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Tips on Buying an Adjustable Bed in SA
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Categories :
Bedroom
What makes a good adjustable bed? How do adjustable beds actually work? Will an adjustable bed base be compatible with my current mattress? What about using it with my headboard and footboard? Will I need different pillows and sheets?
There are plenty of things you’ll want to know about adjustable beds before taking the leap to transform your sleep. Buying an adjustable bed is an investment that can massively upgrade your sleep quality, energy levels, and lifestyle. But to get all of the benefits, you’ll want to know exactly what to look for in an adjustable bed that will meet your unique needs, while delivering comfort, quality, and value.
In this blog, we will answer your pressing questions and share the best tips and advice on buying an adjustable bed in South Africa.
Read on, so we can help you find the perfect power bed in your bedroom!
What is an adjustable bed, and how does it work, exactly?
An adjustable bed consists of an electric-powered, remote-controlled bed base (with a compatible mattress) which allows you to change the configuration of the bed in various ways, depending on the model and its functionality.
Here are the three most common settings available for adjustable beds:
- Head up
This is a basic feature on the majority of adjustable beds, allowing the top half of the bed to be raised or reclined, so you can choose the perfect angle for resting, reading, eating, working or watching TV in bed.
- Feet up
Combined with the head-up feature, the feet-up function allows the lower half of the bed to be raised in a way that follows the natural bend of the knees, supporting the lower legs and feet in an elevated position.
- Height adjustment
This feature raises or lowers the entire bed in relation to the floor, making it much easier to get in and out of bed.
We’ve probably all had at least one experience of sleeping on an adjustable hospital bed. Thankfully, consumer versions of adjustable beds bear little resemblance to those creaky, clinical creations—and they come with way better breakfast-in-bed options!
But apart from the style upgrades, the concept hasn’t changed. Adjustable beds for home use will provide you with the same superior levels of comfort and customized support to ease pain and discomfort, make it easier to do a wider range of activities from the comfort of your bed, and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep.
Why buy an adjustable bed?
Still toying with the idea of upgrading to an adjustable bed and wondering if it’s really worth it? It’s an important decision, so let’s help you decide by taking a look at some of the key benefits that have persuaded thousands of sleep lovers to sit up and take notice.
Enjoy optimal comfort at the touch of a button
The main concept of the adjustable bed is, of course, being able to customize the support your bed provides at the touch of a button. No more fiddling with heaps of pillows or special cushions to find your ideal comfort zone for sleeping, sitting in bed to read or work, or simply having an afternoon rest with your feet up. Your adjustable bed does all the hard work for you! Not only does it conveniently provide the right support where you need it, but allows you to easily shift from one mode, activity, or position to another, ensuring you stay comfortable for hours.
Take the pressure off in the ‘zero gravity’ position
Adjustable beds that come with both the ‘head up’ and ‘feet up’ function can help you find a sweet spot of comfort that’s been coined the ‘zero gravity’ position. With both your head and knees raised above the level of your heart, you’ll experience a sensation of weightlessness, which effectively relieves the compression on your spine and other pressure points, and allows optimal blood flow. Lying in this position is especially useful for relieving back pain, achy feet and swollen ankles—there’s really nothing better after a long day on your feet or sitting in an office chair.
Find relief for a host of health conditions
Adjustable beds can play a significant role in alleviating pain, discomfort and a number of other health conditions.
Thanks to the fact that it relieves pressure in key areas and improves circulation, sleeping on an adjustable bed can help relieve back pain, aching joints, pain from arthritis, neck and shoulder tension, swollen ankles and feet, and other general body pains, while also improving digestion as you sleep.
Sleeping in a comfortable elevated position can help relieve acid reflux and heartburn. Elevating the head also reduces any constriction of the throat and airways, which reduces any nightly breathing difficulties associated with asthma, snoring and sleep apnea.
Last but not least—it should go without saying that recovering from injury or surgery is best done in the comfort of an adjustable bed!
Please be sure to check with your doctor or health professional about the benefits of an adjustable bed for any specific health issue.
What sizes do adjustable beds come in?
If you are looking for a bed for two people to share, a King size makes the most practical sense, since a King is made up of two separate twin beds which can be operated independently by each person without disturbing the other.
Adjustable beds do not generally come in split Double or Queen sizes, which would be too narrow to adjust and sleep on safely. Normal (unsplit) Double and Queen size beds are sometimes available, but are generally only suitable for one person to sleep on, due to operational and weight limitations. For most individuals, a single or three-quarter-size adjustable bed is quite sufficient for their sleeping needs.
For these reasons, single, three-quarter, and split King adjustable beds are the most common sizes you’ll find on sale.
Can I use any type of mattress with an adjustable bed base?
An adjustable bed is a significant upgrade from a normal bed base. But what if you’ve already got a great quality mattress—can you simply transfer it to use with an adjustable bed base?
Well, that depends.
The best mattress types for adjustable beds are flexible, durable foams like latex, memory foam, pure foam and certain hybrid foam mattresses.
Spring mattresses are generally incompatible since they are not designed to flex and bend, and will likely get damaged on an adjustable base.
Certain hybrid pocket spring mattresses may possibly work for an adjustable base, but you’ll need to check with the manufacturer on the specifics of your mattress model.
In short, while your current mattress may be compatible with an adjustable base, it’s risky to hope or assume it’s going to work out. Your best bet it to check with both the mattress and the base manufacturer to be sure you won’t encounter any issues.
Below are some further guidelines to help you get a better idea of whether the mattress you have in mind will be compatible.
- How do I know if my mattress is compatible with an adjustable base?
Apart from mattress type, there are a few other important factors to look at to figure out whether your current mattress (or one you plan to buy) is compatible with an adjustable bed base.
Size
Obviously, you’ll need to make sure your mattress is the right size for the adjustable base. But this is not as simple as checking whether it’s Single or Three-Quarter—as mentioned above, adjustable bases don’t always adhere to standard sizing, so you’ll need to check the specific measurements. Another important factor is that a mattress for an adjustable bed needs to be extra-length. This is to account for the shortening effect that happens when the mattress bends.
Comfort zones
One potential problem is that modern mattresses are often designed with different pressure zones in the makeup of the mattress. If these are not compatible with the specific design of the adjustable base, you won’t be able to benefit properly from the mattress design, and could end up harming the mattress integrity over time.
Weight limit
Another factor to be aware of is that adjustable bases come with a specific weight bearing load, so you don’t want to use a mattress that’s too heavy, or it could cause problems with the mechanical parts.
Mattress quality
It’s a bad idea to pair a low-quality mattress with an adjustable bed base. The mattress needs to be able to stand up to the extra pressure and offer the flexibility and durability needed to conform to frequent adjustments.
For all of these reasons, most adjustable beds in South Africa are sold together with a specially designed mattress as an adjustable ‘sleep system.’ For sure, this is usually a higher initial investment than buying a standalone adjustable bed base. However, buying the whole sleep package not only takes all the worry out of ensuring a compatible mattress—but it also gives you the peace of mind of knowing your mattress and bed base are under the same warranty, from the same manufacturer, which will avoid a lot of headaches should you run into any issues with your base or mattress down the line.
Can I use any type of mattress with an adjustable bed base?
If you’re worried about the idea of having an adjustable bed base that sticks out like a sore thumb against the rest of your bedroom décor, worry no more. While there are a few technicalities involved, most adjustable beds can be used together with a headboard or a full bed frame to ensure your sleep destination is not only super smart, but super stylish too.
First things first, you will need to make sure your bed frame is the right size for the adjustable bed base. As long as you buy a standard-size adjustable bed, it will fit into a standard size bed frame.
Next, you need to look at the type of bed frame. While there are loads of style variations, bed frames basically fall into two categories:
- Platform bed frames usually feature a raised foundation on legs, with either a solid top or slats to support the mattress.
- Panel bed frames are more like a frame or ‘housing’ that usually incorporates a box-spring or slatted foundation (or a combination of both).
Adjustable beds can be used with both types of frames, as long as there is sufficient clearance for the adjustable base to go through its range of motions. Some adjustable beds work in a way that requires zero clearance, while others need some space underneath for the moving parts.
Adjustable beds that stand on legs and require some clearance are best paired with panel bed frames. If the frame includes a box spring or slats, you would simply need to remove these to allow the adjustable base to fit neatly inside the outer frame.
Many adjustable beds on sale in South Africa, such as the Slumberflex Adjustable Beds sold by Cielo, come with the option of a stylish bed frame included.
Using a headboard with an adjustable bed
If you don’t want to bother with a bed frame and simply want a headboard for your bed, that’s no problem either. Most adjustable beds are compatible with headboards, and many come with pre-installed brackets to easily hook on a headboard or a footboard. If it’s not possible to attach a headboard to the adjustable bed base using hooks or bolts, you can look at various options for freestanding or wall-mounted headboards.
Do you need different sheets for an adjustable bed?
If you don’t already use fitted sheets on your mattress, these will be a must for an adjustable bed to ensure your sheets stay in place. You may possibly need to buy extra depth sheets, depending on the thickness of the mattress, but standard depth sheets are fine for most foam mattresses.
For a split king adjustable bed, you will need two separate fitted sheets for the two single mattresses to accommodate separate adjustments. You may also want to have individual top sheets and duvets, depending on how much independent movement is going on in the night!
Are adjustable beds good for side sleepers?
Sleeping on your back is great for spinal health since gravity is not working against your spine’s natural alignment. Adjustable beds make this ideal sleep position even better by supporting a natural bend at the knees and allowing the head to be comfortably elevated, thereby reducing the common problems of snoring and sleep apnea. So there’s no question that adjustable beds are great for back-sleepers.
But there’s good news for all of us side-sleepers, too, who reportedly make up over 70% of the population, on average.
While sleeping on your side usually feels quite natural and comfortable, the common problem is that it can put a lot of pressure on the hips and shoulders. Side-sleepers, therefore, benefit from mattresses that help to keep the spine in a neutral position by providing semi-firm support with enough ‘give’ to ease those key pressure points. The high-quality foam mattresses used with adjustable beds tend to fit the bill perfectly, providing the ideal level of support for side sleepers.
Adjustments can certainly work to your advantage as well. Having the upper body slightly elevated helps take the pressure off your shoulders. Elevating the knees slightly can also help to take pressure off the hips as they are cradled in a natural curve, although some people find it more comfortable to have the legs and knees at a more neutral angle.
The bottom line is, while you may need to experiment a little to find your perfect comfort zone, an adjustable bed can help you get a better night’s sleep and avoid morning aches and pains, whether you sleep on your back or your side.
And if you’re a stomach sleeper? Well, sleeping on your stomach is not recommended in general, since it puts a lot of pressure on the lower back. Adjustable beds are not specifically designed to cater to stomach sleeping, but with the help of a pillow or two, you’ll probably still be able to sleep comfortably in a flat position, and enjoy the other benefits of an adjustable bed during your waking hours. Many people even report that sleeping on an adjustable bed has helped them permanently switch to a different sleeping position.
10 Top Tips for Buying an Adjustable Bed in South Africa
If you’re convinced by now that an adjustable bed is the right choice for you, let’s help make sure you know exactly what to look for in a well-designed, high-quality product that’s going to hook you up with all of the benefits, and none of the headaches. Here are our top 10 tips for buying an adjustable bed in SA, whether you’re shopping in-store or online:
- Make sure the mattress is compatible. While an adjustable bed base is the main investment, it’s going to be pointless without the right mattress. Using an incompatible mattress can be both dangerous and detrimental to your sleeping health—as well as the lifespan of your mattress. Stick with mattresses recommended by the base manufacturer, or which are made and sold together with the base.
- Make sure the mattress is extra-length. If you’re going to buy your own mattress, ensure it’s extra length, or you may end up with your feet dangling off the end when your upper body or legs are in an elevated position.
- Buy a base with independent head and foot adjustment. Some adjustable beds only feature an adjustable head section. If there is no adjustment to be able to bend your knees, sitting upright with your legs straight out will put serious strain on your hamstrings and lower back. You also won’t be able to benefit from the zero-gravity position to really take a load off after a long day.
- Check the range of motion. A good quality adjustable bed will have a wide range of motion and allow you to set it at the precise angle or position you prefer to ensure customized support and comfort. If you’re buying online, check these details with the retailer and be wary of judging by photos alone.
- Check the retention bars. These are a very important feature on adjustable bed bases to ensure the mattress doesn’t slip and slide out of place. Make sure the bars are good quality and effective at holding the mattress in place with the most extreme adjustments.
- Look at the weight capacity. Due to their intricate motorized design, adjustable beds come with a specific weight bearing limit. If you’re buying an adjustable base on its own, you’ll need to check the load bearing weight and factor in the weight of your mattress in addition to that of the people sleeping on it. If you’re buying a complete adjustable bed set, you’ll simply need to check the maximum weight capacity indicated for those using the bed.
- Take it for a test drive. If possible, it’s always ideal to test drive an adjustable bed on the showroom floor. Check for any jerky motions, slow responses, and noisy hinges, and make sure the engineering is working flawlessly.
- Make sure the controls are user-friendly. You don’t want to be fussing with a confusing or poorly designed remote control in the middle of the night. Check that the controls are suitably intuitive and easy to reach from a lying position. With a split bed, you’ll want to have dual controllers for independent movement.
- Read the fine print. Be sure you’re getting a decent warranty on your adjustable bed, and that you know exactly what’s covered on the base and mattress (especially important if you’re buying a mattress separately from the base, since the warranty may be dependent on using a specific mattress). Also avoid buying from online suppliers without a physical showroom or shop.
- Check whether it comes assembled. Be sure to check whether your bed will be delivered with assembly included. You don’t want to be stuck figuring out a complicated setup on your own—especially if you’re buying your adjustable bed to assist you with mobility issues!
Your quality of sleep affects every part of your life, from day-to-day energy and positivity, to living a longer, healthier life. There’s really no wiser investment than choosing a bed that will put you in the best possible sleep zone—physically and mentally.
The Slumber Flex adjustable sleep system brings you the best in sleep technology for peaceful, uninterrupted rest and recovery, with all the benefits of independent head, foot and vertical lift adjustment.
Beds are sold in three options:
- Slumber Flex adjustable bed base only
- Slumber Flex adjustable bed with mattress included
Full Slumber Flex adjustable bed with mattress, upholstered bed frame and headboard included