Advice needed on adjustable bed and mattress - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

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Advice needed on adjustable bed and mattress

ConantheLibrarian profile image

Do any of you have an adjustable bed/and or what type of mattress do you sleep on.

I have slept on my side all my life but am now finding this difficult as my mobility is so poor. I have tried sleeping on my back but find it hard to get to sleep this way. Today I had a home demonstration from a company called Willowbrook of an electrically adjusted bed. By raising the back and bottom part of the bed I certainly felt more comfortable lying on my back but it's hard to know if I could be comfortable all night like this. The problem is these beds are not cheap- I was given a quote for £2,000-so I want to know if any of you have such a bed.

Also, regardless of what bed you have, do any of you have a mattress made of memory foam? I have heard that some people without ataxia find these very comfortable. However, I have also heard that people with mobility problems need a firmer mattress as having some resistance makes it easier to move about.

Let me know if you can shed light on either of these 2 issues.

Thanks

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ConantheLibrarian profile image
ConantheLibrarian
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11 Replies
Legs-alive profile image
Legs-alive

I have an electronic bed that goes up & down (Into a sitting a laying position) the frame fits to my own bed & It was my occupational Therapist who got me it, if you don’t already have one ask for a referral from your go or your neurologist but make sure it’s a neuro OT. I bought myself a mattress topper instead of a whole new mattress, you can buy these from practically anywhere! The one I have cost me about £45 for a double bed from Morrison’s & had made a world of different it’s much more comfortable than with just the mattress.

Legs-alive profile image
Legs-alive in reply to Legs-alive

Just to add I don’t a memory foam mattress or topper & after spending a weekend in one recently whilst away I can say I would never sleep on one again again the chance! It was far to uncomfortable for me but that’s just me! Others may find memory foam better than I did!

ConantheLibrarian profile image
ConantheLibrarian in reply to Legs-alive

Thanks-very useful advice

suzie44na profile image
suzie44na

Hi, I have an electric bed, it is great that I can adjust it. I have had it for many years and at the time it cost me less than £400, it is still working fine. I have bought a new mattress for it. I first ordered a memory foam mattress but when it came it was like lying on bricks, so it went straight back. I now have a spring mattress which is a lot better, but maybe it could be a little firmer, but it is still good. I have spinal arthritis, cysts and trapped spinal nerves, so I have pains always. I think it is best to actually go to a bed centre if possible and try some out before you buy. If you cannot manage to I would go for one that is not hard and not too soft if your spine has problems. I also have a mattress topper of memory foam which is really soft.

Suzie

ConantheLibrarian profile image
ConantheLibrarian in reply to suzie44na

Thanks-I agree that it's a good idea to try one out

ww-wibblywobbly profile image
ww-wibblywobbly

I personally have sleeping on memory foam mattresses. I feel stuck in the bed, and have a lot of difficulty changing position.

I don't have an electric bed, but the design/style of our bed means that it has metal bars as part of the headboard. I often use these to pull myself into a different position.

Xx

ww-wibblywobbly profile image
ww-wibblywobbly

Sorry I meant hate not have! Damn autocorrect! 😂

ConfusedAtaxian profile image
ConfusedAtaxian

I have a Sealy orthopaedic. I have a spare pillow on my left side ( I once fell out of bed!) but I have a king size bed just for me.

ConantheLibrarian profile image
ConantheLibrarian in reply to ConfusedAtaxian

Thanks. I have a King size too. I might get an orthopaedic mattress

tommi47 profile image
tommi47

Hi,First of all if you are going to spend 2k on a bed you need the right mattress for you.

I assume you are talking about a single bed ?

If you are not too bothered about a brand new frame you can find them on gumtree e.t.c.

You need to be careful what type of mattress you buy any that come rolled up will be fine.

there are companies that let you try them for 100 nights like otty,eve,simba.

I don't have an electric bed yet however I did buy a otty mattress (double) and I find it a bit hard for me my Daughter has just bought a simba as she has heard lots of positive talk about them.

We both bought our mattresses on ebay as refurbished with a new cover loads cheaper than new.

Hope this helps,

Tom.

ConantheLibrarian profile image
ConantheLibrarian in reply to tommi47

Thanks. I will look into what you have said.

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