The Best Adjustable Beds for the Elderly: Moving Beds Up, Down, and All Around!

Benefits of an adjustable bed | Drawbacks | Features to look for | What mattress do I need?

People spend about a third of their lives sleeping – and some seniors spend even more than that confined to the bed.

What if there was a product that could increase comfort and sleep quality while minimizing pain and the symptoms of many medical conditions without side effects?  

Well, there is!

Many benefits of adjustable beds are recognized by medical research – and pretty much anyone who’s slept on one! Elevating the head or feet can improve breathing and circulation, reduce acid reflux, swelling, snoring, sleep apnea, and joint pain.

Adjustable beds can also make it easier for a senior to get out of bed.

Adjustable beds are an investment, and especially because of their cost, it’s important to do the research ahead of time to ensure you’re getting the right one for your needs. 

Happily, we’re here to help!

We’ve laid out the major features and considerations that you need to know before buying an adjustable bed. We’ve also highlighted a few of the top choices out there, so you don’t have to cut through so much clutter and confusion to find them.

The Best Adjustable Beds for Elderly Seniors: Our Top Picks

All of the beds in today’s lineup are outstanding, so it was pretty hard to pick the overall best adjustable bed for elderly seniors! 

We ended up opting for the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed, which we liked because it includes so many fabulous features, like full body massage, an anti-snore setting, customizable preset positions, and a variety of control options that make it comfortable, convenient, and accessible for anyone to use.

Let’s take a look at them all, and see which one you think would be best for your needs!

1. Amerisleep Adjustable Bed

Although all the beds we feature are fantastic, we felt that Amerisleep’s Adjustable Bed was the best overall. We were impressed with its customizable presets, full-body rolling massage, and convenient control options – plus a number of other perks that make this a great overall package.

Favorite features include:

• Several convenient control options
• Customizable settings
• Anti-snore setting
• Free delivery and setup
• Full body massage 

The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed features several preset positions, such as sitting, flat and anti-snore. Presets are handy because they allow you to adjust the position easily, with a single touch of a button.

And, while many beds offer presets, what stands out about Amerisleep is that the preset positions can be customized to your liking, so as comfortable as possible for you.

One of the best parts of the Amerisleep is that you can control it in several different ways. Use the simple wireless remote or pair it with your phone or mobile device via Bluetooth. Or, you could pair it with a smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Home and control it using only your voice. What a great feature for seniors who have difficulty moving their arms or fingers!

This Amerisleep bed base boasts some smart technology and fun features. The full-body rolling wave massage can be adjusted to three different levels of intensity, so you can enjoy the most soothing setting for you. 

The Amerisleep also comes with USB ports to keep your phone charged, and under-bed LED lighting (that can be controlled via remote, mobile device, or smart assistant) so your nightlight is always easily at hand.

The Amerisleep’s wall glide technology prevents a problem you might not have even thought of! Many adjustable beds move away from the nightstand as the position adjusts. Your phone, glass of water, or other important items are suddenly out of reach right when you need them. With wall glide technology, this isn’t a worry.

You stay in the same place as the bed adjusts!

The Amerisleep adjustable base is compatible with most bed frames. You can even mount your existing headboard to it if you wish. It features non-skid fabric and a retainer bar that keeps the mattress securely in place at all times. It’s compatible with memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses that are designed for use with adjustable beds.

The Amerisleep comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Shipping is free, and so is set up for the base. Unfortunately, they aren’t able to place the mattress, so you’ll need to make other arrangements for that.

Technical Specifications

• Height: Adjustable: 9, 12, or 15 inches
• Weight Capacity: Not specified
• Dual Control: Yes 
• Massage: Yes

2. Saatva Lineal Adjustable Bed Base

The Saatva Lineal Adjustable Bed gets our nod as the most relaxing pick for a few key reasons.

The massage feature is one of the best out there, with several settings and plenty of power to melt away muscle tension. Additionally, the zero-gravity setting supports the body while its whisper-quiet operation won’t disturb your rest and relaxation routine. On top of all that, the white glove delivery and generous warranty put any worry to rest.

Favorite features include:

• Multiple massage settings
• Wall hugging design
• Adjustable height legs
• Underbed night light
• Zero-gravity position 

The Saatva Lineal lets you enjoy the comfort and health benefits of the zero-gravity position with a single touch of the preset button. In fact, the remote features a variety of preset positions for reading, working or watching television.

The remote also controls the under bed nightlight, for safer and easier trips to the bathroom in the dark. Yes, you heard that right – under-bed lighting! This additional illumination might even be able to replace your pre-existing night lights.

The remote isn’t complicated to use, however it does feature quite a few small buttons that might be hard for a senior with vision impairment or painful hands to operate.

The Lineal’s convenient wall-hugging design means that, regardless of the head’s position, the bedside table stays within easy reach. 

The Saatva Lineal is compatible with most bed frames, including slatted platform beds. However, keep in mind that this unit just consists of the bed setup – the mattress is not included. Saatva Lineal should work with mattresses that was designed for pairing with an adjustable base (in short, not your standard mattress). If your current mattress won’t work with an adjustable base, you can order Saatva’s matching mattress.

Lastly, Saatva offers a complimentary white glove delivery, which means that the setup is done for you and hassle-free. The generous warranty covers the first five years fully, and the next 20 years to a limited extent.

Technical Specifications

• Height: Adjustable from 13-18 inches
• Weight Capacity: 850 pounds
• Dual Control: Yes (King size only)
• Massage: Wave massage, upper or lower body

3. Tempurpedic TEMPUR-Ergo Power Base

The Tempurpedic TEMPUR-Ergo Power Base comes with an impressive selection of sleep-enhancing technology, like automated snore response, sleep monitoring and coaching, and a smart alarm that knows just when to wake you.

Smart home connectivity and voice activation are also included – although that may be somewhat of a given on bed this smart!

Favorite features include:

• Sleep enhancing technology
• Smart home connection
• Automatic snore response
• Zero gravity setting
• Massage function

Control the Tempurpedic via the wireless remote, or download the sleep tracker app and control it through your phone, tablet, or smart assistant. When connected to your smart assistant (Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant) you can even control the bed with your voice!

Tempurpedic’s sleep tracking app also includes a sleep coach, personalized guidance for getting a better night’s sleep. By analyzing things like heart rate, breathing, and movement patterns the sleep coach can track the duration and quality of your sleep, and give helpful guidance about how to reach your sleep goals.

The Tempurpedic offers several massage settings for a full body massage with variable levels of intensity. 

It’s easy to attain a variety of comfortable positions – including zero-gravity – with the touch of a button. Customize your favorite settings for sleeping, reading, and more so that finding your favorite, most comfortable positions is quick and simple.

Another feature that sets the Tempurpedic apart is the automated snore response, which they call QuietMode. When enabled, if snoring is detected, the Tempurpedic will automatically raise the head of the bed enough to gently open the airway and alleviate snoring in many individuals.

The Tempurpedic bed also comes with under-bed lighting to enhance safety at night, and convenient USB ports, so it’s easy to keep your phone both charged and close at hand.  

The Tempurpedic’s smart alarm feature helps you get up refreshed by waiting until you’re in the ideal phase of sleep to wake you.

The leg height is adjustable, so the base can reach heights between 4 and 20 inches. Tempurpedic also sells additional stackable leg pieces that can raise the bed higher, if needed.

The Tempurpedic is covered by a 25-year limited warranty and white glove delivery comes standard at no additional cost.

Technical Specifications

• Height: Adjustable from 4-20 inches 
• Weight Capacity: 650 pounds
• Dual Control: Yes
• Massage: Yes

4. Blissful Nights e3 Adjustable Bed

The Blissful Nights e3 Adjustable Bed features few frills, but its quality is high and its price tag much lower than many of its competitors. Select one of the other styles (such as e4 or e6) at this same listing for additional options at surprisingly low price points.

Favorite features include:

• Fits inside most bed frames
• Simple wireless remote
• Quiet motor operation
• Adjustable height legs
• Back-up battery box

The e3 is one of Blissful Night’s more basic options, so it has fewer features and a lower price tag. If you’re looking for massage, USB charging ports, and an under-bed light, check out the e4 option. The e6 comes with all of that plus wall glide technology, voice control, and an anti-snore setting. 

Blissful Night’s e3 comes with an uncomplicated wireless remote that runs off of three AAA batteries. The head and foot incline separately, so you can position the bed exactly how you want it. However, there aren’t any convenient presets, except for the one-touch flat.  

The leg height is adjustable, and the base fits nicely into most existing bed frames, so you can continue to use your treasured headboard and footboard if desired. A retainer bar at the foot of the bed ensures that the mattress will stay securely in place. 

Perhaps it’s no surprise that at this price point in-home setup is not included. Assembly isn’t complicated, but the pieces are very heavy. Most seniors will need help just to move the box from the front porch into the bedroom, so be sure to plan accordingly.

The motor runs smoothly and quietly and is covered for the full duration of the 10-year warranty. A battery backup is included, in case of a power outage.

Technical Specifications

• Height: Adjustable t0 7, 9, and 12 inches
• Weight Capacity: 750 pounds
• Dual Control: Yes
• Massage: e4 and e6 styles include massage

5. Purple Ascent Adjustable Bed Base

The Purple Ascent Adjustable Bed Base is a high-quality adjustable bed with several convenient features to keep you relaxed, rested, and recharged – and because of the 100-night trial period, you can give it a try in the comfort of your own home to see for yourself!

Some of our favorite features include:

• 100-night trial period
• Adjustable presets include zero-g and anti-snore
• USB Charging ports
• Beautiful wooden legs

The 100-night trial period does have a couple of strings attached, however. There’s a 10% restocking charge for returns, and you’ll need to transport it to a FedEx location yourself or cough up a several-hundred dollar fee to have them pick it up from your home.

However, it’s unlikely that you’ll be inclined to return it once you give it a try! 

The Purple doesn’t boast a ton of fancy features, but it does offer USB charging ports, plus all the benefits of the zero-gravity position with the ease of a one-touch preset button. In fact, there are presets for several convenient positions, such as flat, sitting, and anti-snore. These presets can be adjusted and customized to your liking, so they provide the most comfortable position for you.

Seniors with vision impairment may find the remote a bit hard to use, as the buttons are dark against a dark background. They’re also a little on the small side, which could make them harder to operate for those with poor hand dexterity.

The Purple’s handsome wooden legs would look nice in most bedrooms as they are, but if you have a special bed frame, you can position the Purple right inside it. Or, you can opt for the headboard brackets to attach your headboard to the Purple base directly.

The Purple is covered by a limited 10-year warranty. Shipping is free, but there’s no assembly included, so you’ll need to arrange for that. 

Technical Specifications

• Height: 12.1 inches 
• Weight Capacity: 750 pounds
• Dual Control: Split King only
• Massage: No

How Do Seniors Benefit from Adjustable Beds?

An adjustable bed allows for any number of reclining positions, which can offer a range of benefits, like less pain, more comfort, and better health. 

Pain Relief

Adjustable beds can be really helpful for seniors with back or neck pain. They can reduce compression and relieve pressure on joints and provide better support for the spinal cord.

Adjustable beds can be positioned to relieve pain due to many common causes of back and neck pain, including:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Bursitis
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis 
• Isthmic spondylolisthesis
• Herniated lumbar disc
• Lower back pain
• Sciatica

Reduce Swelling in Legs

Adjustable beds enable seniors to elevate their knees, which can be really helpful for reducing swelling in the feet and lower legs. Elevating the legs above the heart helps gravity move the fluids back into circulation. 

Relieve Acid Reflux

Seniors with acid reflux often find that their symptoms interrupt their sleep. More than an annoyance, interrupted sleep can have a major effect on both mental and physical health! 

Acid reflux occurs when the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus weakens, and can’t keep acid down where it belongs. Elevating the upper body allows gravity to keep the acids from flowing back up into the esophagus, causing uncomfortable heartburn and making it hard to sleep. 

It’s important to elevate the entire upper body at least 6-8 inches for this to work. Raising only the head can actually make the condition worse, so experts advise against using regular pillows for this purpose. Instead, they recommend seniors use a specially designed wedge pillow or raise the head of the bed.

Relieve Sleep Apnea, Improve Breathing, and Reduce Snoring 

Lying flat on your back in bed can contribute to difficulty breathing, especially for seniors who have sleep apnea. 

In fact, did you know that sleep apnea can make other medical conditions worse when it isn’t well treated?

High blood pressure, risk of heart failure, diabetes, and even grinding teeth can be made worse by sleeping flat on your back when you have sleep apnea! You might even have to get up to the bathroom more frequently during the night!

The good news is that raising your entire upper body with a special wedge pillow, a lift recliner, or an adjustable bed, can prevent the airway from collapsing while you sleep. This can considerably reduce the effects of sleep apnea, allow you to breathe better, and can even reduce snoring! 

Some smart adjustable beds have anti-snore settings that raise the head of the bed enough to open these airways and reduce most snoring. Some couples find it handy to press a button like this when their partner starts to snore, and a few beds can even detect snoring and automatically adjust!  

Allow for Activities in Bed

Seniors with low energy, poor mobility, or chronic health conditions may find it difficult to get out of bed. An adjustable bed can enable you to participate in activities that can bring joy and meaning to your life, even while staying in bed. 

For example:

• Eating
• Knitting
• Reading
• Crossword puzzles
• Adult coloring books
• Using a laptop computer (an over-the-bed table is helpful for this too)
• Watching television

Enhance Bed Mobility

Raising the head of an adjustable bed can make it much easier for a senior to get out of bed since you don’t have to struggle to sit up. Just slide your legs over the edge of the bed and you’re on your way. This can help preserve precious energy, while also helping to prevent injury to any caregiver or person helping you.

As an added bonus, using an adjustable bed tends to make the bed taller as well, which also results in seniors having an easier time lifting themselves up into and out of bed.

Drawbacks of Adjustable Beds for Seniors

While adjustable beds come with a long list of benefits, they do have their drawbacks as well. 

• They tend to be heavier and more expensive than traditional beds.
• Some can be loud while changing positions.
• They don’t work with traditional mattresses (you’ll need a mattress designed to work in conjunction with an adjustable bed, since the mattress needs to be able to bend and flex).
• They may require deep pocket sheets.
• As with anything mechanical, they have the potential to break down at some point – which is why a good warranty is always a good idea! 

Features to Look For in an Adjustable Bed

Take a look at these features, and keep an eye open for a bed that offers those that are most important for you.

Feature 1: Dual-Adjustment (for Couples)

If two people share an adjustable bed, consider looking for dual-adjustment controls, so each individual can enjoy the settings most comfortable for their own unique needs on their side of the bed.

Dual-adjustment controls are usually only available on split king beds, although occasionally you can find a queen-size bed with this feature.

Feature 2: Massage

Some adjustable beds feature massage options, which can improve circulation, reduce inflammation in joints, and release built-up lactic acid from sore, achy muscles. 

This can make a world of difference for seniors who struggle with restless leg syndrome, tight, tense muscles, or stubborn aches and pains! 

Many massage systems allow you to adjust the intensity, location, or rhythm of the vibration for a customized, recuperative experience.  

Feature 3: Heating

Along with massage benefits, some adjustable beds offer optional heating as well. Heat is known to help relax tense muscles.

Feature 4: Zero Gravity (AKA The Raised Foot Position)

The zero gravity position can improve circulation, digestion, swelling, and back pain. It can be an effective way to get a better night’s sleep! The zero-G position allows the spine to decompress and the muscles to relax for comfort. It also reduces stress on the heart and helps the airway and nasal passages to open for easier breathing. 

Zero gravity position is achieved when the feet and knees are elevated at the level of the heart, and the hips are held at about 120 degrees. Most adjustable beds support this position, and many of them have preset buttons that move the bed into this position automatically.

Feature 5: Backup Battery

It’s a good idea to ensure that your adjustable bed comes equipped with a backup battery in case of a power outage. A backup battery won’t replace the need for an outlet, but it will let you return to the flat position if you lose power in the house.

Feature 6: Lumbar Support

Seniors with low back pain may benefit from lumbar support in their adjustable bed. Extra support in the lumbar region can help the spine maintain its natural curvature, and prevent the low back muscles from having to work so hard, so they – and you – can wake up rested in the morning. 

Feature 7: Quiet Lift System

The motor on some adjustable beds can be pretty noisy – especially in a quiet room when you’re trying to sleep! If a quiet experience is important to you (or your bed partner!) look for an extra-quiet motor.

Feature 8: USB Charger 

Many modern adjustable beds include USB charging ports to easily charge your devices, which can be handy – or even essential – when spending time in bed on your laptop or phone. 

Feature 9: Bluetooth Connectivity

Some smart beds allow you to pair your phone or tablet via Bluetooth connection. 

This can allow you to control your bed with an app on your phone, which can be helpful if the remote doesn’t work with your vision or dexterity limitations. Pairing your bed with a smart assistant (like Google Home or Amazon Alexa) can enable voice control, which can make a big difference for those who have severe limitations, or those who just like the convenience!

There are also some beds with sleep tracking technology that can make a real difference in the quality of your sleep over time. They usually connect via Bluetooth.

Feature 10: Sleep Tracking Technology

Some adjustable beds are fitted with smart sensors that monitor things like your breathing rate, heart rate, and how much you toss and turn throughout the night to provide helpful feedback about the quality of your sleep, and how to improve it. 

Feature 11: Under Bed Lighting

A good nightlight is essential for seniors who need to get up at night, and some adjustable beds include a light right in the bed frame. Some of these nightlights are motion-activated, and others are controlled using the remote. 

Other Elements to Consider

As you’re browsing for the best bed for you, keep these additional elements in mind.

Size

The size of an adjustable bed is approximately the same size as a standard bed. 

• Twin: 38 x 75 inches – Twin beds have the smallest footprint and are good where space is at a premium. They are often good choices for seniors who sleep alone.
• Twin XL: 38 x 80 inches – With a full five extra inches of foot space, the twin XL is a good choice for taller seniors.
• Full: 53 x 75 inches – A full-size bed can give a single sleeper more room, which can be nice for those who are restless during the night. Full-sized beds can be wide enough for smaller couples, but many will find them too crowded for comfort.
• Queen: 60 x 80 inches – Queen beds are a comfortable size for most couples to share.
• King / Split-King: 76 x 80 inches – King-sized beds are more comfortable for larger couples. 

Split-king beds are especially well suited for couples because each side can be adjusted independently to accommodate different needs and preferences. Split king beds are essentially two Twin XLs laid side to side, and they use Twin XL size sheets. A split-king bed is also easier to carry upstairs than a conventional king-sized bed!

• California King: 72 x 84 inches – The largest option available, California Kings offer plenty of room for couples, tall seniors, or those who need a lot of legroom. 

Bed Rails

Bed rails can be a valuable addition to a senior’s bed. Rails provide a stable handhold to get in and out of bed more easily or to move about or adjust your position in bed. They can also provide a good place to hang a bag to hold the remote, glasses, magazines, or other essentials.

Some adjustable beds come complete with bed rails built-in. If yours doesn’t, you can purchase them separately, or consider bed rail alternatives that can provide similar benefits to your safety and mobility.

If a senior also uses bed steps to get into bed, make sure to allow space for the step and ensure that the bed’s hinge point is in an appropriate position for using the steps.

Deep Pocket Sheets

Most adjustable beds will work best with deep pocket sheets, designed to stay in place with the extra movement of the mattress. If you use regular sheets, you may find that the corners come off frequently, which can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and downright annoying. 

This can be especially challenging for those who use specialized bed sheets for incontinence, as you’ll need to seek out deep-pocketed versions that fit with the adjustable bed design.

Trial Periods

It’s hard to know how well a bed will actually work for you before you’ve slept in it for a few nights. Experts recommend allowing at least 21-30 days to really know how your body will respond to the new bed. 

Some retailers offer 30 or 90-day trial periods to ensure that you’re happy with your selection before finalizing the purchase. 

Warranties

Look for a bed frame with at least a 10-20 year warranty on the base, and a one-year warranty for technical support and on-site labor. There are often separate warranties for the different parts of the bed, so be sure you understand exactly what the warranty covers, and what it doesn’t!

Delivery and Assembly

Unless you’re lucky enough to have a really handy person close by, it’s a good idea to opt for a pre-assembled adjustable bed. In fact, most reputable brands will deliver their beds to your door largely pre-built, so this should just be a matter of double-checking the fine print to be sure. 

In most cases, you shouldn’t have to spend more than a few minutes to attach the wheels or install a few final pieces.

Controls

The key to a good controller is to find the balance between functionality and simplicity.

Some controllers are really minimal. The only buttons might be an up and down arrow. Something this simple might be right for a senior who could be easily confused by too many options, but it might not be the best choice for someone who would want more capability.

For example, preset buttons can be pretty nice on an adjustable bed. Rather than having to manually adjust the head and foot position individually each time you want to sit up to watch television or return the bed to flat, pressing one button and automatically adjusting can be a real convenience. 

Some controllers offer presets for the zero-gravity, anti-snore, or other popular positions. Others allow you to customize the presets so that your favorite positions are one press away.

Just as with TV remote controls for seniors, keep an eye on how many buttons there are, how small the buttons are, and how much they contrast – or don’t – with the rest of the controller. Seniors with poor eyesight or hand dexterity may find large, high-contrast buttons much easier to handle. 

Some beds allow you to control it with your mobile phone, or even with your voice via a smart assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This can be a great option for seniors who struggle with the traditional remote.  

Mattress Compatibility: What Type of Mattress Do You Need for an Adjustable Bed?

You’ll need a mattress that’s specifically designed to work with an adjustable bed, since standard, traditional mattress aren’t designed to bend.

Innerspring

Traditional innerspring mattresses won’t work because they won’t bend properly, but some specialty innersprings mattress are specifically designed for use with an adjustable bed. If you want an innerspring mattress, look for one with the lowest coil count for fewer potential pressure points to contend with – and ensure that the manufacturers have confirmed it’s compatible with adjustable beds.

Memory Foam

Many seniors really like memory foam mattresses and find them highly comfortable. Memory foam is especially good for reducing pressure points. It tends to retain heat, making it feel warmer – which can be either a plus or a minus, depending on your personal preference.

The heat retention is what also allows the memory foam to soften and contour to your body. While many individuals like how memory foam feels, some aren’t a fan of the sinking sensation.

For a cooler memory foam mattress, opt for gel-topped memory foam, which allows you to stay cooler while still providing all of the same therapeutic effects of memory foam.

Compared to latex, memory foam tends to be less expensive but bulkier in form. 

Latex Foam

Latex mattresses are a good choice for many seniors, as latex foam is firm, reliable, contours nicely, and resists microbial growth, which allows the mattress last longer. Latex tends to feel lighter and boasts more elasticity than memory foam.

Latex offers a gentler compression that doesn’t form as tightly against the body as memory foam, so it’s perfect for those who find memory foam a bit too all-enveloping.

Don’t forget – seniors with sensitivity to latex should avoid latex mattresses!

Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses are those that use a blend of materials, usually with a combination of innerspring coils and latex or memory foam. These mattresses are ideal for those who like the support of a standard innerspring mattress, but are still interested in the added soft comfort that memory foam or latex can offer. Keep in mind that, similar to a standard innerspring mattress, a hybrid mattress needs to be specifically designed to work with an adjustable bed in order to function correctly and be compatible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adjustable Beds

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The benefits of adjustable beds are many – especially when you consider all the potential optional features! Because of their cost, the selection process often boils down to choosing the best selection of features available at a particular price point. 

We thought the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed offered the overall best selection of features to meet most seniors’ needs. Many people love the massage setting, and the customizable presets can really come in handy.

What did you decide would work best for you?

We’d love to hear about your experience with your adjustable bed. Leave us a note in the comments below!

Last update on 2022-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API