三月 28, 2025 Julie Garlick

Buyers Guide for Beds and Bedroom Accessories

Name: Independent Living
Address: 308, Te Irirangi Drive, Botany South, Auckland, 2013, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 625 100
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.6/5

For some elderly individuals and many of those with disabilities, comfort, support, and increased accessibility in the bedroom are essential.

Electric adjustable beds, overbed tables, bed rails, and other bedroom aids can improve mobility, safety, and a person’s overall independence, making daily tasks easier and hopefully more comfortable.

This guide will walk you through why you may need an electric adjustable bed or bedroom accessories, key factors to consider before purchasing, different product options available, additional considerations like size and adjustability, and funding options in New Zealand that you might be eligible to apply for.

Why Do I Need an Adjustable Bed or Bedroom Aids?

Electric beds and bedroom accessories help to provide better sleep, improved posture, and for some they give easier movement for individuals who:

Have limited mobility due to age, injury, or disability

Experience joint pain, back problems, or circulation issues

Need help sitting up, repositioning, or getting out of bed

Spend extended time in bed due to medical conditions

Using the correct electric adjustable bed or bedroom aid can enhance sleep quality, reduce pain, and promote independence for many people.

👉 Explore the full range of Independent Living bedroom aids here: www.ilsnz.org/collections/bedroom

What Are the Purchase Considerations?

1. Intended Use

Is the bed needed for medical support or comfort?

Will the user require assistance sitting up or changing positions?

Are additional accessories like a bed rail or over-bed table necessary?

Does the user sleep alone or is there a companion?

2. Adjustability & Comfort

Electric beds allow head, foot, and height adjustment using a remote control.

Wedge pillows or bed risers provide extra support for breathing, circulation, and comfort.

Bed cradles lift blankets off the legs & feet, freeing them from the weight of bedcovers and enabling movement beneath.

3. Space & Storage

Does the room have enough space for an adjustable bed or over-bed table?

Folding beds for adults (such as care-givers) are a great option for small spaces or guest rooms.

4. Safety & Stability

Bed rails for elderly users or those with balance issues can help prevent falls.

Furniture risers can elevate beds to make transfers easier.

5. Budget

Prices vary based on features, brand, and accessories.

Consider long-term durability, need for ease of use and any maintenance when setting your budget.

What Are the Options?

There are several types of electric beds available and a range of bedroom accessories to consider, each suited to different needs & abilities to further support people at home:

1. Electric Adjustable Beds

Adjustable Beds & Electric Beds

Premium electric beds with customizable positioning, head & foot elevation, zero-gravity positioning, and sometimes with massage options

Ideal for comfort and medical support at home

Hospital style beds

with adjustable height, headrest, and leg positioning

All versions will provide you with better postural support and pressure relief than a standard bed.

Independent Living recommend iCare and Casero brands for their durability and comfort.

Folding Beds for Adults

Compact and easy to store

Ideal for temporary care or guest rooms

👉 Browse electric beds here: www.ilsnz.org/collections/beds

2. Bedside & Overbed Tables

Over-bed Table with Wheels

Height-adjustable and tiltable for convenience

Provides a stable surface for meals, reading, or laptop

Ideal for those who spend long periods in bed

Lap Tray / Cushioned Lap Tray

Portable and padded for comfort

Suitable for eating, writing, or using devices in bed or an armchair

Available in folding designs for easy storage

👉 View bedside tables & trays here: Overbed & Lap Trays

3. Bed Rails & Transfer Aids

Bed Rails for Elderly / Bed Safety Rail

Prevents falls and assists with getting in/out of bed

Available in fixed or foldable designs

Bed Transfer Boards

Helps users move between a wheelchair and bed

Reduces strain for caregivers and promotes independent transfers

Furniture Risers / Bed Risers

Elevates beds, chairs, or tables for easier access

Great for individuals who struggle to sit or stand from low surfaces

👉 Shop bed rails & transfer aids here: Bed Safety & Transfer Aids

4. Sleeping Aids & Positioning Support

Bed Wedge Pillow / Wedge Cushion

Elevates the head, back, or legs for improved circulation and breathing

Helps with acid reflux, snoring, and pressure relief

Waterproof Mattress Protectors and Bed Pads

Protects mattresses from spills and incontinence

Protectors are available in disposable or washable options

Bedpan and Urinals are suited for those who have controlled continence but can struggle to get to the toilet.

👉 Browse sleep aids here: Bed Wedges & Positioning Cushions

Browse Bed Protection Here: https://ilsnz.org/collections/continence-products/bedroom_accessories

Key Differences between Beds & Accessories

Use the scroll bar below table to move across the table.

Feature	Electric Adjustable Beds	Hospital Beds	Over-bed Tables	Bed Rails	Wedge Pillows
Best for	Comfort & mobility support	Medical grade support	Eating, reading, laptop use	Fall prevention & stability	Improved circulation & breathing
Height Adjustment	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Portability	No	No	Yes (with wheels)	Some models foldable	Yes
Customize	High (multiple positions)	High (medical grade)	Adjustable height & tilt	Fixed or foldable	Different shapes & sizes
Cost	Moderate to high	High	Moderate	Low to moderate	Low

Use the scroll bar below table to move across the table

Other Considerations

1. Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance

Waterproof mattress protectors keep beds clean.

Choose durable materials for long-term use.

2. Manoeuvrability & Storage

Overbed tables with wheels for easy movement.

Foldable lap trays save space.

Measure the room space before choosing a bed

3. Additional Accessories

Bedside storage pockets for organization

Battery backup for electric adjustable beds

Non-slip mats for bed safety

👉 Browse bed accessories here: www.ilsnz.org/collections/bedroom-accessories

Can I Get Funding?

In New Zealand, funding assistance for electric adjustable beds and/or bedroom accessories, may be available if you are eligible through:

1. Ministry of Social Development (MSD)

Covers hospital beds and bedroom aids for eligible individuals.

www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/disabled-people/support-and-services/equipment-and-aids

2. Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

Provides financial support if the need results from an injury.

www.acc.co.nz/im-injured/types-of-ongoing-support/aids-equipment

3. Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ)

May offer financial aid for essential bedroom aids

www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/special-needs-grant.html

4. Charities & Community Organisations

Groups like the Cerebral Palsy Society may offer grants or funding assistance.

For more information, visit: www.msd.govt.nz/documents/what-we-can-do/community/carers/a-guide-for-carers.pdf

Final Thoughts

The right electric adjustable bed, overbed table, or bedroom aid can enhance independence, comfort, and quality of life, as well as improving safety and dignity.

If you need help selecting electric beds, bed rails, overbed tables, or sleep support aids, consult a mobility specialist, like Independent Living, for expert advice.