Who Should Not Use an Adjustable Bed: Key Downsides to Know

Adjustable beds look like a dream upgrade, with flashy ads promising better sleep and less pain. But here’s something most folks don’t say: these beds aren’t for everyone. A lot of people end up surprised when their fancy new bed actually makes their problems worse, not better.

Take a minute to think about your health before shopping. If you have severe spinal problems—like certain types of scoliosis or herniated discs—raising and lowering parts of the bed can mess up the support you need. Some doctors warn that instead of relief, you could end up with more pressure points or strain in the wrong places.

And a lot rides on the cushion or mattress you use. Not all mattresses bend well, and if yours isn’t made for an adjustable frame, you could mess up its structure or void its warranty. That’s money down the drain and a sore back to boot. Plus, some people find themselves struggling with the controls or getting trapped by shifting bed sections—something to watch out for if you move slowly or have weak muscles.

• Medical Conditions That Don’t Mix With Adjustable Beds
• Physical Limitations and Risk Factors
• Cushion Compatibility Problems
• When Adjustable Beds Make Things Worse
• Alternative Sleep Solutions

Medical Conditions That Don’t Mix With Adjustable Beds

Not everyone with aches and pains will do well with an adjustable bed. In fact, for some people, these beds can actually cause new problems or make existing ones worse. Let’s break down the issues you need to watch for.

If you have advanced scoliosis, severe kyphosis, or spinal fusion, changing bed positions isn’t always safe. Doctors have seen patients with fused vertebrae or fixed spinal curves end up in more pain because the bed’s angles don’t match their needs. For these folks, a flat, consistent surface gives better support, and strange angles from adjustable beds can strain or pinch nerves.

Same thing goes for people with advanced osteoporosis. Lifting or lowering sections of the bed might look gentle, but it can actually stress fragile bones. Breaking a hip or vertebra from an awkward position isn’t a risk anyone wants—especially since over 300,000 Americans are hospitalized for hip fractures each year, most of them over 65.

Folks with certain heart or lung conditions also need to be careful. Adjustable beds can help if you need to sleep propped up for problems like acid reflux. But if you have a pacemaker, severe congestive heart failure, or trouble breathing, weird angles might mess with circulation or breathing. Your doctor is the best person to ask here.

Here’s a quick look at which medical issues need a serious talk with your doctor before you shop for an adjustable bed:

• Severe or fixed spinal disorders (like fusion, scoliosis, or kyphosis)
• Advanced osteoporosis or high risk of fractures
• Severe heart failure or complicated cardiac devices (like pacemakers)
• Severe respiratory disease or reliance on ventilators or oxygen therapy

Check out this table that sums up the biggest risks for specific medical conditions:

If you’re dealing with any of these health issues, don’t just trust marketing or sales claims. Always clear it with your healthcare provider before ditching your old setup for something new.

Physical Limitations and Risk Factors

Not everyone has the mobility or strength to use an adjustable bed safely every night. If you have limited upper body strength, shaky balance, or joint stiffness—like what comes with advanced arthritis or muscular dystrophy—maneuvering yourself into the right position can be a hassle. The moving parts mean you have to adjust and readjust with each button push. Sometimes that's just extra effort your body can't handle.

It's even riskier if you have certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or after a stroke. These conditions often cause unpredictable muscle weakness, spasms, or delayed reaction times, making it easy to get stuck or pinched when the bed flexes. There have been reports of caregivers struggling to assist when the user can't operate the bed alone.

Here's an eye-opener: a 2023 fall risk study from a sleep clinic found that people over age 75 using adjustable beds without rails were 30% more likely to experience overnight falls compared to those on flat beds. For people already at risk of nighttime wandering or who need help getting out of bed, that stat is no joke.

If you live alone and have any of these challenges, you need to think twice before splurging on an adjustable bed. Safety first—if you can’t maneuver or get help quickly in case something jams, it may not be the right call. Sometimes, sticking with a standard bed and the right cushions is the smarter play for comfort and safety.

The bottom line is that not all beds are equally safe for every body. If in doubt, talk through your specific risks with an occupational therapist or a doctor before ordering anything. Don’t let gadgets cause more trouble than they solve.

Cushion Compatibility Problems

If you’re thinking about switching to an adjustable bed, the mattress or cushion you use needs special attention. Not every mattress works on these frames, and the wrong pick can spell trouble fast. Ever tried to flex a thick innerspring mattress? It just doesn’t move well, and you’ll end up with weird bulges or even broken springs. A lot of older memory foam or cheap hybrid mattresses don’t cut it either—they might crack or lose shape where the bed bends.

You want something designed with a flexible core. Most companies recommend a high-quality memory foam, latex, or special hybrid that’s labeled “adjustable bed compatible.” Check the warranty before you buy—some brands will void coverage if you put their cushions on a frame they weren’t built for.

Here’s what to look out for when it comes to adjustable bed cushions:

• The thickness should usually be 10-12 inches or less. Super thick mattresses don’t bend cleanly and might not return to shape.
• If your cushion sits on top of the frame rather than inside, it can slide when the bed moves. That’s not just annoying, but it also messes with your alignment.
• Pillow tops and sewn-in toppers might bunch up or tear when the bed raises and lowers, so skip overly plush designs.

One last thing: if you’re a fan of mattress toppers for extra softness, know that many thick or stiff toppers just don’t work on adjustable beds. They fold up, crease, or slide off when the bed moves. Look for thin, stretchy options instead. If you have any doubts, call the mattress brand and double-check what they recommend. Saves a lot of hassle—and back pain—down the line.

When Adjustable Beds Make Things Worse

Here’s the part no one likes to admit: adjustable beds can actually backfire for some people. Maybe you’ve heard they help with acid reflux or snoring, and sure, that works for a lot of folks. But if you have certain health issues, this kind of bed can take your discomfort to the next level.

For example, if you have severe arthritis in your knees or hips, bending your legs up at night in a zero-gravity position can make things stiffer and increase swelling. The same goes for people with chronic back pain—raising the head or foot of the bed too high might take pressure off one spot, but dump it somewhere else, especially if your mattress isn’t doing its job. This is why doctors who specialize in physical medicine often ask patients plenty of questions before ever recommending an adjustable bed.

Check out this data from a 2023 sleep wellness survey:

This isn’t a bash on adjustable beds—clearly, some people love them. But if you’re already dealing with a health risk or struggle with mobility, those moving parts create weak spots. You might wake up sore because the joints that control the rising/lowering mechanisms sometimes sag after heavy use. Or, if you sleep on your side, some positions make your shoulders and hips dig right into the bed frame, even with a thick cushion.

Here’s a quick list of situations where these beds commonly cause headaches (literally and figuratively):

• You rely on a bed rail for stability—moving the bed up and down can put rails in awkward places or even block you from using them.
• Your mattress isn’t rated as “adjustable” and forms awkward bumps or deep dips instead of a smooth bend.
• You use heavy bedding or extra pillows—these can slip off easily or jam up the moving parts, causing unexpected stops or uneven support.
• If you share your bed, one partner’s settings may make the other miserable. Elevating one side can even disturb your sleep cycles.

The bottom line: not every cool sleep gadget is a fit for every body. Consider your health, your mattress, and who you’re sharing that adjustable bed with before taking the plunge.

Alternative Sleep Solutions

If an adjustable bed just isn’t a good fit for you, there are still lots of ways to sleep better and ease body aches. Sometimes, making small changes to your regular bed and choosing the right cushions can make a huge difference—without splurging on expensive gear.

First, consider body pillows and wedge cushions. These help support your spine, hips, or knees, especially for side-sleepers. Wedge pillows can prop you up if you deal with heartburn or snoring, kind of like an adjustable bed but without any moving parts. Look for ones made from memory foam or dense polyfoam—they hold their shape and give steady support.

Old-school solutions still work wonders. Some people put a rolled-up towel or a slim cushion under their knees if they sleep on their back. This takes pressure off the lower back and can ease morning stiffness. If shoulder pain is the main problem, try a firmer pillow to keep your neck steady, or tuck a small pillow between your arms. It’s all about finding what gives you the most comfort night after night.

• Mattress toppers can soften a too-hard bed or firm up a saggy mattress for a few years before you need a full replacement.
• Changing sleep positions, especially to your side, can take pressure off your back and open airways for easier breathing.
• Consider elevating the head of your bed using blocks or risers for mild acid reflux—super cheap and often effective.

Tech isn’t always the answer, either. As Dr. Raminder Bains, a sleep medicine specialist, points out,

"Supportive cushions and pillows are sometimes all people need to get pain relief and better sleep. Not everyone needs an expensive adjustable bed setup to get results."

Before chasing the latest sleep trend, make a few small changes with what you already have. Sometimes, dialing in your cushion options or sleep position does the trick just as well as the most advanced adjustable bed ever could.