Choosing the right bed and mattress for Parkinson's
Occupational therapist Emma Bracher shares her top tips for choosing the right bed and mattress when you have Parkinson’s.
When shopping for a bed or mattress, it’s important to consider your individual needs, just as you would when looking at other aids or items of equipment. Not every type will suit your specific needs, or be right for you.
The right height
One of the most important factors is height. If your bed is too low you may find getting in and out to be challenging. If it’s too high you will increase your risk of slipping off the bed, and have difficulties lifting your legs into bed.
The right height will be different for everyone, and will depend on how your symptoms affect you. As a general guide, you want to be able to sit on the edge of the bed, with your feet flat on the floor and your hips at least at the same level or slightly higher than your knee height.
Remember that a softer mattress will reduce in height when you sit on it. Changing your mattress may change the overall height of the bed.
The right mattress
Your mattress should provide both comfort and support. It should relieve pressure points and properly align your spine.
If you experience muscle spasms or cramps, a springy mattress might disrupt your sleep, so memory foam may be better. Some mattresses are firmer around the edge, which will make getting in and out of bed easier.
If you get very hot and sweat a lot at nighttime, then a mattress or mattress topper with cooling properties may help you sleep better.
If you’re at risk of pressure ulcers, your occupational therapist or nurse may recommend that you have a specialist pressure care mattress.
Adjustable Beds
These are sometimes called profiling beds or hospital beds. The height, head and foot sections are adjustable and can be raised or lowered.
These functions can help to increase comfort and can relieve pressure on certain areas of your body. They can also be good for getting in and out of bed safely and efficiently. If you care for someone with Parkinson’s, then these can make it easier for helping someone get in and out of bed.
These beds are often controlled using a hand-held remote control. You can get linked or dual mattress beds so that you can continue to share the bed with a partner.
Many adjustable beds look like standard beds so they won’t look out of place in your bedroom.
Equipment
It may be that certain items of equipment will help, and mean that you don’t have to change your bed or mattress.
Bed raisers
These are used to lift the whole bed a few inches, making it easier to get in and out of it. They come in various heights and designs for different types of beds and legs.
Remember, it’s important the bed is not raised up too high as it might make it difficult for you to lift your legs onto the bed or get out of bed safely.
Grab rails
A bed grab rail, also known as a bed lever or bed stick, helps you get in and out of bed and move about in bed more easily. It’s usually a handle or rail that you attach to the side of your bed frame.
It’s important to choose a bed rail that is compatible with your particular bed frame and mattress, and that it’s fitted correctly and securely, to reduce the risk of injury.
Satin sheets
Satin sheets can help you to turn over in bed. You can buy specially designed sheets with satin panels or off-the-shelf satin sheets. Some people prefer to have a panel of satin going across the middle of the bed where their hips would rest.
If you use satin sheets or panels, make sure there’s an area of friction either at the end or sides of the bed, so you can get some grip.
Wearing satin pyjamas may also help, but you should avoid using satin sheets and satin pyjamas at the same time. Together, they can increase the risk of sliding out of bed too quickly.
Getting advice
Always get advice from an occupational therapist before you buy equipment, or if you’re having difficulty getting in, out or moving around in bed.
An occupational therapist can make recommendations based on your specific needs, and help you get what you need. It may be that a simple change in the way that you’re doing things will be all that you require.