the throat.
5. Reduced leg swelling. Sleeping with your legs elevated might help if you struggle with swelling in your legs and feet. Adjustable beds may also be beneficial for people with restless legs syndrome (RLS) and other circulatory problems.
6. Improved digestion. Eating right before bed is not recommended but some research suggests that sleeping on your left side with your head slightly elevated might boost your body’s ability to digest food properly.
7. Increased comfort during pregnancy. Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be difficult when you’re pregnant, but an adjustable bed can help. Raising or lowering different parts of the bed can let you reduce pressure and align your spine more naturally.
More Tips for Choosing an Adjustable Bed
While adjustable beds have plenty of benefits to offer, they take some getting used to. As with any new furniture, you should expect an initial adjustment period—especially if you’re changing mattresses at the same time. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the controls of your new adjustable bed and try different settings to find the ones that work best for you.
To ensure you find the best adjustable bed for your needs, here are some factors to consider as you start shopping:
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Design features: Adjustable beds range from basic frames to elevated platform beds complete with padded headboard and underbed storage.
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Split top: Bigger adjustable beds (typically queen size and larger) often come in split top models which enable you to adjust the settings on either side separately.
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Remote control: Budget-friendly models offer manual adjustment while luxury models may have more advanced features like remote control and programmable presets.
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Health monitoring: Many adjustable beds function as comprehensive sleep systems, monitoring various health metrics like sleep quality, heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep movement. Some even sync with wearable devices like smartwatches.
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Auto anti-snore: If you or your partner snore, you might appreciate an adjustable bed that detects snoring and subtly elevates the head of the bed automatically.
Keep in mind that adjustable beds may require specialized bedding, as well. Shop ahead to make sure you’ll have what you need to fully enjoy your first night with your adjustable bed.
Final Thoughts
While adjustable beds offer an array of potential benefits, they’re not the ideal choice for some sleepers. It’s important to thoroughly consider your individual needs and preferences before deciding whether to give an adjustable bed a try. Always double-check the details regarding in-home trial periods and return policies before you purchase, and don’t be afraid to contact customer support if you have questions.
Ready to start shopping for an adjustable bed? Peruse the collection on Ergomotion to find the best option to suit your needs and consider upgrading your mattress while you’re at it!
Start the search for your new bed at Ergomotion.