Choosing the right bed is crucial for anyone, but for those living with Parkinson's disease, it becomes a necessity. Parkinson's, a progressive neurological disorder, affects movement, muscle control, and balance, significantly impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. One of the often-overlooked challenges faced by Parkinson’s patients is sleep disruption. From difficulty turning in bed to muscle rigidity and discomfort, these symptoms can severely affect rest and relaxation.
A well-chosen bed can significantly improve the management of these symptoms by offering better sleep quality, enhanced comfort, and improved safety. In addition to providing a good night's sleep, the bed must support the individual's needs, allowing for ease of movement and providing pressure relief. These factors are essential for those living with Parkinson's.
In this guide, we'll explore the best bed for Parkinson’s to help you or a loved one. This includes understanding the key features to look for, and how to create a sleep environment that promotes rest and recovery.
With over 20 years of experience, at Opera Beds, we’ve helped thousands of people find the perfect solution. Start your journey to making life easier with a free expert consultation.
Understanding the Needs of Parkinson’s Patients
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement and muscle control. Common symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Stiffness
- Slowed movement
All of these can significantly disrupt sleep and overall comfort. These symptoms make it challenging to turn over in bed or find a comfortable sleeping position, leading to frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality. Moreover, muscle rigidity and pain can exacerbate restlessness, making it hard to achieve restful sleep.
Understanding these impacts is crucial as we explore the common sleep and mobility issues faced by Parkinson’s patients and how choosing the right bed can dramatically improve their quality of life.
Best Beds for Parkinson’s
Understanding the unique needs and challenges of Parkinson’s patients is crucial when choosing the best bed. The right bed can significantly improve sleep quality, comfort, and safety, making daily life more manageable. In this section, we will explore the essential features to consider when selecting a bed for individuals with Parkinson’s.
Key Features to Look for
If you are considering buying a bed for yourself or a loved one with Parkinson’s, here are the key features to help choose the right one.
1. Adjustable Height and Positioning
Parkinson’s disease can affect mobility and make it challenging for individuals to get in and out of bed comfortably. Look for beds that offer adjustable height settings, allowing caregivers to lower the bed for easy access and raise it to a comfortable height for care tasks.
If you or a loved one have early Parkinson’s you may wish to consider an adjustable bed. These beds do not have height adjustment but do have an elevating back and leg rest where the user can customise their sleep position.
2. Ease of Getting in and Out of Bed
Bed height and accessibility are significant considerations. Beds with a lower height option make it easier for individuals with Parkinson’s to safely and independently get in and out of bed.
At Opera Beds, our collection of profiling care beds has height adjustment where the whole bed raises and lowers for easier access.
3. Safety Features
Safety is paramount when selecting a bed for Parkinson’s patients. Here are some considerations when looking for the right bed:
- Rails: Side rails can prevent accidental falls during sleep or while getting in and out of bed.
- Anti-slip Surfaces: Beds with anti-slip surfaces on the mattress platform or bed frame can reduce the risk of slips and falls.
These features not only enhance safety but also provide peace of mind for both patients and caregivers. Prefer to be guided through the process? Contact our team today who’ll be happy to help!
4. Firm but Comfortable Mattress
A supportive mattress is crucial for individuals with Parkinson’s, as it provides necessary back and joint support. Look for a mattress that is firm enough to support proper spinal alignment but still comfortable enough to relieve pressure points and ensure a restful sleep. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses such as gel often strike a good balance between support and comfort.
Are Adjustable Beds Good for Parkinson’s Patients?
For those living with Parkinson’s, it can become increasingly difficult to carry out everyday tasks because of mobility and sleep. People with Parkinson's often experience sleep disturbances and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. To improve their overall well-being and enhance sleep quality, many individuals with Parkinson's have turned to adjustable beds as a potential solution.
Benefits of Adjustable Beds for Parkinson’s
Unlike a traditional bed, an adjustable bed allows you to adjust the bed's back and leg rest to find the most comfortable position. For someone with Parkinson’s an adjustable bed can offer relief from symptoms and help achieve a better night’s sleep.
Let’s explore how an adjustable Bed can help someone with Parkinson’s.
Improved mobility and independence
Adjustable beds offer significant advantages for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, particularly in improving mobility and fostering independence. The ability to raise and lower the head and foot of the bed can make it much easier for patients to get in and out of bed, which is often a challenging task due to the muscle rigidity and tremors associated with Parkinson’s.
By adjusting the bed to a comfortable sitting position, patients can move from lying down to sitting up without needing excessive assistance, thereby promoting a greater sense of independence, and reducing the risk of falls or injuries during transfers.
Enhanced comfort through customisable positions
Adjustable beds significantly enhance comfort for people with Parkinson's by offering customisable positions. Parkinson’s patients often experience muscle rigidity, cramps, and joint pain, making it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. With an adjustable bed, users can easily change the bed’s angle to support different parts of their body, reducing pressure points and improving blood circulation.
Elevating the head or legs can also help alleviate swelling and breathing difficulties. By allowing precise adjustments, these beds provide tailored support, helping to minimise discomfort and enhance overall rest, leading to better sleep quality and improved well-being.
Relief from common symptoms like muscle stiffness and pain
Adjustable beds provide significant relief from common Parkinson’s symptoms like muscle stiffness and pain. By allowing users to modify the bed’s position, these beds help reduce tension in the muscles and alleviate pressure on joints.
At Opera Beds, our range of adjustable beds have a zero-gravity feature which replicates the feeling of weightlessness. This position gently raises the back and leg rest to create an ‘s’ shape position for ultimate relaxation. This is particularly useful for someone with Parkinson’s who may experience discomfort in the joints.
The Opera Range of Adjustable Beds
We have a wide selection of adjustable beds to choose from to suit your style and budget. Every Opera adjustable bed comes with five features for ultimate comfort and a great night’s sleep. These are:
- Backrest adjustment – lets you sit up properly without needing pillows
- Leg rest adjustment – lift your legs up easily and helps reduce swelling
- Zero-gravity – replicates weightlessness for pressure relief and relaxation
- Anti-snore – gently lifts the head up to open the airways and reduce snoring
- Memory Programming – saves your favourite positions at the touch of a button
Our best-selling Motion Divan Adjustable Bed is the perfect balance of style and practicality. Available with up to 4 storage drawers, the Divan has a deep, traditional base and stylish buttoned headboard that adds a homely touch to any bedroom.
Want to see our beds in person? Book a visit to our showrooms and try the full range for yourself.
Are Profiling Beds Good for Parkinson’s Patients?
When choosing a bed for someone with Parkinson’s, it’s important to consider their specific needs. Profiling beds are a good option due to their unique features, which can provide benefits for people with Parkinson’s. Here’s how:
Benefits of Profiling Beds for Parkinson’s Patients
Depending on the level of care required and mobility, a profiling bed may be a better option for someone with Parkinson’s. A profiling bed (also known as care or hospital bed) is designed to support care needs and make life easier for those with limited mobility, disability or medical condition by facilitating easier care and independence.
Let’s explore more about how a profiling bed can benefit those living with Parkinson’s.
Makes it easier to get in and out of bed
A significant consideration when looking for the best bed for Parkinson’s is the bed height. Those with the condition can find it challenging to get in and out of bed due to limited mobility, muscle stiffness and poor balance.
Profiling beds let you set the bed height to make it easier and safer when getting in and out. This is particularly useful for those with Parkinson’s as it can encourage independence and well-being by promoting safe transfers from the bed.
There are also low profiling beds, also referred to as floor beds which may be suitable for people with more severe symptoms. As the name suggests, low profiling beds can lower to almost ground level which gives a safe sleeping height to those at risk of bed falls.
Provides a better experience for carer and user
The primary function of a profiling bed is to help facilitate care and elevate comfort. Due to their advanced functionality, these types of beds can significantly improve the experience for both Parkinson’s patients and their carers. For example, they allow for easy adjustment of height and position, making it simpler and safer for carers to assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. The height adjustment allows carers to raise the bed to waist level, giving a safer working height and reducing the chance of back strain.
For the patient, the ability to change positions reduces the risk of bedsores and enhances comfort. The adjustable features help manage Parkinson’s symptoms like rigidity and tremors, providing a more supportive and responsive environment.
Promotes independence and gives peace of mind
As with many medical conditions, living with Parkinson’s can create changes in mobility which affects a person’s independence. Profiling beds can help restore this by allowing users to adjust their position without the need for assistance.
The ability to control bed settings promotes autonomy, boosting confidence and quality of life. For loved ones, knowing that the person with Parkinson’s can move safely and comfortably helps provide peace of mind. These beds reduce the risk of falls and injuries, ensuring their loved one is well-supported.
Furthermore, for added peace of mind, profiling beds can be customised with side rails to create a safer sleeping environment. This can benefit someone with Parkinson’s who may experience outbursts and be at risk of falling out of bed.
Future-proof solution for progressive care needs
At Opera Beds, we understand that purchasing a profiling bed is an investment, so it’s essential that the choice of bed is suitable for now and in the future.
Profiling beds are a future-proof solution for progressive care needs in Parkinson’s patients. As the condition advances, these beds can be adjusted to meet changing requirements, offering adaptable support for increased mobility issues and care needs. The ability to change the bed height and position ensures ongoing comfort and safety, making it easier to manage symptoms like muscle rigidity and tremors.
Our talented team are on hand to guide you to the perfect solution, start your journey today with a free consultation.
The Opera Range of Profiling Beds
Our collection of profiling beds is the ideal balance of stylish design and nursing functionality. Available in a range of styles, sizes, and fabric options, our profiling beds can be customised to suit your home and needs.
Our most popular bed The Signature Comfort has advanced features in a fully upholstered surround and matching headboard for a discreet yet functional choice. The key features of this bed include:
- All-in-one height range of 24.5cm-73cm - ideal for getting on and off the bed easily and if on-bed care is required
- Elevating backrest – sit up in comfort and enjoy proper postural support
- Elevating legrest - reduces swelling and encourages better circulation
- Three headboard styles – suit your style and choose from 6 fabrics
- Available in single and dual sizes for two people
Rotating Chair Beds
A rotating chair bed is a versatile piece of furniture that transitions seamlessly between a bed and a chair, offering enhanced mobility and comfort for individuals with Parkinson’s.
This innovative bed design allows users to rotate and elevate the bed into a chair position, making it easier to get in and out without assistance. For Parkinson’s patients, this feature is particularly beneficial, reducing the risk of falls and increasing independence.
Benefits of Rotating Chair Beds for Parkinson’s Patients
Rotating chair beds can be a worthwhile investment for those with Parkinson’s. These beds have advanced functionality of both a profiling bed and chair. Key benefits of a rotating chair bed are:
Enhanced Mobility and Independence
Rotating chair beds make it significantly easier for Parkinson’s patients to move from lying to sitting without assistance. This increased mobility helps maintain independence, reduces the risk of falls, and promotes confidence in daily activities, enhancing the overall quality of life.
Reduces the risk of falls and injury
Helping people with Parkinson's move from bed to chair and back can be tough because of their muscle stiffness and balance problems. But rotating chair beds can make it a lot safer. They provide a controlled, stable movement, so there's less risk of falls and injuries.
Elevated Comfort and Support
Rotating chair beds are designed to provide optimal comfort and support. The ability to adjust the bed to various positions helps alleviate pressure points, improve blood circulation, and manage symptoms like muscle stiffness and cramps, contributing to better sleep and overall well-being.
More Efficient Caregiving
For carers, rotating chair beds simplify the process of assisting Parkinson’s patients. The bed’s adjustable features reduce the physical strain on carers during transfers and daily activities, making caregiving more manageable and ensuring that patients receive the support they need with minimal effort.
Versatility and Futureproofing
Rotating chair beds are versatile and can adapt to the progressive nature of Parkinson’s disease. As the patient's needs change over time, these beds can be adjusted to provide appropriate support, making them a future-proof investment that ensures long-term comfort and care.
The Opera range of Rotating Chair Beds
Our collection Rotating chair beds balance thoughtful design with advanced functionality, ideal for people with Parkinson’s.
Key features of our rotating chair beds include:
- Smooth and quiet transition from bed to chair in less than a minute
- Two height options of a fixed height or height adjustment for easier access
- A sleepsafe mattress which gives comfort and pressure relief
- Wood colour, and fabric options to suit your style and home interior
Browse our full range here or book a showroom visit to try the RotoBed for yourself.
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Bed
Here are some final considerations to help you, or a loved one choose the right bed for Parkinson’s.
Considerations for Caregivers and Family Members
When choosing a bed for someone with Parkinson’s, it's crucial to consider the needs of both the patient and their caregivers. Look for beds that offer easy adjustments to facilitate caregiving tasks, reducing physical strain. Features such as height adjustability and rotating options can significantly ease the daily routines and improve the quality of care provided.
Choose a bed with a generous warranty
Individuals with Parkinson’s should consider beds with generous warranties due to the condition's progressive nature. Symptoms change over time, so the bed may require adjustments or repairs for optimal comfort and functionality.
A comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind by covering potential issues and offering long-term support. This is especially important for profiling beds or rotating chair beds, where repairs can be costly. A generous warranty ensures the investment remains protected, guaranteeing continuous, high-quality care for the user.
Be Guided to the Perfect Solution with Opera Beds
Choosing the best bed for Parkinson’s involves considering mobility, comfort, and future care needs. Adjustable beds, profiling beds and rotating chair beds offer enhanced independence, safety, and support. Unlike a traditional bed, every Opera bed can be adjusted to provide ultimate comfort and make life easier.
If you're unsure which bed suits your needs, book a 1-1 consultation with Opera Beds. Our expert team will ask relevant questions and provide tailored recommendations based on your needs, budget, and ongoing requirements, ensuring you find the perfect solution for optimal care.
