How adjustable beds work
Have you ever wondered what makes an adjustable bed actually adjust? Or perhaps you’re curious about whether the technology behind these beds justifies their growing popularity? Understanding how adjustable beds work helps you appreciate why they’ve become such valuable additions to bedrooms across Britain.
Far from being complicated pieces of machinery, modern adjustable beds use straightforward technology to deliver remarkable comfort and health benefits. Once you understand the simple mechanics involved, you’ll see why these beds have moved from hospitals into homes, transforming how millions of people sleep, relax, and manage their daily comfort.
This guide explains the technology behind adjustable beds in clear, simple terms. We’ll explore how they move, what controls them, the positions they offer, and most importantly, how all these features can improve your life.
Table of contents
1. What exactly is an adjustable bed?
3. Control systems made simple
4. Positions that make a difference
5. Health and comfort benefits
6. Comparing adjustable beds to traditional beds
7. Choosing your adjustable bed
8. Discover the perfect adjustable bed with Adjustamatic
1. What exactly is an adjustable bed?
An adjustable bed is simply a bed that moves. Using quiet electric motors built into the frame, different sections of the bed can raise or lower at the touch of a button. You might lift the head section to read comfortably, raise your feet to improve circulation, or find countless positions in between.
Think of it as having multiple beds in one. When flat, it looks and feels like a traditional bed. But with your remote control, you can transform it into a comfortable reading chair, a recliner for watching television, or find therapeutic positions that ease various health conditions.
The bed consists of a sturdy metal frame divided into sections that correspond to different parts of your body. Each section connects with hinges, allowing smooth movement. Electric motors power these movements, controlled by a simple handheld remote that anyone can operate.
Modern adjustable beds come in all standard UK sizes, from single to super king. They work with specially designed flexible mattresses that bend without damage. Many models include additional features like massage functions or preset positions, but at their core, all adjustable beds share this same basic principle: motorised sections that move to support your body exactly how you need.
2. How the mechanism works
The mechanics of an adjustable bed are surprisingly straightforward. Understanding how they work will help you appreciate the engineering that goes into creating such reliable comfort.
The frame structure
Every adjustable bed starts with a robust steel frame. This frame divides into sections, typically at the shoulders, hips, knees, and sometimes feet. These divisions align with your body’s natural bending points, ensuring the bed moves with you rather than forcing you into awkward positions.
Strong hinges connect these sections, allowing each to move independently while maintaining structural integrity. The entire frame is overbuilt for safety, designed to support far more weight than necessary. This robust construction ensures your bed remains stable and secure regardless of position.
The motor system
Electric motors attach to the frame at key points, usually where the sections join. These motors are surprisingly small but powerful enough to lift both the bed sections and the weight of the person lying on them. When you press a button on your remote, the motor receives the signal and begins turning a drive shaft or extending an actuator arm.
Most home adjustable beds use DC motors, which operate almost silently. You might hear a gentle hum when adjusting, but nothing that would disturb a sleeping partner. The motors move slowly and smoothly, taking perhaps 30 seconds to go from flat to fully raised. This deliberate pace ensures comfort and safety during adjustment.
Some beds have two motors (one for the head, one for the feet), while more advanced models might have three or four motors for additional adjustment points. More motors mean more precise positioning options, though even basic two-motor systems provide excellent flexibility.
Safety features
Quality adjustable beds include several safety features you might never notice but which protect you every day. Anti-trap sensors stop movement if something gets caught. Emergency flat buttons return the bed to a horizontal position instantly. Battery backup systems ensure you can adjust the bed even during power cuts.
The motors include automatic cut-offs to prevent overheating or overloading. Cable management systems keep all wires safely contained and away from moving parts. These safety elements work quietly in the background, ensuring your adjustable bed remains as safe as it is comfortable.
3. Control systems made simple
Operating an adjustable bed couldn’t be easier. The control systems are designed with simplicity in mind, recognising that not everyone is comfortable with complex technology.
The remote control
Your adjustable bed comes with a wireless remote control, similar to a television remote but even simpler. Basic buttons clearly labelled Head Up, Head Down, Feet Up, and Feet Down control the main movements. A Flat button returns everything to horizontal with one touch.
Better models include memory buttons that save your favourite positions. Find the perfect angle for reading? Save it to Memory 1. Discover the ideal position for reducing snoring? That’s Memory 2. With these presets, you can return to your preferred positions instantly without experimenting each time.
The remote typically runs on standard batteries and connects wirelessly to the bed’s control box. Some manufacturers now offer smartphone apps for control, but the traditional remote remains the most popular option for its simplicity and reliability.
The control box
Hidden beneath the bed, a control box acts as the brain of the system. It receives signals from your remote and coordinates the motors to create smooth, synchronised movement. This box also manages the safety features, monitors motor performance, and stores your memory positions.
Modern control boxes use low-voltage systems for safety and include surge protection to guard against electrical problems. Many include USB ports for charging phones or tablets, turning your bed into a convenient charging station.
4. Positions that make a difference
The true value of an adjustable bed lies in the positions it offers. Each serves specific purposes, whether for comfort, health, or daily activities.
Head elevation
Raising the upper portion of your bed does more than help you read or watch television comfortably. Even slight elevation can open airways, reducing snoring and helping those with breathing difficulties sleep better. A raised head position also prevents acid reflux by using gravity to keep stomach acid where it belongs.
The angle is completely adjustable. You might want just a few degrees of elevation for subtle snoring relief, or a more upright position for reading. The motor moves smoothly through the entire range, stopping exactly where you want.
Foot and leg elevation
Lifting your feet above heart level encourages blood flow back to your heart, reducing swelling in feet and ankles. This position helps anyone who spends long days on their feet or experiences poor circulation. It also takes pressure off the lower back, providing relief from sciatica or general back pain.
Many people discover that sleeping with slightly elevated legs improves their overall sleep quality. The position reduces pressure points and can prevent the restless leg sensations that disturb sleep.
The zero-gravity position
Despite its space-age name, the zero-gravity position is simply a specific angle where both your head and knees are elevated. This position, originally developed by NASA for astronauts, distributes your weight evenly across the bed, minimising pressure on any single point.
In the zero-gravity position, your spine relaxes into its natural curve. Pressure on joints decreases. Many people report this position provides the best relief from back pain and arthritis. Most adjustable beds include a one-touch preset for this popular position.
Therapeutic positions
Different health conditions benefit from specific positions:
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Semi-Fowler’s position (head raised 30-45 degrees) helps with breathing problems
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Trendelenburg position (feet higher than head) improves circulation in specific conditions
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Slight side-tilt positions reduce pressure on hips for side sleepers
Your adjustable bed can achieve all these positions and more, allowing you to find exactly what works for your body.
5. Health and comfort benefits
Understanding how adjustable beds work is interesting, but what really matters is what they can do for you. The technology serves a purpose: improving your comfort, health, and quality of life.
Better spinal alignment
Your spine has natural curves that need support during sleep. A flat mattress forces these curves to flatten, creating stress and discomfort. An adjustable bed lets you maintain proper spinal alignment by contouring to your body’s natural shape.
This improved alignment reduces morning stiffness and can prevent long-term back problems. Many physiotherapists recommend adjustable beds for patients with chronic back pain because of this superior support.
Pressure point relief
When you lie flat, certain body parts bear more weight than others. Hips and shoulders particularly suffer from this pressure concentration, leading to numbness, discomfort, and disturbed sleep.
By adjusting your bed’s position, you redistribute weight more evenly. Elevating your knees slightly takes pressure off your lower back. Raising your upper body shifts weight from your shoulders. These small adjustments make a big difference in comfort through the night.
Massage features
Many Adjustamatic beds include the Cyclo-Therapy massage system. This medical-grade feature uses gentle vibrations to relax muscles, improve circulation, and provide pain relief. The massage operates independently from the bed’s positioning, so you can enjoy a soothing massage in any position.
The intensity and pattern of massage are adjustable through your remote control. Some people use it to relax before sleep, while others find it helpful for morning stiffness. Clinical studies show this type of massage therapy significantly reduces pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle injuries.
Easier breathing
Lying flat can make breathing more difficult, especially for those with asthma, sleep apnoea, or even common colds. The horizontal position allows throat tissues to relax backward, partially blocking airways.
A slightly elevated head position keeps airways open naturally. Many users report dramatic improvements in sleep quality simply from this modest elevation. Partners especially appreciate the reduction in snoring that comes from improved breathing position.
Better circulation
Poor circulation causes numerous problems, from swollen ankles to varicose veins. Adjustable beds address these issues directly by allowing you to position your body for optimal blood flow.
Elevating your legs encourages blood return to your heart. This reduces swelling and can prevent blood clots in those at risk. The improved circulation also aids healing and can reduce nighttime leg cramps.
Enhanced mobility and independence
For anyone who struggles getting in or out of bed, an adjustable bed provides invaluable assistance. By raising the head section, you can sit up without straining. From this seated position, standing becomes much easier and safer.
This powered assistance helps maintain independence longer. Instead of needing help to get up, you use the bed’s strength. The psychological benefit of maintaining this independence is just as valuable as the physical assistance.
6. Comparing adjustable beds to traditional beds
To fully appreciate adjustable bed technology, it helps to compare adjustable beds with traditional flat beds:
|
Feature |
Traditional Flat Bed |
Adjustable Bed |
|
Positions |
One – flat only |
Unlimited positions possible |
|
Support |
Same for everyone |
Customisable to your body |
|
Health benefits |
Basic support only |
Addresses multiple conditions |
|
Daily activities |
Requires pillow props |
Built-in positioning for reading/TV |
|
Getting up |
No assistance |
Powered help to sitting position |
|
Partner disturbance |
Both must agree on mattress |
Dual beds allow independent adjustment |
|
Technology |
None |
Motors, remotes, massage options |
|
Longevity |
Frame lasts years |
Motors typically guaranteed 10+ years |
While traditional beds cost less initially, adjustable beds provide value through improved sleep quality, health benefits, and enhanced daily comfort that flat beds simply cannot match.
7. Choosing your adjustable bed
Understanding how adjustable beds work helps you choose the right bed for your needs. Consider these factors:
Size and configuration
Start with the bed size that suits your room and sleeping arrangements. Single beds work well for individual use, while couples might prefer king or super king sizes. If partners have different needs, consider dual adjustable beds that allow independent control of each side.
Number of motors
Two-motor systems (head and foot) provide good flexibility for most people. Three or four-motor systems add extra adjustment points for more precise positioning. More motors typically mean quieter operation and longer lifespan since each motor works less hard.
Special features to consider
Decide which additional features would benefit you:
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Massage systems for pain relief
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Under-bed lighting for safe nighttime navigation
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USB ports for convenient device charging
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Wall-hugging designs that keep bedside tables within reach
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Height adjustment for easier bed access
Mattress selection
Your adjustable bed needs a flexible mattress designed to bend without damage. Memory foam, latex, and specially designed pocket spring mattresses work well. The mattress should be comfortable in all positions, not just when flat.
Quality indicators
Look for robust steel frames, established manufacturers, and comprehensive warranties. Check weight capacities, ensuring they exceed your needs with margin to spare. Quality adjustable beds should operate quietly and smoothly, with controls that respond instantly.
Try before buying
An adjustable bed is a personal choice that affects your daily comfort. Take advantage of showroom visits or home demonstrations to experience different models. Spend time in various positions, testing the controls and comfort levels. What feels right for one person might not suit another.
8. Discover the perfect adjustable bed with Adjustamatic
Understanding how adjustable beds work is your first step toward better sleep and daily comfort. Now it’s time to experience this remarkable technology for yourself and discover how it could transform your nights and days.
Six decades of engineering excellence
At Adjustamatic, we’ve spent over 60 years refining the technology behind adjustable beds. We understand every component, from the whisper-quiet motors to the precision control systems, because we’ve been instrumental in developing and improving these mechanisms throughout their evolution from medical equipment to home comfort solutions.
Our British-made adjustable beds incorporate the most reliable technology available, built to exacting standards that ensure years of dependable service. We select each component for longevity and performance, creating beds that work as beautifully years from now as they do on day one.
Technology with a purpose
Engineered for real life: Our adjustable beds combine sophisticated technology with practical design. The motors operate so quietly you’ll barely hear them. The controls respond instantly but move the bed slowly enough for comfort and safety. Every technical decision prioritises your experience over unnecessary complexity.
Innovation that matters: Features like our Cyclo-Therapy massage system and EASY REACH technology demonstrate our commitment to meaningful innovation. Every feature serves a genuine purpose in improving your comfort or health.
Reliability you can trust: With robust steel frames, premium motors, and comprehensive safety features, our beds are built to perform flawlessly night after night. Our confidence shows in our industry-leading warranties, including up to 15 years on mechanisms.
Making technology accessible
We know that technology can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve made our adjustable beds remarkably simple to use. Clear, intuitive controls mean anyone can operate our beds confidently from day one. Our team excels at explaining the technology in plain terms, ensuring you understand exactly how your bed works and how to get the most from it.
If you’re eligible for VAT relief on medical grounds, we’ll guide you through the process. We offer flexible payment options to make this technology accessible, including interest-free finance that spreads the cost manageably.
Experience the technology firsthand
We offer no-obligation demonstrations where you can see the mechanisms in action, try different positions, and feel how smoothly and quietly everything operates.
Whether you visit our showroom or arrange a home demonstration, you’ll have time to explore the technology properly. Test the controls, experience the massage functions, and discover positions that provide relief from any discomfort you experience. Our specialists will answer your technical questions and help you understand which features would benefit you most.
Your journey to better comfort starts here
Now that you understand the technology behind adjustable beds, take the next step toward experiencing these benefits yourself. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect combination of technology and comfort for your needs.
Ring us free on 0800 689 9823 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) to discuss how adjustable bed technology could improve your sleep and daily comfort. Our specialists love sharing their knowledge and will explain everything in clear, simple terms.
Send us a message for more information on our complete range of adjustable beds and see the technology in action through videos and detailed specifications. When you’re ready to experience the difference, we’re here to arrange your personal demonstration.
At Adjustamatic, we believe everyone deserves the comfort and health benefits that adjustable bed technology provides. Let us show you how our expertise has created beds that truly work for you.
