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Advantages & Disadvantages of Adjustable Beds (Worth It?)

Carl Heinrichs, owner of Quagga Designs.
Written by,

Carl Heinrichs

CEO of Quagga

Is your bed keeping you up at night?

Good sleep is essential to a healthy and enjoyable life. With an adjustable bed frame, you can adjust your mattress from top to bottom to find the perfect sleeping position for maximum comfort and relaxation.
An adjustable bed is a bed that can be raised or lowered to different positions to make sleeping more comfortable. They have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for ways to improve their sleep quality. However, adjustable beds have their cons.

Not only will it improve your sleep quality, but it’s also incredibly convenient; just hit the button, and voila! You’re ready for sweet dreams in no time. Plus, its contemporary design fits any decor perfectly.

However, before you decide on a type of need to get. Maybe you should know its pros and cons.

In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of adjustable bed frames. We'll determine what type of people should invest in one and who should not. By the end, we'll have a clear understanding of whether an adjustable bed is worth it or not. Let's take a look.

What is an Adjustable Bed?

An upholstered black adjustable bed frame with mattresses on top on a rug in a bedroom
Credit: Blissful Nights

An adaptable bed is a bed frame that can be adjusted to multiple positions, typically using a remote control.

Adjustable beds gained popularity in hospitals and nursing homes to provide patients with increased comfort and support. However, adjustable beds are now available for home use and can benefit all sleepers.

For example, movable beds can be raised or lowered to find the perfect position for reading, watching TV, or working on a laptop in bed.

Additionally, adjustable beds can be helpful for those with back pain or other medical conditions requiring head or leg elevation.

If you're considering an adaptable bed for your home, it's important to choose a quality convertible base from a reputable manufacturer. This will ensure that your new bed will provide years of comfortable, better night's sleep.

What are the Advantages of Adjustable Beds?

Adjustable beds are simply beds whose head and foot can be adjustable to different angles. This gives the sleeper many options for how they want to sleep and what position they want to sleep in. Here are the advantages of adjustable beds.

Massage Features

If you're in the market for a bed frame with advanced features (even beyond adjustability), an adjustable bed may be for you.

There are many alterable bed frames on the market, and they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

Most adjustable beds have an adjustable base, which is part of the bed that the mattress sits on.

The adjustable base allows you to change the position of the bed frames. Many adjustable beds also come with massage options and other features that can make sleep more comfortable.

Many of us often do not get the restful sleep we need for our bodies to function optimally. Massage therapy is a great way to help promote better sleep and relaxation. A massage before bed can soothe tense muscles, improve circulation, ease stress, and help relax the body and mind to create a more conducive sleep environment.

Improve Blood Circulation

Adaptable beds have many benefits that make them a good option for people who want a more comfortable sleep experience. One of the main benefits of adjustable beds is that they can improve blood circulation.

Choosing the right bed can make a big difference when it comes to improving your circulation. According to Mattress Clarity, 9% of consumers say they own an adjustable foundation and 33% are familiar with and would be interested in buying one.

When you sleep in a traditional bed (for example, a platform bed), your body is typically in one position for several hours at a time. This can cause your blood to pool in your legs and feet, which can lead to poor circulation. However, when you sleep in an adaptable bed, you can change positions throughout the night, which helps to keep your blood flowing evenly throughout your body.

Rearranging your bed frame can help reduce pain and swelling in your legs and feet and improve overall circulation.

Relief from Acid Reflux & Snoring

Another benefit of adjustable beds is that they can provide relief from conditions such as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and acid reflux.

When you sleep in a traditional bed, gravity pulls your stomach acids up into your throat, which can cause heartburn and indigestion. However, when you sleep in a movable bed, you can raise the head of the bed so that gravity does not pull your stomach acids up into your throat. This can help to prevent heartburn and indigestion, and it can also help to reduce snoring.

Reduce Back & Neck Pain

A woman with a ponytail wearing grey rubbing the back of her neck
Credit: Karolina Grabowska

Adjustable beds also offer several other benefits that make them a good choice for people who want a better night's sleep experience. For example, adjustable beds can help to reduce back pain by allowing you to adjust the position of your spine.

Adjustable beds can also help reduce neck pain by allowing you to adjust the position of your head and neck position.

Alleviates Arthritis

In addition, modifiable beds can help to alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis by allowing you to adjust the position of your joints.

Overall, an adjustable bed frame offers several benefits that make them a good choice for people who want a more comfortable sleep experience.

Can adjustable bed frames Help with Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds or even minutes and occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night.

Sleep apnea can cause various health problems, including daytime fatigue, irritability, and headaches. It can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

You can treat sleep apnea with an adjustable bed. Adjustable bed frames allow you to sleep in a position that keeps your airway clear, which can help ease sleep apnea symptoms. In addition, adjustable beds can help reduce snoring.

By allowing you to sleep in a position that is comfortable for you, an versatile bed can help you get the rest you need and improve your overall health.

What are the Disadvantages of Adjustable Beds?

Despite the health benefits of adaptable beds, they may not be good for everyone.

Bad for Stomach Sleepers and Side Sleepers

A young blonde girl wearing a white shirt with stripes lying on her stomach on a bed
Credit: Kinga Cichewicz

Adaptable beds are only really beneficial for one type of sleeper, and those are back sleepers. This limits its compatibility for those who sleep on their side or stomach.

Adjustable beds are not ideal for stomach sleepers or side sleepers because they can put extra pressure on the stomach, which can cause GERD or acid reflux. For side sleepers, alterable beds can also put extra pressure on the hips and shoulders, which can cause pain.

Adjustable beds are the best for back sleepers because they can provide support for the lower back. If you are a stomach sleeper or a side sleeper, it is best to stick with a traditional bed.

Not Compatible with a Box Spring

Two young boys having a pillow fight on a bed with feathers flying everywhere
Credit: Allen Taylor

Another disadvantage is that an adjustable bed frame is not compatible with a box spring.

The main reason for this is that a box spring is designed to support a mattress in a fixed position, while an adjustable bed can be raised and lowered to allow the sleeper to change positions. Therefore, if you put a box spring on an adjustable bed frame, the adjustable bed won't work.

Plus, a box spring is not designed to be used with an adjustable bed, and doing so may void the warranty. An adjustable bed is meant to be used in combination with a mattress and nothing else, so if you're keen on having a box spring, an adjustable bed frame will not be the right choice for you.

Higher Price than Most Beds

Another disadvantage of mobile beds is that they are often more expensive than other types of beds.

There are a few reasons why modifiable beds tend to be priced higher than other types of beds. One reason is that they offer a better range of motion than traditional beds. This allows for a more customized sleeping experience, as the user can adjust the bed to their preferred position.

Additionally, adjustable beds also offer a variety of health benefits. By adjusting the bed to a comfortable position, those with back pain or other health conditions can find relief.

Finally, variable beds tend to be made with higher-quality materials than traditional beds, which contributes to their higher price point.

Overall, non-fixed beds offer several advantages that come at a higher cost that may not be the best for those on a budget.

Incredibly Heavy

A piece of cardboard taped to a wall with black tape and a yellow sticker that says "Heavy" on it
Credit: Keagan Henman

Not only are adjustable bed frames high in price, but they're also incredibly heavy making them not very mobile or portable.

Multiway beds are designed to be adjusted to different positions, which requires a heavy-duty frame. The frame needs to be sturdy enough to support the moving parts as well as the weight of the person using the bed.

In addition, adjustable beds often have additional features (such as massage), which add to the weight of the bed. While all these features may make the bed heavier, they also help to make the bed more comfortable and durable.

As a result, versatile beds are a popular choice for people who want a comfortable and versatile bed. This is a more unpopular choice for people who frequently move or rearrange their furniture a lot. Instead, there are better bed frame options that are easy to assemble and store away when not in use.

Can Be Difficult to Set Up

Credit: Quagga

Additionally, they can be challenging to set up for some people.

Unlike some easy-to-assemble bed frames, alterable beds are heavy and can be complex, with a variety of settings that can be adjusted to achieve the perfect sleeping position. However, most adaptable beds come with easy-to-follow instructions that make set-up a breeze.

Therefore, adjustable bed frames may not be the easiest to set up for some due to their weight and complexity.

FAQ

Do doctors recommend adjustable beds?

This depends on the doctor. Some doctors may recommend adjustable bed frames for patients who experience pain or discomfort in certain positions, such as those with back pain or arthritis.

Ultimately, this will all depend on you as the patient (whether you are experiencing problems such as back pain, arthritis, or sleep apnea) and the doctor and their views on adaptable beds.

Are adjustable beds worth it?

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

Some people find that they sleep better on a firm mattress, while others prefer a softer surface. Some people like to sleep on their backs, while others find that sleeping on their sides is more comfortable. And for some people, an adjustable bed is the key to a good night's rest.

Non-fixed beds allow you to customize your sleeping position, which can be helpful if you suffer from chronic pain or other health conditions. In addition, adjustable bed frames can also provide relief from snoring and sleep apnea.

If you're considering an adjustable bed, it's important to do your research and choose a model that will fit your needs and budget. For many people, an adjustable bed is definitely worth the investment.

Can an adjustable bed cause back pain?

A man lying down on a massage bed with a towel over his body getting a massage with a device
Credit: Felix Henniges

The short answer is no, an adjustable bed won't cause back pain. However, if you already have back pain, an adjustable bed may help to alleviate your symptoms.

Movable beds allow you to customize your sleeping position, which can help to reduce pressure on your spine and joints. In addition, many adjustable beds come equipped with massage features that can help to loosen tight muscles and promote blood circulation.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, an adjustable bed may be worth considering. However, it is always best to consult with a medical professional before making any changes to your sleep routine.

Is it healthy to sleep on an adjustable bed?

Variable beds are becoming increasingly popular, but there is some debate about whether they are good for your health.

Some assert that adjustable bed frames are beneficial because they allow you to adjust your sleeping position to support your back and neck. Others argue that adjustable beds can cause muscle strain and joint pain.

There is no definitive answer to this question, as each person's body responds differently to sleeping on an adjustable bed. However, if you do decide to invest in an adjustable bed, it is important to make sure that you consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that it is the right decision for your individual needs.

Final Verdict: Are Adjustable Beds Worth It?

A woman with brown hair in a braid wearing a light blue button up shirt with a fist on her hip and the other hand on her chin thinking
Credit: Robin Higgins

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy an adjustable bed depends on individual needs and preferences.

Here are some reasons you may want to invest in an adjustable bed:

  • You suffer from joint and muscle pain and would like a bed with massage features to help you with this
  • You want to improve your blood circulation
  • You want relief from acid reflux
  • You don't want to snore anymore
  • Alleviate arthritis
  • Help with your sleep apnea

Here are some reasons you may not want to invest in an adjustable bed:

  • Your a side or stomach sleeper
  • You want to use a box spring
  • You don't want to spend multiple thousands of dollars on a bed frame
  • You don't want to deal with an incredibly heavy bed frame
  • You don't want to deal with a potentially difficult bed frame setup

We hope you found this article to be helpful! Feel free to send this to a friend or family member who needs an adjustable bed frame. Will you be investing in one?

Carl Heinrichs

CEO of Quagga
Carl Heinrichs is the Founder of Quagga, Canada's most innovative furniture design solutions that are easy to assemble and playfully made.

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