The History Of Adjustable Beds

The quality of our sleep plays a big role in our overall health and well-being. Just one night of bad sleep can hinder your day, so imagine nights upon nights of bad sleep. Sleep is important, and the type of bed you have does make a difference. An adjustable bed has become a popular choice for those who struggle with disabilities or injuries because it allows you to actively control the position of the bed through minor adjustments, promoting better comfort and potentially improving sleep quality.

The-History-Of-Adjustable-Beds

The start of adjustable beds

In 1874, Andrew Wuest and Son introduced a movable bed that, though simple by today’s standards, changed how people viewed beds. It featured a hinged head that could be raised, a novel concept at the time.

Not much innovation occurred until the 19th century when Dr. Willis Gatch developed an adjustable base. This innovation later aided the military during World War I. It marked the beginning of using beds for rehabilitation, allowing patients to recover without worsening their injuries. These beds were designed to facilitate sitting up at intervals and promote proper drainage for surgical lacerations.

This foundational design laid the groundwork for future beds, leading to widespread adoption in hospitals worldwide. Dr. George Fowler further improved the design, adding features such as wheels, side rails, exit alarms, and more to enhance these adjustable hospital beds.

Adjustable beds at home

People soon realised that adjustable beds didn’t need to be limited to hospitals and were a viable addition to homes. In 1974, the Craftmatic Adjustable Bed company made waves by announcing they would offer adjustable beds for personal use.

With time, these adjustable beds gained popularity and evolved away from their clinical appearance to resemble home furniture. They not only looked better but also featured additional functionalities to align with the changing trends and consumer demands.

In the 21st century, we’ve witnessed remarkable technological advancements in adjustable beds to cater to diverse client needs. Nowadays, these beds come equipped with under-bed LED lighting, built-in flashlights, USB charging ports, and even heating and cooling options.

Adjustable beds have come a long way and play a crucial role in the recovery process for many individuals. Moreover, they provide an excellent choice for those seeking the perfect bed tailored to their body and requirements, making them a top choice for anyone aiming to enjoy a good night’s sleep.

The evolution of adjustable beds demonstrates how innovation and technology have reshaped our daily lives, making comfort and well-being accessible to all. As these beds continue to adapt and improve, they stand as a testament to our relentless pursuit of better sleep and a higher quality of life.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, living with a disability, or just wanting more options for better sleep, an adjustable bed can significantly improve your overall well-being and quality of life.

We Specialise In Everything Mobility

At Equip U, we see a disability as a possibility and have made it our mission to go above and beyond the standard offerings from other retailers.

Our point of difference is that we don’t just stock mobility scooters and other accessories, but we also offer in-home trials to residents who live in Queensland and offer maintenance and servicing for any mobility products. We believe that access to this shouldn’t be limited based on where you live, and being NDIS registered, we can provide funding options as well. 

Ultimately, it’s our mission to work with you to bring your vision for improved mobility to life. Should you have any queries about the types of products we offer or how they work, or would like to schedule a free at home product demonstration, please get in touch with us today.