The Truth about Adjustable Bed Frames

So, you've been thinking about purchasing an adjustable bed frame for quite a while now and now you're ready to make your purchase. Did you know that not all the adjustable bed frames are created equal? Not only that, but there are other factors that play just as important a role in how you sleep as the bed frame itself. There are some things you would be wise to consider before laying out your hard-earned cash on the first adjustable bed frame you see. Things like:

  • your mattress
  • articulation and angles
  • size of your room
  • bed frame construction

Your Mattress

Even though adjustable bed frames are wonderful pieces of equipment that will certainly enhance your sleep, they don't do much good if you have a lousy mattress. The mattress is one of the most important components to restful sleep regardless of the type of bed frame you have. Therefore, it is important to make sure your mattress will work well with the adjustable bed frame before you purchase. If not, you may have to consider replacing your mattress with one that will.

In all likelihood, if you own a coil spring mattress older than 10 years old it probably will not work well with an adjustable bed frame. There are a couple of reasons for this. First is the fact that the mattress is already 10 years old and has developed its own points of wear. Second, it's not until recently that coil spring mattress manufacturers began making mattresses specifically designed for adjustable bed frames. With older coil spring mattresses the springs may be too inflexible or created in such a way that bending them will be problematic.

On the other hand, latex foam and memory foam are great options for the adjustable bed. Both of these types of mattresses bend very easily and return to their natural shape once the bed is put flat. As for adjustable air mattresses, this is another instance where you don't want to just throw any mattress on top of the adjustable bed frame. Make sure yours was manufactured to withstand the constant adjustments of the adjustable bed frame. If not your mattress may end up developing block baffles at the crease point and bulging sections elsewhere.

Articulation and Angles

It's a standard rule of thumb that adjustable bed frames have three sections and two points of articulation. You have the midsection which remains stationary at all times, the head section which generally articulates the point of the back and hips, and the foot section which articulates right around the knees. A handful of beds might have one or two other points of articulation but most will not. There's simply no need for any more.

What's important about articulation is how the bed works from a mechanical standpoint. To understand this, picture in your mind a nightstand next to the bed. When you're lying flat that nightstand is at the head of the bed and easily accessible by simply reaching your arm over. But what happens when you lift the head of the bed? Does your nightstand disappear behind you and end up out of reach? If so, your adjustable bed frame probably uses a simple hinge system at a stationary pivot point.

Some of your better adjustable bed frames raise the head section while pulling the whole rest of the frame backwards so that your nightstand remains well within reach. These types of adjustable bed frames require a little more working room, but it's only a couple of inches or so. This type of bed is ideal for those who are confined for large amounts of time due to medical reasons, finding it very helpful to have continual access to the nightstand.

The last thing to consider here is how many different settings and angles the adjustable bed frame is capable of. Remember that more is not always better. In the case of adjustable bed frames, being able to adjust the back to a 90° angle is relatively useless. Therefore, don't be fooled into spending extra money simply because one frame offers a couple of degrees more angle.

Size of a Room

Adjustable bed frames tend to be quite a bit more bulky than their standard counterparts. This is in order to accommodate the motors and all the other mechanics that make them work. You want to be sure that you have enough room in the bedroom to use the adjustable bed safely. When we say safely, we mean that there must be adequate room on either side to get in and out quickly. There also must be enough room to get to the exit safely. If a room is too cramped for a bulky adjustable frame bed it could be more trouble than it’s worth.

Bed Frame Construction

Lastly, be sure to closely look at the construction of every adjustable bed frame you're considering. Get down on the floor and look at joints, hinges, etc. If something looks like it is flimsily made, it probably is. Once your initial shopping is complete you can then go on the Internet and read reviews for specific brands and models. You learn a lot from reviews, which is why they are very helpful. Also be sure to pay attention to brand names versus generics. Sometimes the savings available through generic manufacturers dictate you go with their bed frame, but if it's just a few dollars here or there you're better off sticking with a company that has a good reputation for building quality pieces.