How to Use an Adjustable Bed

By Maurice

An adjustable bed allows seniors and disabled people to maintain independence and safety in their homes. If someone struggles sitting up and has difficulty getting up on their own, an adjustable bed is a great option to allow a person to get in and out of bed on their own.

An adjustable bed or a hospital bed can give someone support that allows them to maintain independence and even age in place. For people who have issues with circulation, there are head and foot adjustments that aid blood flow and improve circulation.

For the elderly that need help walking or are in a wheelchair, the transfer from the chair to the bed makes lying down much easier. Having an adjustable bed reduces the likelihood of falling or slipping. It can also help caregivers with their daily routine.

However, there may be some concerns before you make such a big purchase. An adjustable bed is quite a commitment and while it is easy to use with remote controls, there are also some safety concerns for first-time buyers.

Common safety issues with adjustable beds

There are a few safety issues with adjustable beds. While they help with safety in your home, they may cause some other concerns.

If there are no bed rails, you may roll off.
It may fall suddenly during a power outage.
It may cause danger to children or pets.
The power to the bed may be faulty and cause electrical issues.

There are standard safety features that come with adjustable beds so there are no issues that may arise.

Adjustable bed safety – top tips

There are a handful of things to look out for to maintain safety when owning an adjustable bed. When it comes to buying one, there are a few things to look out for.

If you are buying an adjustable bed it is important to check the following:

Handrails that allow for safety while sleeping.
Power safety. An emergency function to stop the bed from slamming down is an important feature. It will aid your family and pet’s safety if something sudden happens like a power outage or an unintentional button press.
A gravity-release electronic motor. The motor will fall by gravity and remove any sudden fall that may happen on the backrest of the bed. The gravity release will slowly lower the bed back into place without falling suddenly and causing a disruption in your back or worse if you were to fall out of the bed. If there is a power outage, the gravity release function will aid the bed in falling slowly to its original place.
Functioning power outlets. If you do not have a functioning power outlet, there may be a power issue with your adjustable bed. If the power outlet is bad, there could be sudden issues with the bed, like falling or improper functioning. There could also be bedroom fires that arise from a bad outlet.

While there are safety issues that come with adjustable beds, there are important measures to take before buying or installing one. These safety measures will allow you to have peace of mind while using one for optimal home safety.

How to use an adjustable bed for the first time – step-by-step

When using your adjustable bed for the first time, there may be some questions about how to use it. Each unit should have a remote or a controller that allows you to adjust the bed. These will have arrows and pictures to allow you to know which way you are positioning the bed.

After you have properly installed the bed, there are a few steps to using your bed.

Using the remote, raise the backrest of the bed.

1You can raise the backrest from either 40 to 70 degrees, depending on the model.
2Once you have raised the backrest, you can sit on the bed.
3Once you get into a comfortable position to lay down, use the remote to put the bed into the desired place. This may be at a different angle or completely flat.
4When you are ready to get up, raise the bed upright to get off safely.

If your adjustable bed has handrails, you should be able to fold the handrails under the bed as you are moving on and off the bed.

Best Youtube videos on how to use an adjustable bed

There are a few Youtube videos discussing how to use adjustable beds. You can use the following videos for a visual and in-depth understanding of them.

Get in and out of bed easier with an adjustable bed

How Do ADJUSTABLE Beds Work? The NO BULL Guide

Conclusion

Adjustable beds help you maintain independence along with added safety in your home. If you have body pains and difficulty with circulation, an adjustable bed is a great choice to maintain your everyday life while also having medical equipment at your aid.

There are some safety issues with owning an adjustable bed. However, they come with safety features to prevent any issues with falling or sudden movements. Using an adjustable bed is quite easy as they all come with remotes or some sort of control system with large buttons and pictures.

Adjustable beds are a great addition for those aging in place or people with trouble walking or getting in and out of bed.