Who is an adjustable bed suitable for?
If you’ve ever wondered whether an adjustable bed could improve your sleep and daily comfort, you’re not alone. These versatile beds have moved far beyond their hospital origins to become valuable additions to homes across Britain. But who exactly benefits from sleeping in an adjustable bed?
The simple answer is that adjustable beds suit a remarkably wide range of people. From those managing specific health conditions to anyone who enjoys reading or watching television in bed, electric adjustable beds offer practical solutions to everyday challenges.
This guide explores the many ways adjustable beds can enhance comfort, health, and independence. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, struggling with mobility, or simply seeking better sleep, understanding what adjustable beds offer helps you decide if one might transform your nights and days.
Table of contents
1. Understanding adjustable beds
2. Health conditions that benefit from adjustable beds
3. Lifestyle benefits for everyone
5. Is an adjustable bed right for you?
6. Transform your comfort with Adjustamatic
1. Understanding adjustable beds
An adjustable bed is essentially a motorised base that lets you raise or lower different sections of your sleeping surface. Using a simple remote control, you can elevate your head, lift your feet, or find countless positions in between. The bed moves smoothly and quietly, allowing you to make adjustments without disturbing a sleeping partner.
Modern adjustable beds look nothing like their clinical hospital predecessors. They come in all standard UK sizes, from single to super king, and work with specially designed flexible mattresses that bend without damage. Many models include additional features like massage functions, under-bed lighting, or memory settings that return you to favourite positions at the touch of a button.
2. Health conditions that benefit from adjustable beds
Back pain and spinal problems
Back pain affects millions of people across Britain, often making restful sleep seem impossible. An adjustable bed tackles this problem by letting you find positions that offer correct spinal support throughout the night.
The secret lies in achieving what’s called neutral spine alignment. When you can adjust both the head and foot of your bed, you create gentle curves that follow your body’s natural shape. Many users discover their perfect position is the “zero gravity” setting, where both head and knees rise slightly. This position distributes weight evenly and removes pressure from the lower back.
Unlike stacking pillows that slip and slide, an adjustable bed maintains your chosen position all night. You can even make small adjustments if you wake up uncomfortable, finding relief without fully waking or disturbing your partner.
Arthritis and joint pain
Living with arthritis means every movement can hurt, especially first thing in the morning. Adjustable beds help by reducing pressure on painful joints and making it easier to find comfortable positions.
Raising your legs takes weight off hip and knee joints, while elevating your upper body relieves shoulder and neck strain. The ability to change positions throughout the night prevents the stiffness that comes from staying in one position too long.
Some adjustable beds, like those from Adjustamatic, include built-in Cyclo-Therapy massage systems. These gentle vibrations help soothe aching joints and improve circulation, providing relief without medication. Users often report waking with less morning stiffness and finding it easier to get moving.
Sciatica and leg pain
Sciatica sends sharp, burning pain from your lower back down through your legs, often making any position uncomfortable. The sciatic nerve, when compressed or irritated, creates misery that can last for weeks or months.
An adjustable bed helps by letting you find positions that take pressure off this sensitive nerve. Elevating your legs even slightly can reduce the pull on your lower back where the sciatic nerve originates. Some people find relief with their knees bent and supported, while others need their legs raised higher.
The ability to make tiny adjustments means you can find your exact relief point. Unlike struggling with pillows that never stay put, your adjustable bed maintains the position that works. Many models also offer massage features that gently stimulate leg muscles and improve circulation, providing additional relief from nerve pain.
Breathing difficulties and snoring
Sleeping flat can make breathing problems worse. When you lie completely horizontal, gravity causes throat tissues to relax backward, partially blocking airways. This leads to snoring, interrupted sleep, and difficulty breathing.
An adjustable bed solves this by letting you sleep with your head slightly elevated. Even raising the head just a few inches can dramatically improve airflow. Partners of snorers particularly appreciate this feature, as it often reduces or eliminates snoring without uncomfortable anti-snoring devices.
For those with sleep apnoea, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, the improvement can be life-changing. The elevated position keeps airways open naturally, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.
Acid reflux and digestive issues
Anyone who’s experienced nighttime heartburn knows how miserable it makes sleep. Stomach acid creeping up the throat causes burning discomfort that often worsens when lying flat.
Medical professionals recommend sleeping with the upper body elevated to prevent acid reflux. An adjustable bed makes this easy and comfortable. By raising the head section, gravity keeps stomach acid where it belongs. You can find the exact angle that provides relief without sliding down the bed during the night.
This simple adjustment often means the difference between painful, interrupted sleep and peaceful rest. Many people find they can reduce or eliminate their reliance on extra pillows or wedge cushions.
Circulation problems and swelling
Poor circulation leads to uncomfortable swelling in feet and ankles, especially by day’s end. Health professionals often advise elevating legs to encourage blood flow back to the heart.
An adjustable bed makes this therapeutic position effortless. Rather than propping legs on pillows that shift and fall, you can raise the foot of the bed to the perfect height. This elevation reduces swelling, eases the heavy feeling in legs, and can even prevent nighttime leg cramps.
For those with varicose veins or diabetes-related circulation issues, regular leg elevation during sleep can significantly improve comfort and health outcomes.
Parkinson’s and neurological conditions
Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or recovery from stroke present unique challenges for sleep and daily movement. Muscle stiffness, tremors, and balance issues can make even turning over in bed difficult.
An adjustable bed provides crucial flexibility and support. The ability to raise the head section helps with sitting up from lying down, a movement that can be particularly challenging for those with Parkinson’s. Rising slowly to a seated position using the bed’s motor prevents the dizziness that often comes from sudden position changes.
For those experiencing muscle stiffness, being able to change positions throughout the night prevents the discomfort of staying in one position too long. The bed can also assist with exercises and stretches that many neurological conditions require, providing stable support at various angles.
Mobility challenges and recovery
Getting into bed and out of bed becomes increasingly difficult with age, injury, or illness. An adjustable bed transforms this daily struggle into a manageable task.
By raising the head section, the bed helps you sit up without straining. You can then easily swing your legs over the side from this seated position. The reverse works for getting into bed – sit on the edge, then lower yourself gently using the remote control.
After surgery, particularly hip or abdominal procedures, doctors often recommend sleeping with the upper body elevated. An adjustable bed provides this positioning comfortably at home, potentially speeding recovery and reducing pain medication needs.
3. Lifestyle benefits for everyone
Enhanced comfort for daily activities
You don’t need a medical condition to enjoy an adjustable bed. They can enhance everyday comfort in countless ways.
Love reading in bed? Adjust the head section to support your back and neck properly, eliminating the need for pillow pyramids that never quite work. Enjoy morning coffee in bed? Find the perfect sitting position without leaving your covers.
Working from bed occasionally becomes genuinely comfortable when you can achieve proper ergonomic positioning. The adjustable base supports your back while keeping your laptop at the right angle, reducing strain during those lazy Sunday morning email sessions.
Solutions for couples
Sharing a bed often means compromise, especially when partners have different comfort needs. Dual adjustable beds solve this beautifully. These feature two separate adjustable bases within one frame, allowing each person to control their side independently.
One partner can sit up to read while the other lies flat. If someone snores, they can elevate their head without affecting their partner’s position. Different health needs no longer mean sleeping separately – each person gets their ideal support in the same bed.
Easy accessibility for everyone
Some people find that standard bed heights make getting in and out more difficult than necessary, particularly first thing in the morning or during nighttime bathroom visits.
An adjustable bed simplifies things. By raising the head section, you can sit up properly before swinging your legs over the side. This controlled movement reduces strain on your knees, hips, and back. Getting into bed works just as smoothly in reverse – sit on the edge, then use the remote to gently lower yourself to your preferred sleeping position.
For anyone who’s ever struggled with a too-low bed or felt unsteady getting up during the night, an adjustable bed provides confidence and stability. The powered assistance means you’re using the bed’s strength rather than your own, preserving energy and reducing the risk of falls or strain.
4. Making the right choice
Adjustable beds come in various styles and price points to suit different needs and budgets. When choosing an adjustable bed, think about which features matter most to you:
|
Feature |
Benefit |
Who needs it most |
|
Head elevation |
Reduces snoring, aids breathing, helps reflux |
Snorers, those with breathing issues or GERD |
|
Foot elevation |
Improves circulation, reduces swelling |
Anyone with leg swelling or varicose veins |
|
Zero gravity position |
Relieves back pressure, total body support |
Back pain sufferers, arthritis patients |
|
Massage function |
Soothes muscles, improves circulation |
Those with chronic pain or stiffness |
|
Memory positions |
Quick return to favourite settings |
Anyone who adjusts positions frequently |
Quality matters when choosing an adjustable bed. Look for established manufacturers with proper certifications and warranties. A well-built adjustable bed should last many years, making it a worthwhile investment in your comfort and health.
Remember to pair your adjustable bed with a suitable flexible mattress. Standard mattresses aren’t designed to bend and may become damaged. Manufacturers like Adjustamatic offer specially designed mattresses that flex smoothly while maintaining support.
5. Is an adjustable bed right for you?
An adjustable bed could benefit you if you experience any of these situations:
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Difficulty getting comfortable in a flat bed
-
Using multiple pillows to prop yourself up
-
Waking with aches, pains, or stiffness
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Struggling to get in or out of bed
-
Snoring or breathing difficulties at night
-
Leg swelling or circulation issues
-
Reading or watching TV in bed
-
Recovering from surgery or injury
-
Simply wanting more comfort options
The versatility of adjustable beds means they suit almost anyone seeking better sleep and comfort. While they represent a larger investment than standard beds, the health benefits and improved quality of life often make them invaluable.
6. Transform your comfort with Adjustamatic
Now that you understand who can benefit from an adjustable bed, you might be wondering if one could improve your own sleep and daily comfort. Whether you’re managing a specific health condition or simply seeking better rest, the right adjustable bed can make a remarkable difference.
Your trusted partner in comfort
For over 60 years, Adjustamatic has been helping people across Britain discover the life-changing benefits of adjustable beds. We specialise exclusively in sophisticated sleep systems, bringing deep expertise to every consultation and ensuring you find the perfect solution for your individual needs.
Designed around you
Comprehensive health support: Our adjustable beds address the full spectrum of conditions discussed in this guide. From our therapeutic Cyclo-Therapy massage systems for pain relief to precise positioning for breathing and circulation issues, we’ve engineered solutions based on real customer needs and medical guidance.
Comfort without compromise: Every Adjustamatic bed combines therapeutic benefits with luxurious comfort. Choose from our range of flexible mattresses, stylish fabric options, and additional features like under-bed lighting or USB charging ports. Your bed should enhance your bedroom, not dominate it with a clinical appearance.
Solutions for every situation: Whether you need a single bed for personal use or a dual system for you and your partner to adjust independently, we offer sizes and configurations to suit every requirement. Our ottoman models even provide storage alongside full adjustability.
Experience the difference properly
We know reading about adjustable beds is helpful, but experiencing one is transformative. That’s why we offer no-obligation home demonstrations where you can try different positions and features in your own bedroom. Feel how elevation relieves pressure, test the massage functions, and discover your perfect comfort settings without any sales pressure.
Our sleep consultants understand the challenges you face, whether that’s chronic pain, mobility difficulties, or simply wanting better sleep. They’ll listen to your needs, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand exactly how an adjustable bed could help.
Start your journey to better sleep
Taking the first step toward improved comfort is simple. Our team is ready to guide you through your options, explain any available VAT relief for medical purchases, and arrange a convenient consultation.
Call us free on 0800 689 9823 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) for a friendly, informative conversation about your needs. There’s never any pressure to buy – just honest advice from people who understand adjustable beds inside and out.
Request our free information pack to explore our range in detail, read more customer experiences, and understand the features available. When you’re ready to learn more, we’re here to help.
Don’t let another night pass wondering if you could sleep better. Discover how an Adjustamatic adjustable bed could transform not just your nights, but your days too. Better comfort, improved health, and greater independence could be just one phone call away.
