Disability equipment: 5 health benefits of adjustable beds

This is an updated post from our archives. Adjustable beds offer numerous health benefits for disabled people, including improved comfort, enhanced circulation, joint pain relief, better mobility, and increased independence.

A good night’s sleep is priceless, for anyone, let alone if you’ have a long-term health condition or disability. So a comfortable adjustable bed is key, particularly if you often spend much of your time in bed during the day as well as the night. 

Lying in a horizontal position all day long can cause a number of health issues, such as bed sores and painful joints. It can also make mealtimes more difficult. This can all impact on how well you sleep, too.

An adjustable bed can improve your quality of life and well-being in numerous ways. Here are five important health benefits of these beds.

1. Find a comfortable resting and sleeping position

It can be hard to find a comfortable sleeping or resting position in a regular bed, especially if you have chronic pain. You or your PA/carer can prop you up using cushions, but this is not an ideal solution, particularly for people with dementia.

An electric bed will support you in any position you feel comfortable in. Your head and shoulders can be raised so you can eat or watch TV more comfortably. When you want to sleep, the bed can be lowered once again. There are numerous positions and these beds are very easy to adjust to suit your needs.

2. Boost circulation

If you’re not able to move much, poor circulation can be an issue, especially as you get older. Many older people suffer from varicose veins and ulcerated legs, exacerbated by long periods of bed rest. The best cure is movement and exercise, but that may not be possible for many disabled people or those with health conditions.

Another way to boost circulation is to raise your legs above your heart. With an adjustable bed, this is remarkably easy, as the lower half of the bed can be raised when needed using the control panel. This allows blood to flow more easily from the lower limbs and prevents swollen feet and legs. But please be advised, this should only be used under professional, medical supervision.

3. Improve mobility

Height adjustable beds can be raised to a sufficient height to enable you to lower yourself to your feet when transferring from bed. The variable height also helps if moving to and from a wheelchair by setting the bed at exactly the right level.

4. Joint pain relief

If you suffer from sore, aching joints, it can be very difficult to get comfortable. Even if you use a pillow to prop yourself up so you can watch television, you may still suffer aches and pains. An adjustable bed makes it far easier for you to find relief.

5. More independence

It is crucial that you don’t underestimate the importance of good mental health and well-being. Many people losing or having lost their independence and disliking troubling their PA or carer to adjust a pillow or help them get out of bed, can gain back some independence with an adjustable bed. They are easy to use and let people maintain their independence as much as possible and for as long as possible.

For further information and guidance on adjustable beds, please visit for more information.

Custom Solutions for Better Accessibility

Custom solutions are often necessary for individuals with specific needs, and sometimes, standard equipment doesn’t fit the bill. For those looking to modify or create bespoke equipment, weldermart.com offers a range of welding supplies and services that could be invaluable. Whether you need to adjust an existing bed frame or create something entirely new, their expertise can help ensure your equipment is tailored to your unique requirements.

Charities such as Remap provide bespoke solutions to make daily living tasks more accessible. Remap is a UK-based charity where skilled retired engineers and volunteers design and create custom aids for disabled people, tailored to individual needs. These unique solutions, which aren’t available commercially, can address specific challenges, such as creating specialized tools for bed-making or adaptations to adjustable beds for enhanced usability. Their work empowers disabled people to live more independently and comfortably, ensuring that no challenge goes unmet.

Additional Advantages of Adjustable Beds for Disabled People

Beyond the well-known benefits, adjustable beds offer further advantages:

• Alleviation of Respiratory Issues: Elevating the head section can help reduce snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea by keeping airways open. This position aids in better breathing during sleep.
• Enhanced Digestion: Slight elevation of the upper body post-meal can facilitate digestion and reduce acid reflux, promoting gastrointestinal comfort.
• Ease of Caregiving: For caregivers, adjustable beds simplify the process of assisting with transfers and repositioning, reducing physical strain and enhancing safety.

Make Bed-Making Easier with the Mattress Lifter Bed Wedge

Changing bed sheets can be a challenging task, especially if you have limited mobility or strength. The Mattress Lifter Bed Wedge is designed to make this process simpler and more accessible.

• Effortless Mattress Lifting: The wedge helps lift the mattress, creating enough space to tuck in or remove bed sheets without straining your hands or fingers.
• Reduced Physical Strain: Avoid bending or lifting heavy mattresses, which can be difficult for disabled people or caregivers.
• Improved Safety: Minimizes the risk of injury by providing a stable and secure lift for the mattress during bed-making.

Make your everyday tasks more manageable with the Mattress Lifter Bed Wedge, a practical solution for anyone looking to simplify their bedding routine.