Are Adjustable Beds Just for Hospitals? Here's Why They're Taking Over Normal Bedrooms.
When most people hear "adjustable bed," they picture a hospital room. Fair enough — that was probably true ten years ago. But if you walked into our store today, you'd see adjustable bed bases sitting right alongside our regular bedframes, and honestly, they're some of the most popular products we sell.
So what changed?
They look completely different now
The adjustable bases we carry at Sleepdoctor Griffith look nothing like medical equipment. They sit inside a standard bedframe — timber, upholstered, whatever style you like — and from the outside, your bed looks exactly the same as anyone else's. The adjustment is all underneath. No one walking into your bedroom would know unless you showed them.
What can an adjustable base actually do?
The head and foot of the bed raise independently. That means you can sit up to read or watch TV, elevate your legs after a long day on your feet, or find a zero-gravity position where your body weight feels almost weightless.
People with acid reflux find that a slight head elevation stops the burn completely — no more propping pillows up and having them slide around through the night.
Back pain sufferers often tell us that raising the knees slightly takes the pressure off their lower back in a way a flat mattress simply can't.
Do I need a special mattress?
Not always, but it helps to use one that's designed to flex. At Sleepdoctor, we carry a specific range of adjustable bed mattresses that bend with the base without damaging the internal springs or foam. We'll walk you through which of our mattresses are compatible when you come in.
What about NDIS funding?
This is a big one. Sleepdoctor Griffith is a registered NDIS provider, and adjustable beds are one of the most common items funded through the scheme. If you're an NDIS participant, or you're helping a family member who is, give us a call on 02 6964 1009 and we can talk you through how it works. We've helped dozens of participants get set up with the right adjustable bed and mattress combination.
Who actually buys them?
Honestly? Everyone. We sell them to couples in their 30s who want the head-up TV watching position. We sell them to retirees who need the zero-gravity relief. We sell them to NDIS participants who need proper postural support. The days of adjustable beds being "old people beds" are well and truly over.
If you're curious, come in and try one. We have several models set up in our Griffith showroom at 35 Altin Street. Five minutes on a zero-gravity adjustable base and you'll understand what the fuss is about.
Sources & References
According to the Sleep Health Foundation, 33-45% of Australian adults experience inadequate sleep. Adjustable bed bases have been shown to reduce acid reflux symptoms by elevating the head 6-8 inches (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). The NDIS provides funding for assistive technology including adjustable beds under the Assistive Technology category. Written by Paul Pierotti, Senior Sleep Specialist with over 40 years experience in mattress retail and fitting.