Adjustable beds (or you may hear them called adjustable bases or foundations) offer more sleep positions than you can count. The head and the foot of the bed can be raised and lowered to many levels and combinations. Often the entire bed can be raised and lowered as well. The secret to this kind of bed is that an adjustable base (managed by a controller) is paired with mattresses that are specifically built for flexibility. The frame moves and the sleep set moves with it.

Two of a kind

Make sure you pair an adjustable frame with a quality adjustable mattress because the flexing motion causes extra wear. Mattresses and foundations not built for adjustable beds should not be used on an adjustable bed frame. Adjustable mattresses can be innerspring, foam or a combination of the two.

Adjustable beds are a growing trend in the mattress industry, with sales up 24% in the past year. They are more affordable than ever before, making them something everyone can consider.

Not your grandma’s hospital bed

Today’s adjustable beds are nothing like the hospital-grade beds you may have seen. Adjustable beds are designed to look good in your bedroom and are attractive, high-end pieces of furniture that can be fully upholstered. In fact, you wouldn’t even know an adjustable bed was something special until you made it move.

Get comfy

Getting your adjustable bed into position is simple. All adjustable beds come with easy to use electric controllers that allow you to change your position with the push of a button. For even more flexibility, look for an adjustable bed that has positions you can preset or a bed that allows you to control it from an app on your phone.

To your health

Adjustable beds can make sleep more comfortable, but they offer even more benefits. For example, these beds could help manage a variety of health issues like acid reflux, swollen legs or feet, back pain or breathing problems. You can ease your aches and pains by finding just the right position and you can easily change it during the night. Some beds offer special lumbar support. Beds that adjust up and down make it easier to get in and out of bed as well. Adjustable beds may even offer a solution if you have a partner who snores.

Recliner envy

While your adjustable bed offers lots of benefits for sleep, many of today’s models come with features that make your awake time in bed as relaxing as your favorite recliner with their lounger, lumbar and head tilt positions.

1. Dollars and sense. Before you research your mattress options, determine your budget and consider your personal needs. A mattress is an investment in your health and well-being.
2. Do your homework. Research your options before you go to a store, narrowing down the mattress size and mattress type that suits your individual needs. Think back to a time when you had an amazing sleep at a hotel or friend’s house. Use that as your starting point to help narrow down choices.
3. Consider online reviews. Seeing what types of mattresses other shoppers have liked or disliked may help you decide what mattress type is the fit for you. Read reviews on websites you trust, but be aware that some receive funding or free products from brands that they review. Also, the more reviews a website has, the more likely it is to be a reliable source.
4. Store selection. Furniture stores, department stores, sleep specialty shops and online retailers all sell mattresses. Look for a retailer that provides you with the amount of information and attention you need. If you don’t know where to shop, ask friends and family for suggestions.
5. Rely on a pro. Work with knowledgeable salespeople who can guide you through your bedding choices. Ask questions and look for detailed explanations when needed. If you don’t feel your salesperson is knowledgeable or helpful, take your business elsewhere.
6. Go for a test drive. Once you’ve found a few mattresses you’re interested in, try them out using the S.L.E.E.P. test. Take off your shoes and lie down in various positions. (It’s best to go mattress shopping in comfortable pants so you can move around.)
7. Get comfy. While testing out a mattress, spend extra time in the position you usually sleep in. It can take up to 15 minutes to relax enough to feel the true support of a mattress, so don’t rush it. The more time you take in a store, the less likely you’ll have buyer’s remorse later on.

Comparison shopping secrets

Comparison shopping for a mattress can help you make the best choice and feel confident in your decision. As you’re shopping, take time to really consider each mattress type – both the feel and the construction – versus simply comparing one brand to another.

• Look inside. Ask the salesperson if they can show you illustrated or actual cutaways of the interior of the various mattress and foundation choices. Seeing how each mattress is made can help you understand the differences.
• Consider service. Compare store services such as delivery, financing and removal of your old mattress.
• Weigh your investment. Consider the cost-per-day value of a mattress (you‘ll be on it 6-8 hours each day for about seven years) and buy the best you can afford. That is 1/3 of your life!
• Shop smart. Look for the best value, not the lowest price. Good deals are out there, but there is a direct relationship in the price of a mattress to its quality, so shop around and find the best quality sleep set that makes sense for you.

If your mattress is older than seven years, it’s time to check to be sure it’s still giving you the comfort and support you need for a good night’s sleep. A good mattress should relieve pressure on your joints and your body (and NOT cause pain). As your mattress ages, it loses the ability to do this and your sleep quality gradually declines. This happens so slowly, you may not even realize it. You might have to do a little detective work to put the pieces together. Maybe your hips are killing you, you can’t get comfortable at night, and you’re waking up exhausted. Add this to the fact that your mattress is seven or more years old and bingo, you’ve figured out the problem is not your body falling apart, but your mattress telling you it’s ready to retire. An aching back is one of the biggest signs it’s time to break up with your current mattress.

Finding a new bed mate

When you’re ready to replace your mattress, you might not know what you want or what you should look for. There are a wide variety of mattresses available incorporating different materials and technologies that meet your budget and your needs. But remember, picking a mattress is very subjective. Only you are going to know what kind of mattress feels good to your body. Explore the different options so that you can begin to narrow down the type of mattress that is best for you.

Innerspring mattress

An innerspring mattress uses a steel coil support system. There are several types of spring systems, including those with springs connected into a single unit and units with individually wrapped pocketed coils. The spring shapes, designs, coil gauge and number of coils in a mattress can vary. The innerspring is covered by padding or upholstery materials, including various foams, fiber and even additional layers of smaller steel springs. In general, the greater the number of coils, the more points of support and the better the bed can contour and support the sleeper.

Pillow-top mattress

Pillow-top mattresses have an additional upholstery layer sewn onto the top of the mattress, as if pillows were placed on top of it. This layer can be made from a variety of fiber and foam materials.

Hybrid mattress

A hybrid mattress combines a steel coil support system with one or more types of foam, such as polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic) or latex, as well as foams that contain gel or other materials.

Specialty foam mattress

Specialty foam mattresses use one or more types of foam as the support system. The foam may be polyurethane, memory (viscoelastic) or latex, and can contain gel or other materials. The foam can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and densities to offer consumers a mattress that has different comfort, feel and heat dissipation features.

Gel mattress

Gel mattresses use foam that contains gel in the product’s support system, upholstery layers or both. The gel is added to the foam using different types of technology. The gel foam can offer consumers different comfort, feel and heat dissipation features.

Memory foam (viscoelastic) mattress

Memory foam (viscoelastic) mattresses use a high-density polyurethane foam as the support system, in the upholstery layer or both. This foam contours closely to the shape of the sleeper.

Latex mattress

Latex mattresses use latex foam as the support system, in the upholstery layers or both. Latex may be made from plant- or petroleum-based materials.

Airbed

Airbeds use an adjustable air chamber as the support system. Unlike mattresses used for camping, the air chamber of a residential air bed is covered by padding or upholstery materials, which can include various foams and fiber. Airbeds allow you to adjust their firmness, and usually allow each side of the bed to be controlled separately in order to meet the individual and changing needs of couples. Airbeds are designed to look like a conventional bed.

Waterbed

Waterbeds use a water chamber as the support system. There are two types of waterbeds: hard-sided and soft-sided beds. A hard-sided waterbed has a water chamber inside a rectangular wood frame. A soft-sided waterbed has a water chamber inside a rectangular frame of rigid foam, zipped inside a fabric casing. The water chamber is covered by padding or upholstery materials, which can include foams and fiber. Both types of waterbeds usually rest on top of a platform. Waterbeds are designed to look like a conventional bed and fit existing bedroom furniture. The water chamber can be “free flow” (in which nothing obstructs the flow of water within the mattress) or “waveless” (in which fiber or baffles limit the water’s motion).

Much like mattresses, mattress protectors, pads and encasements are available in sizes ranging from twin and twin XL to full, queen, king and California king. They also are available for cribs: A waterproof mattress protector for the crib is a practical investment that will pay for itself. Most mattress protectors, pads and encasements are machine washable so you can keep them clean and fresh. For students heading off to college, a mattress protector is an important part of any bedding ensemble but more so when the mattress is previously owned.

So, what’s the difference between a mattress encasement and a mattress pad or protector?

Generally, an encasement has six sides and fully encloses either the mattress or box spring, usually with a zipper. Pads and protectors typically have five sides and fit over the mattress like a fitted sheet. Mattress pads tend to be thicker than protectors and can provide an extra comfort layer to the mattress.

You can also purchase toppers, which are typically a few inches thick and rest atop the mattress. Toppers can be made of memory foam, latex, quilted down or cotton, or other materials and provide additional comfort.

Many types of mattress protectors, pads, encasements and toppers are available.

Types of mattress encasements:

Mattress encasements for allergy protection

For chronic allergy sufferers, there is no better solution than a full mattress encasement and box spring encasement. There are many options that offer protection from allergens such as dust, dust mites, dead skin, pet dander and pollen. A typical mattress cover cannot prevent allergens from your mattress from coming in contact with you.

Mattress encasements for bed-bug protection

People all over the world are concerned over the growing outbreak of bedbugs. While a mattress encasement will not protect your home from a bedbug infestation, it will effectively lock bedbugs out of your sleep system. Only total encasement mattress protectors with a locking zipper provide protection against bed-bugs.

Types of mattress pads and toppers

• Fitted: A fitted pad/toppers is like a thick, fitted sheet, with a bit of quilting on the top and fitted, elastic sides to make sure that the pad does not move around.
• Anchor: Anchor pads/topper are a cheaper version, covering the top of the mattress and anchored by elastic bands in the corners. One type is called Guaranteed-to-Fit that has sidewalls that expand to accommodate variations in mattress size.
• Memory foam: One type of mattress pad/topper that provides extra cushioning is the memory foam pad; this looks like a thin mattress.
• Egg crate: A foam egg-crate style of mattress pad/topper is a less expensive option for more cushioning.
• Down: Extra softness can be achieved with a down or feather type of mattress pad/topper.
• Materials: Mattress pads/toppers are available in many types of material, such as cotton, wool, polyester, organic fabric, silk, foam, down, feathers and synthetic down.

The seven-year itch

How long your mattress lasts depends on how often it’s used and what level of quality it is, but in general a mattress set that is seven years old has reached the end of the line and needs to be replaced. While this is a good rule of thumb, everyone’s body changes over time and your need for comfort and support increases as you age. Your body may be ready for a new mattress before the seven-year mark, so listen to what it’s telling you. It’s a good idea to compare your mattress and foundation to newer models every few years to see if there is a set that feels better to you and offers features you may not have needed or looked for in the past.

We’ve all seen mattresses that have been improperly disposed of. Mattresses don’t belong on the side of the road, in the bottom of a lake or in the middle of a field. Your mattress did a good job for you for many years and now it’s your turn to take care of it. Dispose of your mattress in a safe and responsible way:

• Ask the store where you bought your new mattress to pick up your old set when they deliver the new one. Most retailers routinely offer mattress pick-up and disposal service as part of the purchase price or for a small fee.
• Call your local municipality, sanitation department or garbage collector. They usually have provisions for picking up larger items.
• Refer to Bye Bye Mattress’ directory of recyclers for a location near you.

Time to toss? 70% of old mattresses remain in use past the point when they’re still in good shape.