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Adjustable beds have grown in popularity over the last few years thanks to a rise in selection and affordability. They give users the ability to adjust to a range of different positions, which allows for maximum comfort while sleeping. Though long associated with healthcare facilities, the adjustable bed has come to be viewed as a complementary household fixture among healthy, able-bodied people.

In some form or another, the adjustable bed has existed for a long time, though the three-part model that’s familiar to today's consumer was pioneered early in the last century by Dr. Willis D. Gatch. His patented Gatch Bed offered improved comfort and circulation between the upper body and lower extremities for bedridden patients. As the decades wore on, companies such as Craftmatic started making similar beds for the consumer market, with most of the advertising geared towards older adults. Newer models improved upon the adjustable-base concept with the addition of massagers — beds people of all age groups enjoy today.

How to Determine Whether an Adjustable Bed Would Be Right for You

Like many of today's consumers, you have probably heard great things about adjustable beds from friends, relatives, neighbors or work colleagues. All of this talk has probably piqued your interest to the point where you're now considering whether or not an adjustable bed would be a good investment for your own living quarters. Consider the following questions before you buy an adjustable bed:
 
Did you wake up this morning fully satisfied with the quality of your sleep? If you hesitate in any way to answer with a full-throated "yes," there's probably room for improvement in your sleeping quarters.

When was the last time you were fully satisfied with the quality of your sleep? If it's been awhile, and you haven't been distracted by a barking dog or engaged in late-night vices — caffeinated drinks, sugary snacks, etc. — your current bed is likely the culprit.

Have you experienced a better-than-average night of sleep recently at another location? At a hotel or in someone else's guest room, perhaps? If the answer is a resounding "yes," then it's time to question the inadequacies of your living quarters — starting with your old, flat bed.

Are you satisfied with the amount of sleep you typically get each night? If the number of hours falls anywhere short of your needs and the problem is leaving you drowsy by day, it's definitely time to make some changes to your sleeping environment.

In what position do you sleep at night? Sideways, curled into a fetal position with a pillow between your knees? Some people do that to avoid lower-back pain, while others seek the same results by turning on their backs and propping their knees at 90-degree angles with stacks of pillows. In any case, an adjustable bed would allow you to assume the position you need for a comfortable night's rest — without the pillow stacks, which usually aren't stable in the first place.

Do you typically experience discomfort in your back and shoulders when you wake each morning? If so, then chances are your old flat bed is simply incapable of providing the support you need each night, regardless of which positions you've tried to remedy the situation. An adjustable bed will support you throughout the night in a vast array of positions, with no special effort on your part.

Do you often use your bed for reading, writing, web-surfing, paperwork or watching television? If you've answered "yes" to all or any of those, the benefits of an adjustable bed — in terms of comfort, convenience and support — will far outclass what you're currently getting from your old, flat bed.
 
Adjustable Bed Benefits: Comfort, Health and Convenience

If you've wondered whether it would be a good idea to invest in an adjustable bed, consider the therapeutic benefits of owning one. People with adjustable beds are generally known to experience improved breathing and blood circulation. For those who suffer from various health problems, adjustable beds offer improved healing while decreasing the risks of heartburn, joint swelling and back pain.

Adjustable beds allow users to sleep in what's known as the Fowler's position. The body, lying in the supine position (face up), is raised 45 degrees from the waist on up by an elevation of the bed's head portion. Fowler's can reduce the risk of heartburn caused by GERD. Also known as acid reflux, GERD is when the contents that haven't left the stomach make a reverse trip to the esophagus. The position can also help improve breathing and healing among postnatal women and people who've recently undergone surgery. With an adjustable bed, Fowler's position can be achieved in a more comfortable way than a sleeper would experience with stacks of pillows.

Symptoms of poor circulation, such as leg and foot swelling, can be relieved by raising an adjustable bed at its front end, which allows you to sleep with your lower half elevated above your heart. For symptoms of lower-back pain, an adjustable bed can be raised slightly at both the head and front, placing the sleeper in the zero-gravity position, where the head and feet are elevated above the mid section. Additionally, various other settings can be made to adjust the bed to the unique comfort levels of a given individual.

An adjustable bed can also offer numerous benefits in terms of comfort. With its flexible base, an adjustable allows for a range of luxury and convenience that flatbeds simply don't provide. Among the other unique qualities of adjustable beds are the vibration mechanisms of certain models, which provide soothing, stress-relieving massage — a feature that rarely comes with conventional mattresses. Most adjustable beds can even be raised in the middle, allowing users to rest or lounge with the knees slightly elevated from the rest of the body.


The customizable benefits are also innumerable on adjustable beds, which offer a range of comfort features for people who enjoy reading, watching television, using laptops or eating in bed. Whereas pillows are typically needed to facilitate such activities on conventional beds, a user can simply adjust the mattress to his or her own needs on an adjustable bed. This allows for natural support of the head and arms while reading, surfing or viewing — all of which help prevent stress on the joints and limbs.

To accommodate the individual needs of spouses and cohabitants, some adjustable beds have split-sided features, in which one partner can adjust his or her side to a different contour or elevation. Some models are even equipped with alarms and anti-snore functions, which can be especially convenient for couples who have one partner with a snoring habit.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Adjustable Bed

As you consider all of the benefits of owning an adjustable bed, you should also consider some of the other factors at hand. Simply put, there are budgetary concerns that could bear upon your wish to purchase an adjustable. For starters, the going rate on adjustable beds is considerably higher than that of standard beds. That said, an adjustable will typically last for up to 20 years of usage.

Other things to consider are your pre-existing bed components. For the most part, recent adjustable models are compatible with regular headboards and bed frames. However, adjustable beds are known to be incompatible with platforms in certain cases, such as when the elevation is too high for the legs to touch the ground or when the platform isn't strong enough to carry the weight of the adjustable base.

You'll also need to consider base and mattress compatibility. Most innerspring mattresses, for instance, simply won't work with adjustable beds. Ideally, you'd want a mattress that conforms to the contours of each adjustable position that you'd select. Your best option would be something made of latex or memory foam. In any case, you'll want to avoid any combination that could potentially damage the mattress or the base.

Setting up an adjustable bed can also demand a certain degree of strength and ingenuity. In any given model, the base is likely to be heavy. You'll need help transporting the base into your bedroom and setting it up, especially if you're not comfortable lifting large equipment. There could also be some assembly required, and you'll likely need assistance unless you're experienced at piecing furniture together. To ensure that the tasks of lifting and assembling are carried off without a hitch, choose the White Glove delivery option.

Other Adjustable Bed Characteristics

One of the biggest differences between buying an adjustable bed versus buying a regular bed is that with the former, you have to consider the durability of the motor — the part that powers the elevation capabilities of the base. To a certain extent, a motor's durability can be determined by the length of an adjustable bed's warranty. It's safe to go by the following principle: the longer the warranty, the stronger the motor.

Another determining factor in the potential lifespan of a motor is whether it's an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) motor. Alternating currents are generally used for home electricity. While they tend to be louder, larger and more expensive, AC motors usually last longer than DCs. In any case, the AC/DC issue is food for thought whenever an adjustable bed seller stresses the quietness of the motor in a given model.

Before buying an adjustable bed, you should also consider:

• The clarity of the user guide: Does it explain all the functions in laymen's terms, or is it confusing and hard to read? Furthermore, are the functions intuitive and easy to remember, or will you continually need to check the user guide?

• The remote control: Is it wired or wireless? If the remote is wireless, there's the slight possibility that its signal could interfere with other nearby wireless devices, such as your cellphone or iPad. You'll also need to keep better track of a wireless remote. If you have a habit of misplacing such devices, there's the chance that you could end up having to buy a new remote or else have the bed stuck in its last adjusted position.

The quality of an adjustable bed is to some degree indicated by the terms and length of its warranty. Manufacturers that are highly regarded in the market will generally offer some type of warranty that lasts for up to 20 years, but this won't always cover every piece of an adjustable bed unit. With some manufacturers, the full-coverage period will only last from one to five years. Under limited-time warranties, some of the most vital parts of the unit — such as the motor — are excluded from the coverage.

Before signing the dotted line, it's crucial that you read the fine print regarding what is and isn't covered. It's also wise to inquire about any charges you might incur, should you need to make a service call. After all, adjustable beds consist of mechanical and electrical parts that can possibly break down, even when you're careful.
 
Adjustable Beds: More Essential Than Ever Before

Though long considered a luxury item, the adjustable bed is now viewed more commonly as an essential household furnishing. The trend has been spurred by the aging demographic of baby boomers, who've always had a reputation for being one of the most health-conscious of generations. Adjustable beds — which promote longer, healthier sleep and body positioning — have come to be seen as vital to a person's physical health regimen. In tandem with this growing popularity, adjustable-bed units have taken on more modernized designs and now feature quieter motors and improved mechanics.

According to the latest findings by SleepLikeTheDead.com, adjustable beds have a 93 percent satisfaction rating among users. At least a fourth reported relief from the health problems and physical difficulties, including insomnia, leg cramps, poor breathing, arthritis, acid reflux, poor circulation and arthritis as well as pain in the neck, back and shoulders. Just as many users have also noted the unique comforts of an adjustable bed when it comes to activities such as reading and watching television.

What all this means is that the vast majority of customers are happy with their adjustable bed purchases. You could be too, as long as you take the time to make an informed purchase of the best possible model for your particular needs.

The Best Adjustable Beds Are Found at Dr Snooze

When you're in the market for an adjustable bed, look no further than Dr Snooze. We feature a vast array of the world's most comfortable, durable and popular bedding products, including Simmons Beautyrest and Serta iComfort and iSeries models.

We guarantee the lowest prices anywhere. If you find the same item elsewhere at a lower price within 45 days of delivery from us, we'll refund you the difference plus up to 15 percent.