The Best Adjustable Beds For Seniors
Going by our physiological makeup, our bodies require more rest as we age, and the one focal point for that is the bedroom. Your bed can have a huge impact on how much you enjoy your well-deserved R&R, and one of the more popular types that offers many possibilities is the adjustable bed.
Besides letting you lay on it to sleep, an adjustable bed can transform into a variety of positions that have both practical and therapeutic uses, greatly expanding what you’re able to do within the confines of your bedroom. Given its recent surge in popularity though, you may find it hard to choose a model that’s suitable for you, especially if you lack the energy of doing extensive market hunting in person. This roundup will compare and contrast the best adjustable beds for seniors, while also discussing the reasons why these beds may be worth the expense.
1. Lineal Adjustable Base by Saatva – Editor's Choice
- High capacity, whisper-quiet operation
- Wireless programmable remote control
- Under-bed illumination
- Wall-hugging system
- 25 Year Warranty
2. LUCID L300 Adjustable Base Bed
- Generous weight capacity of 750 lbs
- Easy, 5-minute set-up
- Dual wireless remotes and USB charging ports
- Programmable settings
- Ultra-quiet motor
- 10 Year Warranty
3. Yaasa Adjustable Base
- Minimalist design
- Zero gravity and pressure relief
- Anti-snoring preset
- Wall sliding technology
- 10 Year Warranty
4. Classic Brands Adjustable Bed Frame
- Programmable preset positions
- Head and foot massage feature
- Holds up to 660 pounds combined weight
- Remote Control
- 2 USB ports
- 3 Year Warranty
5. GhostBed Adjustable Frame
- 15 modes of a dual massage function
- Helps relieve pain and tension
- Underbed lightning
- Dual USB charging stations
- Wireless remote with flashlight
- Limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
Table Of Contents
- Best Adjustable Beds for Seniors
- 1. Lineal Adjustable Base by Saatva
- 2. Runner Up – LUCID L300 Adjustable Base Bed
- 3. Best Classic – Yaasa Adjustable Base
- 4. Best with Programmable Settings – Classic Brands Adjustable Bed Frame
- 5. Best with Massage Features – GhostBed Adjustable Frame
- Is an Adjustable Bed Worth It For Me as a Senior?
- Medical Reasons
- Zero-G Position
- Leisure
- Factors to Consider When Getting a New Adjustable Bed
- Core Operating Mechanism
- Lifting Capacity
- Controls
- Mattress
- Customer Support and Warranties
- Conclusion
- Recent Updates
- Additional Resources
Best Adjustable Beds for Seniors
1. Lineal Adjustable Base by Saatva – Editor's Choice
Highlights
- 3-part adjustable base
- Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King, Split Cal King
- 850 lbs weight capacity
- Wireless programmable remote control
- Adjustable height
- White-glove service: Yes
- 25-year warranty (5-year full coverage)
Pros
- High capacity, whisper-quiet operation
- Under-bed illumination
- Dual massager with 3-speed options
- 25-year warranty, with full coverage on parts and repairs for the first 5 years
- Solid customer support
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
Sporting a wall-hugging design, this Saatva adjustable base is able to assume an abundance of angle and elevation combinations, all without transporting you away from your nightstand. The motor used to achieve this adjustment is touted as one of the quietest in the industry, which means you won’t be disturbing anyone in the next room when you’re switching positions.
At an 850 pound maximum weight capacity, the motor should be sufficient enough to lift two average weighted individuals. A stylish remote control is used for adjusting the Lineal base which has both preset settings for positions such as Zero-G. It also has 3 programmable buttons that you can set up to assume customized positions that you prefer. The height of the base can be adjusted between 14″ and 18″ from the floor using a pin-push mechanism. Like most other adjustable beds in its league, the Lineal features under-bed illumination to yield understated, appealing interior lighting that also guides you to your bed in a dark room. Also included are separate massagers for your head and feet, which can be independently operated at three different speeds.
Saatva has a reputation for high-quality customer support, and it extends to the Lineal as well. White-glove delivery is available (at an added cost) with the delivery team calling you in advance to set up a suitable time.
2. Runner Up – LUCID L300 Adjustable Base Bed
Highlights
- 3-part adjustable base
- Twin XL, Full, Queen
- Wireless programmable remote control
- Foldable
- White-glove service: No
- 10-year warranty
Pros
- Generous weight capacity of 750 lbs
- Easy, 5-minute set-up
- Dual wireless remotes and USB charging ports
- Programmable settings
- Ultra-quiet motor
Cons
- Not suitable for existing frames
This is a great option for those who lack the tools and assembly skills some designs require for assembly. In fact, LUCID is so confident you’ll be able to set up this adjustable bed in less than 5 minutes, that they promote this convenience as one of their selling features. But that’s not all this design has going for it. It offers dual wireless remotes (with built-in flashlights) as well as dual USB charging ports – perfect for when you settle into bed and discover your smartphone is running at 10%.
An ultra-quiet motor can elevate you to a 60-degree angle which is ideal for reading, while the base can be raised a full 45-degrees – perfect for when you need to take the pressure off tired, aching feet and legs. And because it’s programmable, you decide on the ideal position for you, then pre-set the remote so it instantly returns to your favorite angle every time.
3. Best Classic – Yaasa Adjustable Base
Highlights
- 3-part adjustable base
- Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King
- Wireless programmable remote control
- Foldable
- White-glove service: No
- 10-year warranty
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Zero gravity and pressure relief
- Anti-snoring preset
- Wall sliding technology
- Sync mode
- Split king option
Cons
- Product is heavy
- Bar at foot of bed hits your shins if you exit bed from the bottom
The Yaasa is surprisingly lightweight for an adjustable base, largely due to its aluminum construction. This makes it easy to move without sacrificing on durability. This is a product made with ergonomics in mind. It has contemporary aesthetic with a matte finish that gives it some shine. It looks like a slick and classic bed, despite having some of the most high-tech features for an adjustable base hidden inside.
One of the presets available on the remote control is the Zero Gravity setting. This setting slightly elevates your head and feet, which is particularly helpful for anyone who suffers from painful pressure points or poor circulation. There’s also anti-snoring preset elevates the head slightly to open up the airway. Yaasa also incorporated wall sliding technology to ensure that any adjustment made to the bed still maintains the same space between your wall and the bed. Other helpful features include multiple USB charging ports, the ability to save two favorite sleep positions, a child lock, and a one-touch flat sleep button on the remote that allows you to return mattress to a flat position, without having to hold down on buttons and wear out your batteries.
This is an ideal sleep solution for partners who want to enjoy the benefits of an adjustable base without having to compromise their personal sleep preference.
4. Best with Programmable Settings – Classic Brands Adjustable Bed Frame
Highlights
- Adjustable head and foot
- Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split-King
- Compatible with: Memory foam, gel foam, hybrid or coil-spring mattress
- White-glove service: No
- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Programmable preset positions
- Head and foot massage feature
- Holds up to 660 pounds combined weight
- Remote Control
- 2 USB ports
Cons
- Not a wall-hugger design
- Not a steel construction
For those that love the convenience of anything “multi-functional”, this is the adjustable bed frame you’ve been waiting for. Not only does it offer programmable settings that can be pre-set for quick adjustment to your optimal TV viewing angle, it even offers a zero-gravity position for those who love that relaxing sensation of floating on air. But here’s where this adjustable bed takes multi-function to an entirely new level. At the end of a tiring day, seniors can lay down in their new bed and enjoy a stress-releasing 3-speed head and foot massage – all at the touch of a button. There’s more, because this frame includes two wireless remotes for quick and easy repositioning as well as two built-in USB ports for charging all your devices. It’s compatible with memory foam, gel-foam, hybrid, and coil-spring mattresses. With the full-size design, it can support a combined weight of 660 pounds.
5. Best with Massage Features – GhostBed Adjustable Frame
Highlights
- Adjustable head and foot
- Twin XL, Queen
- Compatible with: Memory foam, gel foam, hybrid or coil-spring mattress
- White-glove service: No
- Limited lifetime warranty from manufacturer
Pros
- 15 modes of a dual massage function
- Helps relieve pain and tension
- Underbed lightning
- Dual USB charging stations
- Wireless remote with flashlight
Cons
- May be difficult for some to assemble
Who wouldn’t want to come home to a luxurious massage that relieves all tension and stress from your body? Well, with this smart bed that can be a reality. It has dual foot and head massage functions that operate in 15 whisper-quiet massage modes to provide a truly great experience for any sleeper. The massage will work to stimulate blood flow and as a result, relieve tension and pain from your whole body.
In addition to the impressive massage mode, this smart bed boasts many other clever functions, including USB ports on both sides of the bed, zero-gravity mode, preset positions, under-bed LED lighting, and a wireless remote with a built-in flashlight. If you want a smart bed that’s going to help you deal with chronic back and leg pain, fatigue, snoring or insomnia, this is the one to go for. With 15 modes of massage, adjustable inclinations and many nifty features, it will exceed your expectations.
Is an Adjustable Bed Worth It For Me as a Senior?
There are multiple reasons to consider investing in an adjustable bed, from the context of an aging individual:
Medical Reasons
Our bodies are complex biological machines, and like every other machine, they experience wear and tear with age. In many cases, advanced age leads to conditions whose symptoms include muscle and joint pain in various parts of your body. While medicine and physiotherapy are potential cures, if the symptoms become aggravated, therapists recommend altering the position in which you rest your body to promote blood flow and oxygen intake so that pain relief is achieved faster.
Zero-G Position
An adjustable bed lets you achieve the recommended positions at the push of a button (or even from a smartphone app), making it a convenient way to deal with chronic pain that may come with aging. If you suffer from an acute injury such as a fracture due to a fall and become bedridden, the same benefits will ensure that you don’t develop sores due to inadequate circulation.
Leisure
Even if you’re not sick and bed-ridden, an adjustable bed has plenty to offer. For starters, let’s say you want to watch TV or read a book – this is best done in a reclined position. An ordinary bed will make it quite awkward for you to sit up, and even after doing so, it won’t be particularly comfortable.
On the other hand, you can do this quite easily with an adjustable bed and perform any activity that requires you to sit up, without ever having to leave your bed. In my experience, after observing my grandad struggling to get out of bed just to watch some television in the living room, I realized the best gift to give him for his 75th birthday would be an adjustable bed. I have rarely seen him as happy as the time he realized his bed had now become his living room!
Factors to Consider When Getting a New Adjustable Bed
Core Operating Mechanism
Modern adjustable beds rely on electric motors to achieve their various transformations. There are two broad categories in which these motors are available: AC and DC. AC motors use mains electricity to run; they’re noisy and consume more energy than their DC counterparts but are also more durable and require less maintenance. DC motors, on the other hand, operate on battery power and are quieter, cheaper, compact, and efficient. However, they are also more prone to damage.
Be sure to check the noise level produced by the bed you select, and double-check the warranty offered on the motor (and parts linked to it) by the manufacturer – a bad warranty means you’ll need to search for a replacement on your own, and that’s costly in terms of both time and money (not to mention the technical expertise required!).
Lifting Capacity
There will be a limit to the load that any AC or DC motor can handle – in the context of an adjustable bed, this is the weight that it can lift – stretching it beyond this load will, in the best-case scenario, lead to temporary non-functionality until the load is reduced. In the worst-case scenario (where the manufacturer has not incorporated a fail-safe), this will cause the motor to burn out because it will try to lift the load by drawing more electricity than it was designed for.
It’s therefore important to carefully consider the weight lifting capacity of the base you’re thinking of buying. Usually the range is upwards of 600 lbs, which is good enough for a split-king intended for single-person use. But bear in mind that oftentimes, this limit is inclusive of the weight of the mattress you put on it.
Controls
Always consider how easily you’ll be able to change the positions of the bed – the way in which the remote-control menu is laid out plays a major role in this. There are both wired and wireless controllers available; the latter offers the ability to keep the remote close at hand, unobstructed by a cable but at the risk of becoming ineffective due to interference from home appliances and being misplaced.
The former is more reliable and has no chance of getting lost, but you won’t be able to keep it close in bed unless it has a lengthy cord, and even then, it would be a nuisance.
In addition to traditional wireless and wired remotes, some high-end beds let you control them from your smartphone over the Bluetooth or WiFi protocol – in my opinion, these are the most convenient of all, but naturally, they are also the most expensive.
Mattress
Bear in mind that not every mattress is compatible with an adjustable bed. In particular, innerspring mattresses won’t work with such a bed unless the manufacturer has designed them for the purpose expressly (this is normally stated on the box). You’re fine with a mattress made from a soft material like latex or memory foam.
If you’ve recently spent big bucks on a high-end innerspring that’s incompatible with an adjustable base – carefully consider whether an adjustable bed is worth the expense or not. If you plan on getting a mattress now and an adjustable base later, I’d recommend patience and saving up to get a mattress and base in one go. This will be cheaper and both will be guaranteed to work with each other.
Customer Support and Warranties
Given the various moving components present in an adjustable bed, there is always a chance (no matter how many guarantees the manufacturer gives) of breakdown. That’s why it’s essential to consider the warranties offered by the manufacturer with the bed, as different components like motor, power supply and controlling mechanisms may come with different warranties.
You may also need to get the bed serviced from time to time. Assess how well the manufacturer responds to these requests (and the expenses involved) by checking existing reviews, as well as the warranty agreement. Doing your homework could potentially save you hours of frustration in the unfortunate event of a breakdown in your bed.
Conclusion
I won’t go so far as to say there’s a universal best adjustable bed for seniors, as everyone has different needs and priorities where sleep is concerned. But if I had to recommend one to someone looking for serious comfort and convenience in their old age, it would be the Lineal Adjustable Base by Saatva. The bed is not the most cost-effective currently on the market, but the balance it strikes between smooth, reliable adjustments and a high lifting capacity make it a sensible investment for a relaxing retirement.
Recent Updates
September 7, 2021: Two top recommendations have been added to this roundup, the Classic Brands Adjustable Bed Frame and the GhostBed Adjustable Frame, due to increased popularity among consumers. An Additional Resources section and further FAQs have also been included to refer readers to related content, as well as address common customer queries.