An adjustable bed is a frame that can adjust the position of your mattress. This type of bed is becoming more popular due to its health and sleep benefits. Still, it is also more expensive than a regular bed. So, how do you know if an adjustable bed is an ideal option for you?
The right way to decide is by thinking about your overall sleep quality. If you don’t feel like your bed provides the right comfort for you, you should consider an adjustable bed. You can also benefit from an adjustable bed if you have sleep apnea or constant back pain.
In today’s guide, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of adjustable beds. We’ll tell you all you need to know about these devices and whether or not their benefits are worth their price tags.
Advantages of Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds are so popular because they provide a wide range of benefits for your overall sleep quality. Some models can also reach the zero-gravity position, which provides the most health benefits.
They Can Reduce Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects approximately 3-7% of men and 2-5% of women in the US. This disorder affects the person’s ability to breathe while sleeping, so they stop breathing on and off during the night. It is considered one of the most severe and dangerous sleeping disorders.
Adjustable beds help people with this condition by opening up their nasal passages and throats. That way, they’ll be able to breathe better during the night, reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea in the process.
Note: You should go to a physician if you think you may have this disorder. Replacing your bed will only reduce its severity, but it is not a cure.
Adjustable Beds Relieve Back and Neck Pain
Adjustable beds can relieve pain because they reduce the stress on the spine and neck. Experts calculate that around 80% of Americans suffer from back and neck pain. While some of these people have had injuries or accidents, most simply have bad posture.
Consider an adjustable bed if you have back and neck pain produced by bad posture. The mechanism of this bed allows it to switch between different positions, helping you find one that alleviates your pain.
The beds also provide better support for your back, meaning there’s less stress applied to your spine and neck.
They Increase Overall Comfort
People buy adjustable beds because they create a more comfortable sleeping environment than regular beds. If you combine your adjustable frame with a high-quality mattress, you’ll be improving your sleep quality. Add breathable sheets and premium pillows to it, and you might get the best possible sleeping experience.
Just raising your legs or head slightly can help you feel rested in the morning. That’s not counting all the potential extras an adjustable bed can offer, like a warming mechanism and an in-built massager.
These Beds Can Help You if You Have Insomnia
Another excellent benefit of these beds is their effect on the quality of your sleep if you have insomnia. A better night’s sleep means it will be easier for you to rest, reducing the mental anguish that insomnia produces.
An adjustable bed will give you the correct setup for good sleep by decreasing pain and improving your breathing. However, it is not a long-term solution, and you should also consult a physician to treat your insomnia.
They Can Bring Back a Sense of Independence
Adjustable beds and hospital beds share some characteristics, even if they have different purposes and advantages. However, these two devices can help seniors and people with reduced mobility recover a sense of independence.
They can place the bed in a raised position to help them get in or out without the need for someone else’s help. This slight change in their lives can improve their self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Disadvantages of Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds provide many benefits, but they also come with unique disadvantages you need to consider before buying one.
They Have Limited Mattress Compatibility
After buying your new adjustable bed, a problem you’ll find instantly is mattress compatibility. You can use any mattress with an adjustable bed, but not all mattresses will allow the bed to switch positions.
Because there’s no reason to buy one of these beds if you don’t use them for their intended purposes, you’ll need to get the proper mattress. For instance, mattresses with innerspring coils are too rigid and won’t allow the mechanism to switch positions.
Here are the mattresses you should consider:
- Latex mattresses
- Memory foam mattresses
- Non-innerspring mattresses
They Are More Expensive
The main disadvantage of adjustable beds is their price. A good-quality model can cost up to three times what a standard King bed would cost. Furthermore, that price only considers the bed frame, not the new mattress.
An adjustable bed is an excellent way to get a better night’s sleep, but don’t worry if it doesn’t fit your budget. There are other ways to get better sleep quality without getting in debt.
For instance, you can get a memory foam mattress, high-quality pillows, and comfortable sheet sets.
Quality Models Are Difficult to Find
Another drawback of these beds is the challenging process of finding high-quality models that meet all your needs. The most basic adjustable beds can only raise the lower and upper parts of the bed when necessary.
If you want the zero-gravity positioning, in-built massager, and smart interface, you’ll need to look for reliable manufacturers and be prepared to pay more.
The Bed Needs More Space
Because you’ll need to switch positions constantly, your bed will require more space than a regular model. That is unless you get a wall-hugger adjustable bed, which is an even more expensive option.
Space is an important aspect you need to consider before buying one of these beds. So, if you have a small room, you might consider focusing on getting a better mattress and pillows for your bed instead.
Adjustable Beds Need Maintenance
All adjustable beds have complex internal mechanisms that allow you to switch between positions when needed. That’s the reason these beds require professional maintenance to keep them functional for longer. If you don’t take care of the adjustable frame, it will not last long, and you’ll need to replace it eventually.
Things to Consider When Deciding if an Adjustable Bed Is Right for You
Here are a few questions you might like to ask yourself before purchasing an adjustable bed.
Do You Sleep Okay in a Regular Bed?
You need to ask yourself whether you have a good night’s sleep in your current bed. If the answer is yes, there’s no need to replace it with a more expensive model unless you want to do it.
However, if the answer is no, replacing your bed with an adjustable one can be the right choice to make.
Here are some reasons why you should consider replacing your bed:
- Back and neck pain: Because of their benefits, adjustable beds can help you ease back and neck pain. The different positions will soothe the stress over your spine and neck, which will also help you sleep better.
- Sleep Apnea: The position of some adjustable beds will open up your airways, allowing oxygen into your body. They are a good way to reduce the severity of sleep apnea, but you need to understand that it is not a long-term solution.
- Snoring: Raising the upper part of your bed while sleeping on your back can do wonders for your snoring problems.
- Blood pressure: Relieving stress on your spine and muscles will also affect your body. It will allow blood to travel without obstruction, helping you reduce blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
If you suffer from one or more of these problems, you should consider getting an adjustable bed.
How Much Can You Spend On an Adjustable Bed?
The other aspect to consider before buying a new adjustable bed is whether or not you can fit it into your budget. These beds are costly compared to regular models. Even the twin and full options are more expensive than a standard bed.
So, you might like to think about whether to invest in one of these devices. Consider also the expense of getting a proper mattress and performing maintenance once a year. If you have no problem even with those extra costs, you can start looking for your new adjustable bed.
Does The Bed Include a Warranty and a Return Policy?
The return policy of the adjustable bed is the final aspect you need to consider before deciding whether to buy or not. You already know that these beds are more expensive, but they are also more delicate. They can malfunction or stop working altogether.
That’s why you should only consider getting one if it has a good warranty and return policy. If the bed malfunctions or stops working altogether, you can often contact the company for a free replacement or free servicing.
Are Adjustable Beds Worth It? (An Overall Summary)
Adjustable beds can improve your sleep quality. They have many benefits for your overall health that regular beds cannot offer. However, these frames are costly and need proper care to last for years.
If you have the money to buy one and perform the proper maintenance, go for it and start enjoying your new bed. However, if the bed does not fit your budget or you don’t have the necessary space, you should consider other solutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an adjustable bed is a good investment if a regular model doesn’t help you get a good quality sleep. These beds will provide many benefits for your overall health, like relieving back pain and improving blood flow. However, they are also more expensive and require more care.
Consider the different aspects of getting an adjustable bed before deciding whether or not to buy one. Think about the price, the space, and the technical aspects. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision.
Sources:
Using an Adjustable Bed for Back Pain
Do adjustable beds help with back pain?
Sleep apnea – Symptoms and Causes – Mayo Clinic
The anti-snoring bed – a pilot study
Effects of sleep posture on upper airway stability in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
7 Benefits of Sleeping in Zero Gravity Position
Effect of Sleep Position on Sleep Apnea Severity
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