Adjustable Beds

Are you suffering from a bad back? Do you find it uncomfortable to sleep at night because of the mattress you sleep on? If your answer to the questions is a “yes,” then read on because this article is for you.

The Mechanism of Adjustable Beds

An adjustable bed, from the name itself, can be adjusted to different positions.  People with back problems may provide comfort with the upper body higher than the lower body and slight support under the knees. This position helps take some of the stress off the lower back. It gives support to the curves of the spine and eases the pressure on the entire body provided that the patient finds comfort in the position through the rest of the night.

The Advantage of Adjustable Beds

The advantage of adjustable bed is that it aids people who find it more comforting to sleep on an inclined position compared to regular non-adjustable mattresses.  The effect of adjustable beds can be seen in the following situations.
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis.  A reclining position with support from the knees helps people suffering from degenerative spondylolisthesis.  It lessens the pain and discomfort in the lower back.
• Osteoarthritis. People with osteoarthritis in the spine, or facet joint arthritis, wake up stiff and sore in the morning. Adjustable beds offer better support minimizing irritation and joint compression.
• Spinal stenosis. For people with spinal stenosis, it is easier to bend forward and stand up straight. Flat bed mattresses are much more difficult to sleep in compared to adjustable beds.

After a lower back surgery, an adjustable bed provides comfort compared to flat mattresses. The choice of mattresses is a matter of personal choice.

Generally, there are more reasons to consider an adjustable bed if the patient feels relaxed sitting in a reclining chair with the knees supported or slightly elevated or if he can’t simply sleep through the night sleeping on the regular flat mattress. If the options whether to buy a new bed or the benefit of an adjustable bed is unclear, using pillows to elevate the body and beneath the knees is also a possibility.

 The patient’s personal preference for comfortable sleeping and support for the back is a determining factor in choosing the type of bed or mattress that is suitable.  No single type of bed or mattress is guaranteed to work for all patients and no real medical findings proves that an adjustable bed is a better choice. The point here is that whichever bed provides comfortable sleep without pain or stiffness is the best option for that person.