Head movement
Lift the upper section to sit comfortably in bed.
01 · Introduction
Choosing the right adjustable bed
Few decisions affect day to day comfort more than the bed you sleep in. An adjustable bed is a considered investment — one designed to support the way you rest, relax and rise each morning.
This guide has been written by the team at Devon Bed Centre to help you understand what an adjustable bed is, why so many of our customers choose one, and what to look for when comparing models. Inside you will find clear explanations of the key features, a side by side look at single and dual adjustable beds, and a practical checklist of questions to take into the showroom.
We are an independent, family-run bed specialist. Our showroom has been helping people across Devon find the right bed for many years, and our approach is simple — honest advice, the freedom to try, and the time to make the decision that is right for you.
“The right bed should feel as though it was made for you — and an adjustable bed brings you closer to that feeling.”
02 · The basics
What is an adjustable bed?
An adjustable bed is, quite simply, a bed whose base can be raised and lowered to support different positions.
With the touch of a handset, the head section lifts to bring you upright for reading, watching television or working in bed, while the foot section can be raised to elevate the legs and ease pressure through the lower back.
Beneath the mattress, a quiet motor and articulated frame do the work. The mattress itself is purpose-made to flex gently with the base, so the bed moves as one piece — comfortable in every position, never compromised.
Quiet motors
Smooth, near-silent adjustment at any hour.
Foot movement
Raise the legs gently to relieve pressure.
Memory presets
Save your favoured positions for one-touch recall.
High · Low · Up
The base rises, lowers and lifts independently at the head and foot, so you can fine-tune your position at the touch of a button.
Devon Bed Centre tip: ask to see the base move with the mattress in place — it is the truest test of how a bed will feel at home.
03 · The benefits
Why choose an adjustable bed?
Adjustable beds are chosen for one simple reason — they put comfort in your hands. Below are the qualities our customers tell us they value most.
Tailored comfort
Find the position that suits you — sitting, reclining or fully flat — and change it whenever you wish.
Easier sitting and rising
A gentle lift at the head section makes getting in and out of bed feel effortless.
Personalised support
Relieve pressure through the lower back, hips and legs by elevating the foot section.
Everyday practicality
Read, work or watch television in proper comfort — without a tower of pillows.
A luxurious feel
Quiet motors, refined upholstery and premium mattresses combine into a quietly indulgent bed.
Made for two
Dual models allow each partner to set their own preferred position without compromise.
Talk it through with us
Our Exeter showroom team is happy to answer questions, with no pressure to buy.
04 · The detail
What to look for when you buy
A good adjustable bed is the sum of well-considered parts. These are the points we encourage every customer to compare before they decide.
01
Mattress compatibility
Not every mattress is built to bend. Choose one designed specifically for an adjustable base — pocket-sprung or foam constructions are most common, and the right choice depends on how you like to sleep.
02
Single or dual adjustment
Decide whether one set of controls will suit you both, or whether each side should adjust independently. Couples with different preferences almost always prefer dual.
03
Ease of use
The handset should feel intuitive in the hand. Look for clear buttons, memory presets for your favoured positions, and a quiet motor that will not disturb a sleeping partner.
04
Support and comfort level
Soft, medium or firm — comfort is personal. Spend time on each model and trust how your body settles, not the label on the mattress.
05
Style for your bedroom
Adjustable beds today are beautifully upholstered. Consider the headboard, fabric and base height so the bed sits naturally within your room.
06
Everyday practicality
Think about under-bed clearance, cable routing, weight capacity and whether the bed can be easily moved should you ever rearrange the room.
05 · The comparison
Single or dual adjustment?
Two beds, two ways of thinking about comfort.
Our advice
If you and your partner sleep differently, dual is almost always the kinder long-term choice.
06 · In the showroom
Why trying a bed in store matters
Comfort is deeply personal. Two beds that look almost identical can feel entirely different when you lie down, and an adjustable bed brings that truth into even sharper focus.
Our showroom is built around that idea. You are welcome to take your time, try several models side by side and let our team explain the differences in plain language.
“You can read about a bed, but you really only know it once you have spent ten minutes on it.”
07 · The checklist
Questions to ask before you buy
Take this list with you. It is the same set of questions our team will happily walk through with you in the showroom.
0 of 10 questions checked
08 · Our approach
Advice from Devon Bed Centre
We have spent many years matching customers with the right bed. Here is how we think about adjustable beds, and what you can expect from us when you visit.
Personal, never pressured
Our team is here to listen first. We will ask about how you sleep, the way you like to relax in bed and what is working — or not — with your current setup.
Honest comparison
We carry a thoughtfully chosen range so you can feel the genuine differences between models, not a wall of identical options.
The right pairing
The base, the mattress and the headboard need to work as one. We will help you understand which combinations make sense for you.
Comfort and practicality
We will talk you through everything from sleep posture to bedroom layout, so the bed works as well in your home as it does in the showroom.
Service that continues
Delivery, assembly and aftercare are part of how we look after our customers — long after the bed has been chosen.
Crafted with confidence
British made. Guaranteed for five years.
Every adjustable bed in our range is manufactured here in the UK and covered by a five year guarantee — quiet reassurance behind every choice.
09 · Customise
Fully customise your sleep
Adjustable beds improve posture, ease chronic pain and boost comfort — and the base model is only the start. A few well chosen extras can turn a good bed into a sleep system built entirely around you.
High-low lifter bases
Raise or lower the entire bed for easier transfers from a wheelchair, and to set a comfortable height for carers.
Heavy-duty upgrades
Reinforced motors and frames comfortably support heavier weights of up to 25 or 30 stone.
Mobility support rails
Attachable side rails give vital leverage when getting in and out of bed, and quiet reassurance overnight.
Built-in massage
Internal massage units use gentle vibrations to soothe aching muscles and encourage circulation.
Wireless controls
A wireless remote removes trailing cables and makes adjusting your position completely effortless.
Integrated storage
Specialised mechanisms still leave room for storage — built-in drawers or gas-lift ottoman bases where you need them.
Shallow base frames
A shallow base on legs, in place of a deep divan, provides the under-bed clearance required for mobility hoists.
Matching headboards
Complete the room with a bespoke headboard, upholstered in matching or complementary fabrics.
Ready to build your bed?
Try every feature in person. Our team will help you find the perfect combination for your lifestyle.
10 · Health benefits
Rest that works harder for you
From easier breathing to gentler mornings, an adjustable bed can quietly support the body in ways a flat mattress never will. These are the benefits our customers tell us about most often.
Reduced snoring & sleep apnea
Elevating the head opens the airways and prevents the tongue and soft tissues from blocking the throat.
Improved blood circulation
Raising the legs reduces pressure on the heart and helps blood flow back to the upper body more efficiently.
Less fluid retention
Elevating the lower limbs helps prevent fluid build-up in the legs, ankles and feet.
Acid reflux & GERD relief
Keeping the upper body elevated uses gravity to keep stomach acid down, easing nighttime heartburn.
Easier bed transfers
High-low bases and lift assistance make getting in and out of bed safer for knees, hips and carers alike.
Gentler digestion
Sleeping at a slight incline helps the body process food more comfortably before and during sleep.
Lower back relief
Elevating the head and knees matches the spine's natural curve, easing pressure on the lower back muscles and discs.
Arthritis relief
Custom positions take the weight off aching joints, reducing morning stiffness and inflammation.
Sciatica management
Raising the knees gently stretches the lower back and helps decompress the sciatic nerve.
“Small adjustments, night after night, make a very real difference.”
11 · VAT relief
Zero VAT for those who qualify
If you live with a long-term illness or medical disability, you are likely eligible for 0% VAT on your new adjustable bed — saving hundreds of pounds automatically, without paperwork you need to chase.
Deducted at checkout
You never pay the tax and claim it back later. The standard 20% VAT is simply deducted at checkout — instant, on the day.
No doctor's note needed
You do not need a doctor's letter or official government documents.
One short form
You complete a one-page self-declaration with your name, address and a brief description of your condition.
We keep the paperwork
The form stays on file to show HM Revenue & Customs why the VAT was omitted.
You qualify under HMRC rules if you have a chronic physical or mental impairment that affects your daily life. You do not need to be registered as disabled, and the scheme is not means-tested.
Joint & muscle
Severe arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic back or neck pain.
Cardio & respiratory
High blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, COPD.
Neurological
Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, dementia.
Long-term illness
Diabetes, cancer and terminal illnesses.
Mobility
Any permanent condition affecting walking or standing.
Please note
Being elderly or frail on its own does not qualify — there must be a specific long-term health condition. Our team will help you complete the form in just a couple of minutes.
12 · Will it fit?
Measuring your space
A new bed transforms a room — and a few small checks beforehand make delivery day completely effortless. Here is how we help our customers plan ahead with confidence.
The magic floor trick
Lay a few sheets of newspaper on the floor to match the item's footprint — the old-school way to see exactly how much room you have left to move.
Room to breathe
Leave space for under-bed drawers to open, wardrobe doors to swing wide, and for stepping out of bed comfortably each morning.
Perfect wall placement
Check that a tall headboard or chest of drawers will not cover a window, light switch or radiator.
Smooth delivery
A quick look at the hallway, front door and staircase means our team has a clear, comfortable route through.
Simple paths
Move loose rugs, standing lamps and low pictures so the route to the bedroom is completely clear on the day.
The front door
Open it wide and measure the inside width of the frame.
The staircase pivot
If your stairs turn a sharp corner, measure the clearance from step to ceiling at that turning point.
The narrowest gap
Measure any tight hallways against the depth of your new furniture.
Always here to help
Not sure? Just ask.
Homes come in every shape and size, and we are used to navigating them. Give our friendly team a call before you buy — we love talking through the details.
Call 01392 25590613 · Come and visit
Visit Devon Bed Centre
Come and explore our adjustable bed range in person. Try the models that interest you, ask us anything at all, and let us help you find the bed that will support the way you live and rest. There is no appointment needed — simply call in when it suits you.
Devon Bed CentreUnit 5, Grace Road WestMarsh Barton, ExeterDevon EX2 8PU