You know what’s funny about modern life?
We spend so much money on fancy cars and big TVs but often cheap out on the place we spend a third of our lives – our beds.
Yeah, I’m talking about sleep!
And not just any sleep, but good quality, comfortable sleep that leaves you feeling fresh and ready to take on the day.
That’s where adjustable beds are the best modern beds. These nifty sleep gadgets have changed how I think about bedtime.
No longer am I stuck with that same flat surface night after night. Now I can kick back like I’m at a resort, every single night!
What Are Adjustable Beds?
Adjustable beds aren’t just for hospitals anymore. These bad boys are motorized bed bases that let you change positions with the press of a button.
You can raise or lower different sections of the bed, usually the head and foot areas, to find that sweet spot of comfort.
Modern adjustable beds have gone way beyond simple up and down movements. Many now come with massage functions, USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, and even smart home connections.
Some can even warm your feet or track your sleep patterns. Talk about an upgrade from your grandma’s old bed!
A recent survey found that about 9% of American homes now have an adjustable bed, up from just 2% a decade ago. People are catching on to what good sleep actually means.
Benefits Of Adjustable Beds
So what’s the big deal with these fancy beds? Why are more people bringing them home?
Well, the benefits go way beyond just looking cool or feeling like you’re in a high-end hotel. These beds can actually improve your health and quality of life in ways you might not expect.
Improved sleep quality
Let’s talk about the big one first, sleep quality. According to the Sleep Foundation, 35% of adults rate their sleep quality as “poor” or “only fair.” That’s a lot of tired, cranky people walking around!
An adjustable bed lets you find the perfect position for YOUR body. Not your partner’s body, not what some mattress company thinks is good for the “average” person, but what works for YOU.
People who snore can raise the head section slightly, which opens airways and can reduce snoring. My cousin Mike swears this saved his marriage! His wife was ready to banish him to the couch before they got their adjustable bed.
You can also deal with acid reflux by raising the upper body, which keeps stomach acid where it belongs. No more midnight antacid tablets!
And the coolest part? Many modern adjustable beds have “zero gravity” settings that position your body to feel weightless, taking pressure off your spine and joints.
I tried this at a store and almost fell asleep right there on the display model. The salesperson had to gently wake me up. Not my proudest moment, but definitely a selling point!
Relief from back pain and spinal alignment
Back pain is no joke. About 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. An adjustable bed can be a game-changer here.
By raising the head and foot slightly, you can achieve a slight contour that supports your spine’s natural curve. This reduces pressure points and helps maintain proper alignment throughout the night.
My buddy Sam has had chronic lower back issues for years. After two weeks with his new adjustable bed, he called me up raving about how he could get out of bed without doing his usual “old man shuffle” (his words, not mine). He said it was the first time in years he woke up without stiffness.
For people with conditions like sciatica or herniated discs, finding that perfect position can mean the difference between a night of tossing and turning and actual restful sleep.
Enhanced circulation and reduced swelling
Got swollen feet or legs at the end of the day? You’re not alone. Many of us deal with this, especially after long days standing or sitting.
An adjustable bed lets you raise your legs above heart level, which helps blood flow back to your heart instead of pooling in your lower extremities. This can reduce swelling and might even help with varicose veins.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that elevating the legs during sleep reduced nighttime leg swelling by up to 62% in participants with chronic venous insufficiency. That’s pretty impressive for just changing your sleep position!
This benefit is huge for pregnant women too. My sister used an adjustable bed during her last trimester and said it was the only way she could get comfortable with her ever-growing baby bump.
Better posture for reading, watching TV, or using devices in bed
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t just sleep in bed. We read, watch shows, scroll through social media, or work on laptops. And usually, we do this with a bunch of pillows awkwardly stuffed behind our backs.
With an adjustable bed, you can raise the head portion to the exact angle you want. No more neck strain from trying to prop yourself up with pillows that constantly shift around.
I used to get the worst neck kinks from reading in bed. Now I just press a button, adjust to my preferred angle, and read in complete comfort. When I’m ready to sleep, another button press and I’m flat again. It’s the little things that make a big difference!
This proper support while sitting up in bed can prevent pain in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Your future self will thank you.
Integration with smart home systems
For tech lovers, this might be the coolest part. Many new adjustable beds connect to Wi-Fi and work with smart home systems.
Imagine this scenario: You say “Goodnight” to your smart speaker, and your bed automatically adjusts to your sleep position, your lights dim, your thermostat sets to your ideal sleep temperature, and maybe your favorite white noise starts playing. In the morning, your bed can gradually raise to help wake you up naturally.
Some models even track your sleep patterns and can adjust throughout the night if they detect you’re restless. The data syncs with your phone so you can see how well you slept.
According to consumer research, about 40% of adjustable bed buyers choose models with smart features. And why not? If your fridge and doorbell can be smart, why not the place you sleep?
Design Options To Choose From
Worried an adjustable bed will make your bedroom look like a hospital room? Don’t be! Today’s models come in stylish designs that blend perfectly with home décor.
You can find:
- Platform-style bases that look like modern bed frames
- Models with upholstered sides in fabrics that match your room
- Wooden options that look like traditional bed frames
- Wall-hugging designs that stay close to your nightstand even when adjusted
- Split options for couples with different preferences
My wife was initially against getting an adjustable bed because she thought it would ruin our bedroom’s look. After seeing the upholstered model we eventually bought, she admitted she couldn’t even tell it was adjustable when it was in the flat position.
You can also keep using your existing headboard with most models. And the best part? Your regular sheets and bedding still work perfectly fine.
How To Choose The Right Adjustable Bed?
Shopping for an adjustable bed can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. Here’s how to narrow it down:
First, set your budget. Basic models start around $600, while feature-rich options can go up to $3,000 or more. Know what you can spend before falling in love with features you can’t afford.
Next, think about what features matter most to you. Is it massage functions? Smart home integration? USB ports? Zero gravity presets? Make a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves.
Consider your mattress too. Most modern foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses work well with adjustable bases. Traditional innerspring mattresses might not flex as well. Check your mattress warranty to make sure using it on an adjustable base won’t void it.
Size matters! If you share your bed, consider a split king or split queen model. This gives each person control over their side of the bed. My friend Lisa and her husband have completely different sleep preferences—she likes to read with the head elevated while he prefers to sleep flat. Their split king saved them from constant compromise.
Try before you buy if possible. Many furniture and mattress stores have display models you can test out. Lie down, press the buttons, feel the movement. It’s the best way to know if you’ll like it.
Don’t forget about the warranty and trial period. Good adjustable beds should come with at least a 10-year warranty on the frame and 2-5 years on the motors and electrical components.
Conclusion
Adjustable beds have come a long way from their clinical beginnings. They’re now stylish, feature-rich sleep tools that can seriously improve your comfort and health.
From better sleep quality to pain relief to simple convenience, the benefits make them worth considering for almost anyone. I was skeptical at first too, but after sleeping on one for the past year, I can honestly say it’s been one of the best investments I’ve made for my daily comfort.
An adjustable bed might just be the upgrade your sleep routine needs.
