When purchasing an adjustable bed for a fall-care patient, it is worth researching the model, make, and the durability of the bed you would like to purchase. It is also advisable to compare makes and models of different types of adjustable beds. Durability is very important, as these adjustable beds are expensive, and fall-care patients are often bedridden.
How long do adjustable beds last? Depending on the model, make, and usage, adjustable beds last for approximately ten years.
Adjustable bed frames are usually made from a sturdy, steel fabric and plastic, and their frames are very strong. The main problem with adjustable beds is the wear of the mattresses. A patient may be bedridden or sleep a lot, but because the bed can adjust, the mattress becomes worn. There are also different features on these beds, which may wear with time, for example, the motorized features.
Do Adjustable Beds Wear Out Faster?
| Adjustable Bed Parts | Life Span | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Bed Frame | 10 to 15 years | The frame of adjustable beds are made of steel and plastic and are usually heavy duty. These beds are made to last longer than ordinary bed frames, as they bend at both ends, and they are made for frail care facilities. |
| Mattress | 7 to 10 years | It is a fact that a mattress on an adjustable platform or bed will break down faster than a mattress on an ordinary bed frame. While these beds have many benefits, including, pressure reduction, medical benefits, etc., the mattresses do wear, because of the mattress bending, and a person’s weight is in one area, in a seated position. But today, one can purchase specialized mattresses designed for the adjustable bed, which may last as long as an ordinary mattress. |
| Motorized Parts | 5 to 10 years | The motorized features on the bedframe, may not last long. They are only made to work for short periods at a time. The motorized components may not last the full duration of the frame before having to be replaced. These components are easy to replace. |
How to Care for Your Adjustable Bed
- Adjustable beds have ‘sitting’ positions, and therefore a person’s weight is concentrated in a small area, and this might cause depressions in the mattress. Rotate the mattress, from head to foot, once a month. This monthly rotation allows the mattress to recover, and the depressions will return to normal.
- Check your power cord regularly for damage. It is also good to check the wired hand control cord. If the bed is pushed too close to the wall, it may be pushing against the power plug. The plug can be damaged when the bed brushes against the wall while being adjusted.
- Don’t use a wall outlet, which is plugged in too many appliances. The plug should be in its own outlet.
- Because adjustable bed mattresses are constructed with soft edges, which allows them to bend, avoid sitting on the edges of the mattress, as this will allow the mattress to bend. These mattresses are easily damaged, compared mattresses on traditional beds.
- If you sit at the end of the bed, while the motor is working, it will put extra stress on the motor, because of your weight, and this will cause the motor to fail.
- Clean the mattress regularly. Strip the bed and wash all the bedding. Vacuum the mattress. Clean any stains with a cleaning solution and water. Sprinkle baking soda all over the entire mattress and leave for several hours. Baking soda will break down the acid and absorb any remaining moisture and odor. Vacuum the mattress again. When the mattress is dry, place a fitted mattress protector on the mattress before making the bed.
Troubleshooting Power Problems With Your Adjustable Bed
If you are having power-related issues with your adjustable bed, there are a few common things to check. After checking to make sure the bed is plugged into the wall and the fuse wasn’t tripped:
Check the power cord for any damage.
Reset the memory:
Some models have a memory system. Reset it by unplugging the power cord, waiting ten seconds, then plugging it back into the outlet again
All adjustable beds come with an owner’s manual, check the resetting procedure used to reset the memory. Not all beds are the same.
Check batteries in the remote:
If there is power from the power outlet, and your bed has a remote control, check and replace batteries to make sure it’s not a simple remote issue.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for My Adjustable Bed?
There are several types of mattresses available for adjustable beds. Here are some of the options, as well as their features.
| Type of Mattress | Information |
|---|---|
| Memory Foam Mattress | Memory foam mattresses are the best mattresses for adjustable beds. They conform to your body shape and support your weight evenly. The memory foam can flex easily when the bed is adjusted, without causing any damage to the mattress. They are very comfortable, and they support the body. |
| Latex Mattress | Latex mattresses are also good, as they are made from 100% foam and prevent joint pain in the patient, but they have a different feel, compared to memory foam mattresses, as one may feel ‘buoyant’ when lying on the bed. They are slightly more rigid and thinner in size. |
| Inner Spring Mattress | Innerspring mattresses are made of coiled springs and padding on top, which makes them stiffer. They don’t usually work well with adjustable bed frames, but some manufacturers have made flexible models for adjustable beds. Innerspring mattresses are cheaper than foam beds. They are known to create pressure points, they have limited flexibility, and they need to be replaced frequently. |
| Airbed Mattress | Airbed mattresses are made with one or more inner air chambers. You can adjust their support by increasing and decreasing the air pressure. Only specific types of airbed mattresses are used on adjustable beds.Models with multiple chambers are usually fine. They are usually not as suitable, as they are too rigid. |
What Different Features Do Adjustable Beds Have?
Depending on the model and make of the adjustable bed, there are many new features and functions built into these beds.
Foot Adjustments
This is for the comfort of the patient. It a senior is unable to get out of bed, he/she can adjust the bed into a sitting position so that he/she can read or eat. The leg adjustment position will make the patient more comfortable when sitting.
Oftentimes, the sitting position is not suitable for patients with back problems. However, this position is very beneficial for patients who have breathing difficulties.
Built-in Massage Features
This is particularly good for bedridden patients. Their bodies are massaged, preventing bedsores and stiff muscles. This massage feature can loll a senior to sleep. Bedridden seniors often use this feature for comfort and relaxation.
Remote Controls
These allow the patient or senior to adjust the bed in any preferred position. Some makes allow the patient to use features on their smartphone to make these adjustments. They can also turn on the massage feature when desired, and the heater, if it is cold.
Built-in Bedroom Amenities
Helpful items such as a night light, charging ports, and wake-up alarms. This is particularly handy if the seniors would like to read during the night, charge their smartphone, or charge their laptop.
There are even models that have a built-in heating system for warmth in winter. Seniors often have less resistance to cold, and this feature keeps them comfortable and warm.