The term adjustable bed refers to the base of a bed that lets you
adjust its position with the help of a motorized foundation. The user
can raise or lower the head or foot of the bed as desired. This can be
done by using devices such as buttons or remote controls, and your
mattress is supported on top of this motorized foundation. These bed
bases are also known as "motorized", "motion" or "power foundations."
A Little Background...
Adjustable
beds were usually recommended for users with certain medical conditions
such as breathing problems, sleep apnea or acid reflux disease. Users
can benefit greatly from them, as can someone who needs to keep their
legs elevated due to circulatory problems.
While an adjustable bed
can still serve that purpose, it has taken off in popularity as
manufacturers have begun offering them with new features. Now the use of
adjustable beds is not just limited to people with health concerns,
they can also be used watching TV or to read in bed.
Since most adjustable beds can be used with headboards and footboards, it is easy to integrate them into existing decors.
Tempur–Pedic
became one of the first major brands to pair its foam mattresses with
Ergo adjustable bases. Others followed suit and adjustable bed
manufacturers have seen a lot of growth suggesting that today's
consumers see a lot of possibilities in this product.
What Makes Adjustable Beds So Popular
With
the recent emphasis on the importance of sleep, many more consumers are
trying to make their bedrooms more relaxation friendly. Many users have
gained some health benefit from their adjustable bed,because they have
already been proven to provide relief from circulatory problems, sleep
apnea, swollen legs or leg cramps, breathing difficulties and asthma, as
well as back, shoulder or neck pain, among a long list of ailments that
can benefit from sleep position.
A lot of people find them
comfortable as well as convenient. The user can raise the head of the
bed to read, watch TV, catch up on a little work or even breast feed a
baby.
Many Queen or King sized adjustable beds are available in a
split design so that each partner can adjust the bed to their own
satisfaction. One side can have the head position or the foot position
higher than the other. That does reduce the sleeping surface somewhat,
because then the middle area becomes unusable.
An adjustable bed base can be used with any mattress, as long as it is not very thick. Memory foam, latex and air mattresses
are flexible enough to adapt to changes in the surface easily. However,
it is recommended that you not use a coil mattress thicker than 12
inches, as a more dense mattress might not be able to adapt to the
changes in the shape of the base.
Some Special Adjustable Bed Features
In
recent years there has been an increase in the number of high-tech
features in adjustable beds. You will find USB ports, night lights, as
well as programmable remotes. There are massage options and more. They
often come with Apple and Android apps, and let the users select from
multiple programmable room scenarios that allow them to adjust not just
the base but other room elements such as lights, fans,or the TV.
Improved
styling and customization options have given these bases a completely
new look that make them look more like bedroom furniture and less like
the hospital beds they originally were. They are now available in all
styles ranging from very modern to traditional and transitional to go with your bedroom decor.
Here is What You Should Watch Out For
Adjustable beds are heavy. It can be difficult or even expensive to transport or move them.
It is the more upscale ones that tend to weigh more. Keep that in mind
when you are trying to decide whether you want to purchase one.
Adjustable bases can be noisy to operate. They may make sounds when you raise or lower them, or use the massage option.
While
very little to none maintenance is required usually, if a part breaks
down, it can render the base useless till it is fixed. You should also
be aware that the warranties are very limited, and the parts that tend
to break down more often are usually covered for just a couple of years.
Make sure to check this out before you purchase.
Some Leading Manufacturers of Adjustable Beds
- Leggett & Platt
- Ergomotion
- Select Comfort
- Serta
- Glideaway
By Abe Abbas
Furniture Expert
