Adjustable mattresses

Adjustable mattresses allow the person using them to change the tilt of the mattress at the head (and frequently also at the foot) of a bed. This kind of mattress is sold as part of an adjustable bed system, or as a replacement for an existing adjustable bed.

The beds adjustment is controlled by electric motors that allow the smallest of changes to be made to the bed’s vertical inclination. This means that the angle of the head and/or foot of the mattress can be adjusted whenever the user feels uncomfortable, or simply wants a change in posture.

Adjustable orthopedic mattresses can help with circulatory problems and a range of other physical ailments, and their popularity is increasing, although it is still restricted somewhat by their price tags.

Control and adjustment

A hand held remote control unit operates the adjustable bed, although an emergency crank is normally provided to manually supplement the motor drive unit if there is a power outage.

An adjustable bed allows its user to sleep on a firm orthopedic mattress, but one that can change the sleeper’s position to a selection of angles at the touch of a button. This allows the most comfortable and supportive of positions to be found, and if the posture becomes uncomfortable it can be changed with ease.

Adjustable beds and mattresses give their users the ability to move minimally and adjust their positioning on the bed remotely. This means that they can be of great benefit to those with back pains, muscular discomfort and mobility difficulties.

The customisation of adjustable beds means that they are very comfortable, but they are also very good for your health and have many orthopedic benefits.

Who could benefit from an adjustable bed or mattress

Adjustable orthopaedic beds can be a long term solution for people with a variety of health conditions ranging from arthritis to poor circulation, but they are no longer associated with the healthcare industry alone. Today, remotely adjustable beds are considered a luxury purchase and the top of the range adjustable beds have additional features like heat and even massage.

Adjustable beds are also available with independent controls for both sections of a double, queen or king sized bed. This means that sleeping partners can select different sleeping inclinations whilst lying on the same mattress.

Even so, automatically adjustable beds are ideal for anyone needing a more comfortable sleeping posture, especially anyone who is mobility restricted, infirm, or elderly.

Mattress luxuries - massage and heat

Some of the more expensive adjustable beds now come with massage units and heat controls. These beds are ideal for anyone who can afford them, but they are definitely a luxury item.

These luxury beds use variable speed therapeutic body massage motors to relax muscles and promote good circulation. They also have heating units within them that can be thermostatically set for optimum comfort.

The practicalities of an adjustable bed

Until recently adjustable beds were heavy items of furniture, however today many bed bases are made of light weight materials making them much lighter and more practical for the home.

Noise levels during operation are also much improved, with motors now being encapsulated in sound dampening cases.

These, and many other innovations, mean that adjustable bed and mattress units are comparatively light and quiet in operation. This makes them ideal for the home.

Construction – what to look for

When buying an adjustable bed, spend plenty of time researching its features and look for an extended warranty with on-site support and, if possible, find a supplier who will let you trail or test the bed first.

All adjustable beds used to have a frame and specially designed pocket spring mattresses, but now many modern beds are frameless and utilise memory foam or latex foam mattresses.

Many parts of an adjustable bed are constructed of indestructible materials like nylon, and the luxury features like massage and heat have safety cut-offs for additional security. These are important features to consider before you buy an adjustable bed.