An older gentleman sat in a profiling care bed holding the wired handset

Choosing the Best Bed for Parkinson’s

For individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, finding the right bed is more than just a comfort decision—it’s a necessity. Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological condition, affects movement, muscle control, and balance, making sleep and mobility a significant challenge. Common symptoms like tremors, muscle rigidity, and discomfort can disrupt rest, while limited mobility makes getting in and out of bed difficult.

A bed tailored to the specific needs of Parkinson’s patients can:

  • Enhance sleep quality by reducing discomfort.
  • Improve safety and ease of movement.
  • Support caregivers in providing effective care.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key considerations for choosing the best bed for Parkinson’s, along with solutions like adjustable, profiling, and rotating chair beds.

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 affects both the body and the mind, often leading to:

  • Tremors: Involuntary movements that make it difficult to relax.
  • Muscle Stiffness: Limiting comfort and mobility in bed.
  • Poor Sleep: Difficulty turning or finding a comfortable position due to rigidity and pain.
  • Reduced Independence: Mobility challenges that make transferring in and out of bed difficult.

With these factors in mind, selecting a bed with supportive features can make a dramatic difference in daily life and overall well-being.

A older woman sat at the end of a bed holding her lower back

What Features Should You Look for in a Bed for Parkinson’s?

To support the unique challenges of Parkinson’s, the right bed should focus on improving comfort, safety, and independence. Here are the key features to consider:

1. Adjustable Height and Positioning

Mobility limitations can make it hard to get in and out of bed. Beds with height adjustment allow the bed to lower for easy access or raise to assist caregivers during care tasks.

Benefits:

  • Promotes independent transfers by setting the bed at the perfect height.
  • Makes caregiving safer and easier by raising the bed to waist level.

2. Customisable Sleeping Positions

Adjustable beds allow users to elevate the backrest or leg rest for tailored comfort. For Parkinson’s patients, this can help:

  • Alleviate muscle stiffness by reducing tension.
  • Improve circulation and reduce swelling by elevating the legs.
  • Provide a comfortable upright position for eating, reading, or watching TV.

3. Safety Features

Falls are a major concern for individuals with Parkinson’s. Beds with built-in safety features can reduce risks and provide peace of mind.

Key Safety Features:

  • Side Rails: Prevent accidental falls while sleeping or moving in bed.
  • Anti-Slip Surfaces: Ensure stability when getting in and out of bed.
  • Low Profiling Options: Beds that lower to near floor level minimise the risk of injury from falls.

4. Pressure Relief

Parkinson’s patients often spend extended periods in bed, making pressure relief a crucial factor. Look for beds with:

  • Supportive Mattresses: Memory foam or hybrid mattresses offer excellent pressure distribution.
  • Postural Support: Adjustable beds can reduce the risk of pressure sores and enhance overall comfort.
  • Pressure Sore Prevention: Pressure care mattresses may be a better solution to protect those at risk of developing pressure sores due to limited mobility. 

Types of Beds 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. Here are some types of beds that can be suited to someone with Parkinson's: 

1. Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds allow users to modify the angle of the backrest and leg rest, improving comfort and sleep quality.

How Adjustable Beds Help Parkinson’s Patients:

  • Enable users to sit up easily without the need for extra pillows.
  • Elevate the legs to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
  • Anti-snore mode helps open airways and improve breathing during sleep.

At Opera Beds, our adjustable beds have advanced features including zero-gravity positioning, 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 their joints.

A gentleman laid in an adjustable bed in the zero gravity position with bis legs raised up

2. Profiling Beds

Profiling beds offer advanced functionality, including height adjustment and customised sleeping positions. These beds are particularly suitable for patients who require additional care or safety measures.

Benefits of Profiling Beds for Parkinson’s:

  • Height-adjustable feature for safe and independent transfers.
  • Trendelenburg and anti-Trendelenburg tilt options for circulation and comfort.
  • Compatibility with side rails for added safety.
  • Future-proof design for evolving care needs
  • Height adjustment and adjustability allow for safer working height for carers and reduce back strain.

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.

A female carer wearing a white tunic holding hands and helping a older gentleman out of a profiling bed

3. Rotating Chair Beds

Rotating chair beds seamlessly transition from a bed to a chair, providing enhanced mobility and independence.

Key Benefits:

  • Easier Transfers: The bed rotates into a chair position, making it simple to get in and out without assistance.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Adjustable positions reduce pressure points and improve circulation.
  • Reduced Risk of Falls and Injuries: Gentle and smooth transition from bed to chair, allowing to achieve a safer standing position 
  • Caregiver-Friendly: Simplifies caregiving tasks and reduces physical strain.

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.

The Opera Range of Beds for Parkinson’s

At Opera Beds, we offer a wide selection of beds designed to meet the specific needs of Parkinson’s patients.

Best-Selling Adjustable Beds

  • Emerald Motion Divan Adjustable Bed: Combines style and practicality with features like zero-gravity, anti-snore mode, and memory programming. The popular deep-divan style base with customisable headboard in two fabric choices

Browse the full Opera range of adjustable beds

Popular Profiling Beds

  • Signature Comfort Profiling Bed: Offers an all-in-one height range (24.5cm-73cm), postural support, and luxurious upholstery for a homely feel.
  • Solo Profiling Bed: Features advanced options like auto-regression profiling and ultra-low floor heights for maximum safety.

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.

Browse the full range of profiling beds

Rotating Chair Beds

  • RotoBed® Change: Provides smooth transitions from bed to chair, enhancing mobility and reducing fall risks. Offers height adjustment for easier and safer access, all within a homely design.

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. Browse our full range of rotating chair beds, or book a showroom visit to try the RotoBed for yourself.

A head on view of a rotating chair bed at the Opera Beds Buckinghamshire showroom

Supporting Parkinson’s Care: Additional Tips

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.

Find the Perfect Bed for Parkinson’s Today

Choosing the right bed for Parkinson’s can significantly improve quality of life, safety, and independence. At Opera Beds, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect solution for your needs.

A Opera sales advisor holding a selfie stick on a video call demonstrating a bed

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Contact us, or speak to our experts advisors on +1 888 553 0605.

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