In this article, we aim to help the consumer understand the technology behind adjustable beds so as to be able to make a more informed buying decision. This article explores topics including: brands, mattress types, bed comparisons, bedding accessories and potential health benefits.
Introduction – Adjustable Beds
These are marketed to provide “a comfortable night’s sleep.” We believe this to be very true, but the choice in adjustable beds has exploded over the last 30 years(though they are almost all made by Leggett & Platt, no matter what name they’re sold under) These types of beds have been used in hosptials for a very long time, but have only been heavily marketed to homeowners for the past few decades. People looking for an alternative to the flat bed experience, or maybe just wanting a bit more luxury, find that laying in a bed that can recline, elevate, heat and massage feels absoultely heavenly. Many also swear by the relief an adjustable bed provides for numerous health issues. For example, people suffering from acid reflux, (GERD), may benefit from using an adjustable bed, as elevating the upper body can assist in keeping acid down. It has also been show to help diabetic patients since you are able to elevate your feet and in turn reduce swelling. Compared to a standard bed, these types of beds can provide comfort and support for individuals with back pain, osteoarthritis and multiple sclerosis.
If you’re considering the purchase of an adjustable bed and specialty mattress, and are looking for information and reviews online, consider this, it’s very confusing. At times it’s hard to differentiate the brands(remember-they’re almost ALL Leggett & Platt, no matter what the seller says), who to buy from and who is trying to sell you the Brooklyn bridge. That’s why we’ve compiled a report on this topic designed to provide the reader with some clarity on the technology behind the adjustable bed. It is, after all, not adjustable because of the mattress but because of the electric bed frame and most of these are made by one manufacturer, Leggett and Platt. The comfort, however, is determined by the mattress and there are a number of mattress types to choose. What should you do to choose? Start by: 1. Reading our report about Understanding Adjustable Beds. 2. Head to a sleep store in your area and test out the different mattress choices. There really is no substitute for physically testing out various sleep surfaces for accurate comparisons. It’s not a test with right or wrong answers, just decide based upon what feels most comfortable to you!
Adjustable bed mattresses
Are all mattresses compatable with an adjustable bed? The answer is no. However, the two mattress types coil springs and air adjustable mattresses which need specific construction to move flexiby on an adjustable bed frame ARE available to buy. (See specific mattresses below). Other mattress choices, latex and memory foam are flexible enough making them compatible with an adjustable frame.
Still ranked as the most popular, coil spring mattresses command 80% of the market and for the majority of consumers without health or sleep issues, this used to be good enough. Currently, other sleep surfaces, (including adjustable air beds, latex foam and memory foam) are growing in popularity with aging baby boomers and better educated consumers. After getting an overview on the technical differences between the various mattress choices including the benefits pertaining to each one, it is recommended that an individual read some of the online adjustable bed reviews expressed about the various manufacturers and sellers.
- 1. Coil spring
The coil spring mattress, first patented in 1865, continues to be the most popular mattress choice for an adjustable bed. However, an innerspring adjustable bed mattress differs from a traditional flat bed, in that it is able to bend into various positions. As for standardization, that is one thing you won’t find in the mattresses manufacturing industry. The only government standard in place is a flammability test (and not for all states) but after that it is buyer beware.
The basic inner workings of a coil spring mattress are, of course, the coils. Once coiled the metal is tempered to hold the firmness of the coil. A higher quality coil mattress will likely have a higher number of turns in the coil. Coils may be connected together or remain independent, the latter being less likely to transfer motion. The more luxurious models are covered with a layer of memory foam, latex and / or a pillow top.
This type of mattress is still the best value on the market offering a level of firmness that most people want. The drawback for some is that the coil springs can create pressure points, that when in contact with the body, can cause a poor or restless night’s sleep.
- 2. Memory foam
Memory foam, made from a visco-elastic material, is completely pliable so it can be used on either a flat or an adjustable bed frame. This is an especially great option for anyone who has back issues as memory foam softens with heat (body temperature is enough) and conforms to the curves of the spine, thereby reducing pressure points.
Invented by NASA in the 1970’s, memory foam was revised and launched into the commercial market by the Swedish company, Tempur-Pedic. Although Tempur-Pedic is still the best known brand in this category and the reigning leader of the high-end market, there are now plenty of knock off brands to choose from. Consumers can also purchase memory foam pillows and foam mattress toppers.
The firmness of the foam,( between 2 – 6 lbs) is graded with the following criteria:
1.Weight
2. ILD Rating (Indentation Load Deflection)
3. Resiliance4. Tensile
- The first factor, Weight, refers to the actual density of the foam in pounds per square foot, determined by the number of chemicals used in the foam’s creation.
- Next, the ILD Rating, the firmness of a mattress, determined by the indentation left when “x” amount of pounds of weight is applied to a 50 square inch area. The higher the ILD number, the firmer that particular mattress.
- The third factor, the Resilience, or ‘H R’ factor shows how fast the foam rebounds when a ball is dropped onto the surface. The faster the rebound, the more resilient the material, and the more durable the mattress.
- The fourth factor, tensile, shows the ability of the foam to be stretched. However, this does not offer very relevant information, since a memory foam mattress may be compressed by the weight of the sleeper, but it is never ‘stretched’.
Again, there can still be plenty of variance in these measurements, however, most consumers find that they are more comfortable in the middle, sleeping on densities between 3 – 4 lbs, although a 5 lb density is recommended for its longer lifespan.
Some common complaints about memory foam are that, initially, it takes the body some getting used to and also that new mattresses may give off an unpleasant odor for a short time. US made foam mattresses and Swedish Tempurpedic mattresses do not contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and generally do not cause allergies.
- 3. Latex Foam
Latex foam, a naturally derived substance made from the milky sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, is flexible enough to be used on both flat and adjustable beds. Latex is a desirable product since it not only acts similarly to memory foam, conforming to your body and reducing pressure points, but is also hypo-allergenic. Mold, mildew and bacteria cannot live in latex foam and it is also very resistant to dust mites. Good news for those who are very sensitive or allergic to these factors. And no chemical smell!
Another plus to this product is its’ ‘breathability’. The cellular makeup of these mattresses cools in warm weather and warms in cooler weather. This is advantageous over synthetic memory foams which tends to retain body heat.
What’s available? Besides 100% natural latex foam and 100 % synthetic latex, there are two other processes to create a blended latex: the Talalay process and the Dunlop process. These processes use about 60% synthetic and 40% natural latex and make up the bulk of the type of latex sold in the US. Some of the synthetic latex mattresses, such as those manufactured in China, are inexpensive but do not have as long a life span and may become uncomfortable after a short time due to their inferior construction.
Environmentally, 100 % latex foam is far superior to any of the other mattresses on the market. The process of making latex mattresses does not involve the use of toxic chemicals. Since latex is derived naturally, it is biodegradable (once it reaches the end of its lifespan which can be up to 30 years). But besides being a product that doesn’t clog landfills, the rubber trees themselves, once they stop producing sap, are used to manufacture furniture.
- 4. Adjustable Air Bed Mattress
An air adjustable bed is the one mattress that is, itself, adjustable. Adding this type of mattress to an adjustable bed frame gives you the option to raise and lower head and foot levels as well as change the actual firmness of the mattress. However, it is important to note that not all models of adjustable air mattresses are compatible with adjustable frames.
Air mattress composition: Adjustable air beds take the basic idea of an camping style air mattress (although air bed manufacturers don’t like any comparison to something like the Aerobed), enhance it with modern design elements and enclose it in a fabric cover so that it does not look any different than a standard coil spring mattress. The basic components of these mattresses include: inner air chambers, (made from either thick, high quality rubber or polyurethane) four thick foam side rails that interlock to create a firm edge, a cover, a plastic or wooden foundation (base), an electric pump and a remote control. Luxury models add on memory foam and pillow top layers.
Typically, an adjustable air bed requires some assembly upon arrival which usually involves snapping together the base (if plastic), inserting the air chambers into the cover, fitting together the foam rails and then pumping up the mattress. The pump automatically shuts off once the chambers reach their maximum level so there is no need to worry about over inflating the mattress.
Once filled, it is recommended that the user / users try the bed out and adjust the degree of firmness, usually via remote control, to their desired level. Most people need several days and many slight adjustments to get the mattress to their preference and may not even like the feel of the bed right away. Since the bed takes some getting used to, most sellers offer a 30 day return policy (be sure to retain the original packaging if there is any thought of a return).
The choice of an air bed over other types of adjustable mattresses depends on personal preference, but may also be based on a specific ailment. If reducing pressure points to allow maximum circulation is a requirement then the air bed mattress is a good choice as it offers pressure relief below 32 mmHg (32 millimeters of mercury is a the point at which zero pressure is being applied to the body for maximum circulation).
We discussed the basics of the adjustable air bed mattress above. The SAT mattress (stands for Self Adjusting Technology) uses a patented air suspension system based on ‘Boyles Law’, which uses no pumps, motors or electricity, but instead an intake / release valve system to self adjust. This type of mattress is recognized by the US government and is frequently used in the health care industry. It is also being promoted for home use and basic sleep comfort.
Dual adjustable air beds are recommended for couples as it allows each sleeper to individually control the firmness of their side of the mattress, via remote control. If there is a fairly significant variance in the level of firmness between each side, an additional layer of foam can be added underneath to raise the level of the softer side, keeping the surface of the mattress even. Since each side of the bed has it’s own air chamber, there is minimal transfer of motion. An important consideration with dual adjustable air beds is the whisper quiet pump. You will find that less expensive models offer air pumps that can be as loud as a hair dryer. This can be disturbing if one of the users likes to adjust his or her side of the mattress in the middle of the night.
Electric adjustable bed frames
When talking about electric adjustable beds you’re really talking about the electrically operated metal frames or bases over which a mattress resides. If exploring your options online or at a sleep store, you will find that just about all electric adjustable bed frames are manufactured by a company called Leggett and Platt. By visiting their website directly you can browse the 9 adjusting frames they manufacture. Some features to consider include:
- a whisper quiet motor
- a wireless remote control versus one that is hard wired to the bed
- a remote control that can be programmed to remember and return to favorite positions
- back up power or a way to get the bed back to a flat position in the case of a power failure
- wallhugger option: keeps the bed lined up with side tables when raised
- built in massage
Top of the line frame, S-Cape offers the most versatility and can be put inside a bed like a four poster or headboard /footboard style. Optima, Lifestyle, Silhouette, Pro-Motion, Profile, Adjusta-Magic, InComfort and Rowa are other selections and retailers that sell Leggett and Platt should be able to get you one of these electric frames, should you want a specific model.
Keep in mind that there are a number of variables concerning the frame. For one, if you’re looking to buy a queen or king size mattress you have the option of buying a split king or queen frame that allows for independent adjusting or a single adjusting frame. For couples, buying the split frame allows each person to control the position of his or her side independently. However, this option carries a heavier price tag; about $1000 more.
To get the most for your money consider which features are most important. Features important in an adjustable bed include quiet operation and you should look for “Whisper Quiet.” Another feature to look for to keep the bedside table within easy reach is the “Wall Hugger” feature. Massage options often come included in the price of the frame; however, it is best to inquire before purchasing.
And finally, know that if you are interested in buying an adjustable bed, and most people buy the frame and mattress all at once, mattresses suitable to the adjustable frame will include latex and memory foam. Air adjustable mattresses and Innerspring mattresses must be designed specifically for use on an adjustable bed frame.
Hospital and home care electric beds are designed with features to provide safety, comfort and assistance to individuals who are ill or disabled. If a patient is being cared for at home, instead of a hospital, it is possible to either buy or rent a hospital bed. These beds are available to buy as: fully electric, semi-electric or manual. Considerations for choosing one over the other include primarily price as an electric hospital bed will cost more than a manually operated one. To learn more about hospital beds, read our review.
Adjustable bed brands
Tempur-pedic, a Swedish company, is responsible for bringing memory foam mattresses to the market. The material, originally created by NASA to pad the seats for astronauts, was revised by the Swedes to make it more optimal as a sleep surface. Today, memory foam aficionados may be purchasing Tempur-pedic more so because of the huge advertising dollars this company has spent to gain brand name recognition, than because it is a superior memory foam mattress.
About Tempur-pedic
- 7 mattresses to choose from
- Mattress prices range from $1499 to $5999
- Mattress widths from 8″ to 14″
- Mattresses can be used with an adjustable bed or flat bed base
- Adjustable bed frames include wireless remote and massage features
- Tempur-pedic pillows
Craftmatic adjustable beds all sit on frames made by Leggett and Platt. There are 4 different models to choose from; the Monaco, their top of the line mattress, which comes complete with massage and heat options. Other models include the I, II and III with the III being the least expensive. This manufacturer does not list prices on their website, but instead sends brochures and a live sales rep to explain the benefits of purchasing their products. Top of the line models use high density foam and latex mattresses while less expensive models use coil spring mattresses.
- Sleep Comfort Beds
Not to be confused with Select Comfort which promotes the ‘sleep number’ bed, this manufacturer offers a variety of mattresses choices, such as coil spring, memory foam and latex foam (but no adjustable air). Manufactured in San Diego, this company offers maintenance on their beds in all 50 states.
- Select Comfort Beds
The originators of the ‘Sleep Number’ bed that allows users to adjust each side of the bed to their own level of firmness. Not all models come with an adjustable frame as the focus is more on the adjustable firmness of the mattress itself, but adjustable bed frames can be purchased. The mattress has an inner core that is an inflatable air bed. It is surrounded by thick foam rails (for support), covered over with memory foam, latex foam, quilting or a combination of those, and enclosed in a mattress cover for added comfort. There are many other air beds on the market, some even better than sleep number. See our articles in our Air Beds section for more info.
- RestOnClouds Adjustable Beds
Sold at very reasonable prices, GoldenRest manufactures a line of both home and hospital adjustable beds. Like many of the other companies listed above, they offer a complete range of sizes from twin to king and have several models to choose from.
Additional adjustable bed brands include: Niagra, Serta, Sealy, Spring Air and Simmons.
Adjustable bed sheets and accessories
With the exception of a queen split mattress, standard size sheets will fit accordingly, but they may not stay on.
As with a standard bed you will want to accessorize an adjustable bed with pillows, comforter and a mattress pad. Choice will depend upon desired style and comfort and can be bought at any bedding store online or locally.