LIZ HALL
Head of Content
Liz has been a professional content manager since the internet was invented. Getting better quality sleep has always been a passion of hers – especially once she had kids! Liz now writes and curates our content, making sure to test all the products she can to give you an unbiased opinion. Learn more about our team.
Did you know that 85% of seniors suffer from pain? Funny enough, it’s the elderly that experience the most sleepless nights – and that can dampen moods during the day and make life quite miserable.
Thankfully, there are various remedies developed to help seniors get a better night’s sleep, one of which is the adjustable bed base.
Is it worth digging deeper into our reviews of adjustable bed for seniors?
Dive in to see whether such a bed offers value for money.
Table of Contents
Do Doctors Recommend Adjustable Beds For The Elderly?
Doctors recommend adjustable beds to patients who have trouble sleeping. And this affects half or even more of senior citizens.
They are also recommended by the National Sleep Foundation and other health organizations because they can help seniors with particular medical conditions sleep better.
However, some experts say that there is not enough evidence to prove whether such a bed improves a person’s quality of life.
What Are the Pros of an Adjustable Bed For Older People
You can adjust these beds in many ways, including height, angle, tilt, and rotation. Because of this, you can alter the positioning of an older person while they are sleeping without having to wake them. Besides that, such beds also provide the following advantages.
Comfort
The most important thing about getting quality rest is being able to relax comfortably while sleeping. A well-designed adjustable bed provides comfort by allowing you to change positions easily and quickly.
Moreover, it helps prevent pressure points on your back, shoulders, hips, joints, and other areas where discomfort occurs when lying down on and ageing body.
Health Benefits
Sleeping on a flat surface puts strain on our bodies’ joints and muscles. When we lie on firmer mattresses, it can cause us to lose muscle tone and flexibility. Our bones become stiffer over time, and we may restrict proper blood circulation in the body.
We get more susceptible to back pain, joint aches, and neck pain as we age. By using an adjustable bed, seniors can avoid putting unnecessary strain on their bodies.
Moreover, such beds can help prevent acid reflux. Acid reflux arises when stomach acids trickle to the gullet. Raising the front of the bed ensures seniors stay in a comfortable position all night to prevent this from happening.
Reduce Snoring Incidences
When you adjust your sleeping position by raising your upper body, you lower the pressure on the trachea. Snoring arises due to blockage of the trachea.
With your bed raised, pressure on the trachea reduces, hence preventing snoring. And this allows your partner to enjoy their sleep as well.
Cons
Noise Level
The noise level produced by some of these beds may not meet some peoples standards. It depends on what type of motorized system your bed has. If you have a noisy motor, you may wake your loved one while adjusting their bed.
Weight
Although weight doesn’t matter when sleeping, it does affect other aspects of life. For instance, transporting these beds is pretty challenging. Given the motor and the system required to provide their versatility, they are heavier than normal beds.
Power Requirements
Unlike standard beds, these beds have electrical systems which they use to run. So, you won’t only be looking at upfront costs but running and maintenance expenses as well.
Does Medicare Pay for an Adjustable Bed?
Like many other aspects, Medicare also covers adjustable beds under its Part B. Nevertheless, this may only apply to bed renting and loans. In most cases, you have to use your money if you want to buy an adjustable bed.
Not everyone is eligible for Medicare Part B coverage when acquiring such beds. For starters, you need to enrol for Medicare Part B. Also, you should have a condition that necessitates the need for an adjustable bed.
Some conditions that may make you consider getting an adjustable bed with Medicare coverage include:
- Chronic pain
- Severe arthritis
- Cardiac diseases
- Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease
- Injured spinal cord
What Beds Are Best for the Elderly?
The best beds for older people are those that offer them comfort while also providing safety. Here are some tips to ensure that an adjustable bed provides you with adequate comfort:
Choose a firm but soft mattress. The firmness should feel comfortable against your skin yet provide enough support to prevent sagging. Soft mattresses are great because they conform well to the shape of your back and hips.
Consider purchasing a waterbed. Waterbeds are an excellent option for seniors as they help reduce pressure points caused by hard surfaces.
Look into getting a special mattress pad. Like waterbeds, seniors can benefit a lot from using mattress pads. They feature extra padding and layers of material to protect your body from getting compressed during movement.
Conclusion: Are Adjustable Beds Worth the Money?
These beds are worth investing in. Not only do they improve your overall health, but they also save the time and effort needed to change your position.
If you are a senior with severe conditions getting an adjustable bed goes a long way to ensure you get a peaceful rest and have time to enjoy your daily activities.
