Orthopedic beds and mattresses

Electric (adjustable) beds

Electric adjustment of a bed can be used for a number of purposes, but the two main categories of adjustment relate to –

• The angle or inclination of the bed (or sections of it)
• The adjustment of inflation pockets in an air bed to maximise comfort, or to reduce localised pressure points.

Other electrically controlled properties of a bed can include –

• The provision of heat
• The addition of a massage motion or vibration to aid relaxation and relax muscles.

Angle adjustment electric beds

A number of specialist manufacturers produce beds and mattress units including the addition of electric motors and a remote control units. In the case of double, queen and king sized beds, it is possible to have independent motion control for both halves of the bed with separate remote units.

These adjustable beds make watching television or reading easy and allow the inclination of the bed to be adjusted depending on the use that the bed is required for at any given moment.

An optimum sleeping position can also be attained by the use of personalised adjustments of the bed’s controls and many beds offer multiple inclination options for the lower, as well as the upper (head), section of the bed.

Electric motors and remote control unit are the normal means of mechanical adjustment although hydraulic systems and inflation (pump) air pocket systems are available.

Heat and massage functions

Many “top of the range” beds now offer luxury options like internal heat, controlled thermostatically with a remote control.

Beds offering a massage or vibratory sensation are also increasing in popularity and it is argued that they not only aid rest, but offer benefits to muscles and joints.

These luxuries come at a financial cost and combining such facilities may seem at odds with some of the features of firmness and body contouring that hi-tec mattresses and beds now offer.