Adjustable Beds for Seniors: Comfort and Safety Tips

As you get older, a good night's sleep is harder to come by. Arthritis stiffness, muscle pain, and other health conditions make sleeping through the night someone else's dream. For some older adults, simply getting into and out of bed can become a challenge. Struggles with balance and strength can make transferring not just difficult but a legitimate safety concern, especially in the middle of the night.

Adjustable beds are a first step to addressing some of those concerns, by using a motorized base to raise or lower different sections of the mattress making it easier to position yourself comfortably. Lift beds take the concept a step further, helping people with mobility challenges transition from lying down to seated or even standing with the press of a button.

"You can't change your health overnight, but you can change your bed," notes occupational therapist Carolyn Sithong, the Charlotte, NC-based founder of Home for Life Design, the first web-based assessment tool that helps clinicians measure home safety for seniors. "The bed you have is not necessarily the bed you need."

If sleep has become an increasing challenge for you and you are thinking about upgrading your bed for better support, these are some factors to consider.

Why Getting In and Out of Bed Is Hard for Seniors

With age, habits that once were automatic become more challenging. "Getting in and out of bed involves a complex sequence of movements," says Manisha Parulekar, M.D., chief of geriatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center and associate professor of geriatrics at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley, NJ. "It requires core strength to roll over, upper body strength to push up from a lying position, and lower body strength to swing the legs and transition to standing." Age-related muscle loss (known as sarcopenia), joint stiffness, and impaired proprioception reduce the ability to coordinate these mechanics, Dr. Parulekar adds.

"As you get older, your extensor muscles—muscles you use extending your quadriceps, hamstrings, and triceps—get weaker," adds Sithong. "That makes the movement of going from sitting to standing, or pushing yourself out of a seat, much more difficult."

There is another factor that is often overlooked: the transition itself, says Ron Schwartz, M.D., the senior director of continuum services at Masonicare in Wallingford, CT, and assistant clinical professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. "Going from lying down to sitting and then standing requires the body to rapidly adjust to a change in position. If an older adult is weak, deconditioned, or has a balance problem, that brief transition can be enough to cause instability or a fall."

Crucially, says Dr. Schwartz, difficulty getting out of bed should not automatically be accepted as part of aging. "It's not simply a sign that someone is ‘getting older,’" he says. "It can be an early warning that strength, balance or cardiovascular function needs to be evaluated."

When to Consider an Adjustable Bed

Partly in response to the challenges of an aging population, demand for adjustable beds in the U.S. is rapidly growing, with sales expected to double in the next 10 years. "Adjustable beds assist the physical mechanics of sitting up, reducing strain on the back and core," explains Dr. Parulekar. This added comfort can lead to better sleep quality and quantity. One study in the journal Sleep found that adults who used an adjustable bed over the course of four weeks slept on average 21 minutes longer while experiencing fewer wakings during the night.

The benefits go beyond comfort: If you live with a chronic condition like sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or have low blood pressure, the ability to mechanically elevate your upper body with an adjustable bed or sleep chair makes it easier for blood and oxygen to circulate to where you need it most. Meanwhile, raising the legs may help with blood circulation. (Not everyone benefits from elevating the head or legs, notes Dr. Schwartz. Always consult with your doctor first if you have a medical condition.)

And for seniors who have difficulty transferring in and out of bed, a purpose-built lift bed gently moves you from lying to sitting to standing in a safe, controlled manner.

"The real advantage of an adjustable bed is flexibility," says Dr. Schwartz. "It allows us to adapt the sleeping position to the person's physiology rather than expecting the person to adapt to a fixed position."

Think about it: You spend more than a third of your life sleeping. Getting in, out, and positioned in bed aren't trivial events. "Don't underestimate the occupation of sleep," says Sithong. "We are in bed eight hours a day. Your bed is not something you should settle on."

Features to Look for in an Adjustable Lift Bed

Whether you're shopping for adjustable beds, sleep chairs, or lift beds, your two primary considerations should be comfort and safety. Is the bed long and wide enough for your body? Is the mattress high-quality? When sitting on the edge of the bed, can your feet touch the ground? A bed that is too high makes transfers difficult, while a very low bed requires significantly more leg strength to stand.

As you consider your options, these are a few other features to look for.

Head and Leg Adjustments

One of the most useful features of an adjustable bed is the ability to independently raise both the head and foot of the mattress. This is typically done via a remote control that allows for customizable positions, including flat, sitting, or a so-called "zero-gravity" position, which is when your head and lower legs are raised just above your heart while lying down.

In addition to comfort, elevating your head in bed benefits certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux (also called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD). One study in BMC Family Practice found a measurable improvement in people with GERD after sleeping with their heads elevated. And if you're a heavy snorer, raising your head while sleeping can reduce snoring by more than a third, research shows.

Meanwhile, the leg adjustment feature lets you raise your knees and lower legs, which some people find helpful for circulation, certain types of back discomfort, or after medical procedures where leg elevation is recommended. Raising the legs also helps manage lower-leg swelling for conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, because the position can help reduce venous pressure and encourage blood that has pooled in the legs to return toward the heart. Recent reviews recommend leg elevation among strategies for managing venous swelling.

Simple, Senior-Friendly Controls

You know those gadgets that look really neat on late-night infomercials, and then you buy one and can't figure out how to use it? Fancy settings on your adjustable lift bed are worthless if you aren't able to make them work.

When possible, try the controls yourself before buying, or at least look for pictures so you can get a sense of how complex or straightforward the control device is. Look for:

• Backlit buttons that are easier to see in a dark room.
• Clearly marked button for positioning the mattress flat.
• Large labeled buttons that are easy to distinguish by touch.
• Preset position buttons that eliminate the need for repeated adjustments.
• Remote that fits comfortably in your hand, particularly if arthritis in the hand is an issue.

Wired and wireless remotes both have advantages. A wireless remote provides more flexibility, but a wired remote can't be misplaced across the room. Some adjustable beds can also be controlled with a smartphone—a nice perk if you're comfortable with apps, but there should always be a remote-control option as well as a backup.

Mattress Support and Compatibility

Your body position during sleep sets you up for quality zzz's, but that's not the only consideration when you're looking at adjustable beds. Mattress support is also key. Too flimsy and you'll wake up with a sore back; too soft and you'll feel like you slept with a crooked neck. Research in Sleep Science reported that more older adults experienced better sleep when using a medium-firm mattress.

Mattresses also need enough flexibility to bend repeatedly without being damaged or separating from the base of the adjustable bed. Many foam and latex mattresses are designed for this purpose, but compatibility varies. For that reason, you're best off using the mattress that comes from the manufacturer. (Sleep chairs typically have cushioning built into the chair and do not require a separate mattress.)

When evaluating a mattress, these are some factors to consider:

• Edge support. "Edge support helps you tell how far on or off the mattress you are as you get in and out of bed," says Sithong. A mattress with a stable edge also helps prevent you from sliding off when you're getting dressed or preparing to stand.
• Firmness. You want enough support to prevent excessive sinking without creating uncomfortable pressure points. There is no universally perfect firmness level, but one study from 2025 confirms that medium-firm mattresses can improve sleep quality.
• Pressure relief. People who spend long periods in bed or have difficulty repositioning themselves are at greater risk for pressure injuries. Research in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine shows that pressure-redistributing surfaces can help reduce that risk. "Use alternating pressure air mattresses or high-density foam overlays to distribute weight," advises Dr. Parulekar. "You can also place pillows between the knees or under the calves to keep heels off the mattress and prevent bone-on-bone friction."
• Temperature regulation. Sleeping in spaces that are too cold can lead to tighter muscles and discomfort upon waking. Some mattresses have therapeutic heating capacity; if yours doesn't, make sure to layer with multiple blankets during the night so you don't have to get up and change the thermostat if you're cold.

Evaluate Safety and Stability

Look for a sturdy frame and smooth, controlled movement when the bed changes position. The mattress should remain securely in place rather than sliding when the head or feet are elevated. Also take note of the listed weight capacity. Some adjustable beds can hold 600 pounds or more, while sleep chairs may be limited to 300 pounds. (Remember that weight capacity is total weight, not just your own.)

Other tips for fall prevention include choosing a bed with arm rests or handrails that help you hold on or reposition yourself when the bed incline changes or when you get in and out of bed. Ideally, arm rests will be padded for comfort.

If you are using a wired remote control, make sure that the cord does not dangle near the floor where you could accidentally trip on it. The same goes for any lamps or alarm clocks that are plugged in near the bed. Keep loose cords and throw rugs away from your pathway into and out of the bed.

If you use a cane, walker, rollator, or power mobility chair, make sure there is enough space beside the bed to position it safely without blocking movement around the room.

Features That Improve Nighttime Independence

Data from Sithong's home safety assessment tool reveals the bedroom is the second-most measured room in the house for fall risks (after the bathroom); and getting in and out of the bed is one of the top variables people evaluate for safety concerns.

Nighttime falls are scary, especially if you are home alone. Research shows that older adults who get out of bed multiple times at night to use the bathroom are 28% more likely to fall. The right bedroom setup and some basic safety tips can help prevent falls. Dr. Parulekar recommends taking these steps to lower your fall risk:

• Bedside commode. Place a bedside commode near the bed if walking distance is an issue. Minimize fluid intake closer to bedtime to make bathroom trips less necessary.
• Bedside storage. Having a bedside organizer that keeps glasses, medication, reading material, and the bed remote close by means you do not need to get up at night and find your essentials.
• Clear floors. Unsecured area rugs, shaggy carpeting, cords, shoes, and other daily items left out on the floor present trip hazards. Keep a pair of rubber-soled slippers by your bed, and nothing else.
• Go slow. Sit on the edge of the bed for 30 to 60 seconds before standing to let blood pressure stabilize to help prevent dizziness when you stand.
• Motion-sensor lighting. A soft light near floor level that is triggered by your movement can help illuminate where to place your feet and anything that might be obstructing your path to the bathroom or hallway when getting up at night.
• USB or device-charging ports. Keep your phone-charging station on your bedside table. Having your phone or other device charged and within reach reduces unnecessary trips across the room at night.

Health Conditions That Benefit From Adjustable Beds

Have you ever felt dizzy in the morning when you go from lying flat to standing up? "The condition is known as orthostatic hypotension," says Dr. Parulekar. "Gravity causes blood to pool in the legs, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure, and the brain briefly receives less oxygen, causing dizziness." Baroreceptors—nerve endings in your blood vessels that detect changes in pressure—normally adjust the heart rate to compensate, but as you get older, they don't work as well, she says.

As a result, the mere act of going from sleeping to standing can make you dizzy. "Morning can be a particularly vulnerable time because a person has gone several hours without drinking fluids and is moving from a prolonged lying position directly into standing," notes Dr. Schwartz. "It's important not to dismiss morning dizziness as a normal part of aging. Recurrent symptoms deserve medical attention, particularly if they are accompanied by fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath or falls."

If you are prone to dizziness upon waking that is not attributable to an underlying medical issue, an adjustable bed that slowly moves you from lying to sitting may help.

Other health conditions may also benefit. If you're living with obesity, moving from lying flat to sitting is a challenge, while arthritis impacts joint mobility by making it difficult to change positions in bed. "Adjustable beds can create a zero-gravity position with the head and knees slightly elevated, which unloads mechanical stress from major joints," Dr. Parulekar notes.

Meanwhile, changing the angle of the upper body or knees makes sleep more comfortable for people with back pain, according to a recent study in the journal Sleep. "Raising the legs unloads pressure from the lower spine," says Dr. Parulekar. And the Cleveland Clinic notes that some people with spinal stenosis-related sciatica may find sleeping with the head elevated more comfortable.

"Elevating the head uses gravity to prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus, treating GERD or acid reflux," notes Dr. Parulekar. And zero-gravity positioning can make breathing easier for people with sleep apnea, according to research in Sleep and Breathing.

Obviously, an adjustable bed is no substitute for medical treatment. But it can complement medications and other prescribed therapies to help you improve your overall health.

How to Choose an Adjustable Bed for Your Needs

Before comparing the bells and whistles of various models, decide what problem you're trying to solve. If your primary goal is comfort, focus on adjustable beds or sleep chairs with easy-to-use controls for head and foot adjustments. Make sure the mattress is high-quality and doesn't slide when you alter the bed angle.

If your primary use case is sitting upright in bed to read or watch TV, look at how high the backrest can raise and whether the bed maintains comfortable leg support in a seated position.

If getting into or out of bed is difficult and a safety concern, focus on features such as bed height, edge support and lift capability. Lift beds offer more substantial assistance moving toward a seated or standing position than adjustable beds alone.

Will Medicare Pay for an Adjustable Bed?

Getting insurance coverage for an ordinary consumer adjustable bed simply because it is more comfortable or convenient is unlikely. Medicare Part B does cover certain durable medical equipment (DME), including hospital beds, when the equipment is considered medically necessary for use in the home and Medicare's coverage requirements are met.

Generally, the insurer will determine which bed to cover. Coverage guidelines require documentation establishing the medical necessity for a hospital bed, and depending on the type of bed, specific medical criteria may also apply. Short version of the story: Medicare may cover a bed, but it won't necessarily be the one with the best support or safety features.

If you think you may medically qualify for a hospital bed at home, talk with your doctor or other treating practitioner and verify coverage before purchasing. You'll also need to follow Medicare's requirements for obtaining covered DME from an appropriate supplier.

Adjustable Bed Buying Checklist for Seniors

Before purchasing an adjustable lift bed, use this quick checklist to make sure it meets your criteria:

• Bed height. Can you sit at the edge with your feet securely supported?
• Transfer support. Does the bed make it easier to move from lying to sitting?
• Independent head and foot adjustment. Can you comfortably personalize your position?
• Supportive, compatible mattress. Is the mattress designed to flex with the adjustable base?
• Simple controls. Are the buttons large, clear and easy to reach?
• Adequate weight capacity. Does the bed comfortably accommodate you?
• Safety features. Does the mattress stay securely in place? Is the frame stable?
• Backup power. Can the bed be lowered or returned to a safe position during an outage?
• Reliable warranty. How long are the frame, electrical components, and motor covered?
• In-home setup. Will the delivery team assemble the bed and demonstrate how everything works?

Remember: The best adjustable bed for seniors is the one that makes sleeping sounder and getting through your daily routine safer, easier, and more comfortable.

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