Flexible Mattress Options

Adjustable Beds are “just-right” for today’s modern bedrooms.

by J.D. Walker

Whether you’ve got back pain, mobility issues, health concerns or you’re just looking for a feature-loaded mattress—an adjustable bed may be the solution. Once only found in medical facilities, adjustable beds have moved out of the hospital and into America’s bedrooms. Along the way, they have been accessorized and modernized.

All about Options

Adjustable beds are all about choices. Depending on the make and style, you can raise the upper and lower portions of the bed independently or in tandem. Some beds provide extra features such as massage and heat. In addition to providing a supportive sleep surface, these beds also do double duty by alleviating back strain, improving blood circulation in the legs and easing breathing problems.

One key to transitioning adjustable beds from healthcare to home has been designing them to fit with today’s lifestyles. Research shows that Baby Boomers and Gen X-ers are spending increasing amounts of time in the bedroom—spaces now equipped with TVs and computers. Couples enjoy family time there with each other and with their children. “People needed a bed that could accommodate this trend,” explains Herman Tam, vice president of marketing for Leggett & Platt.

Bells and Whistles

In addition to their core features, today’s adjustable beds include all the "bells and whistles" of today's traditional mattresses—such as sumptuous materials like memory foams and latex. Plus, many models also offer extra features limited only by your imagination. For example, Leggett & Platt’s Prodigy line has models that let consumers integrate their iPhone and iPod Touch applications with their bed. And when it comes time to wake up, owners have the choice of how to start their day—with an audio alarm or a light massage.