|
January 5, 2022
Contrary to popular belief, seniors don’t need less sleep than other adults. Studies show that adults of any age require approximately seven to nine hours of sleep each night. This misconception partially comes from the likelihood of seniors having conditions that impact their ability to sleep properly. Depression, anxiety, arthritis, and insomnia – conditions common with older adults – all prevent and interrupt our natural sleep rhythm.
Luckily, there are devices designed to mitigate the effects of these conditions. Through the use of customized comfort features, adjustable beds are an essential way to get a good night’s rest, helping seniors age in place. Modern adjustable beds allow users to choose their personal preferences in design, style, and comfort. If you’re looking to cut down on chronic pain, or you simply wish to enjoy a luxurious sleeping experience, then an adjustable bed might be just the solution.
Pro Tip:To learn more about our favorite adjustable beds, be sure to check out our guide to the best adjustable beds for seniors.
Similar to a hospital bed, an adjustable bed has customizable support settings for the head, feet, and back. Most often controlled with a handheld remote, these beds can be raised and lowered for immediate comfort.
Adjustable beds are ideal for those who like to sit up in bed while eating or watching TV. The best part is they can be adjusted at any time, meaning you can prop yourself up while reading and then lower your support when you’re ready to sleep.
The primary secret to an adjustable bed is the base, which you manage with a controller. Today’s models feature technologically-advanced controls, compared to the bed controls used in generations past. Wireless and smart controllers allow seniors a great deal of flexibility and independence when using their beds. There are models and styles of adjustable beds that come with USB ports, heat settings, vibrating settings, or zero gravity technology, all leading to increased comfort and surprising health benefits.
FYI: Do not use a regular spring mattress, a memory foam mattress, or another style of mattress on an adjustable bed base unless you know that it is manufactured specifically for an adjustable bed. This could result in damage to your mattress and bed.
In addition to increased comfort, adjustable beds offer a plethora of other potential benefits, including:
While we can’t guarantee that an adjustable bed can cure all ailments, they’re certainly a great way for people to enjoy higher degrees of independence.
Shopping for an adjustable bed is not very different from looking for a regular one. Your first step will be to decide on the size, as adjustable beds run the full spectrum, from twin size all the way to California king size. It’s likely you already have a size in mind to suit your comfort and spatial needs.
One thing to be aware of, however, is that not all adjustable beds come with a split design, allowing each half of the bed to have different support settings. If you plan to share your bed with a spouse or partner, then we’d recommend seeking a split model, as this will give you the most freedom.
In recent years, adjustable beds have become more commonly available at most furniture and mattress stores. Here are some things you should consider before you make this investment.
Much like traditional beds, adjustable beds can support different types of mattresses. While spring mattresses are a tried-and-true method, they don’t lend themselves to positional adjustments. The three most common types of adjustable mattresses are memory foam, latex, and air.
Memory foam is a textile primarily used in pillows, blankets, shoes, and furniture. A mattress made of memory foam is great for relieving stress from pressure points, as it automatically adjusts to your body, cradling around the weight of it. The downside of memory foam is that it often traps heat, so it might not be ideal for those who get hot in their sleep.
Latex mattresses are a bit more bouncy than those made of memory foam. So while this type of mattress offers pressure relief, it tends to be firmer than memory foam. It also retains less heat.
Not to be confused with inflatable mattresses (the kind you pull from the attic for guests), air mattresses support your body with foam compartments that fill up with air. These are great for actively adjusting the level of firmness with the touch of a button.
While all adjustable beds can change positions, many higher-end models have additional features. Here are some added functions:
Adjustable beds and mattresses vary widely in features and prices. On the low end, you can find a manual, adjustable twin-size bed and mattress combination for around $600; however, you likely don’t want to have to adjust your bed’s position by hand.
On the higher end, adjustable bed and mattress combos can run upwards of $8,000. Mind you; this would be for the most expensive of models. Here is an overview of a few of our favorite adjustable beds and what you can expect to pay for them.
| Brand | Mattress Types | Available Features | Warranty Length | Mattress Cost | Frame Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GhostBed | Latex and Memory Foam |
|
20-25 years for mattresses; 3 years for frames | $452 – $2,310 | $174 – $2,800 |
| Nectar | Memory Foam |
|
Lifetime for mattresses; 3 years for frames | $499 – $999 | $649 – $1,498 |
| Purple | Spring, Gel, and Memory Foam |
|
10 years for mattresses; 20 years for frames | $599 – $3,998 | $1,399 – $2,798 |
| Sleep Number | Memory Foam and Air |
|
15 years for mattresses and frames | $600 – $3,000 | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| TempurPedic | Memory Foam |
|
10 years for mattresses; 25 years for frames | $1,189 – $7,798 | $1,299 – $3,598 |
In addition to price, mattress type, and additional features, you should also consider the following when purchasing an adjustable bed.
Your Medicare Part B covers a hospital bed when it is considered durable medical equipment (DME). So if you have a prescription from a doctor for a hospital bed, Medicare will likely cover some of the costs. Medicare covers 80 percent of the cost if the supplier accepts Medicare assignment, and the Part B deductible applies for adjustable bed coverage.
Do not, however, expect Medicare to cover the cost of the latest model with high-tech features, like those mentioned in this article. Some other types of private health insurance possibly cover an adjustable bed. Ask your health insurance company about covering adjustable bed costs.
Most of an adjustable bed’s function lies in its base. With its motorized control system, adjustable beds are able to move into a variety of positions to help support comfort and rest.
While Medicare will likely only cover the cost of a hospital bed prescribed by a doctor, many forms of private insurance will help cover some of the costs of more modern, luxury adjustable beds.
While this isn’t always the case, a mattress could be ruined if it’s not compatible with your particular adjustable bed model. The best way to avoid this is to purchase your mattress and adjustable bed from the same manufacturer, as they will be able to guarantee compatibility.
