The Adjustable Bed Buying Guide
Buying an adjustable bed, sometimes known as an orthopaedic bed, is a great way to increase comfort and get a great night’s sleep while also helping you regain freedom and independence if mobility is a concern.
Choosing an adjustable bed is very different to buying a standard bed, which can leave you with a lot of questions around why you’d need one and which are the right choices to make when it comes to features, style and more. Our adjustable bed buying guide aims to answer some of these questions and help you get on the road to finding the perfect bed.
If you’d rather browse our wide range, head to our adjustable beds product section or order a free brochure today.
What are adjustable beds?
Adjustable orthopaedic beds are designed to easily adjust to your individual needs and requirements. At the touch of a button, you can move the position of the bed to help you find the most comfortable position for a good night’s sleep.
The head and foot sections of the bed are moved using a remote control to control electric motors within the bed, so you can find your ideal position, whether you’re sleeping, relaxing or sitting up in bed.
Our How Do Adjustable Beds Work? Guide goes into more detail on the technical ways that they work.
What are the benefits of an adjustable bed?
Anyone can use an adjustable bed and feel the benefits. They’re ideal for those with mobility issues and health conditions, who may need extra assistance when it comes to getting in and out of bed or sleeping comfortably.
Here are just some of the ways an adjustable bed could help you:
Increased comfort
One of the main benefits of an adjustable bed is increased comfort. With a standard bed, your sleeping position can only really be altered by the way you position your body and the pillows that you use, other than that, it’s just a flat surface. With an adjustable orthopaedic bed, there’s much more manoeuvrability, helping you find the most comfortable position for how you sleep best.
Improved mobility
Getting in and out of bed is something that causes difficulty for many people. An adjustable bed is designed to help make that easier. By adjusting the bed height and raising the upper body, an adjustable bed can make getting in and out much easier than a standard bed. For those with pain or discomfort, the adjustable nature of the bed can help alleviate some of these symptoms.
Relief from medical conditions
There are a whole range of medical conditions that can be helped by an adjustable bed. For those with mobility issues, raising the legs can provide relief. For example, if you experience sleep apnoea, you can elevate your head and upper body to keep airways open. This can also help with snoring. When it comes to the medical benefits, there are many ways in which an adjustable bed can help, from relieving arthritis to helping with circulation and back problems.
Adjustable Beds Vs. Standard Beds: The Key Differences
While our adjustable beds are designed to look the same as a standard bed at first glance, there are several key differences between the two that set them apart. In the table below, we’ve broken down the main differences.
| Feature | Adjustable Beds | Standard Beds |
|---|---|---|
| Position Adjustability | Multiple customisable positions for head and legs | Fixed flat position |
| Health Benefits | Can aid circulation, ease back pain, reduce snoring and relieve acid reflux | Limited support for specific health issues |
| Ease of Mobility | Often includes remote controls or electric lift options | No built-in support for mobility |
| Comfort Customisation | Can be tailored to personal comfort needs | One standard sleep surface |
| Independence | Promotes self-sufficiency; ideal for older or less mobile individuals | May require assistance to adjust position or sit up |
| Technology Integration | Can include massage settings, USB ports, or smart features | Typically lack integrated technology |
| Mattress Compatibility | Requires a compatible, flexible mattress | Suitable for most standard mattresses |
Best orthopaedic mattress: What mattresses are best for adjustable beds?
If you're switching from a standard bed, you'll also need a new mattress specially designed to move with your adjustable bed. The mattress on your adjustable bed will need to be flexible enough to conform to the positions that you’re moving the bed into, this is possible with some existing mattresses but we’d recommend checking this with a professional.
We offer two types of mattresses with Willowbrook adjustable beds:
Sensapedic Mattress
-Firmer than traditional memory foam, which is ideal for posture support and pressure-relieving.
-Designed to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night
-Hypoallergenic and resistant to allergens
-Various thicknesses, densities, and firmness levels, making it suitable for different firmness preferences
Pocket Sprung Mattress
-Pocket springs conform the shape of the body, aligning the spine
-Each spring works independently, sleeping partners are less likely to disturb one another
-Lasts longer than other types of mattresses.
You can find out more about the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress in our guide.
What’s the Best Adjustable Orthopaedic Bed for Me?
Choosing the right adjustable bed for you depends entirely on your needs. Are you looking for something just for comfort? Do you have specific mobility or health-related needs that an adjustable bed could help with? There are a lot of things to consider.
Adjustable Bed Accessories & Customisation Options
To make your bed even more personal to you, Willowbrook also offers a choice of optional extras, such as a USB charging socket, reading light or build-in massage function. As well as a range of different fabric and leather options. So, your adjustable bed is not only tailored to your needs but also looks perfect in your home.
We’re here to help you answer all of these questions and more. That’s why we offer a totally free home demonstration service. One of our expert product specialists will come to your home for a no-obligation demonstration, with absolutely no pressure to purchase.
Our fully trained advisors will assess your needs, talk you through the options and answer any questions you may have.
Adjustable Bed FAQs
Will my adjustable bed fit up the stairs?
Adjustable beds are naturally a little bulkier and heavier than standard beds, due to the motor mechanisms and reinforced framework. If you’re purchasing an adjustable bed, it’s important to check that there’s enough space to get it into your bedroom.
At Willowbrook, we offer a comprehensive delivery and installation service. On the day of delivery, our professional installation team will bring your new bed directly to your room and set it up for you — all you need to do is be at home.
Are adjustable beds noisy?
Modern adjustable beds are designed to operate quietly. While there is a small amount of noise when adjusting the bed, this will vary depending on the model.
Willowbrook adjustable beds use near-silent electric motors, ensuring minimal disruption.
Can I use my existing bedding?
Yes, you can use your existing bedding on an adjustable bed. As long as your new bed is the same size as your previous one (e.g. you're not switching from a double to a single), your current bedding will fit just fine.
How easy are the controls to use?
All adjustable beds come with a simple-to-use remote control that lets you operate the bed from the comfort of your mattress.
As part of your free home demonstration, a Willowbrook expert will walk you through how everything works and show you how to make the most of your bed’s features.
