BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Compare Adjustable Beds

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (1 Ratings)

You've seen the commercials for adjustable beds that you can have at home and the promises that they make. With so many out on the market, it's difficult to know what the differences are and how to make the best choice. It's a big purchase and the decision should not be taken lightly. Use these steps to help make comparing adjustable beds easier.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Decide if you need to purchase the bed base and/or the mattress. The base is what will have the options for wireless remote controls, preset positions and massaging. Not all brands sell the mattress and base separately, but some do.

Step2

Choose what size of bed you want. Much like choosing a regular mattress, size does matter. But with adjustable beds, you need to decide not only what size, but if you want it split or whole. Split mattresses allow one person to sit raised while the other remains flat, and a whole mattress will move both sides together.

Step3

Look at all the options available. Controls to move the bed can be wired or wireless, but of course the wireless will cost a little more. Massaging is another option that depends on personal preference.

Step4

Know what mattress is best for your health. Your spine should remain straight while lying down. If the mattress is too hard or too soft, your muscles will work overtime keeping your spine straight or providing extra support. Heavier people will need a firmer mattress, offering more support. Adjustable beds are recommended for those with a medical necessity, but if bought purely for pleasure, the raised feature should only be used when not sleeping to allow for straight spines and healthy movements at night.

Step5

Remember that you cannot flip the mattress like traditional ones and some units sit quite high off the floor so getting off and on for some may require a step stool. Also when the head portion of the bed is raised, it lifts you away from a nightstand so getting drinks or other things that are normally an arm's length away may require more reaching.