Buying the right bed becomes even more important if you’re over 65. This is because your health is deteriorating, and the wrong bed will make it worse. It’s time to get rid of the regular bed you may be using and invest instead in one that is more suitable to your physical needs.
Table Of Contents
Major Types of Beds for Seniors: Adjustable Beds and Hospital Beds for Home Use
FAQs: Beds for Seniors
Conclusion
Major Types of Beds for Seniors: Adjustable Beds and Hospital Beds for Home Use
This section describes the two major types of beds for seniors; adjustable beds and hospital beds for home use. Adjustable beds and hospital beds share only one common feature, that is that both have adjustable platforms for your head and feet. Apart from this one feature, the two are quite different. We describe what each bed is, how it works, its benefits, and its pros and cons.
Adjustable Beds for Seniors
Adjustable beds are designed to look like traditional beds, but they offer several benefits for certain sleepers, especially the elderly who have health concerns. These beds are also ideal for people who suffer from therapeutic injuries or chronic conditions.
Adjustable beds come in all sizes - twin, full, queen, and king, and the mattresses made for such beds are designed to withstand different adjustments. The bed adjustments are controlled through either a wired or wireless hand control. Depending on the model you get, you can have basic or more advanced controls, where you can add certain adjustments to your “favorites,” which means that those adjustments will just be a touch away. Some models even include heat and therapeutic massages, which is a huge plus for the elderly since it provides added comfort and relief from pain.
Benefits of Adjustable Beds for Seniors
Many elders suffer from various sleep conditions that affect their general well-being. An adjustable bed helps with chronic sleep conditions like sleep apnea, chronic snoring, and insomnia, so they can have a peaceful full night’s rest and an active day ahead.
One of the ways an adjustable bed relieves pain is by means of head or foot elevation, which works on different body zones and helps alleviate pressure from problem areas. This also distributes the weight of one’s body evenly over the bed and consequently saves the sleeper from back pain, as well as pain in the shoulders, knees, the hips, and joints.
Pros of Using Adjustable Beds
- Come in all sizes
- It has a better chance of fitting in with the rest of your furniture
- Some beds are designed to fit into your regular bed frames so you can have your pick with the bed design
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Built-in massage feature
- Bedroom amenities like charging ports, nightlights, and alarms.
- Can be controlled through remotes or even your smartphones
Cons of Using Adjustable Beds
- Not always FDA approved for medical device specifications
- Not covered by health insurance
- Apart from the head and foot adjustment, there is no other feature that offers any medical benefits.
Hospital Beds for Home Use
Hospital beds are for people who have serious medical issues and are usually accompanied by a medical caregiver. One feature that hospital beds have that adjustable beds do not is that they can be lowered to floor level or raised upward towards the ceiling. This serves two purposes; the first is to give the caregiver’s back a break, and the second is to prevent injuries to the patient or the elderly person in case they fall out while sleeping or when trying to get out of bed.
These beds also have industrial wheels that make them very mobile and easy to move, in addition to having in-built side rails that have the bed controls. The mattresses used for hospital beds are also different; they’re made of thick vinyl, which makes them easy to scrub and disinfect. Hospital beds generally have an industrial look with bulky frames that can look off-putting next to the rest of your furniture, and they only come in twin sizes, which means you cannot sleep with your partner.
Benefits of Hospital Beds for Home Use
The height adjustment feature comes in very handy when dealing with elderly patients. By decreasing the height, you can keep them from suffering any real damage in case they do fall off. Adjustable height is also a useful feature for when Hoyer patient lifts are used for disabled people, for example, for moving them from their wheelchairs to the beds. Lots of elderly people are disabled and require this function, at which time having a hospital bed pays off.
Another benefit is its portability. Any other bed would need to be disassembled before it could be transported, but hospital beds can just be rolled off easily without even disturbing the person in it.
Since these beds are FDA approved, they are sold by recognized medical equipment sellers, which means they are normally covered under health insurance policies. Therefore, if you’re on a budget, this particular benefit can be a game-changer for you because insurance companies will pay for this bed for you.
If the lack of amenities and the utilitarian design does not bother you that much, and you know this bed might have to be moved around frequently, a hospital bed is the right bed for you.
Pros of Using Hospital Beds for Home
- Total height is adjustable
- Adjustable platforms for your head and feet
- Can be transported to a different location without having to be disassembled
- Covered under health insurance
- Remote control and smartphone control
- Manual control as a backup
Cons of UsingHospital Beds for Home
- Stands out against the furniture as hospital beds generally lack aesthetic appeal
- Lack of amenities as compared to adjustable beds
- Limited sizes
Bed Equipment for the Elderly
In addition to the appropriate type of bed, there is also some equipment that seniors and their caregivers can use to help and protect them. Below, we describe the major types of equipment; bed rails, bed liners, bed sensors, and bed bumpers.
Bed Rails for the Elderly
Bed rails are railings that go along the side of a bed and come in many shapes and sizes. They serve two purposes. One is to prevent you from rolling off from the bed, and the other is to provide something to hold on to so getting up from the bed is easier and doesn’t require assistance.
Bed Liners for the Elderly
As you age, you are more likely to lose control over your bladder. Not only can this be uncomfortable for you, but it also costs time and effort to wash the mattress every time. It might even have to be replaced. With bed liners, your mattress stays clean and safe, and you just have to wash the sheet.
Bed Sensors for the Elderly
Caregivers and family members often worry about the elderly with conditions like dementia, getting up from the bed, and not being able to find their way back. Seniors might also fall off and not be able to get back up. Bed sensors can help out here. They have pressure sensors, and when they sense that the weight of the user is no longer on the bed, they send a signal to the person in the other room.
Bed Bumpers for the Elderly
Bed bumpers can be placed on the sides of the bed to prevent falls. They are a softer alternative compared to bed rails. They also don’t have spaces between them, unlike rails, so you won’t get your arm or leg stuck there and cause discomfort or pain.
FAQs: Beds for Seniors
There are some frequently asked questions that seniors and their caregivers have about beds for seniors. Below we answer those questions:
What is the ideal bed height for the elderly?
One’s bed should be the right height to ensure that there is no extra stress on the body. For the elderly, this becomes even more important since they are more likely to be suffering from medical conditions such as arthritis. According to theDisability Rights Education and Defense Fund,the ideal height from the floor to the top of the mattress should be 20 to 23 inches.
However, this is not something definitive. What matters is that when you sit on the bed, your knees should be in line with your hips and your feet should be planted flat on the ground. If the bed is too high, you will have to jump on and off it and might be prone to serious injury. On the other hand, getting in or out of a bed that is too low puts too much strain on the muscles. For seniors with a higher risk of falling from the bed, lower bed heights work better.
What size bed should the elderly use?
The elderly should use a bed that is the right height for them. When they sit on the bed, their feet should be flat on the ground, and their knees should be in line with their hips. This ensures that they are able to get up from the bed without putting extra stress on their joints. The bed should also be wide enough, so they don’t fall off and injure themselves.
Why use an adjustable bed for an elderly person?
The senior population can benefit in many ways by using an adjustable bed, considering the changes our bodies inevitably go through as we age. An adjustable bed ensures more restful sleep, which is even more important for the elderly because they are more likely to suffer from the side effects of not sleeping well. They are also more likely to get chronic spinal pain. An adjustable bed helps to ease the stress on the back and prevent pain. It also helps to boost blood circulation and prevent swelling of the feet and legs by elevating the leg rest of the bed.
Even the simplest body movements can become difficult with age. Getting out of bed can take a lot of core and muscle strength, which the elderly may lack. The adjustable backrest can help you sit upright so you can swing your legs off the bed and stand up. This feature also comes in handy when they want to sit up in bed to eat, watch TV, or read.
What kind of beds do old people need to sleep without falling down?
Seniors falling out of bed is a big concern for their family members and caregivers since it can cause serious injuries, such as hip fractures, to their already fragile and weak bodies. Hence, it’s necessary to ensure they sleep on a bed that keeps them secure from potential falls that occur from a rolling motion during their sleep or while getting out of the bed.
While you can make do with your existing bed by installing bed rails, placing a foam pool noodle or pillows on the sides of the bed, and a fall mat next to the bed to soften any fall, replacing your bed with a hospital bed is a great option too. A hospital bed’s height can be lowered so it’s appropriate for your height, and falls can be prevented. They also come with built-in rails that can be raised and lowered as and when needed.
Which beds are most comfortable for seniors?
Depending on your particular health conditions and mobility, as well as the convenience of your caregiver, you can choose between a hospital bed and an adjustable bed. You can go through the list of pros and cons of each type of bed we have put together for you and figure out what suits you better. Either way, as a senior, a regular bed is not the most comfortable for you and can cause poor sleep and several physical problems.
What type of bed is needed for elderly people with broken hip?
Healing from a broken hip requires a lot of bed rest. Many complications can result from elongated bed rest that can prove to be life-threatening, such as pneumonia, bedsores, and blood clots. All of these can be controlled if the patient is moved around frequently. An adjustable bed allows that because its leg and backrests can be raised. It also helps the patient get out of bed, which is important for the healing process.
Conclusion
We hope this guide will help you make an informed decision about what type of bed to purchase that would be the most suitable for your particular needs, as well as some of the equipment that will increase your safety and comfort.
Sources:
10 Best Adjustable Beds for the Elderly in 2020
Adjustable Bed vs Hospital Bed: Which One Will Suit You The Best?
What Are The Differences Between Home Hospital Beds And Adjustable Beds?
Hospital Bed Vs. Adjustable Bed
What is the Best Bed Height for Seniors? - Sensible Senior Living
What Is The Best Bed Height For Seniors?
5 ways an adjustable mobility bed will help you and/or your elderly loved one
5 Helpful Benefits of Adjustable Beds for Seniors
Causes, Risks, and Solutions for Seniors Falling Out of Bed
5 Ways to Prevent Seniors from Falling Out of Bed
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FAQs
Do older people need softer beds? ›
For older people, medium-soft is often better because it reduces pressure on the spine, tailbone, pelvis, muscles and joints. However, a medium firmness is better if you have a bad back and need support.
What type of mattress is best for seniors with arthritis? ›Sleepers with arthritis often appreciate mattresses made with adaptive foam comfort systems, which typically offer excellent pressure relief for the joints.
How do you know what type of bed is right for you? ›In general, side sleepers should look for Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattresses that can cushion their impact points. Back and stomach sleepers should look for Medium Firm to Firm beds that have only light conforming.
Is a soft or hard bed better for your back? ›A softer mattress is usually recommended for those who are experiencing back pain on a standard mattress, or those who have pre-existing back problems. They're also recommended for lighter individuals as a harder mattress can end up not compressing for them at all.
What type of mattress is recommended for back pain? ›Memory foam and latex mattresses are often considered the best options for back pain, as they conform to your body, cradling pressure points while supporting your spine and keeping it aligned.
Are memory foam mattresses good for older people? ›The best mattress type for older adults is dependent on each person's needs. Pocket spring, hybrid, and memory foam are the most suitable mattresses for a senior, depending on how much support is required.
Is memory foam good for osteoarthritis? ›Some people don't like the “sinking in” feeling of memory foam. However, all-foam mattresses provide pretty good pressure point relief, which can help people with joint pain.
Which mattress is good for health hard or soft? ›Hard mattress is will generally be more comfortable than softer mattress. Muscles are less strained, and circulation is improved while sleeping on hard mattress. A hard mattress also keeps your lower back from collapsing, which could allow for more oxygen intake while sleeping.
Is a soft or hard bed better for arthritis? ›But be careful, because softer mattresses can aggravate arthritis in the spine and cause further pain if it is misaligned while you sleep. That's why you will want a medium firmness mattress that aligns the spine, while providing your back with enough support.
What mattress is good for back and hip pain? ›If you sleep on your side or on your back, a medium-firm memory foam mattress may provide enough support to keep your spine straight through the night and help relieve hip pain. But if you sleep on your stomach, a pillow top mattress or hybrid with an innerspring might fit your needs better.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for joint pain? ›
Firmness. Firmness is an important quality to look for in a mattress. However, a mattress that is too firm can exacerbate joint pain. Research suggests that medium-firm mattresses provide enough support for the spine and relieve pressure on joints.
Which type of mattress is best for health? ›Both latex and memory foam mattresses have excellent antimicrobial properties that make them resistant to mold, allergens and dust mites—thus making them an ideal choice for people who have allergies.
Which is better spring mattress or foam mattress? ›Side sleepers, in particular, tend to prefer foam beds, as they often do a better job of conforming to the shape of the body. People who tend to sleep hot at night may wish to opt for a spring mattress. Innerspring beds offer far better airflow, which helps to keep the bed cool at night.
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers? ›If a mattress scores a 3/10, it's usually built of memory foam, a gentle material known for deep pressure relief. This softness level is best for side sleepers.
Why do soft beds hurt my back? ›A mattress that's too soft will cause your back or hips to sag and your spine to fall out of alignment, which can lead to significant pain. A mattress that's too firm will put too much pressure on your joints, especially if you sleep on your side or your back.
Is memory foam good for your back? ›Yes, memory foam mattresses are the best for relieving back pain. They conform to your body providing pressure-point relief, reducing aches. Memory foam's body-conforming feature is the best in all mattress types. This viscoelastic foam forms to the natural curvature of your spine, promoting lumbar support.
What firmness is best for back pain? ›Generally the mattress shouldn't be too soft or too firm,” said Kevin M. Cerrone, DPT, director of Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Services at Northwell Health's Huntington Hospital, Huntington, NY. Again, studies have leaned toward medium firmness mattress as being generally better for lower back pain .
What is the best medicine for lower back pain? ›Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), might help. Take these medications only as directed.
Is hard mattress good for back pain? ›A firm mattress may help alleviate back pain by distributing the body's weight more equally and supporting spinal alignment. This, in turn, may help improve the quality of sleep.
Is sleeping on the floor good for your back? ›It May Increase Back Pain
While some people with back pain find it beneficial to sleep on the floor, others may find it increases their back pain. Without adequate cushioning around pressure points like your hips and shoulders, sleeping on the floor can cause stiffness and discomfort.
What is the best mattress for arthritis UK? ›
Consider orthopaedic mattresses.
Pocket spring ortho mattresses usually have a higher concentration of individually-contained springs to provide more flexible support. Memory foam and latex mattresses or toppers conform to your body shape to provide that firm, flexible support.
You may think that if you have osteoporosis, you should sleep on an extremely firm mattress for maximum support, but firmness and support are not necessarily the same thing, and determining the best surface is, in the end, subjective. If you suffer from lower back pain you may benefit from a medium-firm mattress.
Is foam bed good for health? ›"When you lie on the memory foam, the heat from your body softens it in appropriate points," Arand says, "so this helps to support your body along the curves and natural lines of the body." Memory foam manufacturers claim this helps relieve pain and thereby promotes more restful sleep.
Which mattress is best for osteoarthritis? ›- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Arthritis.
- Saatva – Best Mattress for Seniors With Arthritis.
- Bear Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Arthritis.
- Helix Midnight – Best Customizable Mattress for Arthritis.
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Hybrid Mattress for Arthritis.
A soft hybrid mattress can be beneficial for those who have joint pain, as the memory foam gently cradles the joints and provides pressure relief. Pure foam mattresses may be too soft for those who need extra support.
What is the best mattress for hip osteoarthritis? ›- Editor's Pick – Nectar.
- Best Hybrid Mattress for Hip Pain – Helix Midnight Luxe.
- Best for Back Sleepers with Hip Pain – DreamCloud Premier Rest.
- Best for Heavy People with Hip Pain – WinkBeds Original.
- Best for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain – Bear Pro.
In general, a medium-soft to medium mattress is better for hip pain, while a firmer mattress is better for back pain. A softer mattress can help to relieve pressure on the hips and allow them to rest more comfortably.
Who benefits from a softer mattress? ›Softer mattresses are usually better for those who sleep on one side because they better support the shoulders and thighs. On the side, the softer mattress better aligns the spine.
Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft pillow? ›Back sleepers should use a very firm pillow or wedge to elevate the top half of the body. Stomach Sleepers. If your preference is to sleep on your tummy, you will want to seek out a soft pillow. By using a softer pillow, your head will be closer to the mattress, keeping the integrity of your neck's natural alignment.
Why do my joints hurt when I go to bed? ›“Joints swell at night, and motion gradually lubricates them and keeps the fluids moving round,” she says. “When you stop moving, they can swell more. This can cause stiffness and pain.”
Are adjustable beds good for arthritis? ›
Adjustable beds with head and foot adjustments can raise or lower the head, shoulders, and legs. Adjustments help people with arthritis into a position that offers the most relief. Head and leg elevation aids circulation, eases swelling, and reduces joint pain.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for fibromyalgia? ›While soft mattresses may feel good initially, they have less spinal support, which over the course of the night causes more soreness. Mattresses with memory foam, latex, or hybrid innerspring mattresses tend to offer the ideal blend of softness and support for those with fibromyalgia.
Can a soft mattress cause hip and back pain? ›If a bed's firmness level isn't well-suited to a sleeper's body type or sleep position, it may create painful pressure points around the hips. For these reasons, a mattress upgrade can sometimes help reduce hip pain.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers? ›Memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses are ideal for side sleepers because they offer pressure relief for proper alignment, whereas innerspring mattresses can't contour around pressure points.
What causes hip pain that radiates down the leg? ›Sciatica. This one is often the most common cause of hip pain being funneled down your leg. Sciatica refers to the sciatic nerve that runs between your hip and down each leg. To be exact, it runs down the back or your hip and the front, back, and sides of your leg.
Is a firm mattress good for back and hip pain? ›In both cases, avoid mattresses that are too firm, since they create pressure points on the body's heaviest areas, which are often the lower back and hips. At the same time, mattresses that are too plush and tend to sink at the hip and back, leading to discomfort.
Which bed is good for knee pain? ›What Types of Mattresses are Good For Knee Pain? If you have chronic pain, hybrid mattresses that have a matrix of independently wrapped coils and cushion the body oftentimes are go-to's. However, also well-made foam mattresses alleviate pressure points on your knee.
Can a soft mattress cause body aches? ›Poor quality mattress
The softness of a mattress depends on your personal judgment of what is comfortable, but ideally, your head, shoulders, buttocks and heels should be aligned. If your mattress is so soft that it sinks at your hips, this could be a cause for your body aches.
Memory foam mattresses are generally considered more durable than pocket sprung options. Support. If you have joint or spine problems, you're likely to find memory foam more supportive.
What is the difference between memory foam and spring mattress? ›Mattresses for combination sleepers can range from soft to medium in firmness since these beds are suited to most sleep positions and body types. Takeaway: Overall, memory foam mattresses offer more firmness options than spring mattresses. This variety makes it easier to shop for a mattress that will suit you.
What is the difference between a foam mattress and a memory foam mattress? ›
Memory Versus All-foam Mattresses
A memory bed refers to a mattress built with viscoelastic foam, while the term “all-foam” means the bed does not contain memory materials specifically. Many memory foam mattresses contain viscoelastic comfort layers and polyfoam support layers.
If you're a back-sleeper, a medium-firm mattress is a good choice because it prevents the heavier portions of the body from dropping too deep into the mattress, so it limits over-flexion of the spine while still cushioning your shoulders, hips, and lower back.
Is a soft mattress best for side sleepers? ›Who Should Choose a Soft Mattress? Side sleepers. Anyone who sleeps on their side wants to find a mattress that will relieve pressure on their shoulders and hips. Soft mattresses usually feature superior pressure relief, so side sleepers should keep that in mind.
Are adjustable beds good for side sleepers? ›Adjustable beds work well for side and back sleepers, but not for stomach sleepers. You should avoid some adjustable base positions if you sleep on your side as well. Side sleeping is great for those with back pain, hip pain, sleep apnea, or acid reflux. With an adjustable bed, side sleepers can get even better rest.
Is memory foam good for elderly? ›If you're a senior with arthritis, back pain, or other joint pain, high-density memory foam mattresses with a medium to medium-firm level of firmness could be the solution. Top memory foam mattresses do a fine job of providing pressure relief and helping keep your spine aligned in a neutral position.
Why are hospital beds so comfy? ›High-quality hospital bed mattresses use progressive laminated foams or memory foam to adapt to the occupant's body shape and position. They are engineered to distribute forces intelligently, mitigating the shear and pressure that causes bedsores. Consumer-grade mattresses are not designed for home hospital beds.
Can you get an adjustable bed on mobility? ›Single or Double Electric Adjustable Beds
All our mattresses are specially made for adjustable beds, and we offer a selection of mattresses to suit your individual requirements so ideally the base and mattress should be brought together.
A medium-firm mattress is an excellent choice for combo sleepers because they typically strike a pleasant balance between pressure relief and support. They're soft enough to provide pressure relief to the shoulders while sleeping on the side and firm enough to support the hips whilst dozing on the back.
Is memory foam good for osteoarthritis? ›Some people don't like the “sinking in” feeling of memory foam. However, all-foam mattresses provide pretty good pressure point relief, which can help people with joint pain.
Which mattress is good for health hard or soft? ›Hard mattress is will generally be more comfortable than softer mattress. Muscles are less strained, and circulation is improved while sleeping on hard mattress. A hard mattress also keeps your lower back from collapsing, which could allow for more oxygen intake while sleeping.
Are memory foam mattresses good for back pain? ›
Yes, memory foam mattresses are the best for relieving back pain. They conform to your body providing pressure-point relief, reducing aches. Memory foam's body-conforming feature is the best in all mattress types. This viscoelastic foam forms to the natural curvature of your spine, promoting lumbar support.
What's the difference between spring and sprung mattress? ›...
Open coil vs pocket sprung.
| Standard sprung mattresses | Pocket sprung mattresses |
|---|---|
| Helps prevent the feeling of roll-off | Offers optimal pressure relief |
Position the pillow close against the back to help prop the person on her side. Place another pillow or a specially designed foam leg wedge between the person's knees. This extra bit of support will add to her comfort by keeping the spine in alignment and easing pressure on the bony areas of the knees and ankles.
Is my bed causing back pain? ›Can a mattress cause back pain? Yes, a wrong one can. Our mattress plays a big role in enhancing our sleep quality and controlling the way we feel every morning after waking up. Continuously sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause the spine to lose its natural alignment and strain the muscles resulting in back pain.
What is the best mattress for a mobility bed? ›Because of its flexibility and durability, memory foam arguably makes the best mattress for an adjustable bed.
What is the average cost of an adjustable bed? ›Price-points vary by size and model, but most adjustable beds cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
What mattress is suitable for adjustable bed? ›Short Answer: the best type of mattress for an adjustable bed is memory foam, or a memory foam hybrid. They're flexible enough to match the movement of the base, however, most soft-medium mattresses will work just fine too for adjustable frames.
Is memory foam or coils better? ›Durability. While spring mattresses can last a while, the springs can sag after five to eight years of use. However, the thicker the coils, the longer the mattress will last. Memory foam is generally considered to be the more durable option, lasting between eight and 12 years.
Is memory foam better than a regular mattress? ›Memory foam is usually known to be more durable because the lack of coils reduces the risk of sagging. Spring mattresses may not be as durable as memory foam because the springs and coils may start poking and sagging due to extended use.
Which is better spring mattress or foam mattress? ›Side sleepers, in particular, tend to prefer foam beds, as they often do a better job of conforming to the shape of the body. People who tend to sleep hot at night may wish to opt for a spring mattress. Innerspring beds offer far better airflow, which helps to keep the bed cool at night.