What are the benefits of an adjustable bed vs a regular bed?

Previously confined to hospitals and clinics, electric adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular in the home. As a result, many manufacturers are now adding adjustable beds to their bed product lines and selling them along with their high-end mattresses.

If you’re considering buying an adjustable bed for yourself, we’ve compared the benefits of adjustable beds vs regular beds below to ensure you have all the information you need.

What are the benefits of buying an adjustable bed?

Quick guide: The benefits of an adjustable bed

  • Improved posture
  • Improved comfort
  • Convenience
  • Greater independence
  • Reduced snoring and improved breathing
  • Relief from back pain
  • Improved circulation and reduced swelling

Improved posture

Compared to a regular bed, an adjustable bed smoothly contours to your body which helps support your spine and maintain a ‘neutral’ position. This improved posture, will give you a comfortable, restful night’s sleep while also relieving key pressure points on your body.

Improved comfort when sleeping 

If you’re lying flat on a regular bed it creates pressure on different areas of the body such as your hips, head, shoulders and heels. This can make you uncomfortable during sleep. By contrast, an adjustable bed contours to your body, reducing the pressure on key areas of your body – so you can get a good night’s sleep.

Mobility beds provide added convenience

If you have limited mobility, getting in and out of bed can be a challenge. At the touch of a button, most adjustable beds can be raised and lowered to help you get in and out of bed with minimal discomfort. Additionally, all Adjustamatic beds are designed to help you sit up at the angle you find most comfortable.

Greater independence with split adjustable beds

Another advantage of an adjustable bed vs a regular bed is that you can move independently. Our split double adjustable beds give you and your partner each a mattress and adjustable bed base that you can adjust independently without disturbing your other half.

Reduced snoring and better breathing

When sleeping your tongue and the soft tissues in your throat relax. When you sleep on a flat surface, such as on a regular bed, this can narrow your airways and cause snoring. For some couples, snoring can be so disruptive that sleeping apart is the only way to get some peaceful shut eye.

By simply elevating your head with the remote control, an adjustable bed can stop your tongue and tissues narrowing your airways, to effectively reduce snoring.

Whether you snore or not, slightly elevating the head pf your bed while you sleep will allow oxygen to flow more freely, and help keep your airways open if you have asthma.

Relief from back pain

One out of three people suffer from back pain in the UK. The key to managing back pain is to find a comfortable sleeping position where you have good sleeping posture. Slightly elevating the feet can reduce the pressure on the spine and allow the lumber area to fully relax. This is very difficult to achieve if you’re on a regular (flat) bed, but with an adjustable bed it can be achieved at the touch of a button.

Improved circulation and reduced swelling

If you suffer from circulation issues or swelling in your legs, buying an adjustable bed can help. Swelling caused by poor circulation of blood flow in the legs, can be improved by slightly elevating the legs during sleep. At the touch of a button, an adjustable bed can slightly elevate your legs which will improve circulation, reduce swelling and help you sleep peacefully.

“The Adjustamatic brand is something I have become accustomed to, recently replacing an old Adjustamatic bed with a new one, the Royale bed. I suffer from lymphedema and the NHC Cyclo-Therapy® massage system has been extremely helpful allowing me to elevate my legs and providing me with a feeling of comfort. I also find the NHC Cyclo-Therapy® massage system very much relieves the nasty aching feeling I experience from having chronic lymphedema of both legs.”

The drawbacks of an adjustable bed

Weight of an adjustable bed

This is the main drawback of an adjustable bed. The extra technology in the high-end models can make them comparatively heavy: compared to a regular bed, an adjustable bed is approximately 3x heavier. Regular beds are lighter and can be moved more easily but they don’t offer the same levels of comfort or lifestyle support.

Cost of an adjustable bed

Buying an adjustable bed over a regular bed is a considerably more expensive option. Although the cost of an adjustable bed is a key factor in the decision-making process, this should always be weighed against the features and long-term life benefits of an adjustable bed. Adjustamatic provides 0% financing options and you may be eligible for a VAT exempt adjustable bed.

Mattress compatibility – adjustable mattresses vs normal mattresses

Your existing mattress may not be compatible with an adjustable bed. However, every Adjustamatic bed comes with a choice of adjustable mattress, at no extra cost.

Comparing adjustable beds with regular beds

Adjustable bedRegular bed
Helps improve your posture
Reduces pressure on your body
Helps you get in and out of bed
Stops your partner being disturbed
Elevates head to prevent snoring
Alleviates back pain with contouring
Can improve circulation
Compatible with regular mattresses
Typically lightweight

Think buying an adjustable bed is right for you?

Adjustable beds simply do more to help you sleep well than a regular bed. If you’d like to know more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team. You can contact us by email or phone us for free on 0808 278 0832 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri). We can organise a home visit for you to trial any bed, as well as give you professional and reliable advice. Alternatively, check out our adjustable bed buying guide for further information.