5 Tips for Finding the Right Adjustable Bed
This is a Guest Post by a good friend of mine Janet Thaler from SleepMama.com, who I jokingly refer to as the Mattress Queen due to her knowledge and love of Mattresses. She really knows her stuff so I asked if she would write a post for The Quiet Grove for my readers who are looking into getting an adjustable bed. After all, with the crazy lives we lead as parents, a good night's sleep is very important.
Adjustable Beds—Not Just for Old People
The one thing I really value as a mom is sleep and if I had a sleep wish list, it would include an adjustable bed. I love all the new features you can get so I can watch my favorite TV show, work in bed or just push a button to help stop my husband from snoring. But mostly I want the in-bed massage.
Adjustable beds can give you more restful sleep no matter what your age. They have the added benefit of alleviating aches, pains and issues such as lower back pain. The majority of people buy an adjustable bed for a health benefit. Maybe it’s less joint pain, or to help with symptoms of arthritis, GERD, insomnia, or breathing/circulatory problems. But that doesn’t mean they’re just for older people or to alleviate pain.
Today’s adjustable bed frames don’t just lower or raise your head (or feet). They’re more of a lifestyle product that come with a lot of tech and luxury features. The added benefit is deeper sleep and a more comfortable bed. If you build a wall of pillows to prop you up or to try and get comfortable you will love that you can just press a button to change sleeping positions.
When I spoke to a mattress store owner he told me most of the adjustable beds he sells are to my age group -- people from 25 to 45 years old. If you’re thinking about buying one yourself, read these tips...
1-Get the Right Mattress for the Bed
If you need a mattress start there first and get one that is compatible. Most conventional coil mattresses won’t work on an adjustable bed. Foam or memory foam mattresses, latex and other material that can be folded with minimal resistance are best. Many people choose an XL (extra long) twin or get two for a split king so there’s a little extra length. Be careful not to get a foam bed that’s too dense that won’t bend or fold as needed for an adjustable bed base. Also, choose a mattress that is 12 inches thick or less as they’ll move with the bed easier.
2-What Features do you Want or Need?
A less expensive base will usually only have the ability to raise or lower your head and feet. Of course you can get so many other features such as variable massage settings and anti-snore or zero gravity presets that essentially make you feel weightless. There are even models with heating, under-bed lighting, a built in alarm clock that slowly wakes you with increasing vibration, and USB chargers. So multitask away in bed -- watch TV, work on your laptop or read a book without hurting your neck!
3-Do you Need Dual or Single Controls?
If you’re a couple it’s likely that you and your partner sleep differently. One person may sleep on their stomach, another on her side. Also you might want to sit up and read while the other person is ready to go to sleep with their head only slightly elevated.
There are split kings but otherwise the bed moves as one unit so you both need to agree or consider the king. Additionally is there one remote or way to control it or can you both adjust the bed?
4-Do you Like How it Looks?
Adjustable bases are made to look good and be part of your room’s decor. It should look good! When the bed is flat you shouldn’t be able to tell it’s an adjustable bed. Some models look clunky or are really bare bones. You may need to purchase a bed platform or headboard/footboard to put your adjustable base in.
Consider budget too. Did you know you can basically get the same product online for less as you would if you go to a mattress store?
5-Check the Warranty
The warranty should be a good 10 or 20 years and also look at what maintenance is offered.
An adjustable base allows you to fall asleep more quickly and sleep longer. With more rest, you will wake up more refreshed, energized and ready for your day.
Here’s to falling asleep faster, being more comfortable at night and multitasking while in bed! Pssss! You can find some great adjustable beds on Amazon, Do you have an adjustable bed or are you thinking of getting one? Why? Let me know what you think in the comments.
