Adjustable Beds for Seniors

Adjustable beds feature a specially designed mattress on a motorized frame or foundation. The combination allows the head or feet portion of the bed to tilt into a wide variety of sleep positions.

Adjustable beds are not hospital beds. Hospital beds are designed to raise and lower a patient’s body and come with permanent rails to prevent the patient from falling out of the bed. However, adjustable beds may offer some of the same safety qualities, particularly by making it easier to get in and out of bed, which may help reduce the risk of falls.

Because of their ability to modify positions, this type of bed is typically partner-friendly, allowing each person to set their side to their own sleep preferences. These beds also can be customized with a variety of features, such as remote controls, under-bed lighting and adjustable firmness settings.

You can find adjustable beds in all standard bed sizes, including twin XL, queen, king and split king.

You should buy an adjustable bed when the health benefits outweigh the cost. Adjustable beds are designed to provide comfort and to ease certain conditions. For instance, raising the head position can aid with breathing, alleviate acid reflux and reduce snoring, while raising the feet position may help with blood circulation. Raising both the head and feet positions can reduce pressure on the lumbar section of the spine.

Adjustable beds can be especially helpful for those suffering from conditions such as poor circulation, sleep apnea, respiratory ailments, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), arthritis and chronic back pain. Certain features, such as massage functions, can also provide therapeutic benefits.

Because these beds offer many options and features, you should seek advice from a health care professional who can provide personalized recommendations for a bed that aligns with your particular health needs and lifestyle.

Adjustable beds come in a wide range of prices. The cost can vary significantly depending on the features, brand and quality of the bed. Some health insurance plans, including Medicare, may cover a portion of the cost if the bed is deemed medically necessary.

Adjustable beds typically start around $500 to $1,000 for basic models. These lower-end beds usually offer simple positioning adjustments but may lack advanced features. In some cases, positioning adjustments must be done manually instead of with a remote.

Mid-range beds, costing between $1,500 and $2,500, often include options like massage functions, USB ports and programmable positions.

High-end models, which can cost $3,000 and above, may offer advanced technologies like sleep tracking, adjustable firmness and smart home integration.

In many cases, the quoted price only covers the bed frame, not the mattress. If you are considering buying a bed frame only, measure your current mattress to determine whether it will fit the new frame or if you will also need to purchase a new mattress.

When considering the cost of an adjustable bed, it’s crucial to think about your specific needs, preferences and budget. Compare different models, read customer reviews and consider warranties and customer service support to help with your decision.

As with any product, adjustable beds come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. They offer enhanced comfort, customizable sleep positions and potential health benefits. However, they are expensive, may require additional costs for features or accessories, and their mechanical nature means there is potential for technical issues.

Medicare covers adjustable beds as durable medical equipment if your doctor prescribes one for your medical condition. Conditions that might warrant an adjustable bed include severe arthritis, certain types of injuries, respiratory diseases or other conditions where adjusting the bed position can improve health and comfort.

If you meet Medicare’s requirements, you will be responsible for your Medicare Part B deductible and 20% of the cost to buy or rent the adjustable bed. Medicare will cover the remaining 80% of the cost after your deductible has been paid.

Medicare will only cover the cost if your doctor and bed supplier are both enrolled in Medicare.

Choosing the right adjustable bed involves considering your specific requirements, the bed’s features and your budget.

An adjustable bed is a significant purchase that can impact your comfort, health and home safety. Take your time to research and compare different models so you can make an informed purchasing decision.

Editor Bianca Dagostino contributed to this article.