Not sure which electric bed to pick? You're not alone.
Some come with all the bells and whistles, everything from lights, massage functions, apps for your phone, and even Bluetooth. Others sometimes just do the basics, and honestly, often, that's all you need.
If you're mainly after better sleep, more effortless movement, or just a way to get comfy without stacking pillows like Lego, here's what actually matters.
Start with the Basics: Head and Leg Lift
If the bed can't lift both your head and your legs, it's not doing its job. Lifting your head helps with things like reflux, reading, or even snoring.
The act of elevating your legs and ankles can dramatically reduce swelling and ease lower back pain. It also helps to take pressure off your joints. Here’s how that helps with back pain.
Massage Might Be Worth It
Some electric beds come with gentle massage settings. It's not like a deep tissue massage, but it can help you unwind and encourage blood flow. If you often get stiff legs or tight lower back muscles at night, it might be something you'll appreciate. If not, you're probably fine skipping it.
Memory Buttons Save You Time
Once you've found the proper position, you'll want to keep it. Beds with memory buttons let you save your favourite spot, so you don't have to fiddle with controls every time. Very handy if you use one setup for reading and another for sleeping.
Bed Height Makes a Big Difference
Some electric beds let you raise or lower the whole frame. That's a big help if you find it hard getting in and out of bed. It's handy if you're recovering from surgery or you're a carer helping someone move.
Being able to adjust the overall height means less strain all around, and you should look for a model with at least three fixed height points or a lo-lo or hi-lo if you need even more vertical adjustment. This can be a big help if you live with arthritis.
Easy-to-Use Controls
You shouldn't need an instruction manual just to get comfortable. Look for electric beds with simple remotes, clear buttons and good backlighting so you can see them at night.
Some higher-end models even let you use your iPhone or Android phone to adjust settings, but that's optional. What matters most is that the controls are simple and reliable.
Build Quality You Can Count On
Electric beds work hard. The motors move, the frame supports weight, and it all has to hold up over time. Stick with beds that have strong frames, extended and clear warranties and proper local support.
If something breaks, you don't want to wait weeks for a spare part or have to deal with offshore support teams. Ask about who handles repairs and whether it's easy to get parts in Australia.
Handy Extras to Think About
While they're not essential, a few little extras can make life easier. Some people like under-bed lighting for night-time trips to the bathroom. Others enjoy having USB ports near the bed so they don't have to reach for a wall plug.
Anti-snore settings can be helpful if your partner needs their side lifted slightly. And if you ever need to clean under the bed, wheels or castors can make a big difference. Some people with sciatica find these extras incredibly helpful.
The Main Thing?
At the end of the day, it's about comfort. Pick the features that make a real difference to your sleep and your body. If something sounds cool but you'll never use it, don't pay for it.
Need help figuring out what you need?
We're happy to talk through your space, your health needs and your budget — no pressure, no jargon.
Next step
Learn more about electric beds or give us a call seven days a week. We’ll help you find the setup that fits your body, your home, and your budget.