The Ins and Outs of Adjustable Bed Buying and Ownership

The definition of an adjustable beds now is used loosely in the industry. Being able to adjust the density of the air underneath you or being able to determine the height of a bunk bed doesn't make it an 'adjustable bed.' Adjustable beds are typically defined as beds with small electric motors that allow you to raise and lower your feet and head on command. With the demographic shift the country is experiencing adjustable beds are gaining popularity. This is primarily happening as baby boomers are entering their later years.

Tempur-Pedic does NOT manufacture adjustable beds, but usually comes up in conversation because their mattress, the Swedish Tempur-pedic works well with adjustable beds.

Craftmatic beds all sit on frames made by an well established steel company Leggett and Platt. They have a range of models from the very basic low end beds with internal coil frames to high end beds with memory foam heated beds featuring massage capabilities. If its any help as the price of these beds rather than listing prices on their website, they send a sales rep out to your house.

Sleep Comfort not to be mixed up with 'Select Comfort' (the later being the sleep number company) offers similar choices in coil v foam and up-grades like heat and massage features.

Golden Rest is like the old Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, a classic that borders on out-dated but because it delivers such a good product it stays relevant. Great prices and great customer care.

When you choose a company you want to think of warranties and maintenance. Make sure they have stores or retailers in your area to ensure fast service should something break.

Can you negotiate the price of an adjustable bed? In the words of my dear friend Kramer from Sienfeld, "Retail is for suckers." You can negotiate any price. There is usually a deposit requested for the purchase of these adjustable beds and AFTER the deposit has been made is the worst time to get a better deal. If you have selected the bed you want, you have talked it over with the salesmen you will be able to see the sales rep salivating - this is when you strike.

Just after the salesmen says something like, how would you prefer to finance the bed? You respond with, 'Well before we get down to brass tacks - lets talk about the sales price, I'm in the market for a bed, but I need it to be x price before I buy.' Throw out a price about 25% less than the asking price as this is a happy medium between crazy and well okay.

The sales people make commission on these beds, they can either take a smaller commission or no commission, make it their choice.

An adjustable bed is made to be able to change position at the knee (to raise the feet) and at the upper back area (to raise the head.) Mattresses are not engineer to adjust in the same way, at least not all mattresses. So you can't use just any old mattress on an adjustable bed. You need to buy the mattress designed to match the bed.

The only real exceptions to this rule are latex and memory foam mattresses which are flexible enough to re-shape themselves over and over with an adjustable bed.

Coil Spring Mattress - is the most popular choice for the mattress but the only government regulation pertains to flammability so buyer beware.

Memory Foam - is measured in density rating, load deflation, resilience and tensile. All of them categorize the mattresses ability to maintain your weight properly over time. The higher the density the firmer the mattress.

Latex Foam Mattress - is mainly just the most environmentally friendly version of the mattress as it requires no harsh chemical procedures to produce.

Unlike most beds the mattress you get for your adjustable bed will not need to be flipped every year or two. However the motor will need to be serviced every few years and the sheets will experience a little more wear and tear than normal. It will be really easy to call and schedule a service for the bed, but whether or not its part of the purchase price is another matter.

Don't put excessive weight on the head or foot of the bed as this will require the motor to work extra hard in order to lift and position the weight. This doesn't mean you can't use it as you wish, but sitting on the end of the bed and asking it to raise you up may be a little unrealistic.