Choosing an Adjustable Bed | Mobility Rentals and Sales

Choosing an Adjustable Bed

An adjustable bed can improve comfort, independence, and safety — particularly when getting in and out of bed, managing swelling, breathing issues, pain, or when care is involved. The right bed depends on how it will be used, what functions are genuinely needed, and whether the mattress and accessories are suitable.

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1. Clarify the goal: what problem is the bed solving?

Adjustable beds are used for a wide range of needs. Start by identifying your main priorities — this makes it much easier to choose the correct features without overpaying for functions you won’t use.

  • Transfers and independence: easier sitting up and safer standing from bed.
  • Comfort and pain management: positions that reduce pressure and support the back or hips.
  • Swelling/edema: leg elevation can help manage lower-limb swelling (as advised by clinicians).
  • Breathing/reflux: head elevation can help some people with reflux or breathing comfort.
  • Care needs: safer working height and positioning when support workers or family provide care.
Practical tip: If transfers are the main issue, bed height range and stability often matter more than advanced positioning.

2. Understand the main bed types

Home-style adjustable beds

These are designed to look and feel like a standard bed, often with a more “bedroom” aesthetic. They usually focus on comfort and positioning, and may suit people without complex care requirements.

Clinical / homecare beds

Homecare beds are designed for safety, transfers, and care. They generally have a larger height range, stronger frame, and compatibility with accessories like side rails and support poles.

Safety note: If rails are required, ensure the bed frame and mattress are compatible and fitted correctly to reduce entrapment risks.

3. Key functions to consider

Not all adjustable beds offer the same movement functions. Decide what positions you need — then select a bed that provides them reliably.

Head elevation Helps sitting up in bed for reading, eating, reflux comfort, or breathing support.
Knee/leg elevation Supports circulation and comfort, may assist with swelling management (as advised).
Hi-lo height adjustment Improves transfer safety, carer access, and the ability to adjust the bed to a safe standing height.
Back + leg combined positions Useful for reducing sliding and improving comfort for longer periods in bed.

Advanced positioning (if required)

Some homecare beds include additional clinical positioning options (depending on model). These can be useful for certain care needs, but are not necessary for most users.

4. Mattress compatibility (this matters more than most people realise)

A bed frame and mattress must work together. The wrong mattress can reduce comfort, prevent the bed from moving properly, or affect pressure care and safety.

What to check

  • Flexibility: the mattress must bend with head/leg articulation without “bridging”.
  • Thickness: too thick can interfere with rails and positioning; too thin may compromise comfort.
  • Pressure needs: if pressure risk is a factor, choose a surface appropriate to the clinical requirement.
  • Mattress size: must match the frame exactly — especially if rails are used.
Recommendation: If pressure care is a concern, treat mattress selection as a primary decision — not an afterthought.

5. Height range and transfers

For many people, the most valuable feature is a good hi-lo height range. It can reduce falls risk during transfers, make standing easier, and support carers to work at a safer height.

Questions to ask

  • Can the bed go low enough for safe feet-on-floor transfers?
  • Can it go high enough to reduce bending for carers/support workers?
  • Is it stable at different heights (no rocking or flexing)?

6. Side rails, support poles, and safety accessories

Accessories can significantly improve safety and independence — but only when correctly matched to the bed and user needs.

Common accessories

  • Side rails: for safety and repositioning support (must be fitted correctly).
  • Support pole (monkey bar): assists repositioning and some transfers.
  • Under-bed lighting: can reduce trips during night toileting.
  • Bed grab rails: can assist with turning and getting up safely.
Important: Rails are not suitable for every person. If cognition, agitation, or entrapment risk is present, speak with a clinician before using rails.

7. Practical considerations (noise, controls, space, and cleaning)

A bed can be technically excellent but frustrating in daily life. These practical checks help avoid common disappointment.

  • Noise: motor noise varies — important if the user is sensitive to sound or partners share a room.
  • Handset controls: ensure the buttons are clear, easy to press, and not confusing.
  • Under-bed clearance: relevant for cleaning and some hoist access.
  • Room size: consider wall clearance for head elevation and accessories.
  • Power outage plan: check whether there is a battery backup or manual lowering option.

8. Hire vs buy: what makes sense?

Hiring can be ideal for short-term recovery, post-surgery needs, visitors, or when care requirements are expected to change. Buying may suit long-term use or when a specific bed configuration is needed permanently.

Our advice: If you’re unsure which bed configuration is right, visiting the showroom and comparing height range, stability, and control simplicity in person can save you from choosing the wrong setup.
Important disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is general in nature and intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, clinical, or professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individual assessment.

Every person’s needs and circumstances are different. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified allied health professional — such as a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist — to obtain advice and recommendations tailored to your specific situation.