An adjustable bed is one that can be profiled in a number of different sleeping positions depending on the preferences of the user. Adjustable electric beds have two or more hinges that operate via a motor, allowing different parts of the bed to be raised and lowered independently of each other. The following are some of the most important pros and cons of adjustable electric beds.
Pros of An Adjustable Bed
Increased Comfort
Electric adjustable beds provide increased comfort when compared to conventional beds. The improved comfort arises because of the customization of the sleeping position that electric beds give you. Users can set the bed at an incline, most popularly between 30 and 45 degrees, which is often more comfortable than lying flat.
Pain Relief
One of the key benefits of adjustable electric beds is how they can provide pain relief from chronic conditions such as arthritis and sciatica, helping to drastically improve the quality of life of patients suffering from these conditions. Since users can alter the position of an electric bed to the angle that suits them best, they can lie down and sleep in a position that takes pressure away from painful areas. Giving painful areas the chance to rest during the night has the knock-on effect of reducing pain and improving mobility upon waking.
Independence
Having a sense of independence in life is vital, especially as people get older. Since electric adjustable beds help to reduce pain and increase mobility, the result of these positive physical benefits is a boost to the mental well-being of users who feel more independent in their daily lives. Older people and people suffering from chronic pain conditions can feel empowered by the simple boost that electric beds give to their pain levels and mobility.
Combat Snoring
Sleeping with someone who snores loudly can reduce the quality of your sleep because it makes it difficult to get to sleep. If it takes you a long time to fall asleep every day because of a snoring partner, you end up sleep-deprived, which impacts on the quality of your waking life too. Adjustable beds combat snoring problems by raising the top half of the bed, which keeps the airways open more fully. Snoring occurs when the soft tissues of the throat sag as a person fall asleep, causing loud rumbling sounds. Sleeping with the top half of the bed raised helps to fight the effects of gravity so that the tissues of the throat don’t droop down, blocking the airways.
Improved Sleep Quality
Another way electric beds improve sleep quality is by allowing for undisturbed sleep in users who suffer from muscle or joint pain. In a normal bed, you are restricted to the horizontal sleeping position, which can cause a consistently poor night’s sleep due to moving around a lot in an attempt to reduce pressure on painful areas. With an adjustable bed, you can raise either the top or bottom half of the bed and take pressure away from sore areas, which helps you get better quality sleep.
Easier Egress
Older age and chronic pain conditions can make getting into and out of bed a real challenge. An important benefit of electric beds is how they allow users to bring the bed to a comfortable height using just the touch of a button, catering for easier entry to and exit from the bed.
Cons
Incompatible with existing mattress
An electric adjustable bed requires a specific mattress that moves with the bed frame. The Adjustable Bed specialists range by the Natural Sleep Company comes with specially designed mattresses as standard. They will also remove your old mattress completely free of charge, which avoids the potential annoyance of having to dispose of it.
More expensive
Due to the range of benefits that electric beds give users and the fact that the technology is much more advanced than normal beds, the price for an adjustable electric bed is higher. Thankfully, there are some VAT reliefs available for these in Ireland for people who have been diagnosed with a medical condition. Payment is made upfront and the VAT is claimed back afterwards.
Variations in Quality
As with pretty much any technology, there are some variations in the quality of adjustable electric beds on the market both in terms of the mattress quality and the motor quality. The variation in quality shouldn’t detract you from buying an electric bed—it just means finding the right one becomes harder. At The Natural Sleep company, for example, every adjustable bed is handmade with the finest quality materials using top of the line motors for the smooth operation of moving parts.
Key Takeaway
Electric adjustable beds provide a host of potential benefits to users, including:
- Improved comfort versus conventional beds.
- Better sleep quality both for people with chronic pain conditions and partners of people who are susceptible to snoring while they sleep.
- Pain relief from conditions such as arthritis and sciatica.
- Improved independence for the elderly.
Information is limited on the internet in terms of what beds are suitable for certain conditions, which can make buying the right bed more difficult. To find out if an adjustable bed is suitable for you, speak to an expert in adjustable beds.
If you have any questions on the best adjustable bed for you, call Maryrose on (062) 46900.
To find out more information on adjustable electric beds, visit the Adjustable Beds website.