When adjustable beds were first introduced, their most obvious benefit was for entertainment. Watching TV, reading a book and breakfast-in-bed are all a lot more comfortable when you’re not rearranging pillows or banging your head against the wall.
But the full benefit of adjustable beds actually comes when you raise both the head and the legs to get into an ergonomic position, which can dramatically improve our quality of sleep.
“The lower quality adjustable bases only raise your head, which can actually put extra pressure on your lower back. That’s why many people end up choosing an adjustable bed with both a head and leg lift,” says Joshua Rigsby, co-owner of E.S.C. Mattress Center in Everett.
Benefits of an adjustable bed
An adjustable bed in the ‘entertainment position’ with just the head raised can be useful for gaming or reading on your iPad. It may also resolve some disruptive sleep challenges, including sleep apnea, snoring, breathing issues related to allergies and other conditions, acid reflux and vertigo.
Sleeping with your legs raised can help resolve other challenges, including chronic back pain or recovery from back surgery, hip pain, restless leg syndrome, tossing and turning, or poor circulation.
An adjustable bed with both legs and head are lifted (known as the ‘wellness position in the mattress industry), can be beneficial for many sleepers — particularly those with certain chronic health conditions:
- Shoulder, hip and joint arthritis: Sleeping with your head and feet inclined relieves pressure in the low back and hip area even on your side where pressure on sensitive areas would normally be increased. If you often wake up stiff and sore from osteoarthritis, sleeping in the wellness position can decrease joint compression, which may lessen irritation.
- Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Support under the knees can reduce some of the pain and discomfort in your low back, making it easier to sleep through the night.
- Spinal Stenosis: Those with spinal stenosis often feel more comfortable bending forward than standing straight, making the wellness position much more comfortable than lying flat.
Finding the perfect fit
Adjustable beds don’t have just one setting, up or down. The amount of incline you choose will depend on your body and needs.
“Some people are concerned about sharing an adjustable bed with a partner, but most couples will agree on a sleeping position,” says William Wellauer, co-owner or E.S.C. Mattress Center. “The trick is to avoid going too high for your partner — even a little incline can help.”
For couples who can’t agree, or for those with medical issues that require more extreme inclines, a flex-head (just split at the top third) or split king set allows each person to adjust their side separately.
To find a quality adjustable base, look at things such as the lift capacity and warranty. E.S.C. Mattress Center has some with a 10 year, bumper-to-bumper warranty! The industry standard lift capacity is around 650 lbs, but E.S.C. Mattress Center has recently started stocking an adjustable base with an industry leading 1,000 pound lift capacity.
E.S.C. Mattress Center is locally owned and operated, serving all of Snohomish County and outlying areas from their store in Everett. Find them on Facebook and online at www.escmattresscenter.com, or shop in person at 10121 Evergreen Way #30, Everett.
