Best Adjustable Beds for Seniors You Can Buy in 2024

Adjustable beds have tons of amazing benefits, so it’s no surprise that they’ve become more and more popular over the last couple of decades – especially now that you can get stylish and affordable adjustable bases that look nothing like the hospital beds of old.

The bad news is that with the skyrocketing popularity of adjustable beds has come a host of low-quality and poorly constructed products. The list below will help you avoid buying any of those!

If you want a versatile adjustable bed with tons of features, high quality, and a price that won’t break the bank, check out the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+! This adjustable bed is perfect for just about everybody – and it’s got features that will please just about everybody!

Of all the Adjustable Bed+ features, one of the best ones is its rolling wave massager. This massage feature has three intensity settings to help melt away your stress and relax your muscles after a long day of work.

Another great feature of the Adjustable Bed+ is its wall-glider feature. This glider slides the mattress towards the headboard as you tilt it into the upright position. This keeps you close to the headboard and your nightstands so that you don’t have to stretch to reach things when you’re sitting up.

This choice of best adjustable beds also has lots of technology features like a wireless remote, underbed lighting, and USB charging ports. It also boasts wireless connectivity so that you can use voice commands or a mobile app to adjust the bed’s position. You can adjust the overall height of the Adjustable Bed+ by using the stackable legs as well.

If you don’t need all the bells and whistles like the wall glider or the massage feature, you can also consider Amerisleep’s base model Adjustable Bed. The base model doesn’t sport luxury features, but it does boast a lower price tag. So if you’re looking for quality on a budget, this is one to consider.

Regardless of which of the Amerisleep bases you choose, think about pairing it with one of their mattresses. All the offerings in the Amerisleep mattress lineup are compatible with their adjustable beds. So you can find the one that’s right for you!

Reviews on the Amerisleep adjustable vary, but it seems one thing to keep in mind is you will probably want an Amerisleep mattress to go with this adjustable base:

Disappointed: I ended up sleeping on the sofa after 2 weeks of owning the bed due to backaches. The mattress wasn’t for me. I found it offered no support and didn’t feel like it conformed. Another issue I had with the mattress was how it worked with the adjustable frame (also purchased through Casper).

Jay: I like the massage , the lights on the bottom of the frame. The remote could have been a little smaller.

Barbara: I bought the Amerisleep AS3 mattress with adjustable base. It’s the most comfortable sleep I’ve ever had! Excellent quality, comfort, and functionality… just as advertised. I love it so much, I got another one for my guest bedroom!

SEE ALSO: Best Casper Mattress Alternatives

Those who are physically active – whether they train for competition or have athletic hobbies or just work all day at a physically demanding job – should check out the Zoma Adjustable Bed. This bed was designed with recovery in mind. So it’s perfectly suited to helping you bounce back from training and labor alike.

The Zoma’s vibrating massager features three intensity settings and a dual setup that allows you to choose whether you want a foot massage, an upper body massage, or a full body massage. That’s perfect for those who need help relaxing their muscles after a long day of work or training.

The Zoma is also one of the best adjustable bed  for watching TV after a long day. It offers deep articulation so that you can sit fully upright in bed. This can also come in handy if you’re too sore from your day to get in and out of bed on your own – just let the bed do it for you!

The Zoma also features legs with multiple height options so seniors of all sizes can enjoy it. And if you want to keep your existing bed frame, you have that option too. The Zoma Adjustable Bed works with most adjustable bed frames.

The Zoma Adjustable Bed has all the technology features you’ll need in a modern adjustable base. It’s got a wireless remote, underbed lighting, and built-in USB charging ports. That means you don’t have to worry about it taking up your power outlets. You can just plug your phone back into the bed itself.

In addition to the adjustable base model, Zoma also features mattresses that were designed to offer recovery, including the original Zoma Mattress and the Zoma Hybrid.

People overall are fans of the Zoma Adjustable, but several people did note the mattresses move around on the bed. Here is what some had to say:

Chris R: The Matress is comfortable but it slides around too much (learn more about how to keep a mattress from sliding here).

DE: Only wish there was a way to keep the two mattresses from pushing apart. Had to rig up a bracket to tie the two king frames together.

Kelsey: I love that the base can adjust. The massage feature has three different settings. The LEDs under the bed is a nice touch, too. Plus, no more back pain!

SEE ALSO: Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers

If you want tons of features at an unbeatable price, check out the Nolah Ultimate Adjustable Smart Base. This adjustable bed has all the bells and whistles of a luxury adjustable base and the price of a base model.

The highlight of this adjustable base is its massage feature. The Ultimate has a head and foot vibrating massage that offers different intensities and the option to target everything from the head to the feet to the entire body.

The Ultimate also features a wall glider that will keep you within reach of your nightstands and everything on them, no matter what position you choose. And you can easily choose positions with the wireless remote’s programmable positions. The remote has up to three programmable presets, so you can find and preset your favorite positions.

Of course, the Ultimate has all the technology features you’d expect from a modern adjustable base, including wireless connectivity, USB ports, and voice control using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Another great feature of this adjustable base is its easy setup. You can set this adjustable bed up in around 15 minutes using minimal tools. So if you’re not all that handy, don’t worry. You can still set this bed up on your own.

You can get all this technology for under $1,000 for a twin XL – and even the split king models come in at under $2,000. So if you want great features at a great price, don’t overlook this option.

Google reviewers give this base a 4.9 out of 5 stars. It is safe to say people love it. Here are some comments:

David V: Everything that was advertised 🙂 and more
Ok first off the price is AMAZING, we shopped and shopped and this base came at literally half the price with all the bells and whistles.

Jennifer V: Once the Nolah arrived (took a long while due to COVID-19) it was easy to assemble and was put in place to sleep on that night. The shopping experience as easy and the customer support was fantastic. The mattress is nice however, I got it for my hip pain and it had may great reviews for side/hip pain sleepers, sadly it is not any better than my old mattress and I’m still in pain.

Elayne T: We love our new Nolah adjustable base. It operates perfectly and it is so quiet when changing position and when on massage/vibrate. The remote is easy to use.

If you don’t need bells and whistles, just affordable durability, check out Amerisleep’s base model Adjustable Bed Base. This is another of the best adjustable beds that shaves hundreds of dollars off the price tag of the Adjustable Bed+ by getting rid of some of the luxury features without sacrificing any of the quality or durability you expect from Amerisleep products.

You’ll get all the health benefits of an adjustable base from this model, including pain relief and a reduction in sleep apnea or acid reflux symptoms. That’s because the Adjustable Bed Base offers full articulation and programmable presets in the wireless remote that let you set your ideal positions and get into them at the touch of a button.

The Adjustable Bed Base also lets you keep your bedroom style because it works anywhere with any bed frame. But the zero-clearance design also means it can work as a standalone piece as well. As long as it’s placed on a flat surface, it’s good to go.

Don’t let the amazing price fool you. The Amerisleep base model adjustable bed is still just as durable and high-quality as its more expensive counterpart. That’s why it sports the same ten-year warranty.

Overall, customers who bought this adjustable bed are happy, with some minor complaints:

Happy Camper: I love the flexibility to radish my head or feet! Watch a little night time tv is much more comfortable now! I also breathe better at night a little elevated.

Megan: Pretty happy with it so far, but the head part is a little noisy when I put it down. It makes reading in bed so much better though.

Red S: This is the third Amerisleep adjustable bed that I have purchased. My wife is still using her original, my original came apart after about ten years. I am very impressed with the upgrades, especially the functions on the remote. It is very quiet and holds position.

Seniors looking for an easy and convenient shopping experience should consider GhostBed. Their adjustable bed offers tons of great features. Best of all, you have the option to bundle your split king adjustable bed with one of four mattresses for a quick one-transaction purchase.

The GhostBed Adjustable Base has tons of technology features, like a programmable wireless remote, USB charger ports, and underbed lighting. The programmable remote also sports different preset modes like anti-snore and TV-watching.

This adjustable base also comes with adjustable height options so that you can choose the best profile for your height and your mattress. This can be a huge help to seniors with arthritis or other mobility issues.

Another fantastic feature for seniors who have pain issues is the whisper-quiet two-zone massage features. This quiet vibrating massage can help you drift off to sleep, relieving pain without making noise that keeps you awake.

With the split king size option, couples have the choice to bundle two twin XL size adjustable bases and two twin XL size GhostBed mattresses. You can choose from four compatible options:

• GhostBed Classic
• GhostBed Luxe
• GhostBed Flex
• GhostBed 3D Matrix

Those who want simple comfort and a firmer feel can go with the Classic. If you want softness and contouring, go with the Luxe. Those who want cooling and bounce should consider the Flex. And if you want bounce, coolness, and softness all at once, the 3D Matrix may be the right choice for you.

People who chose the GhostBed adjustable have overall loved it. With over 3,000 reviews, nobody has voiced complete displeasure. Here is what some had to say:

Tricia W: The investment into the adjustable base was definitely worth it! We actually go to bed a little earlier now so we can talk. Sounds like a little thing but to me it’s a big thing. Well worth the investment.

Erin W: Love the features with base! Easily reclines for ease and comfort!! Glad we went with adjustable base!

Terrell M: The base is great and my wife likes the mattress but I wake up with my back hurting every morning.

SEE ALSO: Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers

The Saatva Lineal Adjustable Bed Base offers tons of luxury and technology to those who want it. Seniors who aren’t very handy with tools can also rest easy in the knowledge that assembling this bed won’t be a hassle.

First, we’ll talk about the technology features. The Lineal has a rolling wave massage with dual massagers that can target your upper or lower body, or they can offer you a full body massage. Combined with the preprogrammed pressure-relieving positions, that’s a recipe for fantastic pain relief and quality sleep.

The technology features are also all-inclusive. You’ll get underbed lighting, a one-touch wireless remote control, and continuous movement rather than preset positions. That means you can find the exact angles that work for you.

Other great features of this adjustable base include a wall glider to ensure your mattress hugs the wall and stays close to your nightstands regardless of its position. And the whisper-quiet motor means you can adjust your side of the bed without disturbing your partner’s sleep.

Best of all, if you don’t want to set your bed up, you don’t have to deal with it at all. The Lineal comes with free white-glove delivery. You can have it set up professionally in the room of your choosing without paying any extra.

Saatva has overall happy reviews, but there are many minor issues customers have had:

Tim: Purchased split king option. Motorized adjustment is fairly quiet. The remote is easy to use. The massage feature is OK. It might work better with a latex or memory foam mattress.

Terri: I have the Queen adjustable base plus along with a Saatva Classic luxury firm mattress. All in all, I’m quite happy. The adjustments are smooth and varied to your preferences. Disappointing massage feature. It reminds me of a 70’s vibrating bed and it’s too embarrassing to use in a townhouse with shared walls as a resultRead more about review stating Remote has fatal flaw :(. Very loud.

Hal J: While I do not use it when I sleep because the elevation tends to hurt my neck, I do use it when I watch TV in bed.

SEE ALSO: Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress Alternatives

The Bear Adjustable Flex Bed offers a range of features designed to enhance your sleep experience. It is compatible with all mattresses, thanks to its non-slip mattress guard that ensures your mattress stays in place even as you adjust positions.

The bed’s adjustable height feature allows you to customize it to your preferred level. Experience weightlessness with the Zero-G Preset, providing the ultimate relaxation. You can save your ideal positions with two customizable presets.

The inclusion of a remote flashlight makes it convenient to locate items like glasses in the dark.

The bed operates quietly, thanks to its silent drive motors. For personalized comfort, there is also a Split King option available.

Customers who purchased the Bear Adjustable bed overall love it. One complaint was it is heavy, as most adjustable beds are:

Janice P: The adjustable bed frame is amazing. I can get just the right pitch for my back and is perfect for reading in bed

Anthony R: Adjustable base is heavy and too much for one person. Works well.

Elise M: Great price and loving this so far!

The Helix Adjustable Base offers a range of customizable features to enhance comfort and support while sleeping or relaxing. It provides head and foot elevation for reducing snoring, alleviating joint pain, and releasing back tension.

The Zero Gravity Relief Position, inspired by NASA astronauts, supports spinal decompression, lower back pressure relief, and hip tension release. The wireless remote includes memory presets and a one-touch flat setting for convenience. Additionally, the base offers dual massage functionality with timer presets. USB ports for device charging and underbed lighting add convenience.

The Zero Clearance design allows it to be placed directly on top of existing bed frames. The base also allows for customizable height with 12″ stackable legs, maximizing storage space and facilitating easy access to bed. It comes with up to a 20-year Limited Warranty and offers a free return option if packaging is unopened.

The Adjustable Base is designed to improve sleep comfort for a wide range of users by reducing snoring, back pressure, and joint pain, while also providing relaxation and massage features.

Several users have expressed satisfaction on Twitter/X, here is what some had to say:

Spellczyker: I got a hybrid mattress and adjustable base from Helix. It definitely wasn’t cheap and it took a couple weeks to break it in, but I’m very happy with it.

Steve C: Go on Helix mattress and take their little quiz. Got one with an adjustable base with “zero G” mode. I haven’t had back pain since I bought it. Great setup.

Josh H: I got their Helix Dawn Luxe mattress with adjustable base! GAME. CHANGER.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress Under 2000 Dollars

If the look of your bed is just as important to you as the function, the Ascent adjustable bed by Purple may be up your alley. This adjustable bed doesn’t just fit like a glove in any bed frame. It also looks fantastic on its own!

The Ascent’s style is all thanks to its neutral gray upholstery and wooden legs. On their own, the legs become the focal point of the adjustable base, complimenting your bedding and creating a statement of their own all at once. Not to mention that the adjustable base can also attach to a headboard with a set of optional brackets.

Conversely, the Ascent can fit into just about any bed frame you want. And the neutral gray color will melt into everything from modern metal to rustic reclaimed wood! That means you can expect the focus to remain on your bed frame. However, if you just an added dash of class, you can dress it up with a bed skirt with your adjustable bed.

The Ascent isn’t just stylish. It still has plenty of features, like a wireless remote with single-touch presets and USB charging ports. Not only that but the Ascent sports easy, low-tool assembly for those who don’t like to deal with setup.

People overall like the Purple. However, there are a variety of minor issues people had with this adjustable bed. Here is what some had to say:

Charlotte N: This is so comfortable! We love zero gravity. My husband is a former Div. I football player – he says it takes the aches away 🙂

Damien D: The biggest issue is the lack of any attachment or Velcro to hold the mattress to the adjustable base, without that when you use the zero g function the mattress bends so crazy it’s like your feet are almost straight up.

Jones C: It seems to be lacking. It does the job and adjusts the bed. But I ordered a split king. The cord that links the two separate sides makes the bed just one king size bed.

SEE ALSO: Best Purple Mattress Alternatives

Best Adjustable Beds for Seniors of 2024 Highlights And Comparisons

How to Choose the Right Adjustable Bed for You

Shopping for an adjustable bed can feel confusing and difficult because there are so many to choose from. But if you keep a few things in mind, you can pick the right one for your needs without too much of a fuss.

Mattress Compatibility

You might think that you can buy an adjustable bed that works with the mattress you already own. Depending on the type of mattress you have, you could be right.

But you could also be very wrong about whether you have a good mattress for an adjustable bed. Some mattresses work perfectly fine with adjustable beds, but others will break as soon as you pull the base out of the flat position.

Memory Foam

Of all the most popular mattress types, memory foam is the best overall for adjustable beds. A memory foam mattress has several pros going for it that make it the best suited to be bent out of shape night after night.

First off, memory foam is incredibly flexible. It can bend with ease, following the curve of the adjustable bed no matter what position it takes. Memory foam doesn’t want to retain its own shape, so being bent into the zero-gravity position or even the fully upright position all night long won’t phase it.

Memory foam is also highly durable. It’s not the absolute most durable matress on the market (that distinction goes to natural latex). But memory foam can still take a licking and keep on ticking. That means you won’t have to worry that night after night of bending your mattress will wear it out.

Memory foam mattresses will also be easier on your adjustable base as well. Memory foam is lighter than other mattress materials that are compatible with adjustable bases. That means you will rarely have to worry about your memory foam mattress exceeding your adjustable bed frame’s weight capacity.

To top it off, memory foam is a fantastic material to sleep on in its own right. The same flexibility that allows it to bend with your adjustable base means it can follow the curve of your body to relieve pressure and keep your spine aligned. This establishes a pain-relieving mattress for seniors – with or without an adjustable base.

SEE ALSO: Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress for Hot Sleepers

Natural Latex

Natural latex is another fantastic mattress material for an adjustable bed. Natural latex’s main pull is its durability. This all-natural foam comes from the sap of the rubber tree. The same durability you can expect from tires and doorstoppers translates to latex foam. That means you can keep a latex mattress on your adjustable bed and still expect to get decades of use out of it.

Latex foam is also highly flexible. It’s not quite as flexible as memory foam, as our latex vs memory foam guide covers, but it’s more than adequate to bend with your adjustable bed. Natural latex is also heavy enough to stay stuck to the adjustable bed rather than “floating” over it as it bends.

On the flip side, that heaviness can cause problems as well. Natural or organic latex mattresses can be extremely heavy and may exceed the weight capacity of your adjustable bed. That means you need to pay special attention to both the weight of your mattress, as well as your own weight and that of your partner. All three together should not exceed the bed’s max weight.

SEE ALSO: Talalay vs. Dunlop Latex Foam Mattress

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses can be an excellent choice for adjustable beds. Their pocketed coil support systems can bend and flex with the movements of an adjustable bed. So most of the time, you don’t have to worry about an adjustable bed harming a hybrid mattress.

There are a couple of issues to consider, however. First off, hybrids are often extremely heavy. That means the chances of them exceeding your adjustable bed’s weight capacity are higher than those of memory foam mattresses. See our hybrid vs memory foam mattress for a thorough comparison.

Not all hybrids are intended for adjustable beds. Most of the time, the coils can flex and move with the bed. But sometimes, it can rearrange them or push them out of alignment. So you should speak with sales reps or other personnel before buying to ensure the mattress can handle being placed on an adjustable bed.

SEE ALSO: Hybrid Mattress Buying Guide

Innerspring

If memory foam is the best mattress type for adjustable beds, innerspring construction is the worst. Open coils are not pocketed coils. They’re wired together in a network rather than being individually wrapped. This means that open coil innerspring mattresses cannot flex with the adjustable base when it moves from the flat position.

If you put an innerspring mattress on an adjustable base, the best that will happen is the mattress will float over the bed as it fails to bend with it. At worst, the mattress and possibly the adjustable base itself will break. For this reason, you should always avoid placing innerspring mattresses on an adjustable bed.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Sciatica

Weight Capacity

The max weight capacity of your adjustable bed is the maximum weight it can bear without being in danger of premature aging or breakage. This weight includes the weight of your mattress and all sleepers on the bed.

Bed Height

The ideal bed height is the height at which you can sit on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the floor and your thighs horizontal. Many adjustable beds come with stackable legs that offer different height options. If you have mobility issues, you may want to ensure you buy one of these beds.

Single/Split Base

An adjustable bed frame can be either a single piece or split pieces. If you’re getting smaller mattress sizes (up to a queen), you’ll likely have a single base. However, if you’re getting a king or California king size adjustable bed frame, it will almost certainly be two pieces.

Don’t worry though, if you want a single mattress, most split king adjustable bed frames come with a dual-sync feature to operate as a single unit.

Ease of Assembly

If you’re not all that handy, you might want to look for adjustable beds with easy assembly. Some beds require a lot of tools and time to put together. But the ones that snap together in a few minutes will often not be shy about letting you know.

Warranty

Adjustable bed warranties can range from a year all the way up to 25 years. The warranty is a good indicator of whether or not your adjustable bed manufacturer thinks they’ve made a quality product. For this reason, it’s best to stick with adjustable beds that are warranted for at least a decade.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress on Amazon

Price

If you only want an adjustable base with the ability to allow you to sleep upright comfortably and without a lot of hassle, then you can expect to pay as little as $700 or $800. If you want luxury features like a massager or technology features like wireless connectivity or you want a complete overhaul with an adjustable bed and mattress combo, you can expect to pay up to $3,500 for a larger-sized adjustable base.

If you’re interested in a higher-end model with extra features, you can save on an adjustable bed during the year’s big mattress sales:

• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
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SEE ALSO: How Much Does a Mattress Cost?

Features

Adjustable beds can come with tons of amazing features, from massagers and heaters to built-in USB chargers and voice command capability. Just remember, the more luxury features your adjustable bed has, the more it will cost.

Benefits of an Adjustable Bed

Everyone can benefit from an adjustable bed, but seniors especially may find that an adjustable bed helps them with many of their ailments, from back pain to acid reflux. This is all thanks to gravity! Adjustable beds use gravity and ergonomic positioning to help alleviate pain and other symptoms related to aging.

Pain Relief

One of the main issues adjustable beds are famous for alleviating is pain. Back pain, in particular, can be greatly helped by an adjustable bed. The zero-gravity position on an adjustable bed for back pain takes pressure off your spinal cord and pelvis by positioning your body with your head and feet above your heart level. This aligns your spine perfectly to relieve lower and upper back pain alike.

The right position can also take pressure off your joints to offer arthritis pain and inflammation relief. If you sleep non your side, you especially might benefit from a gently sloped position to alleviate pressure on the shoulders and hips.

Not only can an adjustable bed relieve pain by relieving pressure. It can also relieve pain by increasing circulation to reduce inflammation around the joints. Improved circulation can reduce inflammation. Thus, pain and stiffness related to inflammation is also reduced.

Acid Reflux

Gravity can be your best friend or your worst enemy when it comes to acid refluxVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source. In the typical acid reflux case, the stomach produces too much acid, and the acid comes up the esophagus, causing damage.

However, with nocturnal acid reflux, gravity is often the culprit. When you lie flat, it’s much easier for stomach acid to travel up the esophagus. Sometimes the stomach still overproduces acid, but other times lying flat is all it takes.

In both cases – but especially the case of nocturnal acid refluxVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source – an adjustable bed can help. Sleeping with the head elevated above the stomach makes gravity work for you rather than against you. It can help keep stomach acid where it belongs – in the stomach.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses for Acid Reflux

Swelling/Edema

We already talked about how adjustable beds can help reduce the joint inflammation that causes arthritis pain. But did you know that it can also help reduce symptoms of edema as well? EdemaVerified Source Medline PlusOnline resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health.View source is caused when fluid builds up inside the body’s tissues, causing them to swell. It typically happens in the legs, feet, and ankles.

Just like with acid reflux, gravity is your friend when it comes to reducing the symptoms of edema. Gravity pulls edema fluid downward. So sleeping with the legs elevated can help push fluid out of your feet and ankles to reduce swellingVerified Source Medline PlusOnline resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health.View source.

Circulation

When your heart is below your head and feet, it makes it much easier for blood to get back to your heart after circulating through your body. That means sleeping in the zero-gravity pose can help make it easier for your heart to pump your blood while you’re sleeping.

This improved circulation can not only reduce inflammation. It may also reduce high blood pressureVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source as well. Raising the head and foot of the bed specifically may be the best way to keep your blood pressure down at night.

Snoring/Sleep Apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea are another set of symptoms that adjustable beds are famous for alleviating. With most snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissues in your mouth and throat collapse into your airways when your neck and facial muscles relax during sleep. This allows these soft tissues to block your airways, causing loud snoring and apnea symptoms.

Gravity is your friend in this situation too. Sleeping with the head elevated allows gravity to keep your throat tissues in place, stopping snoring and alleviating some sleep apnea symptoms. Depending on what your doctor says, you might even be able to use an adjustable bed in lieu of a CPAP machine!

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea

Adjustable Beds vs. Hospital Beds

When looking at adjustable beds for seniors, the topic of hospital beds are likely to come up. They are medical devices designed to make at-home living easier for seniors with complicated conditions. Like adjustable beds, hospital bed gives sleeper a degree of freedom to customize their sleeping surface and can be paired with a mattress for bed sores to make long-term rest more comfortable.

Hospital beds can be quite expensive, though insurance may cover at least some of the costs as a needed medical device. Hospital beds must also comply with FDA safety standards, so concerned seniors can have some peace of mind there.

However, while for some they are medically necessarys, hospital beds can seem coldly utilitarian due to their design and lack of special features. Seniors who are still quite mobile will likely be perfectly content with an adjustable bed and a mattress for sitting up and sleeping.

FAQs

Can adjustable beds be a solution to the problems associated with aging?

Adjustable beds can help alleviate many of the issues that tend to appear or get worse as you age. One of the biggest ones is pain and mobility problems.

Adjustable beds can allow you to position your bed in a way that relieves pressure on your joints and back, reducing back and arthritis pain alike. And if you need help sitting up in the morning, just push the bed all the way into the upright position.

The different forms of edema are another age-related issue that adjustable beds can help relieve. Sleeping with your legs elevated can put gravity to work for you, pulling fluid out of your tissues and reducing swelling in the feet, ankles, and calves.

Will an adjustable bed cure my sleep apnea?

Another age-related issue that adjustable beds can help with is snoring/sleep apnea. Snoring and sleep apnea tend to worsen as we age. Maybe we gain weight, increasing the amount of soft tissue in our airways and further restricting airflow. Or maybe we just sleep harder as we get older, relaxing our throat muscles even more.

Either way, sleeping with the upper body elevated can put gravity to work for you. Gravity can pull your soft tissues back into place to lessen snoring and apnea symptoms. Depending on the circumstances, you might even be able to ditch the CPAP machine. Of course, don’t do this without your doctor’s permission.

Is an adjustable bed good for back pain?

Adjustable beds are fantastic for back pain. Beds that go to the zero-gravity position place your knees and your head above your heart. This helps align the spine in such a way that it pulls pressure off of your cerebral column.

Alleviating pressure won’t just help lower back pain. It can do everything from relieving neck and shoulder pain to reducing pain in the hips and knees as well. Sleeping in the zero-gravity position might even help with sciatica pain by relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Sleeping with the knees elevated puts the body into a position that “unpinch” the sciatic nerve, so to speak. That means your sciatica pain might not interrupt your sleep or ruin your day the next morning.

How much should I pay for an adjustable bed?

That depends on what you want to get out of your adjustable bed. If you’re just looking for a quality adjustable bed frame that can help you sleep upright more comfortably, then you can expect to pay as little as $700-$1000, depending on the size you want.

Any adjustable bed that costs significantly less than $1000 should set off alarm bells. You may be looking at an adjustable bed with low quality.

If, however, you want an adjustable bed with luxury features, like a massager or built-in heating, you can expect to pay well over the amount you would for a base model. Think $2000-$3500. If you’re paying more than that for an adjustable bed, you need to look for features that justify the price increase so that you don’t get ripped off.

Can I leave my adjustable bed in the upright position all the time?

Technically speaking, it won’t hurt your adjustable bed to leave it in the upright position for as long as you like. Adjustable beds were made to stay in whatever position you want for as long as you want.

However, leaving your mattress in the upright position all the time is a different story. Mattresses are not made to be bent all the time. Sleeping in an upright position is one thing. But storing your mattress bent all day long can damage its materials or internal structure. Even flexible and durable memory foam needs a break from being bent.

Bottom line: keeping your adjustable bed frame in the upright position won’t hurt it in theory. But it will hurt your mattress. So it’s best to lower your bed to the flat position when you get up every morning.

Bottom Line

You don’t have to waste a whole lot of time and a whole lot of money on an adjustable bed frame anymore. Some of the newer models boast affordability, quality, and luxury features. Best of all, you don’t have to have an ugly old hospital bed in your room!