The older we get, the more our needs change. We used to pick ice cream based on which flavor had the most chocolate or wanted the car with the most bells and whistles. Now we’re bypassing the chocolate ice cream for sorbet to keep lactose intolerance at bay and buying cars for comfort and carrying capacity rather than horsepower. Goodbye Corvette, hello Honda. Our needs change and the things that make us feel good change – and that’s okay. The type of mattress that is most comfortable for your body is likely to be very different now than it was when you were a kid sleeping nine hours on a twin-size spring bed. And the impact restful, satisfying sleep can have on your health is worth considering when you’re ready to make a mattress purchase.

Why invest in an adjustable base?

Adjustable bed frames are unique in that they can be raised or lowered to be customized to your comfort. This means you can change the position of your head and feet to ease aches and pains and even soothe symptoms of certain chronic illnesses. Traditionally, these are the types of beds you would see in a hospital – and for good reason. Elevating parts of the body while sleeping can help with:

• Sleep apnea– Snoring is one of the most common sleep disorders, and 20 to 40% of people who snore have sleep apnea. This sleep disorder causes people to stop breathing periodically throughout the night, making it difficult to get deep, continuous sleep. An adjustable bed allows the sleeper to elevate their head and neck to increase airflow through the nose and take pressure off the throat. This reduces heavy snoring and broken breathing.
• Edema– This condition causes swelling due to excess fluids in the feet, ankles, or legs. It can be painful, and people often feel desperate for relief from the pressure. Elevating your legs can help the extra fluid drain away more effectively. With the swelling alleviated, people can then sleep comfortably and peacefully.
• Acid reflux- Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels up to the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation. Acid reflux is common and normal when it happens occasionally, but constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). GERD can be worse at night because lying down makes it easier for the acid to travel up to your throat. Raising your head about six inches can keep the acid from rising, so you can get a full night’s rest. An adjustable bed frame makes it quick and easy to make such a precise sleep position change.

In addition to relieving the pain and discomfort that comes with sleeping with chronic conditions, adjustable beds are convenient for older sleepers looking to maintain some independence. The ability to raise and lower the mattress makes it easy to safely get in and out of bed, especially for those with mobility challenges.

Is an adjustable base worth it even if I don’t have a chronic condition?

Absolutely! An adjustable base in conjunction with a high-quality mattress can be the peak of sleep comfort. It’s like adding extra cheese on a pizza – sure, it tastes great, as is, but the extra gooey goodness really puts it over the top.

If you sleep on your back, it can help relieve pressure on your spine to slightly raise your legs. Some models also feature a luxury massage feature for ultimate relaxation and peaceful sleep. An adjustable base can also make it easier to sit up and do some late-night reading, comfortably binge a new series on your favorite streaming service, or power through a work project on your laptop.

As with any luxury purchase, an adjustable bed can be an expensive purchase. Depending on quality, material, and even retail outlets, you can expect to spend anywhere from $800 to over$3,000. Because of the mechanics and technology, there’s also potentially more maintenance involved with an adjustable bed. The moving parts may stop working or cause injury if the base isn’t handled properly. Moving to a new home and even detailed cleaning involves extra care.

Most importantly, an adjustable bed requires a compatible mattress type. A traditional springbed would not bend and mold to the base’s movements like a more premium mattress would. Sleep experts recommend all-foam beds like latex or memory foam for the ultimate flexibility. Hybrid mattresses also work well. If you don’t already own a luxury mattress, upgrading your sleep vehicle could become pretty pricey, potentially costing thousands of dollars between the adjustable base, compatible mattress, and any additional accessories like sheets, pillows, and decorative pieces.

Still, a high-quality adjustable base can last a decade and the health benefits alone are plenty of reasons to consider taking the leap and investing in better sleep.

What should I look for when choosing an adjustable base?

There are a few important things to remember when shopping for an adjustable base:

• Make sure it will raise both your head and feet. There are some models that only raise the top, so if you’re looking to upgrade to ease chronic pain associated with illnesses like edema, the lower movement capability is important.
• When you’re exhausted and ready to climb in bed, the last thing you want to do is readjust your bed and try to find your sweet spot again. Make sure to look for a model that saves your sleep position. Similar to a car’s driver seat position, you should be able to save your preferences and simply click a button to adjust your bed back to your liking.
• Convenience is (almost) always key. Purchase a model with a wireless remote (or work with your smartphone), so you can adjust as needed throughout the night without getting tangled up in wires. See about getting an adjustable base that includes a massage feature. Combined with an optimal spine position, a gentle massage can help you sleep comfortably and wake up without the aches and pains you may experience with a traditional innerspring mattress.
• An adjustable base can come with a lot of different bells and whistles. Depending on your needs and budget, ask about models with advanced features like phone applications where you can control your settings or even models that auto-adjust to your sleep position throughout the night.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your bed to help soothe pain from chronic conditions or you’re simply wanting a more luxurious sleep experience, an adjustable base can be worth the spend. BoxDrop can help you find a quality option while helping you stick to your budget. Need a new memory foam or latex mattress to go with your new adjustable base? We have affordable options made from premium materials, so your bed and base will serve you for years to come. Talking with an expert about your specific needs will help you build the perfect customized solution for you.