Adjustable bed: After a full... - Oesophageal & Gas...

Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

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Adjustable bed

Golfer51 profile image
22 Replies

After a full oesophagectomy I’m considering buying an adjustable bed. Suggestions please on good brands and what works for you. I’ve looked at ‘lifestyle beds’ that can move into an upright position and adjustable beds that have extra gizmos to massage the body to prevent bedsores etc. I’m tempted to go for a lifestyle bed but would be interested in the pros and cons and would I get the VAT back? Thanks

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Golfer51
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22 Replies
MFH28 profile image
MFH28

Hi

I’m in the process of buying an adjustable bed at the moment. In fact it comes on Tuesday. I’ve opted for Willowbrook as they seem very professional. We had a demonstration a few weeks ago and I was pretty impressed. They are not cheap but, in my opinion, the bed did everything they say, as well as being extremely comfortable. There is no VAT to pay if you are buying for health reasons which, like me, you have experienced the joys of an oesaphgectomy!

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51 in reply to MFH28

Thanks MFH28. I’ll look at Willowbrook. Hope your bed brings you many years of comfortable sleep.

Tanktank profile image
Tanktank

Depends on where you live but this firm has good coverage in the SE England.

clearwellmobility.co.uk and if you register with them VAT is not payable.

Best wishes

Tanktank

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51 in reply to Tanktank

Thanks Tanktank.

seventrees profile image
seventrees

I am 9 years post Ivor Lewis and we bought a double adjustable bed with independent electric adjustment from Dreams, we had a very good deal, with items of bedding as part of the deal, they installed the bed, service from our local branch was excellent and the bonus was no VAT.

Good luck

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51 in reply to seventrees

Thanks Seventrees, I was in Dreams yesterday and they were very helpful but I cane away more confused than I went in! More research to do I think.

MEW53 profile image
MEW53

I bought an adjustable bed a few years ago, we found the salesmen very pushy and prices were very high. We found a family run business called Abberley, they were very experienced price was better than other sales people. The other companies started with a high price and when we said we would think about it, the typical phone call to the boss was done with both the other companies to give a better deal. Willowbrook wanted £6000 for a double adjustable bed, Abberley was £3500, the head and feet are adjustable and there is a massage unit which was an optional extra.

I’ve posted the link and there’s a 10 year guarantee, Vat exempt for health reasons too:

best-adjustable-beds-guide....

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51 in reply to MEW53

Great, thanks for the info MEW53. I’ll look at Abberly - thanks for the link.

slobjohnb profile image
slobjohnb

I have a Sleepeezee 3' single bed, brilliant, infinitely adjustable and a real life saver. Currently in the Summer sale at landofbeds.co.uk at £759 (£1189). I have no connection with the company. Check out the vat free option if you contact the company.

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51 in reply to slobjohnb

Thanks slobjohnb I’ll check it out.

Mrcweave48 profile image
Mrcweave48

Hi there are lots of good brands out there. There is one thing I would suggest tho. If you sleep with someone make sure you get one that both sides adjust separately. We didn't and now stuck with a bed I can't adjust the way I want because my wife likes sleeping pretty much flat

Janashlin profile image
Janashlin in reply to Mrcweave48

I agree, we have the double sided adjustable so my husband can sleep flat.

Billings profile image
Billings

After 4 years on messing with wedges etc we took the plunge and got an electric bed that both sides can adjust separately with the bottom adjustable as well as the top so you don’t slide down. We also opted for separate single mattresses as I prefer dream foam an the oh likes conventional sprung. Was just under £2k from “the bed centre” local to us in Birmingham.Have not had a single episode of bile reflux since. Oh and you only get the VAT back on half of the cost if you get a double !!

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51 in reply to Billings

I’m near Brum so will check it out. Interesting on only getting the VAT back on half. Typical tax office! Thanks

Billings profile image
Billings in reply to Golfer51

Really confused them when I asked for VAT relief on half the headboard. They are on Chester Rd Castle Bromwich

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51 in reply to Billings

Thanks Billings! Will look them up.

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51

Good point! Thanks for the advice.

Joannewal20 profile image
Joannewal20

We got ours from sleepkings on EBay. £649 for a king. It was delivered and installed for free with a 5 year warranty. Loving it. Mick is sleeping so much better.

You can not claim the tax back, it needs to be taken off before you purchase the bed. HMC does not have a way to pay the tax back, they say it must be taken off at point of sale.

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51 in reply to Joannewal20

Thanks Joannewal20. I believe the tax back will be easier with a doctors letter. There seems to be a difference between an adjustable bed and a ‘lifestyle’ bed for those who want to read in bed but not necessarily for medical purposes. Good to know there are some reasonably priced solutions out there.

Billings profile image
Billings

You don’t need a doctors letter you just sign a form at point of payment to cover the shop from not charging VAT

Golfer51 profile image
Golfer51 in reply to Billings

Great to know that, thanks.

Nancy_Palmer profile image
Nancy_Palmer

Don't forget about getting specific pillows and sheets. You can read about those here sleepingmola.com/best-sheet.... I hope it helps. By the way, have you managed to buy an adjustable bed already?

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