The basic idea
An ordinary bed has a flat base. An adjustable bed has a base made of several hinged sections — usually one under your head and back, and one under your legs.
Those sections can lift and lower, and the mattress on top bends with them. That's really all there is to it.
The electric motor
Beneath the base sits a quiet electric motor (or more than one). The bed plugs into a normal wall socket. When you press a button, the motor gently pushes a section of the base up or lets it back down.
The movement is steady and controlled. You stay lying on the bed while it moves — you don't need to get up or do anything else.
Raising the head
Pressing the “head up” button lifts the top section of the bed, raising your back and shoulders. You can stop at any point, from slightly raised to sitting fully upright.
People commonly use this to read, watch television, have breakfast in bed or chat with visitors.
Raising the legs
The “legs up” button lifts the lower section, raising your knees and legs. Many people like to combine this with a slightly raised head to find a relaxed resting position.
The hand control
You operate the bed with a hand control — a small handset with clearly marked buttons, usually one pair for the head and one for the legs. Hold the button and the bed moves; let go and it stops.
If you can use a TV remote, you can use an adjustable bed handset.
Different configurations
The main difference between adjustable beds is how many motors they have and how the movements are controlled:
- Single Motor Bed — the head and legs move together on one motor.
- Dual Motor Bed — the head and legs move separately, so you can adjust each on its own.
- Split Dual Motor Bed — for couples; each side moves independently with its own handset.
Our adjustable bed buying guide explains how to choose between them.
What about couples?
With a split dual motor bed, the bed is effectively two halves side by side. Each person has their own handset and can set their side without disturbing the other.
What if you'd like to try one first?
The easiest way to understand how an adjustable bed works is to try one. With DHS, you don't need to travel to a showroom — the showroom comes to you.
A friendly adviser visits your home, shows you how the bed moves, lets you use the handset yourself and answers your questions. The demonstration is free, with no obligation and no pressure. Family members are welcome to be there too.
This guide is general consumer information about home-comfort products. It is not medical advice. If you have a health condition or specific medical questions, please speak to your GP, occupational therapist or another appropriate healthcare professional.