Adjustable Bed Buying Guide
The right adjustable bed can ease aches and pains, make getting in and out of bed easier and help you sleep better. Compare our models side by side below, then read on for expert advice on choosing yours.
What type of adjustable bed should I buy?
Before you think about extra features, decide which type of bed suits your needs. Most adjustable beds fall into one of two categories: lifestyle and profiling.
Lifestyle Beds
Lifestyle beds usually adjust at the head end only, making it more comfortable to read or watch TV in bed.
They suit people who want an adjustable bed for comfort and convenience rather than to help with a health condition.
The trade-off is fewer sleeping positions, and they rarely offer height adjustment.
Profiling Beds
Profiling – or ‘variable posture’ – beds adjust at both the head and the legs, giving you far more positions and better postural support.
Although some can be adjusted manually, typically adjustable beds for the home are adjusted electronically via a handset – so you can make adjustments even while in the bed. For example, we offer profiling beds with Cyclo-Therapy® massage technology built-in to help with circulation.
They suit people who want support with a health or mobility need as well as exceptional comfort.
What size adjustable bed should I buy?
Size is easy to overlook, but it makes a big difference. Our beds come in Single, Double, Queen and King sizes, plus Dual (split) versions – two independent bases in one bed, so each partner can choose their own position. Larger beds give couples more space and less disturbed sleep, but measure your room first and leave space to walk around the bed. Check doorways, stairs and tight corners too. Adjustable bed sizes aren’t standardised, so dimensions can vary between suppliers.
The height of your adjustable bed is just as important as width and length
Width and length are obvious measurements to take for any piece of furniture, but it’s also vital that you think about how tall your adjustable bed needs to be. Making sure it’s at the right level for you to get in and out of bed with ease can make a huge difference to your lifestyle. Many adjustable beds can change their height too, making your mornings more comfortable and stress-free.
Pay attention to weight limits
Many adjustable beds can be built to support and lift heavier weights. Our beds can lift up to 28 stone as standard.
What added features are you looking for?
Once you’ve settled on size and type, focus on the features that solve your main problem. Tailoring your bed this way means you only pay for what you’ll actually use.
Easy Reach
As the bed rises, the mattress glides back towards the wall, so your bedside table always stays within easy reach. It’s also known as ‘wall hugging’, because the frame can sit right against the wall as the bed adjusts.
Massage and heat pad technology
Massage and heat can help you relax and may ease pain and swelling. Beds fitted with our Cyclo-Therapy® massage technology are classed as Class IIa medical devices (excludes Northern Ireland).
Battery back-up system
Most electric adjustable beds rely on mains power to power their adjustable functionality. Operated via a handset, this makes them highly convenient and stops you having to get out of bed to make any adjustments – providing you don’t suffer a power cut. A battery back-up system provides you with many hours of functionality in the event of a power cut, saving you hassle and stress.
Handrails
Mobility accessories such as handrails, grab handles, lifting poles and cot sides give you something firm to hold when sitting up, standing or turning over. They can make getting in and out of bed safer and help you stay independent for longer.
Does an adjustable bed need a special mattress?
Yes. Adjustable bases bend and move, so the mattress needs to flex smoothly with them without being damaged. Look for good support at the shoulders, hips and lower back, and a breathable design if you tend to sleep warm. Very thick mattresses can reduce flexibility. There’s still plenty of choice, from foam to pocket sprung and from firm to soft.
Where can I buy a mattress for an adjustable bed?
The best mattress for an adjustable bed usually comes from the same supplier as the bed, because it’s designed to work with the moving sections. Our mattresses are purpose-built for our adjustable beds, and we recommend pairing your bed with one of our AirFlow® Orthopaedic Mattresses for maximum comfort.
What styles and designs are available?
Function comes first, but your bed should look good in your room too. Ask which headboards and fabrics are available, and whether the supplier will send swatches to help you decide.
Adjustable beds don’t have to look clinical. Ours come in styles to suit any décor, with six headboard styles – Buttoned, Horizontal Line, Plain, Pleat Button, Scooped Corner and Vertical Line – and a wide choice of luxury fabrics and storage options. Use the Headboard filter in the comparison tool above to see which models offer each style.
Our headboard styles
How to buy an adjustable bed
Once you know the size, type and features you want, it’s time to choose who to buy from. An adjustable bed is a long-term investment in your comfort, so it pays to buy from a supplier you can trust.
How do I know I’m getting quality?
Start with a reputable supplier. Approval schemes such as Trading Standards Approved (TSI) and the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) make them easy to spot – members must follow a code of practice and meet strict standards.
Look out for these logos to identify reputable companies:
Higher-quality materials and extra features do add to the cost, but a simple, well-made adjustable bed can still offer excellent comfort and value.
Look for accreditations for ‘medically certified’ products
If a bed is sold with health benefits, check for accreditation marks that show it has been fully tested for safety and quality.
These include Class IIa certification, regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and CE marking (excludes Northern Ireland).
Where to buy the best adjustable bed
You can buy direct from a specialist manufacturer, from a high street retailer or online. Each has pros and cons, so shop around to find the right bed for your needs and budget.
Specialist manufacturers
Specialist manufacturers focus on adjustable beds and mobility products, and most have a website and a freephone number. They can tailor a bed to your exact needs, budget and bedroom space.
Many make their beds to order in their own factories – at Adjustamatic, every bed is handmade in our North Wales factory. Approved suppliers often offer a free, no-obligation home demonstration and consultation, so you can try the bed and ask questions before you buy, without leaving home.
Buying from a high street store
High street stores let you compare brands and prices and ‘try before you buy’. However, the choice of adjustable beds is limited and may not cover all your needs, and most can’t offer specialist technology like our Cyclo-Therapy® massage to help ease back pain or improve circulation.
You can also see our beds in person at our two showrooms: in Southampton, and at our factory in Denbigh, North Wales.
Shopping online
Shopping online gives you plenty of choice from the comfort of home, but it’s hard to judge quality and appearance from a photo. Stick to brands you know, and if a company is new to you, ask a few questions first.
Key questions to ask include:
- Do they offer secure card payments?
- Do they have a clear returns policy?
- What are their delivery charges?
If you have any questions for us, use our contact form or call us free on 0800 689 9823 – we’re always happy to chat.
Financial considerations
An adjustable bed is a significant purchase, but a good-quality bed lasts longer and does more for you. Look for suppliers that offer finance to spread the cost – we offer 0% finance, so you can pay over time with no interest.
Check if you are eligible for VAT exemption
If you have a long-term illness or disability and are buying a bed for use at home, you may be eligible for VAT relief. That’s a 20% saving – so a £2,000 bed could cost just £1,600. Find out more in our FAQs.
Don’t just think about now – consider the future
If you’re torn between a few good options, let aftersales service help you decide. Ask:
- How long will delivery take?
- Will they take away my old bed?
- What guarantee or warranty do they offer, and does it cover the electrical parts?
- Do they offer free aftercare visits or inspections?
Got other questions? See the FAQs below, browse our full Frequently Asked Questions, or get in touch.
Buying a bed shouldn’t be the end of the journey
We know an adjustable bed is a big purchase, so we want to help you get the most from it. That’s why every adjustable bed we sell comes with our aftercare service. Every two years we check in to see how your bed and you are doing, and arrange a face-to-face visit whenever it suits you.
Adjustable bed FAQs
A lifestyle bed usually adjusts at the head end only, which makes reading or watching TV in bed more comfortable. A profiling bed adjusts at both the head and the legs, giving you more positions and better postural support, so it is the better choice if you want help with a health or mobility need.
Our adjustable beds come in Single, Double, Queen and King sizes, plus Dual (split) versions. Available sizes vary by model, so use the Size filter in the comparison tool on this page to see which beds come in the size you need.
A dual (or split) bed has two independent bases in one bed frame, each with its own controls. It is ideal for couples who prefer different sleeping positions, as each side can be adjusted without disturbing the other.
Yes. Because the base bends and moves, the mattress needs to be flexible enough to move with it without being damaged. A mattress from the same supplier as your bed is usually the safest choice. We recommend our AirFlow Orthopaedic Mattresses, which are purpose-built for our adjustable beds.
Look for a bed with height adjustment or sit-to-stand support. Mobility accessories such as grab handles and lifting poles can add extra support.
Electric adjustable beds run on mains power, so check whether a battery back-up is available. A battery back-up system provides many hours of functionality in the event of a power cut.
If you have a long-term illness or disability and the bed is for use in your home, you may be eligible for VAT relief, saving up to 20% on the price. See the pricing section of our FAQs page for details of how to claim.
Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation home demonstration, so you can try a bed and ask questions in your own home. You can also visit our showrooms in Southampton and at our factory store in Denbigh, North Wales. Call us free on 0800 689 9823 to arrange either.
Have any questions?
Choosing the right bed is an important decision, and we’re here to help. For advice on buying an adjustable bed, call us free on 0800 689 9823 or send us a message. Let’s find the adjustable bed you deserve.
