If you’re disabled or chronically ill, you know that finding any relief from your symptoms is a top priority. And if you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to make your life easier. So, you may be wondering if an adjustable bed is worth it.
In this post, I’ll share my experience with an adjustable bed and whether or not I think it’s worth the investment.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee-drinking habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied with caffeine. It’s a win for everyone. I am not a medical professional, and nothing stated in this article should be mistaken for medical advice…
Why Should You Consider an Adjustable Bed?
There are many reasons for choosing an adjustable bed. Here are a few!
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduces and prevents aches and pains
- Can change positions for sleep, work, or to watch TV
- It will change your life!
The number one reason I wanted an adjustable bed was that I was sick and tired of arranging pillows to find a comfortable position. Then knocking them on the floor and having to rearrange them whenever I flipped from one side to the other. Also, pillows weren’t relieving pressure from my shoulders, knees, hips, and ankles to the extent that I needed.
Because of chronic pain, I often work from bed. This required MORE pillows!! While wedge pillows provided softness to rest my upper back, I needed that same comfort for my sacrum, knees, and feet.
Fatigue from my chronic illnesses is fierce and leaves me with little energy to rearrange pillows whenever I need to leave the bed or change positions. The result was waiting until the last minute to use the restroom or putting off refilling my water bottle while working.
And lastly, after two years of abdominal muscle tearing, getting out of bed has become more difficult.
Benefits I have experienced.
I have slept in my adjustable bed for a month and a half. My only complaint is about the placement of the USB ports; they are not easy to reach. Other than that, I have had nothing but outstanding results and a great night’s sleep. With that said, here are a few examples of how an adjustable bed with a memory foam mattress has improved my chronic illness-filled life.
- Fewer Pillows Needed – At most, I use one! Between having the ability to raise my head and feet along with a mattress that makes me feel like I am lying on a cloud, I have no need for pillows! I often start the night with one under my head but usually push it aside because I am so comfortable.
- Less Shoulder Pain – My pile of pillows mildly reduced the shoulder pain I experienced with our old bed, but the relief was nothing compared to how much this bed and mattress have.
- Less Joint Pain – My shoulders aren’t the only joints that have benefitted from sleeping and working from my adjustable bed and mattress. I experience less pain in my neck, spine, elbows, wrists, hips, sacrum, knees, and ankles compared to sleeping on a traditional bed.
- Snoring Less – The jury is out on this one. I have been sick most of the time I have had my adjustable bed. With that said, despite the extra mucus, my family has admitted that they haven’t noticed my snoring as much. We will reevaluate after I get over my illness.
- Getting Out of Bed is Easier – You can imagine how weak my core is after two years of abdominal muscle tears. Putting the head of the bed in an upright position makes getting out of bed easier and less painful.
- Improved Health Habits – Because I can get in and out of bed easily, I am no longer putting off important things like going to the bathroom regularly, refilling my water bottle, or taking time out to eat small meals throughout the day.
- Less Body Trauma – Not to sound like a drama queen, but anyone with fibromyalgia knows how unwanted or unexpected movements can trigger a flare. And every time my husband would turn over while sleeping, my body felt the movement and responded as if it was experiencing a traumatic event.
My husband and I are in awe about how much better we are both sleeping. Many nights, one or both of us fall asleep the moment we lie down. Which is something that never happened with our old bed.
What to Consider When Buying an Adjustable Bed Frame?
Features of adjustable beds
- Adjustable Head and Feet – Not all adjustable beds have both. Make sure the one you choose does because while you may not think it is important, the ability to elevate the feet is fantastic for fibromyalgia and arthritis back pain.
- Full or Split Mattress – A split mattress is a must if you and your partner do not share the same sleep position! My husband and I could not sleep in the position that the other does. Remember that if you share the same sleep position and love your current mattress, you can use it on an adjustable frame.
- Anti-Snore – I will retest this feature after all the mucus from my latest illness clears.
- Zero Gravity – I have removed the inversion table from my wish list. While this feature is not exactly the same as what I would receive from a table, it is perfect for relieving pressure on my lower spine and sacrum.
- Position Memory – Although I may change the position throughout the night, I typically start the night in one of two positions depending on where my pain is. With position memory, I can preset my favorite positions.
- Remote – My husband and I each have our own remotes. The only issue we had was not being able to reach them from our bedside stands when in certain positions. We placed a remote holder on the wall behind the head of our bed, which is excellent when the mattress is in flat mode. Now that my energy is returning, I will soon add a button to the sides of our fitted bed sheets so our remotes will hang where we can easily grab them.
- Head Tilt – Being that I am vertically challenged, the head tilt does nothing for me when sitting upright. With that said, I find tilting it slightly when a more reclined angle gives my shoulder and arm a place to rest comfortably.
Other features to consider
- Underbed Lighting – Nothing gets lost under our adjustable bed!
- Massage – This is one feature I could do without. That is because I do not consider vibrations like that from a TENS unit comforting.
- USB Ports – Placement is essential; otherwise a wasted feature.
- Warranty / Coverage Plan – Depending on how long we live, this may be the last bed we ever need to buy.
Best Budget Adjustable Bed
Which adjustable bed gives the most bang for your buck?
My husband researched many brands before settling on the one we purchased. Here are a few comparisons.
Sven & Son
We chose the Sven & Son’s adjustable base. Although the base can be used with any mattress, we purchased their split king 14″ gel hybrid mattress, two twin XL 14″ hybrid luxury cool gel bionic infused memory foam mattresses. The base model we chose came with a 25-year coverage plan.
Purple Ascent Adjustable Base
I cannot comment on the quality of the Purple mattress as I have never tried one. But in terms of cost and features versus Sven & Son, the Purple Ascent Adjustable Base is overpriced and underperforming. Purple’s version does not offer all the features that Sven & Son does. And after adding their lowest-priced split king mattress, the cost, even with their combo discount, was more than what we spent.
Amazon Basics Adjustable Bed
This adjustable bed base is less expensive than Sven & Son, but like Purple, it lacks features that I have come to love.
Adjustable Bed Accessories
Bedding split mattresses
Whether you purchase a split or full mattress, you will need high-quality deep-pocketed sheets. Standard sheets lift from the edges sooner with movement.
No matter what type of sheets you use, I recommend bed sheet fasteners.
Was My Adjustable Bed Worth the Expense?
YES!!!
As a disabled person with multiple chronic illnesses, I spend a lot of time in bed. My bed is more than a place to sleep. It also serves as a place to get through flares and heal from infections. When I am not well enough to move to another room, my bedroom becomes the living and dining room as well as my office. The ability to switch modes at a touch of a button instead of building piles of pillows prevents pain and makes my home more accessible.
Follow me on Instagram for future videos showcasing the features and perks of having an adjustable bed!
How would an adjustable bed improve your chronic illness life?
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I’m so glad yours has been so beneficial! I ended up buying a new bed the other year, a regular one. I’d had mine for, ahem, 25 odd years or more, and it was utterly awful and far too painful. The new one turned out to have faulty drawers, as did the replacement they sent. I’d debated an adjustable bed but quickly dismissed it because of the size (I’ve a small bedroom), expense and knowing we’d hoped to move home soon. I figure the bed I have is to tide me over and if we move, and if I end up with a smidge bigger room, I’d bite the bullet and get an adjustable bed. At least I don’t have to worry about splitting and such because it’s only me and I could hog the remote too. Getting a holder for the remotes that’s somewhere you and hubby can easily reach it is a great idea. Fab post lovely!
Caz xx