Adjustable beds were originally designed for care facilities, as they were convenient. They came with motors attached to the head, middle, and foot sections, and each section was lifted using a lever to place individuals in a comfortable position. Given how convenient they were, adjustable beds slowly started being used commercially. With this change, brands, too, started manufacturing various types of adjustable bed mattresses, such as latex ones, to promote good sleep.
Movable parts of adjustable beds
Adjustable beds have a base frame made of wood or metal, which is the main structure of the bed on which the mattress is placed. In some models, the legs of the frame can also be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the bed. It has a motor that can operate the three sections independently or move at the same time. Some models of adjustable beds will have a mattress retainer bar that prevents the bar from sliding when the position is being changed. This feature is more common in hospital beds and prevents the patient from falling from the bed.
Features of a mattress for adjustable beds
A regular mattress cannot be used for an adjustable bed simply because it is inflexible. For example, if the head side is raised, the entire bed will bend or fold and create an awkward position, which makes it unusable. This is why there are specific mattresses designed for adjustable beds.
Mattresses for adjustable beds have to be flexible to move comfortably when one or all the sections of the bed are being lifted. For that to happen, certain features are added to the mattress of an adjustable bed.
Firmness
It is best to look for a firm mattress that will prevent pressure buildup on the bed frames. Plus, it will not not slide down, particularly in a care facility setting, when those using it get on it or off it.
Support
The ideal mattress should seamlessly support the bed frame when the angles are raised or lowered. Since the angles of the bed and legs are shifted often, it should not cause any imbalance in the bed frame or adjustable legs.
Motion isolation
Motion transfer refers to the transfer of movement when one person shifts their position; the second person also feels the vibrations and gets disturbed. Motion isolation is the opposite, where the second person will not feel the vibration and will continue to sleep peacefully.
Thickness
The ideal mattress for an adjustable bed should be between 8 and 12 inches, as mattresses that are too thick are difficult to handle. On the other hand, mattresses that are too thin will be uncomfortable for users.
Lumbar support
Some mattresses are designed to provide lumbar support for the shoulder and hips. Since adjustable beds also aid in pain relief, lumbar support mattresses are a perfect fit for these beds. So, one can use hybrid, latex, and memory foam mattresses, as they are perfect for lumbar support.
Top 5 latex mattresses for adjustable beds
Latex is versatile and can be used to make many eco-friendly objects and products. Since foam beds may take centuries to degrade, more people prefer eco-friendly alternatives like latex. This material responds to the sleeper’s body contours and movements quickly. Unlike foam, latex does not sink excessively. Latex mattresses provide adequate pressure relief and relieve pain and are perfectly suitable for adjustable beds. There are quite a few brands that make latex mattresses that are suitable for adjustable beds.
1. Avocado Green Mattress
The Avocado Green Mattress is a highly rated organic-latex hybrid mattress with latex and wool fabric inner coils for firm support. It comes in six sizes with varying depths, including 11 inches, 13 inches, and 15.5 inches thick. The mattress has organic certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard and Global Organic Latex Standard. The company offers a one-year trial period, and the mattresses can be used on adjustable beds from Avocado or other brands.
2. Nolah Natural 11
Nolah Natural 11” is ideal for those with back pain. The latex provides even body weight distribution and is combined with coils that provide pain relief at all pressure points. It has a thickness of 11 inches, comes in a medium firmness level, and is available in seven sizes. It can be used comfortably with adjustable bed frames. Nolah offers a 120-night free trial.
3. Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
Saatva is one of the most popular mattress brands in the country, thanks to its trial period of 365 days. Its latex hybrid mattresses can be used comfortably with adjustable bed frames. They are ergonomically designed with targeted pressure relief at five points in the lumbar region. Plus, they have good edge support that ensures that they do not slip from the adjustable bed frame. The hybrid mattress is 12” thick and comes in seven sizes.
4. Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress
The Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress is handmade with certified organic latex. It has a coil core, and the covers are organic cotton and woo. It is made with hypoallergenic material and contains no chemicals or toxins. It is available in two firmness levels—medium and medium-free—and six sizes.
5. Botanical Bliss
The Botanical Bliss mattress contains multiple layers of latex best suited for pain relief and does not come with coils. It comes in 9” thickness and is available in medium and medium firm levels. The mattress is available in eight sizes and has a 100-day trial period. In addition, it can be used with adjustable bed frames.