While most people picture their bed as a cozy and comfortable oasis that allows them to drift off to sweet dreams, the wrong bed frame can be more of a nightmare for those with mobility issues. Strategically selecting the right bed frame style, however, can deliver relief from chronic discomfort or offer newfound freedom for those who may otherwise need assistance getting into and out of bed.
Explore the best beds for mobility issues and discover which bed frame could be the right option for you.
Hospital-Style Beds
First introduced in the early 1800s and later redesigned by Howard Hughes in the 1940s, hospital-style beds are the ideal option for those with restricted mobility. These beds have many features that allow for easier movement and added safety.
Most hospital beds are fully adjustable, and the top and bottom sections of the bed can be easily and quickly raised and lowered using a remote or electric button. This allows medical professionals to adjust the bed as needed for certain procedures and to administer any required medication. The bed can also be adjusted by the user for enhanced comfort. Hospital beds also have adjustable side railings and are typically on wheels to make relocation fast and simple.
While this style of bed frame is very practical for those with limited mobility, it often takes up much more space than traditional bed frames. Hospital bed frames are also a much less aesthetically appealing option thanks to their industrial metal frames and heavy-duty design and are incredibly heavy, making them only practical for first-floor rooms or spaces with elevator access.
Low Beds
Low beds are bed frames that sit directly on, or very near to, the ground. Because there is limited space between the mattress and the floor, low beds are ideal for those who may be at risk of falling. They can also be a smart choice for those who are wheelchair-bound, as they are easier to get into and out of than a traditional bed frame that can be quite high off the ground.
Unlike hospital beds, low bed frames come in many different styles to suit all interior aesthetics. From simple, wooden designs to Scandinavian platform styles, you can find a low bed to blend in with almost any existing interior design. Because they are low to the ground, they also help keep you cool as hot air in the space rises. The low design, however, is not suitable for those with joint problems or weakened muscles, as it can be difficult to lower yourself into and out of bed without support.
Adjustable Bed Frames
Adjustable bed frames are similar to hospital bed frames, with a more streamlined look. This frame style allows you to raise and lower the top of the mattress, customizing the angle at which you sit or lay down. This empowers those with mobility issues, chronic pain, or sleep apnea to rest more comfortably and allows them to get into and out of bed with more ease and, often, totally unassisted.
While these bed frames have many health benefits, they have one major downside: the cost. Because adjustable bed frames are more advanced than low beds, they often come with a much heftier price tag between $1,000 to $3,000 on average.
SoftFrame® Bed Frames
SoftFrame® bed frames are an innovative solution for those with mobility impairments as they surround your bed with 100% cushioned side panels and provide a soft surface around your bed. They are luxuriously soft and ouchless. The low profile style makes it easy and comfortable for those with joint stiffness or weakened muscles to get into and out of bed without assistance, offering added peace of mind, freedom, and flexibility. Unlike traditional wooden beds, SoftFrame® bed frames are crafted from soft and plush upholstery, ensuring there are no sharp corners or edges. This ensures not only that there are no stubbed toes or scraped legs, but also helps offer added protection in the event of a fall.
You can even upcycle your existing box spring into something functional and stylish. If you pair a SoftFrame® bed frame with a standard 9" box spring and a 10" mattress, then the bed height will be 19" which is the standard chair height, making it an easy and convenient height for you to get in and out of.
They also are incredibly lightweight, made with resilient fabrics, and available in curated tones and in three distinct styles to suit all tastes. From elevated, standalone bed frames to frames with sleek and modern upholstered headboards, there is a SoftFrame® bed frame for any interior aesthetic.
Browse our stylish bed frames today and discover a bed that dreams are made of.