Are you looking for a new bed? Adjustable beds offer a variety of benefits that can make sleeping more comfortable. In this essential guide, we’ll discuss the different types of adjustable beds available and the factors to consider when buying one. We’ll also review the best adjustable beds for seniors, the best adjustable bed frame options, adjustable beds reviews and prices, and the top-rated adjustable beds. Read on to learn more about adjustable beds and find the perfect one for you.
Introduction to Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds are the perfect solution for anyone looking for a comfortable, supportive, and adjustable sleeping experience. These beds are designed to offer a range of positions, from fully flat to a comfort chair position, and can be adjusted to suit your individual needs.
Adjustable beds are ideal for those who suffer from medical conditions, such as back pain, acid reflux, and sleep apnea, as they can be adjusted to provide additional support and comfort. In addition, they provide extra assistance to people who want to get into and out of bed without assistance.
What are Adjustable Beds?
Adjustable beds are beds that can be adjusted to various positions, typically between a flat and a profiled semi-reclined position. Typically, the lying surface will consist of 4 separate parts that can profile to raise head section and knee section. Some, but not all, will offer height adjustment.
Adjustable beds are designed to be adjustable to suit your individual preferences and sleeping position.
Benefits of Adjustable Beds
There are many benefits to choosing an adjustable bed, including improved sleep quality, increased comfort, and better health. Adjustable beds can provide additional support for those suffering from medical conditions.
They are also ideal for those with mobility issues & disabilities, as height adjustment provides extra assistance to people who want to get into and out of bed with reduced or no assistance.
The risk of injuries from bed falls can be greatly reduced with low height adjustable beds by lowering the bed very near to the floor. Additional protection can be provided by the use of a fall mat.
Adjustable beds can also provide extra comfort, as they can be adjusted to suit your individual sleeping position. This can help to reduce the amount of tossing and turning you do throughout the night, resulting in a more restful sleep. Additionally, adjustable beds can be adjusted to provide extra support for your back, neck, and shoulders, helping to reduce pain and stiffness.
Different Types of Adjustable Beds Available
There are many different types of adjustable beds available, including electric, manual, and split double beds. Electric adjustable beds are powered by low voltage (typically 24V DC) motors and can be adjusted with the press of a button. Manual adjustable beds require you to adjust the bed manually, usually by twisting a knob or lever.
Split double beds are adjustable beds that are split into two halves, allowing you to adjust each side independently to suit your needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Adjustable Bed
When buying an adjustable bed, there are several factors to consider, including size, features, and price. The size of the bed is important, as it needs to be large enough to accommodate your body and provide enough support. Additionally, you should consider the features of the bed, such as height adjustment range, the position of the head and foot, and the number of motors.
With the exception of Divan style adjustable beds, many beds come complete with integrated side rails, which offer several advantages, mainly reduction of risk of bed falls, and an assist rail to hold on to whilst entering or exiting the bed.
Finally, you should consider the price of the bed, as adjustable beds can range in price from as little as five hundred pounds to several thousand pounds.
Adjustable Beds for Seniors
Adjustable beds are ideal for seniors, as they can provide additional support and comfort. Many adjustable beds are designed with seniors in mind, with features such as easy-to-use controls for height and adjustable head & foot positions.
Additionally, adjustable beds can help to reduce pain and stiffness, and can be adjusted to suit different sleeping positions.
Best Adjustable Bed Frame Options
When choosing an adjustable bed frame, there are several options to consider. Adjustable metal frames are also a popular choice, as they are lightweight and easy to adjust. Additionally, adjustable wood frames are a great option, as they are durable and provide a classic look.
Lying surfaces commonly use wooden or metal slats and in the case where pressure ulcers are a risk, plastic winged lying surfaces may be used to stimulate the skin.
ABS plastic lying surfaces offer extra benefits of quick cleaning as result of its removable surfaces:
- Rapid, easy cleaning and disinfection
- Easy to remove/replace
- Good ventilation for healthy sleep
Adjustable Beds Reviews and Prices
When researching adjustable beds, it’s important to consider the top rated models, read reviews and compare prices. Reading reviews can help you get an idea of how comfortable the bed is and how well it works. Additionally, comparing prices can help you find the best deal.
Adjustable Beds Prices
The price of an adjustable bed will depend on the place of manufacture, size and features of the bed. Electric adjustable beds can range in price from as little as five hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, while manual adjustable beds are usually less expensive. Additionally, adjustable beds for seniors may be more expensive, as they often have additional features, such as massage systems and easy-to-use controls.
Prices for a single adjustable bed in the UK at the time of going to print range from:
£550 for a fixed height, divan style adjustable bed with a wooden frame, up to £1000 for a height adjustable suitable for professional nursing care up to £5000 for a premium, feature laden European made beds.
Are You Entitled To Vat Relief?
If you’re disabled or have a long-term medical condition; or a charity is purchasing the goods, you will not be charged VAT on zero-rated products such as adjustable beds. Also, you will not be charged VAT on the installation and any extra work needed as part of this; repairs or maintenance; spare parts or accessories.
Warranty & After Sales
It is essential that the retailer will be able to offer after sales breakdown and support. Manufacturers & HSE recommend that adjustable beds are serviced annually in order to maintain safe & reliable operation.
A retailer with a suitable quality system such as ISO 9001 quality or ISO 13485:2016 quality systems for Medical Devices, would have suitable quality control in place to prevent sub standard products reaching the market, and in the case of a recall or field safety notice, be able to trace owners about rectifying faults or recalling products, much in the same way that the automobile operates.
Safety & Conformance with Standards
All adjustable beds sold in the UK should meet EU / UK legal & safety requirements, in particular every healthcare and hospital bed brought to the market after April 2013 must comply with BS EN 60601-2-52. This covers:
- First fault safety in the electronics: No individual fault in the electronics should result in the use of the device representing a risk to the patient/resident and user.
- Reliability of the assist rails: These must still be capable of functioning optimally for 30,000 locking cycles. Furthermore, the assist rails must withstand a tensile force-load of 250 N as part of a cone test.
- Gap measurement: dimensions must be adhered to reduce risk of danger from entrapment.
- Safety against tipping: The bed must withstand a load of up to 220 kg at the corner areas of the headboard and footboard without tipping.
- Safe working load: The safe working load for beds is at least 1700 N (approx. 170 kg) in application environments 3, 4 and 5 (long-term, home and outpatient care).
All adjustable beds used for care must carry a CE mark, to show that they have been manufactured in accordance with EU safety directives.
Conclusion
Adjustable beds offer a range of benefits, from improved sleep quality to increased comfort and better health. When choosing an adjustable bed, there are several factors to consider, including size, features, and price. Additionally, there are several types of adjustable beds available, from electric to manual to split beds. Finally, reading reviews and comparing prices can help you find the perfect adjustable bed for you.
References
- ISO 60601-2 Medical Bed Standard
- Health & Safety Executive BS EN Dimensional requirements (BS EN 60601-2-52:2010)
- ISO 13485 Medical Device Standard
Whether you’re looking for an adjustable bed for medical reasons or just for additional comfort, adjustable beds can provide the perfect solution. Contact us to arrange a call with an advisor who can help you find the best adjustable bed for you.
