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Adjustable Beds Aren't Just for the Hospital
Sleep experts say the average person needs seven to eight hours of sleep per night to remain healthy and productive. Assuming that most of us get that much sleep, that means we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed. And that's not counting times of illness or simply lounging around for some extra rest. So doesn't it make sense that we would want our bed to be as comfortable as possible?
Many years ago, long before the bidding wars began between mattress makers, there was a unique kind of bed that was advertised on late night television and during the weekday soaps. What made it unique was the fact that it was adjustable. No, not the mattress itself; the frame was adjustable. The commercials used to show blissful couples sitting upright in been reading or watching TV, with both their backs and legs elevated by the adjustable bed frame.
Adjustable Bed Technology
Adjustable bed technology is nothing new. In fact, it's been in use in hospitals and nursing homes for decades. As far back as the turn of the 20th century adjustable bed frames have provided the comfort and safety necessary for patients in long-term rehabilitation or chronic care situations.
A little known fact about the adjustable bed is that one company, Leggett & Platt, is responsible for manufacturing almost all adjustable bed frames. The company was founded in 1883 and has specialized in residential home furnishings for the last of 125+ years. The company is responsible not only for the adjustable bed frame, but also the coil spring mattress that dominates the market today.
Adjustable Beds at Home
One of the main reasons for purchasing an adjustable bed for home use is to make it easier to care for someone who is chronically ill or disabled. Just as in the hospital or nursing home setting, an adjustable bed makes it easier for the individual to sit upright, get in and out of bed, and get a comfortable night's sleep. For people who spend the vast majority of their time in bed, the simple comfort of being able to raise one's legs and back makes a big difference in their overall well-being.
Though adjustable beds for home are used primarily for the chronically ill, people with less debilitating conditions can enjoy the benefits to. Someone with acid reflux disease for instance, will find that being able to sleep in a semi-upright position greatly reduces his symptoms and helps him get a better night's sleep. Diabetics experience better circulation in their legs if they can keep them raised at night, and those with back trouble can find the perfect setting to help them sleep well.
The Importance of Mattresses
Since adjustable bed frames are mostly made by a single company, the difference in adjustable beds really comes down to the mattress. Standard, off-the-floor inner spring mattresses will work on an adjustable bed frame. The problem is, unless they've been specifically designed for the bed frame they are prone to causing pressure points as the casing and springs bend to accommodate frame movement. If you want to use an inner spring mattress, make sure it is one designed to be adjusted.
Even better is a memory foam mattress. Since memory foam mattresses contain no inner springs they are very flexible without losing their firmness or causing increased pressure. Ideally, memory foam makes the best kind of mattress for an adjustable bed frame.
When it comes to air mattresses, using one on an adjustable bed frame is not advisable. They are not designed to withstand the movements and angles of an adjustable bed frame, and they can be easily punctured by stress or the frame's mechanics. If you absolutely must use an air mattress, it's suggested that you let some of the air out prior to adjusting the bed upward.
Renting an Adjustable Bed
If you need an adjustable bed to care for an elderly relative or sick family member, one can usually be rented from a medical supply company. The bed will be delivered to your home and set up, you will receive operation instructions, and you'll be given a phone number to call should the bed ever need a service. The nice thing about renting is that medical insurance will usually cover the costs, within reason, and when it's no longer needed, it can be returned.
If you're looking for a new bed you may not have considered the adjustable bed as one of your options. But now that you know, be sure to look at a few adjustable beds as part of your shopping experience. If you find one that suits your needs, it might just be the best bedding choice you'll have ever made.