Adjustable beds can provide comfort, improve sleep quality and reduce aches and pains as you age. They work by elevating the head and feet, taking pressure off air passages, nerves, joints and muscles. There are several types of adjustable beds, which are typically more expensive than ordinary beds.
- Written by
Terry Turner
Terry Turner
Senior Financial Writer and Financial Wellness Facilitator
Terry Turner has more than 35 years of journalism experience, including covering benefits, spending and congressional action on federal programs such as Social Security and Medicare. He is a Certified Financial Wellness Facilitator through the National Wellness Institute and the Foundation for Financial Wellness and a member of the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE®).
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- Edited By
Savannah Hanson
Savannah Hanson
Senior Financial Editor
Savannah Hanson is a professional writer and content editor with over 16 years of professional experience across multiple industries. She has ghostwritten for entrepreneurs and industry leaders and been published in mediums such as The Huffington Post, Southern Living and Interior Appeal Magazine.
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- Reviewed ByBart Astor
- Published: July 12, 2022
- Updated: January 17, 2023
- 12min read time
- This page features 7Cited Research Articles
Fact Checked
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(Video) Best Adjustable Beds Buying Guide Top 9 in 2022 – Premium to Budget Adjustable Beds, Tips, ReviewsA qualified expert reviewed the content on this page to ensure it is factually accurate, meets current industry standards and helps readers achieve a better understanding of retirement topics.
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APATurner, T. (2023, January 17). Adjustable Beds for Seniors. RetireGuide.com. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/senior-safety/home-safety/adjustable-beds/
MLATurner, Terry. "Adjustable Beds for Seniors." RetireGuide.com, 17 Jan 2023, https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/senior-safety/home-safety/adjustable-beds/.
ChicagoTurner, Terry. "Adjustable Beds for Seniors." RetireGuide.com. Last modified January 17, 2023. https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/senior-safety/home-safety/adjustable-beds/.
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What Are Adjustable Beds?
Adjustable beds feature a specially designed mattress on a motorized frame or foundation. The combination allows the head or feet portion of the bed to tilt into a wide variety of sleep positions.
Other Names for Adjustable Beds
- Adjustable bed frames
- Electric beds
- Power bases
- Power beds
Adjustable beds are designed to provide comfort and ease certain conditions. For instance, raising the head position can ease acid reflux and reduce snoring, while raising the feet position may help with blood circulation. Raising both the head and feet positions can reduce pressure on the lumbar section of the spine.
Adjustable beds are not hospital beds. Hospital beds are designed to raise and lower a patient’s body and come with permanent rails to prevent the patient from falling out of bed. But adjustable beds may offer some of the same senior safety qualities — particularly by making it easier to get in and out of bed, which may prevent falls.
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Pros and Cons of Adjustable Beds for Seniors
There are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to buy an adjustable bed. You should think about the reasons you are considering the purchase and how these will play into your health, comfort, convenience and budget.
Pros and Cons of Adjustable Beds
PROS
- Addresses health conditions by providing better circulation, reduced acid reflux symptoms and lessened joint, muscle and nerve pain
- A sense of independence among older adults by making it easier to get in and out of bed as you lose mobility with age
- Eases pressure on areas of your body with muscle or joint pain resulting in less sleep interruptions
- Increased comfort resulting from variable sleeping positions
- Reduced snoring from elevating your head to keep airways open
- Wide variety of models and options to choose from
CONS
- Because sections of the bed may be raised or lowered, your movement in the bed may be restricted.
- Can be extremely heavy — up to three times the weight of a standard bed
- Different models or brands have different levels of quality depending on the options you want.
- Electric motors can be louder than expected, and the frame can be noisy as you move or shift your body.
- More expensive — up to thousands of dollars more than a regular bed depending on options
- Requires a specially designed mattress that may only fit your adjustable bed’s frame
How to Choose an Adjustable Bed
When choosing an adjustable bed that’s right for you, you’ll need to compare the types, features and cost of various options.
Types of Adjustable Beds
There is a wide variety of adjustable beds to choose from. But each tends to fall into at least one of five types.
Common Types of Adjustable Beds
- Standard
- Standard adjustable beds are the bare bones models with the fewest features — though they typically include a remote and back or leg massage features. They are also the most affordable. Standard adjustable beds can elevate your legs and/or head. If you share the bed with another person, you both have to use the same setting.
- Head Tilt
- Adjustable beds and mattresses have points that hinge to raise or lower the upper body and feet. Head-tilt adjustable beds have an extra articulation point at your head. This allows you to further adjust the tilt of your head by a few degrees, increasing your comfort level and addressing issues such as acid reflux and snoring.
- Split King/Split Queen
- Unlike a standard adjustable bed, a split-king or split-queen adjustable bed allows two people to independently adjust their side of the bed to their individual elevations. These two separate power bases combine to form a king- or queen-size bed.
- Wall-hugger
- Wall-hugger adjustable beds keep your head near the wall when you raise the head portion of the bed. This keeps your nightstand within easy reach. Adjustable beds without the wall-hugger feature tend to move your head farther away from the wall as you elevate them.
Some models of adjustable beds may combine elements of each of these different types.
Adjustable Bed Features
Adjustable beds also come with several options that can be incorporated into the latest smart-home tech or provide added convenience. These options can help you tailor a bed to fit your needs.
Examples of Adjustable Bed Options
- Audio speakers
- Battery backup in the event of a power outage
- Bluetooth
- Heat settings
- Massage features
- Presets for favorite positions
- Programmable lighting
- Quiet lift systems
- Remote controls
- Sleep monitoring
- Under-bed lighting
- USB ports
- Voice assistance (such as Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant)
Cost of Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. The less expensive models may require you to make adjustments by hand. Added features and options — even the type of mattress — can add to an adjustable bed’s cost.
There is a wide range of adjustable beds on the market. You should shop around to find the type that offers the most features you want at a price that meets your budget.
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Does Medicare Cover Adjustable Beds?
Medicare covers adjustable beds as a durable medical equipment rental or purchase if you have a documented medical need for it.
Medicare Part B medical insurance covers a portion of the cost if your doctor prescribes an adjustable bed for your medical condition. Medicare may also require additional medical records that show you need an adjustable bed.
Examples of Conditions Medicare May Require for Adjustable Bed Coverage
- Fractured hip or other injury to lower extremities
- Multiple limb amputations
- Severe arthritis
- Severe heart conditions
- Spinal cord injuries including quadriplegia and paraplegia
- Stroke
- Other severely debilitating conditions
You may qualify for Medicare coverage if your doctor determines you meet either or both of two conditions:
- Your condition requires your body to be repositioned for medical needs such as relieving pain, promoting body alignment, avoiding respiratory infections or to prevent contractures in ways that are not possible in an ordinary bed.
- You require a special attachment that cannot be attached and used with an ordinary bed.
Powered adjustable beds that raise and lower the feet or head may be covered if the medical staff of the Medicare Administrative Contractor determines you may require an immediate change in position or require frequent repositioning.
Medicare will only cover the cost if your doctor and bed supplier are both enrolled in Medicare.
If you meet Medicare’s requirements, you will be responsible for your Medicare Part B deductible and 20% of the cost to buy or rent the adjustable bed. Medicare will cover the remaining 80% of the cost after your deductible has been paid.
Last Modified: January 17, 2023

Terry TurnerSenior Financial Writer and Financial Wellness Facilitator tturner@retireguide.com
- Certified as a Financial Wellness Facilitator
- Holds six Health Literacy certificates from the CDC
- Emmy® Award winner
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Edited By

Savannah HansonSenior Financial Editor
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Reviewed By

Bart AstorBest-Selling Author and Eldercare Expert
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7 Cited Research Articles
- Rae, H. (2018, April 20). Is an Adjustable Bed Frame Right for You? Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/mattresses/adjustable-bed-frame-a5623890769/
- Ancuelle, V., et al. (2015, September 25). Effects of an adapted mattress in musculoskeletal pain and sleep quality in institutionalized elders. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4688575/
- Wilder, J. (2022). Best Adjustable Beds for Seniors (2022): Buying Guide + Top Beds Ranked. Retrieved from https://seniorsmobility.org/bedroom/adjustable-beds/best-adjustable-beds-for-seniors/
- Definition of Adjustable Bed. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.furniture.com/mattress/guide/glossary/adjustable-bed
- Does Medicare Cover Adjustable Beds? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/adjustable-beds-covered-by-medicare#definition
- U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Hospital beds. Retrieved from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospital-beds
- U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Hospital Beds; National Coverage Determination (NCD). Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?NCDId=227
FAQs
Does Medicare pay any on adjustable beds? ›
Does Medicare Cover Adjustable Beds? Medicare covers adjustable beds as a durable medical equipment rental or purchase if you have a documented medical need for it. Medicare Part B medical insurance covers a portion of the cost if your doctor prescribes an adjustable bed for your medical condition.
Will Medicare pay for a Tempurpedic adjustable bed? ›Does Medicare cover adjustable beds? Medicare covers adjustable beds under Part B. Medicare Part B pays for outpatient medical costs, such as durable medical equipment. This includes adjustable beds.
What bed Will Medicare pay for? ›Medicare will cover hospital beds to use at home when they're medically necessary. To get coverage, you'll need a doctor's order stating that your condition requires a hospital bed. Medicare Part B will pay 80 percent of the cost of your home hospital bed. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it may pay more.
How to get a free mattress from Medicare? ›Your doctor will write a note or submit paperwork that a new mattress is medically necessary for you. Your doctor may also recommend the specific type or brand of mattress you need and will recommend Medicare-approved suppliers. Then, purchase your bed or mattress, and enjoy a more restful night.
Does Medicare cover new adjustable beds for seniors? ›Yes! Original Medicare does offer coverage for adjustable beds as part of a beneficiary's Part B benefits. Part B offers coverage on durable medical equipment (DME), which includes adjustable beds. Medicare will pay for 80% of the cost of an adjustable bed after you have met your Part B deductible.
Can a doctor prescribe a Sleep Number bed? ›Are Sleep Number Adjustable Beds Covered By Insurance? Medicare covers the cost of adjustable beds only when they're prescribed by a doctor. Your doctor will need to explain your need for an adjustable bed. The same is true for most private insurance companies.
Does Medicare pay for sleep recliners? ›Are Recliner Lift Chairs Covered by Medicare? The motorized lift mechanism of the lift chair or seat-lift chair is a Medicare-covered item. If you qualify, Medicare may cover up to 80 percent of the approved amount for the seat lift mechanism.
Do doctors recommend adjustable beds? ›Adjustable beds may benefit some patients with back, neck, and spine problems, but they are not essential. A doctor might recommend one for therapeutic benefits, but they wouldn't often prescribe an adjustable bed as a way of improving a patient who has health and mobility issues.
Is Amazon a Medicare supplier? ›Amazon, the $1.25 trillion company founded and led by Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, has announced that it is acquiring One Medical, a private equity-backed primary care provider that generates over half of its revenue from Medicare.
What is the difference between a hospital bed and an adjustable bed? ›Hospital beds are intended for use by a single patient and typically come in an extra-long twin size. Adjustable beds, by contrast, come in several different sizes, including twin, full, queen, king, and even split king—allowing two people to share the bed while adjusting each side of the bed separately.
Do you need special bedding for adjustable beds? ›
Do you need special sheets for adjustable beds? You need sheets with some special features to keep them on the mattress as it moves with the adjustable base. Fitted sheets with extra deep pockets, oversized flat sheets clipped with sheet straps, or suspenders underneath the mattress secure your sheets to the bed.
Can an adjustable bed be tax deductible? ›Yes, you may deduct the cost of a bed if it fits the guidelines for Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
Can a doctor write a prescription for a new mattress? ›Prescriptions for mattresses can be written by medical professionals, primarily: Doctors. Osteopaths. Chiropractors.
Does Medicare pay for air mattress? ›Air fluidized beds are covered for services rendered on or after: July 30, 1990. Medicare payment for home use of the air-fluidized bed for treatment of pressure sores can be made if such use is reasonable and necessary for the individual patient.
Is it difficult to move a Sleep Number bed? ›Your Sleep Number® bed is lighter than most traditional beds, making it much easier to move.
Can any mattress be used on an adjustable frame? ›You can't use just any mattress on an adjustable bed because not every mattress type is compatible. But if you have one that is compatible, it's possible to use your existing mattress with an adjustable bed base. Generally, non-innerspring mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds.
Does Medicare cover chair lifts for seniors? ›How much do lift chairs cost through Medicare? If you qualify, Medicare will pay 80% of the cost of the motorized lifting device. You'll pay your Part B annual deductible, the remaining 20% for the device and the cost of the chair itself.
Does Medicare cover upright walkers for seniors? ›Upright walkers are covered as durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B and must pass the cost-effectiveness and medical necessity criteria outlined on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website. Medicare will pay for upright walkers only if the supplier is enrolled with Medicare.
Can I get a prescription for an adjustable bed? ›Adjustable beds are a type of durable medical equipment that can be prescribed by a doctor for home use.
What does a Sleep Number 360 bed cost? ›They vary in cost from $999 for the Sleep Number 360® C2 Smart Bed to $5,099 for the Sleep Number 360® i10 Smart Bed. A defining feature of this collection is its SleepIQ technology. Theses mattresses collect information using proprietary sensors to help analyze how well you are sleeping.
What is the actual cost of a Sleep Number bed? ›
The majority of Sleep Number mattresses cost more than average for a new bed. This year we analyzed 340 mattresses for our ratings and found the average price for a new queen-size bed was around $2,000. If you're buying a new Sleep Number smart bed in a queen size, expect to pay in the range of $1,100 to $10,000.
Is Lazyboy Medicare approved? ›Does Medicare cover Lazy Boy Lift Chairs? Since Medicare covers only the lift mechanism of the chair, beneficiaries can choose to pay out of pocket for specific seats, whether it be a Lazy Boy brand or another brand.
Will Medicare buy me a bed? ›Hospital beds. Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. covers hospital beds as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home.
How do you write a prescription for a lift chair? ›The WOPD (Rx) must have the following information: • Beneficiary's full name • Physician's Name • Date if the order and the start date, if start date is different from the date of the order. Detailed description of the item needed. May be narrative description or brand name/model number.
What are the disadvantages of an adjustable bed? ›- Higher costs. Adjustable beds tend to be more expensive than traditional ones. ...
- Increased noise. ...
- Extreme heaviness. ...
- Restricted movement. ...
- Unique sizing categories.
Price-points vary by size and model, but most adjustable beds cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
What should I know before buying an adjustable bed? ›- the cost.
- the product's quality and materials.
- whether or not their current mattress is compatible with an adjustable bed or if a new one will be necessary.
- independent reviews of the product and the retailer or manufacturer.
- Long-Term Care. ...
- Most dental care.
- Eye exams (for prescription glasses)
- Dentures.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
Qualifying government assistance recipients can access all of Prime for $6.99/month (reg. $14.99/month). Don't qualify? Review other plans.
Is Walmart an accredited Medicare supplier? ›Most of the U.S. Walmart does accept Medicare Part B. Qualified Medicare recipients can purchase durable medical equipment, medical supplies, and other items covered by Medicare Part B in the Walmart pharmacy area.
Are adjustable beds good for the elderly? ›
Adjustable bases allow sleepers to raise and lower the head or foot of a bed for personalized comfort. For older adults — especially those who live with chronic pain or other health conditions — this feature can make all the difference to sleep quality.
How long will an adjustable bed last? ›A high-quality mattress should last at least 7-10 years on an adjustable bed, if not more. Although these mattresses generally have shorter lifespans than non-adjustable ones, they can last for a decade, or longer, when well maintained and rotated regularly.
Does an adjustable bed need a bed frame? ›With an adjustable bed, a bed frame is not needed. Sven & Son's adjustable bases can stand on their own, or inside of a bed frame. These bases also include adjustable legs for the frame in increments of 3, so you can adjust the height to be taller or shorter.
What are the best sheets to use with an adjustable bed? ›The ideal sheets for an adjustable bed are fitted sheets with deep pockets that wrap tightly around the mattress. Without deep pockets, fitted sheets will likely come off the bed when the base is adjusted. That's why you want deep-pocketed fitted sheets with elastic edges that hold onto the mattress when it moves.
Do you need a box spring with an adjustable base bed? ›No. In fact, because of their design, box springs are inherently incompatible with adjustable base beds. Instead, the foundation of the adjustable base bed serves as the foundation for your mattress, which means you don't need to buy a box spring or an alternative foundation.
How do you get sheets to stay on an adjustable bed? ›Grab some sheet suspenders. It may also help to use sheet straps or suspenders to anchor the corners and prevent sliding. These clip to the corners of your sheets to keep them from shifting.
What is the weight limit for an adjustable bed? ›Many beds, including queen and king beds, limit weight loads to 300-400 pounds, which means not everyone can safely sleep on an adjustable bed frame. If you need a bed frame that manages more than 400 pounds, you'll probably need a model with an AC motor, which is better able to handle heavier lifts.
What are qualifying medical expenses? ›Qualified Medical Expenses are generally the same types of services and products that otherwise could be deducted as medical expenses on your yearly income tax return. Some Qualified Medical Expenses, like doctors' visits, lab tests, and hospital stays, are also Medicare-covered services.
What medical expenses can I write off? ›You figure the amount you're allowed to deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040). Medical care expenses include payments for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or payments for treatments affecting any structure or function of the body.
How to get a mattress covered by Medicare? ›It must be an important part of a patient's needs in order to be classified as durable medical equipment. To have an Orthopedic mattress covered by Medicare, get a prescription from a physician, submit this to Medicare, and obtain the mattress from a Medicare-approved supplier.
How long does it take to get adjusted to a new mattress? ›
Usually, it is recommended that you give your mattress at least one week to adjust to your body. Sleep on your new mattress every night during this period to ensure that it loosens and stretches as suitable. Unless your mattress is absolutely uncomfortable for sleeping, a week break-in period is recommended.
How often should you buy a new mattress for your bed? ›But when should you replace your mattress? Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Should I adjust my Sleep Number up or down? ›We recommend sleeping at your Sleep Number® setting for two to five nights. If you're not comfortable after that, try adjusting your setting by 5 or 10. Increasing your setting—for example, from 35 to 40—will provide a firmer mattress. Decreasing your setting—for example, from 35 to 30—will provide a softer mattress.
Why is my Sleep Number bed sagging in the middle? ›Because most Sleep Number beds come with two air chambers (so each person can adjust their side to their liking), if one side is significantly more firm or soft than the other, the bed is uneven and is susceptible to sag in the middle.
Why is my Sleep Number bed deflating on one side? ›Air loss can be caused by a loose or broken connection, or a leak in your air chamber, pump, or hoses. Complete troubleshooting to fix the problem. If you have already completed troubleshooting for Traditional Sleep Number beds, follow the appropriate link to provide the results of troubleshooting: Hose Swapping.
Does Medicare cover a full electric bed? ›It's important to note, Medicare will not cover the cost of full electric beds. However, one can pay the difference out-of-pocket between a manual-lift bed and a fully electric one.
How much is a good adjustable bed? ›Price-points vary by size and model, but most adjustable beds cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
Does any mattress go on an adjustable bed? ›You can't use just any mattress on an adjustable bed because not every mattress type is compatible. But if you have one that is compatible, it's possible to use your existing mattress with an adjustable bed base. Generally, non-innerspring mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds.
What is a criteria to get the hospital bed? ›The patient's condition requires positioning of the body; e.g., to alleviate pain, promote good body alignment, prevent contractures, avoid respiratory infections, in ways not feasible in an ordinary bed; or. The patient's condition requires special attachments that cannot be fixed and used on an ordinary bed.
What is Medicare Part B buy in? ›The Medicare buy-in programs are processes that allow qualifying individuals who delayed enrollment into either Medicare Part A or Part B to enroll outside regular enrollment periods. Beneficiaries enroll via the Part A Buy-in or Part B buy-in by applying for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) in their state.