Getting in and out of bed shouldn’t be a struggle, and neither should lying awake looking for a comfortable position. This guide to the best adjustable beds for senior sleep is here to help.

An adjustable bed raises your head or legs at the touch of a button.

We cover top picks, the features worth having, drawbacks to know about, mattress types, arthritis and hip pain, bed rails and steps, and advice for couples sharing a bed.

Read on to find the perfect adjustable bed to improve your sleep and live more independently.

Best Adjustable Bed Frames for Seniors and the Elderly

Just want to see the top recommended adjustable beds for older adults? Here you are!

Keep reading to learn which features and options are worth looking for, and to see more detailed descriptions of my favorite adjustable bed bases.

GhostBed Adjustable Bed Frame

GhostBed created their adjustable base for people who wanted a feature-rich adjustable frame without having to pay a top-of-the-market price for it. Many of these features have specific benefits for older adults as well.

Getting Comfortable with the GhostBed Adjustable Base

First, it has multiple pre-set positions which make getting to a comfortable position as quick as pressing a button. You can also fine-tune the position of the bed to relieve an ache or pain because of the unlimited head and foot positions.

Your favorite position may end up being the zero gravity position which can take pressure off the body. Of course, the dual head and foot massage with 15 settings will help massage those achy joints and bones too.

GhostBed Set Up and Assembly

Shipping and assembly of this bed is easy too. The product is boxed so that it fits in regular parcel-size shipments like those delivered by FedEx or UPS.

The drawback is that these companies will only deliver to your door. Some people will need help getting it inside their home from there.

Once you have the bed in the area where it will be used, you open the boxes and lay the base upside down on the floor. Then, just unfold it and screw in the legs. Finally, flip it over right side up and you are ready to place your mattress.

Here’s a quick video showing you how this is done:

Getting the Proper Bed Height with GhostBed

While this bed doesn’t have adjustable legs, it can be ordered with the standard 12-inch legs or with 6-inch legs if you need a bed closer to the floor.

With the standard 12-inch legs, the bed frame height stands at 15 inches, so you would need a 9-inch or thinner mattress to stay near a 24 inch total bed height.

But, if you use the 6-inch leg option, the frame height would be 9 inches so you could use a thicker, more luxurious mattress.

This keeps the bed at a height that works for getting in and out, while still letting you choose a more comfortable mattress.

Other Senior-Friendly Features

This bed has the underbed lighting that I recommend. There is a simple light button you touch on the remote to activate it. And, it works on just your side of the bed on the split bed option.

So, you won’t have to disturb your partner. USB ports are also part of the package.

Other senior-friendly features include an easy-to-see remote that uses black, bold print on white buttons. The buttons are backlit too making them much easier to see at night.

The remotes are pretty intuitive to use with illustrations rather than words on many of them. There is a flashlight built into the remote as well.

Finally, the bed is built with a sturdy steel frame and medical-grade motors for a long usable life. It even includes a limited lifetime warranty. The motors are super quiet. You could say they are as “quiet as a ghost!”

Marsail Adjustable Bed Frame

The Marsail Adjustable Bed Frame comes in a Queen size and pairs an electric base with a remote, head and foot massage, and a Zero Gravity position.

The head end raises up to 65 degrees and the foot end up to 45 degrees. That gives you room to find a angle for reading, watching TV, or easing pressure when you lie down.

The Zero Gravity position is the one to know about. It raises your head and knees slightly so your weight is spread out, which many people find easier on sore joints and backs.

The bed also supports a position that helps reduce snoring. If a partner’s snoring or your own keeps you up, that is worth having.

The massage works on both the head and foot sections. You get 3 intensity levels and 4 modes, so you can turn it down to something gentle or up if you want more.

There are USB-A and USB-C ports on both sides of the bed. Your phone and other devices can charge within reach, with no cord stretched across the room.

A soft LED nightlight sits under the bed frame. It gives you gentle light for a trip to the bathroom without turning on a lamp.

The frame is sold as easy assembly, with height-adjustable legs. Like most adjustable bases, it arrives in boxes, so plan ahead for who will carry them to the bedroom and help set it up.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a single Queen base. If you and a partner want to raise your sides of the bed to different positions, a one-piece base moves you both together. It may not suit a couple with very different sleep preferences.

Vive Health Electric Bed Frame

The Vive electric bed frame is a simpler kind of adjustable bed. It lets you change your sleep position without getting out of bed or asking anyone for help.

Two motors do the work. One raises the head up to 80 degrees, and the other raises the foot up to 55 degrees.

It also has a zero gravity setting, which raises your head and knees so pressure comes off the lower back.

That makes this frame a sensible pick if you deal with back pain, acid reflux or recovery after surgery. Raising the head of the bed is the kind of thing that often helps with reflux.

The wireless remote is backlit, so you can find the right button in a dark room. No fumbling for a light switch in the middle of the night.

The steel frame holds up to 350 lbs combined. That total counts the mattress, the bedding and the person, so add those up before you buy.

It sits 13.5 inches off the floor. That is worth measuring against your own mattress and how easily you get in and out of bed.

Now for the trade-offs. This frame fits twin and twin XL mattresses only. If you share a bed with a partner, it will not work as a replacement for a queen.

It is also a plain, practical frame. If you want built-in massage or a bed that slides back from the wall as the head rises, you will want a fancier model.

If you sleep alone and want an adjustable bed that does the basics well, this one suits you.

Amerisleep Adjustable Bed Plus

The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ is a base that raises the head and the foot of the bed, so you can find the position that feels best for sleeping or resting.

It comes with three presets: Flat, Zero Gravity, and Anti-Snore. Zero Gravity lifts your head and knees a little so your body is supported. Anti-Snore raises the head to help with snoring. Amerisleep says the bed can reduce acid reflux, snoring, and symptoms of sleep apnea.

For comfort, there is a full-body massage with three intensity levels and timers. A night light and USB ports are built in too, so a phone charger and a soft glow for late-night trips to the bathroom are covered.

The Wall Glide design keeps the bed close to your nightstand as the head rises. That means you aren’t reaching farther for your glasses or a glass of water. There is also a Zero Clearance design.

You can choose a height of 9, 12, or 15 inches, not counting the mattress. It comes in Twin XL, Queen, Cal King, and Split King. A Split King lets two people set their sides differently.

It ships free and has a 10-year warranty.

One thing to know: the height is something you choose when you order, so think about how high you want the bed before you buy. This base is also a premium pick. If you only need a simple lift for the head, it may offer more than you need.

Yiree Adjustable Bed Base Frame

The Yiree Queen Adjustable Bed Base is a good fit if you want an adjustable base with a solid steel build and the extras already included, like massage, under bed lighting and two USB ports.

The head of the bed raises from 0 to 65 degrees and the foot from 0 to 45 degrees. They move independently, so you can sit up to read or watch TV and still raise your feet.

It has two quiet motors. The head can lift up to 550 lbs and the foot up to 350 lbs. The steel frame is rated to carry 900 lbs in total.

It comes with a wireless remote, and it has a massage feature for sore muscles and stiff joints.

It works with most mattresses, including memory foam, latex, hybrid and gel foam. Anti-slip bars at the rear hold the mattress in place so it doesn’t slide when the bed moves.

Setup is meant to be simple. You unpack the base and install the legs, and no experience or tools are needed.

The trade-off: this is a base you put together yourself, so it isn’t the right pick if you want someone to deliver and set it up for you. It is also a base only, so you need a mattress that suits an adjustable bed.

Layla Adjustable Base

This adjustable bed base from Layla is packed with fun and cozy features and is a good choice for older adults. It is even one of the more affordable beds on this list too!

This bed frame is available in two different packages: the Layla Adjustable™ and the Layla Adjustable Plus™. The Plus model is an upgrade that does include several of my recommended options.

But setup is similar to the other options. You unbox it, screw on the legs, and flip it over. That’s it!

Important Features of Both Layla Adjustable Bed Models

Both the base model and the Plus are fully adjustable beds with programmable memory positions and one touch Zero Gravity and Flat positions.

These options let you find, and repeat, the position that feels best to you.

Other features of both models worth having include an anti-slide deck, an easy-to-use remote, and USB charging ports.

Both models also offer adjustable height legs so that you can get the total bed height you need. The legs come in 3-inch sections that allow you to add or remove a section to change the bed height.

This option gives you a total bed frame height (not including the mattress) of 5 to 14 inches off of the ground. This range gives you tremendous height options allowing you to choose as thick of a mattress as you’d like.

Upgraded Features of the Layla Adjustable Plus™

To get all the features I recommend, you would need to upgrade to the Plus. The Plus model adds wall-hugging technology that keeps the head of the bed near the wall.

This is helpful because it keeps the nightstand within reach so that you can have access to your lamp, phone, etc.

Multizone massage with variable intensity for soothing muscles and joints is another important option that comes with the Plus.

If you (or your partner) snore, a built-in anti-snore position comes with the plus too. You’ll need to go with the Plus if you want the underbed lighting feature.

Finally, Alexa, Google Home, and a WiFi app come with the Plus too, although those aren’t as important as the other features I’ve discussed.

Saatva Adjustable Base Plus

If you want an adjustable base with massage built in, take a look at the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus.

It raises both the head and the feet, so you can set up for sleeping, reading, working or just relaxing in bed.

It has a zero-gravity preset, which moves you into a balanced, weightless position at the touch of a button. There is also an anti-snore preset that raises the head 7° to open up the airways and reduce snoring.

The massage has full-body wave, head and leg options, each with three speed settings. If you don’t care for massage, you can simply leave it off.

Several features help at night. The under-bed lighting works as a nightlight, which can reduce the chance of a fall on the way to the bathroom. The remote also has a built-in flashlight.

The wireless remote is easy to use. You can also run the bed from the Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Control app, but the app is only on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. If you use an Android phone, the remote is your option.

The motor is quiet and housed out of sight, so it won’t clutter up the room or keep a light sleeper awake.

Whatever base you choose, I recommend keeping the total bed height under 24 inches, including the mattress, so getting in and out stays safe and easy. Keep that in mind when you pick your mattress.

Marsail Split King Adjustable Bed Frame

If you share a bed with someone who sleeps differently than you do, take a look at the Marsail Split King Adjustable Bed Frame.

It is made of two Twin XL bases that sit side by side, so each of you can set your own position. You can also link them and move together.

It has five one-touch presets: Reading, TV, Gaming, Anti-Snore, and Sleep. The Anti-Snore setting raises the head gently, which can help cut down on nighttime disruptions. A wireless remote controls it all.

There is also a three-speed vibration massage. You can choose gentle, medium, or intense, depending on how much relief you want after a long day.

A few features help at night. A soft under-bed LED light, run from the remote, helps you see your way without harsh glare. That can lower the chance of a stumble on the way to the bathroom.

Both sides have USB ports (Type-A and Type-C) and side pockets. Your phone and glasses stay within reach, so you aren’t leaning out of bed to find them.

One trade-off: this is a split design, so you will have two mattresses, each Twin XL, rather than one big King mattress. Some couples don’t like the seam down the middle.

It also arrives for you to put together, so it suits someone who has a helper for setup. As with any base, keep your total bed height in mind once the mattress is on top, so getting in and out stays easy.

Adjustable Beds for Seniors at Amazon

While all the companies above are highly reputable and have great online reputations, some people prefer to deal with companies they are familiar with when making large purchases like these.

The following beds have all my recommended features and are available on Amazon:

Best Choice Products Adjustable Bed Frame

This electric bed base from Best Choice Products raises the head and the foot separately, so you can find the angle that suits your back, your legs, or whatever you are doing in bed.

It has three preset positions (TV, Head-Tilt, and Zero Gravity), and you can add your own. The wireless remote also runs the massage, with wave, pulse, and constant modes, and it has a flashlight built in.

A few bedside touches help at night. There is a USB port for charging your phone, a side pocket for the remote, and lights underneath the bed so you can find your slippers.

The King size comes with two adjustable platforms and two remotes, so each sleeper can choose their own position.

The trade-off is that this is a base only. You will need to buy a mattress to go with it, and it should be one that bends with the base.

Sven & Son Harmony Adjustable Bed Base

This adjustable bed base frame from Sven & Son comes in most sizes (except Cal King) with a 5-minute assembly time.

It too includes all of my recommended features for seniors: adjustable height legs, underbed lighting, head and foot articulation with zero gravity preset, and interactive massage. Packages are available with recommended mattresses too.

Allewie Adjustable Bed Frame

This one is not an adjustable base that raises your head and feet. It is a platform bed frame with an upholstered linen-fabric headboard, in beige, and it suits people who want a sturdy, quiet bed without a motor.

The headboard sits at three heights (32.3, 34.3, or 36.3 inches), and the frame fits mattresses 8 to 14 inches thick. Evenly spaced wood slats hold the mattress directly, so you don’t need a box spring. The frame has a non-slip design meant to keep the mattress from shifting or sagging.

It has a wood beam and metal legs, and every size is rated to hold up to 800 pounds. Touch fasteners join the slats, which is meant to make assembly easier and cut down on noise.

The trade-off: there are no saved positions, no massage, and no way to raise the head or feet. If you need to sleep propped up or want a zero gravity position, you would need to add a separate adjustable base or look at a different pick in this list.

Vive Health Bed Ladder

This is a bed ladder from Vive Health. It is a strap with rungs that loops around the foot of your bed frame, and you pull yourself up hand over hand until you are sitting. You don’t have to push off the mattress.

It adjusts from 48″ to 72″, so you can set the top handle at waist height while you lie down. The rungs are wide, and the foam hand grips are comfortable to hold. It installs with a buckle strap and no tools, and it fits any bed size, including adjustable frames. The webbing supports up to 300 pounds.

It suits someone who can still pull with their arms and hands but finds sitting up from lying flat a struggle. It pairs well with an adjustable base, since it is one more thing to hold on to.

The trade-off is that it only works if your grip and arm strength are up to the pulling. If they aren’t, a bed rail or a power-assisted base may serve you better. It also hangs off the foot of the bed, so it is something to keep in mind if you share the bed or walk past that end a lot.

Best Bed Rails and Bedside Steps for Getting In and Out of Bed

An adjustable bed makes lying down and sitting up more comfortable, but you still have to get in and out of it, usually in the dark and half asleep. A base with a thick mattress on top can sit higher off the floor than the bed you had before. That makes a sturdy handle to hold and a step to climb onto worth thinking about, and a lot of people want both.

Here is what I would look at. Check the weight limit and the height range against your actual mattress, because a step that does not match your bed is no help. Look for handles that feel solid and do not wobble when you lean on them, a step surface that will not slip, and a light so you can see where your feet are going. Also know the downsides: these units take up floor space beside the bed, and they can be a nuisance to step around if the room is tight.

Step2Bed Bed Rails For Elderly

This one isn’t a bed at all. It’s a bedside unit that puts grab bars, an adjustable-height step and an LED night light in one piece, which covers the three things that make getting in and out of bed risky in the dark.

The step height adjusts, so it can work with a range of beds, from platform frames to pillow-tops. The light shines on the step surface, so you can see where your foot is going at night. Having it all in one unit means you don’t have to piece together separate products.

The trade-off: it is made to work alongside your existing bed frame. It is not a full-length rail that replaces a bed rail. Before you buy, check the weight capacity and height range against your bed and your needs, since those specs aren’t easy to find in the listing.

Important Adjustable Bed Features to Consider for Older Adults

It’s worth noting that most manufacturers won’t let you return an adjustable bed, so you should do as much homework as possible before purchasing one.

Here are the most important factors to consider:

Size

The size of your bed is generally preferential and probably determined by the size of your bedroom. Most adjustable beds are available in all the same sizes as standard beds.

There is one exception though. Many of the king-sized adjustable beds come in a “split” option. This means that each side of the bed raises and lowers independently of the other side.

This option is a great choice for couples and co-sleepers because one person can lie flat to sleep while the other is in a raised position for reading or watching TV.

If you choose a split bed option, be aware that you will need two mattresses for the bed: one for each side. Usually, these mattresses are the twin XL size.

Adjustable Height Options

While the height of your bed may not be a huge problem today, it could become a problem in the future.

Some people develop mobility problems later on, and the height of the bed affects how easily they get in and out of it.

A bed height that lets your feet rest flat on the floor when you sit on the edge usually works well. For many people that is around 20 to 24 inches including the mattress. A doctor or physical therapist can help if getting in and out is hard. Don’t forget to include your mattress thickness in this calculation.

So, if you are sleeping on a 12-inch mattress and a 12-inch high base, your total bed height would be 24 inches. You can learn more about the best bed height for seniors and the elderly here.

So, for this reason, I recommend an adjustable bed that has height-adjustable legs.

That way, you can adjust the height of the bed in the future should you ever need to accommodate changes to your mobility in the future.

Underbed Lighting

Why is this feature on my list? If you have read my other guides, you’ll know I am a huge proponent of the use of night lights for elderly folks.

Stumbling around in the dark risks a fall, and falls can seriously affect your health.

So, I do recommend underbed lighting for adjustable beds for seniors and the elderly because it makes getting in and out of the bed safer in a dark room.

Many adjustable bed frames have this option and some of them are even motion-activated so they turn on automatically when needed.

Set Up and Weight

Most adjustable beds are quite heavy. And, when ordering them online, there will probably be some setup and assembly required.

First, make sure you understand what your delivery includes. Will the delivery company drop the boxes on your porch OR will they carry them to the bedroom for you.

Some companies offer a complete delivery and set up service too. Just be sure the option you choose matches your needs.

Second, understand how much assembly is required and how to do it. It’s a great idea to watch videos of the setup and assembly process.

Of course, if it’s more than you want to tackle, you could ask a family member, neighbor, or friend to give you a hand. In some areas, there are even services that will come to your home and put together items like this for you.

My recommendation is know what you are getting into before clicking the button to buy and ship an adjustable bed. Make sure you have a delivery, setup, and assembly plan in place.

Trial Period and Returns

Some adjustable bed manufacturers offer trial periods just like when you buy a mattress. If you have never used an adjustable bed and aren’t sure what you are getting into, this is a great option.

With a trial period, you can return the bed if you are unhappy with it during the trial period. Make sure you read the company’s policy very carefully. Some will pay for the shipping back and some won’t.

Some will give you all your money back. But others charge a “restocking fee” so you will only get most of your money back.

Mattresses for Adjustable Beds

If you sleep with a partner, you will want to carefully consider whether both of you will be sleeping in the same position. If not, a split adjustable bed design will be the way to go, since it will let both of you choose your own degrees of elevation.

It’s also important to choose a mattress that works with an adjustable base. Foam mattresses, such as memory foam, latex, or a combination of the two are usually the best mattresses for seniors with an adjustable bed frame.

These mattresses are more flexible than coiled mattresses and bend easier when the bed moves.

Because mattresses are unique to the needs of the individual, most moving bed frames do not come with a mattress.

So, it’s a good idea to have a mattress in mind or order it with your new bed frame so that you can make sure it is compatible.

Warranty

Although some manufacturers won’t let you return an adjustable bed, the length of warranties available is quite reassuring.

You can get up to three years of coverage on the mechanical parts and the rest of the base covered for 10 to 20 years. Some companies even offer a limited lifetime warranty.

Price

Adjustable beds are more expensive than a standard bed frame of course. You can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to well over $2,000 for a frame alone.

You can control this cost though by deciding which features are needed or you are willing to pay more to get.

The kind of features on an adjustable bed will considerably influence the cost of an adjustable bed. For example, some models come with LED lighting to guide you during nighttime trips to the bathroom.

Others will come with charging ports for different devices, while others feature sophisticated alarm and massage capabilities.

Decide if you will really use these extra features or if you are only interested because they sound “cool”.

How Adjustable Beds Can Help Seniors

Adjustable beds are very similar to the beds you see in clinical and hospital settings.

Based on the model you choose, adjustable beds let you position certain areas like the feet, head, knees, or even the center of the mattress and the frame to raise and lower to allow the user to position themselves in the bed comfortably.

They are a good fit for anyone who enjoys sitting up in bed to watch TV, read, or eat, and for people who spend a lot of time in bed.

At night, however, the beds can be adjusted to help you sleep better while reaping a whole lot of benefits, including:

• Relieving body and back pains, such as those related to restless leg syndrome and fibromyalgia
• Raising the head may make snoring or breathing feel easier for some people. Ask your doctor about asthma or sleep apnea, since a bed will not treat them
• Improving digestion and lowering the risk of heartburn and acid reflux
• Easing the transition process into and out of the bed for people with various kinds of mobility concerns
• Some people with arthritis find a raised position more comfortable. Check with your doctor or therapist
• Some people find that changing position helps them feel more comfortable

All in all, a suitable adjustable bed may help you feel more independent and more refreshed after a night’s rest.

RELATED: Best Bed Steps for Older Adults

Why Sleep Matters So Much When You Have Arthritis

Sleep is when your body recovers, recuperates and heals. When arthritis pain keeps you from it, you feel the loss in more ways than being tired.

Too little sleep can leave you moody and make it harder to concentrate and focus. It can also contribute to health conditions such as diabetes.

You may have heard that everyone needs eight hours a night. In truth, each person has their own requirement, and you may find you wake up rested on a little less.

So if hip pain keeps breaking up your night and you wake up tired, it is worth looking for a more comfortable way to sleep. An adjustable bed is one option. If you buy one, a mattress protector made for adjustable beds is worth having too.

The catch is that no bed can promise you those hours. An adjustable bed is a big purchase, so be sure it is the comfort your sleep needs before you buy.

Adjustable Beds for Arthritic Hip Pain

If arthritis in your hip is fine during the day but miserable at night, there is a reason. Lying down puts more pressure and stress on the joint, and whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach, your body weight lands on the hips.

Less pressure on that joint is the key to less pain and a better night’s rest. Sleep matters even more when you live with arthritis, since sleep is when your body recovers and heals.

An adjustable bed is made of two or more hinged sections. You can raise or lower the top, middle and bottom sections separately, much like a hospital bed. Here is how that helps a sore hip:

• Angling the sections takes pressure off the hip joint.
• Your weight spreads out more evenly, instead of resting mostly on the hip.
• Some people find that changing position helps them feel more comfortable.
• Different angles let certain muscles relax, which takes strain off the hip and other arthritic joints.

Every person’s arthritis is a little different, so the angle that helps one person may not help another. An adjustable bed lets you find your own sleeping position for arthritic pain and change it when you need to.

What to Look For

For hip pain, look for a bed with three or more adjustable sections. Some beds have as many as five. More sections give you more ways to set the angle so the pressure comes off your hip.

Do not give up support and comfort in the process. A high quality foam mattress matters as much as relieving pressure on the joint. A bed that eases your pain but is too uncomfortable to sleep on does you no good.

If you go this route, you will also want a mattress protector made for adjustable beds.

The trade-off is that an adjustable bed is a big purchase. Choose a maker that backs its beds with a warranty, and compare a few models to find the one that fits your hip pain.

Potential Drawbacks of Adjustable Beds for Older Adults

Incompatibility with Existing Mattresses

When you buy something like an electric adjustable bed, you will need to get a new mattress. This comes with the drawback of the fact that you will have to get rid of your existing mattress.

Many companies usually remove your old mattress and bedding free of charge when you buy their adjustable beds, avoiding this potential annoyance.

Considerably More Expensive

Owing to the wide range of benefits that electric beds provide its users, along with the fact that the technology used in adjustable beds is a lot more advanced compared to normal beds, the price for adjustable beds tends to be higher.

Fortunately, there are a few tax reliefs available for certain buyers, especially those that need it the most.

Quality Variations

Just as with any other technology, there are great variations in the quality of adjustable beds on the market, both in terms of the quality of the motor and the quality of the mattress.

This variation in quality should not detract you from buying one; it just makes the process of finding the right one much harder. Be sure to read reviews of adjustable beds from actual purchasers and users.

What Is the Best Adjustable Bed Mattress for Seniors?

Due to the level of comfort they provide, along with their ability to contour the body, latex foam, memory foam, and air mattresses are widely popular for traditional beds.

And thanks to the level of flexibility the modern offerings provide, they are the most common types of mattresses used in adjustable frames today.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are usually constructed from viscoelastic polyurethane, which allows them to respond to body heat and pressure, ideally molding onto the user’s body shape when in use and returning to its normal shape when not in use.

They are incredibly comfortable, though they tend to retail body heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people, especially during warm weather.

Latex Foam

These mattresses are made from a combination of latex and air. When choosing latex mattresses, it’s important to pay attention to the kind of latex used in case of potential reactions or sensitivities.

Latex is a reliable and durable choice for its firmness and contouring abilities, not to mention it featuring anti-microbial properties.

Air Mattress

These come with compartments that get filled up with air, as well as a form of foam topper, a special kind of memory foam typically used in higher-end mattress options.

Air mattresses essentially let you modify the firmness of the mattress with the touch of a button, with dual options on every side that can be adjusted individually.

I have a guide to the best mattresses for seniors and the elderly that you should read if you want to learn more about mattresses specifically.

Advice for Couples Sharing an Adjustable Bed

When you buy a split-design adjustable bed, you will be minimizing, if not eliminating the problem of having a toss-and-turner who sleeps on the same bed.

However, these beds come with their own pros and cons, but what makes them attractive is that they can be repositioned and calibrated to suit the kind of comfort you’re looking for, separately.

For instance, if you’re looking to sleep but your partner still wants to stay up reading, they can simply adjust their side of the bed to get the proper posture and be properly propped up.

This shouldn’t affect you though, and you should be able to enjoy your own space while sharing the bed with you, such that it’s a win-win for both of you.

Guide to Buying an Adjustable Bed Online

In addition to the price, features, and mattress type, you should consider the following factors when purchasing an adjustable bed.

Bed Rails Safety

For extra safety and support, you can install bed rails on the bed’s frame. These can be bought from third party manufacturers and installed on the beds. Keep in mind that some adjustable beds can’t support bed rails.

Trials and Returns

Enquire from the seller if they have trial periods and for how long. Many retailers will give their customers a 30-day or 90-day trial period, during which you could return your bed and obtain a full refund.

Bedding Expenses

Considering all the movement that’s involved in adjustable beds, you will probably want to buy some special sheets, either sheets that have deep pockets or straps, that are designed to cling onto the mattress.

Many models will offer these sheets at a discount price when you buy a mattress. I recommend mattress protectors for adjustable beds to protect them from spills, dirt, and even incontinence if that’s a concern.

Repairs

You will also want to inquire about the repair process of the adjustable bed, whether or not repairs are covered under warranty. Does the company send out a technician to fix a faulty bed or do you have to ship it back yourself?

Warranties

Go through the fine print with regards to the warranty the bed comes with.

This is especially true for the adjustable bed frame, since there are often separate warranties for the parts, the motor, and the labor. Mattresses will generally come with warranties of a couple of decades.

Assembly and Delivery

Because of the sheer size and weight of adjustable beds, they can cost you a pretty penny to ship, especially if you buy one online. So, be sure to ask if they have free shipping offers.

In addition, you want to find out if they offer free assembly services or removals for existing beds and mattresses. Look for “White Glove” delivery options that include delivery, set-up and removal of your old bed.

Adjustable Beds FAQs

Do Adjustable Beds Come Pre-Assembled?

For most models, your adjustable base will arrive pre-assembled. The assembly process entails attaching the retainer bars, the legs, and other small attachments as necessary. The required tools will be included if needed.

The weight of the base will vary based on the size of the bed and the model. If you are unable to lift heavy items, or just don’t have a helping hand, consider a delivery service that includes set-up in your room of choice.

Should I Get a Special Mattress for an Adjustable Bed?

When you buy an adjustable bed, chances are you will need a new mattress. You want to make sure the mattress is able to withstand the folding and bending required for an adjustable bed.

This is a drawback considering you will have to get rid of a mattress you already have. Fortunately, many companies will remove the old mattress and bed for free, which should help avoid the problems of having to dispose of an old bed.

Will the Adjustable Beds Be Compatible with My Own Headboard or Footboard?

Sure. Most adjustable beds will accommodate a footboard and a headboard. In fact, many models feature brackets where you can install your footboard or headboard rather easily.

Otherwise, you may opt to get a floating headboard, or simply place the adjustable bed inside your existing bed frame.

Does Medicare Cover the Cost of an Adjustable Bed?

No, Medicare will NOT cover the cost of an adjustable bed, the kind we are talking about here at least. They will pay for adjustable hospital style beds that are used for home health care.

Home care adjustable beds are categorized as “durable medical equipment” which means that they can sometimes be covered under Medicare.

However, there are some conditions that have to be met to warrant Medicare coverage for adjustable beds, including:

• Neurological disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Epilepsy, and stroke
• Spinal injuries
• Lung and heart conditions
• Severe arthritis and other pain conditions

Medicare might only cover the cost of a hospital bed that is prescribed by a doctor. Some private insurance plans may help cover part of the cost of a more modern adjustable bed, so it is worth a phone call to ask.

Bottomline

We can’t go so far to say that there is a universal best adjustable bed for seniors. Everyone has their own wants and tastes, as well as different priorities and needs when sleep is concerned.

However, if we had to recommend a good adjustable bed for someone looking for one, we’d say that you wouldn’t go wrong with any option on our list.

Don’t forget that the best bed is the one that will improve your sleep and your quality of life. There are many beds to choose from, and it’s important not to lose sight of the features you need (and those you don’t).

So, which adjustable bed are you considering for your home? We’d like to know in the comments below!