5 Benefits Of Sleeping In A Zero Gravity Bed

If you’re trying to find solutions that are going to result in better sleep, few things beat a zero gravity bed.

The term ‘zero gravity’ might get you thinking about space, but the truth is adjustable beds that set themselves to this angle have been around for a while, and they’re a great solution for sleepers who deal with pain of any kind.

Your sleep position is important for your well-being, not only because it can keep chronic pain and muscle aches at bay, but because the way you sleep ensures you’re recovering from a day’s worth of activity properly.

Once you’re confident you’ve found the best mattress for your sleep requirements, the next best way to ensure you’re getting a good night’s sleep is through sleep accessories. From weighted blankets to adjustable zero gravity bed frames, there are a ton of options out there to help you get that perfect night’s sleep.

If you’re wondering whether a zero gravity bed is the right choice for you, there are a couple of ways you can make sure you’re on the right path. Here’s the comprehensive guide to zero gravity beds, from when they were originally invented, to how they can benefit your sleep for better rest.

What are zero gravity beds?

Developed by no other than NASA, the zero-gravity position refers to a neutral body posture that equalizes weight and minimizes stress across the body. Scientists at NASA used the zero gravity sleep position to ensure astronauts were launched into space with minimal risk of harm.

A zero gravity bed utilizes this particular position to offset all pressure points in the body, ensuring you’re experiencing reduced pain and healthy sleep. Wondering what a zero-gravity position looks like?

Simply lay flat on your back, and raise your head as well as your feet above your heart and stomach. When your body reaches about 120-degrees, you’ll have reached the most relaxed position for your heart as well as your nervous system.

This position ensures you’re putting a minimal amount of strain onto the body, and keeps your pressure points less engaged than sleeping on your back on a conventional mattress.

How do you buy a zero gravity bed?

A zero gravity bed is popularly called ‘adjustable bed’. These adjustable beds allow you to set your bed to a number of sleep positions, making it the perfect choice for customizing your sleep, as well as working out how to get cozy.

Thanks to advancements in sleep technology, adjustable beds come with a wide variety of additional features, including massage zones, custom positions, USB ports, and under-bed lighting, among others.

What kinds of mattresses work best with adjustable bed frames?

Adjustable bed frame are built to work with a wide range of mattresses. These include:

• Memory Foam Mattresses - One of the most popular types of mattresses available on the market today, memory foam mattresses are a great choice for sleepers who are looking for responsive, body-contouring support. Foam mattresses are an ideal choice for adjustable bed frames, because of their natural pliability.
• Latex Mattresses - As with memory foam, the naturally responsible qualities of a latex mattress make them a good fit for adjustable bed frames. There are two types of latex mattresses: natural mattresses, which are derived from rubber trees, and synthetic latex. Latex mattresses tend to be durable but might also come at a higher cost price than other alternatives.
• Hybrid Mattresses - Combining the comfort of foam with the support and structure of innerspring, hybrid mattresses are an ideal choice for an adjustable bed frame. This is because the coils of a hybrid mattress are pocketed, ensuring the movement will not damage your mattress. Since hybrid mattresses are already known for their pressure-relieving properties, they’re an ideal option for sleepers with chronic pain, since they'll keep you comfortable through the night.

Which mattresses are not compatible with adjustable bed frames?

The only mattress type incompatible with an adjustable bed frame is the innerspring mattress. Innerspring mattresses are popular among sleepers with back pain, but their rigid structure means they are a little more difficult to travel with, as well as incompatible with adjustable bed bases.

The reason this particular type of mattress is a challenge to use on an adjustable bed is that many innerspring mattresses tend to consist of interlocking coils, which can get tangled or damaged upon too much movement.

If you have an innerspring mattress with independent coils, this might still work with your adjustable base, but be sure to check with the manufacturer to avoid risking ruining your mattress.

Who is the adjustable bed best for?

One of the main reasons zero gravity beds have taken off the way they have is because of their ability to hone in on the exact right sleep position for you. Getting familiar with your particular sleep needs, and the types of sleep positions you’re most prone to falling into can help you with deciding whether you need a zero gravity bed or not.

Though adjustable beds can be an investment, they upgrade your sleep experience to the next level. Even if you don’t really struggle with any chronic pain, or getting into the right sleep position before winding down for the night, there are still a host of sleep benefits that a zero gravity bed comes with.

For example, adjustable beds allow you to have your night routine while still in bed. You might choose to read a book or catch up on your favorite show while sitting upright or switch the base light on to use the washroom without interrupting your partner at night.

Here are some of the sleepers who find investing in a zero gravity bed most productive:

Sleepers with breathing difficulties

Since most adjustable beds allow you to customize your sleeping position, it is an ideal bed frame for sleepers who tend to struggle with sinusitis and other breathing problems. That’s because angling your head slightly over your stomach allows you to keep your airways naturally open.

This prevents snoring, which can be useful if you’re sleeping with a partner who is interrupted by this during their sleep. Prolonged or chronic snoring can also result in sleep apnea, which is disruptive to a peaceful night’s sleep. By sleeping with your head at an angle, you alleviate symptoms of common breathing conditions such as allergies, asthma, or just a blocked nose.

Sleepers with chronic pain conditions

One of the most common applications of zero gravity beds is to use when it comes to sleepers who struggle with chronic pain. Sleeping in a zero gravity position helps offset the pressure on your spine, even when compared to sleeping flat on your back.

For those who do have lower back pain or those with diagnosed conditions such as sciatica or a herniated disk, these positions can be especially useful in serving to offset any excess pressure. Most adjustable bed frames are engineered to be useful especially to sleepers who struggle with this kind of chronic pain, which makes them worth a try if you’ve been having trouble sleeping because of this.

Diabetic sleepers

Heavy-bodied sleepers, along with sleepers who experience high blood pressure or diabetes, might find themselves experiencing some swelling around their feet and ankles when they sleep on a regular, flat bed.

Not only does an adjustable bed frame ensure pressure is taken off the back, but the slightly elevated angle also ensures there’s superior circulation throughout the body, making it ideal for people who need to ensure there’s no unwanted build-up in their extremities.

Couples with different sleep positions

A split adjustable bed frame can be helpful if you share your bed with someone who has a distinctly different sleep position than you. For couples who have vastly different sleeping positions, split adjustable frames are an ideal way to stay comfortable without having to sleep on separate beds.

Split adjustable beds work by having two separate mattresses on a single adjustable bed frame that has two separate sets of controls, one for the left side of the bed, and one for the right. Instead of feeling like you’re sleeping on two separate beds altogether, these bed frames are a great choice for couples who want custom comfort while still sharing a single space.

What are the benefits of sleeping on adjustable beds?

For adjustable beds that are able to help you get into a zero gravity bed, there are a ton of benefits that come with sleeping in this position. Some of these include:

1. Better breathing

Adjustable beds allow you to keep your head elevated, which helps the airways in your body stay open. This has a positive effect on sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or even snoring, which are often caused by blocked or restricted passageways.

This can also be helpful if you have a milder issue, such as allergies, that prevents you from being able to get a good night’s sleep. If you do have allergies, be sure to invest in some hypoallergenic sheets as well to prevent yourself from the occasional sniffle.

2. Improved heart health & circulation

Investing in your heart health is important, not least because it determines so much of your adult life later on. In one study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University, experts found young adults who maintained optimal levels of cardiovascular health had greater brain volume in middle age.

Using your sleep position to stimulate blood circulation might not seem like an obvious solution when it comes to improving heart health. Despite this, evidence suggests the zero gravity position can actually allow the blood to pump more easily, ensuring better blood flow, as well as improved heart health.

3. Chronic pain management

If you deal with chronic pain, achy joints, or a bad back, one of the best ways to manage this is to ensure you’re sleeping in a zero gravity position. This particular bed position has been shown to be especially helpful to those who suffer from diagnosed conditions such as sciatica, or a herniated disk.

4. Minimizes swelling

When you have physical conditions that leave you predisposed to swelling, you might want to be particularly careful about the way you sleep. Laying flat on your back can actually work to exacerbate many of these symptoms.

When sleeping in an elevated bed position, either by using an adjustable bed or simply propping up your head with some pillows, you’re encouraging proper blood flow, thereby minimizing the risk of excess swelling.

5. Prevent heartburn and acid reflux

Your body benefits from staying propped at an angle, and sleeping in this way can help prevent unnecessarily uncomfortable acid reflux. This is because when you sleep at an angle, you prevent any stomach acid from moving back into your esophagus - resulting in more comfortable sleep.

Common features of adjustable beds

If you’ve decided to make the move to a zero gravity sleep position through the night, you’re probably thinking about investing in an adjustable bed. The best adjustable beds provide a wide range of features that make them a great addition to any bedroom.

For instance, the Puffy Adjustable Bed allows you to experience ultimate comfort control. Here are just some of the features you can expect from your new bed frame:

• Upper & Lower Body Adjustment: Many adjustable beds can be elevated so that the upper and lower body of your bed frame is mobile. This means you’re in full control of your sleep position, as well as your comfort through the night. You can customize your bed base to be in a sleep position that works for you.
• Range Of Motion: Depending on the type of adjustable bed you invest in, you’re going to find a wide range of motion that fits your needs. The upper bodies of these bed bases can be elevated as much as 80 degrees, while the lower body can move as much as 57 degrees if you need it to be.
• Dual Adjustments: For larger adjustable bed frames, split sizes also come with dual adjustment, which means you and your partner can sleep with different settings programmed into your bed base. If you and your partner have distinctly different sleep positions, this can be a great way to ensure both of you are comfortable throughout the night.
• Retention-System: Once you place your mattress on an adjustable bed frame, the best bed bases will also include some form of retention system that ensures your mattress is going to stay in place the whole time. This will keep your sleep steady and stable through the night.
• Massage Zones: Most adjustable bases will also come with inbuilt massage zones, so that you’re really able to wind down after a long day. With the Puffy Adjustable Base, massage zones come with 3-speed, dual-independent massage motors, allowing you to really hone in and customize your comfort.
• Universal Headboard Attachment: The Puffy Adjustable Base comes with a universal headboard mount, which you can customize to customize the style of your bed so that it still works with the rest of your bedroom decor.
• Dual USB Ports: Many adjustable beds also come with USB ports, which can be handy when you’re trying to charge your phone or any other device and don’t have a plug close enough to your nightstand. Not only is this super convenient, but it also means you don’t have to decorate your bedroom based on where any plug points might be.
• Adjustable Leg Height: If you require extra space for storage, then it’s important to have a higher sitting bed, and using the highest bed frame can help with this. Low profile beds, on the other hand, can be more helpful if spacious enough for a bed frame.

Depending on the features that are important to you, you can find a wide range of options on the market for adjustable beds. Generally, these bed frames start at about $900 dollars and can be as expensive as $1500 dollars depending on the size and model type you’re looking for.

Adjustable beds and safety

It’s important to do your due diligence before investing in a large appliance or device such as an adjustable bed frame. If you have young children or pets, it’s understandable why you might be apprehensive about using an adjustable bed frame. Most adjustable bed frames come with what’s known as ‘gravity release electronic motors’, which means that lowering of the bed happens very slowly, removing the risk of sudden, jerk movements, and ensuring there’s time for anything that’s below to get out of the way.

If you have kids or pets, your adjustable bed is going to be safe regardless of where they are in your bedroom. In the case of a power outage, it’s also worth noting that most adjustable beds are going to contain power outage protection that keeps the power from going off abruptly.

This is added insurance that you don’t have to worry about any sudden movements or safety hazards when investing in your new adjustable bed frame.

Can children use adjustable bed frames?

While it’s safe for sleepers of any age to use an adjustable bed frame, it will not provide as much satisfaction to toddlers or children. Since your child won’t reach the second half of the bed base, what’s likely to happen is their whole body will get lifted when trying to make adjustments.

Rather than having their back at an angle, sleeping on an adjustable bed frame can just prop your child up, making it a challenge for them to sleep comfortably.

The Puffy Adjustable Bed Frame

The Puffy Adjustable Bed Frame grants ultimate comfort control with just one click. Wireless remotes and one-click, Zero-G positioning make it super easy to get into the zero-gravity sleep position without having to fuss too much with the controls.

The Puffy Adjustable Base is also designed for the optimal amount of pressure relief, meaning you don’t have to worry about achy joints or a bad back for much longer. Dual massage zones add another layer of comfort and support to your sleep. With three-speed settings, you dictate the comfort you want.

Another feature of the Puffy Adjustable Base is its dual USB charging ports, which make it easy for you to keep your devices by your side. Whether you’re trying to read, work, or watch something on the TV, you can also prop your adjustable bed up with ease so that you can be in an upright position while you get on with your nightly routine.

FAQ's

Is it safe to sleep in a zero gravity sleep position?

Yes, it is safe to sleep in a zero gravity position. While there’s nothing wrong with sleeping on a regular, flat mattress, the zero gravity position ultimately puts less pressure on the back as well as other pressure points to help you avoid chronic discomfort.

Are zero gravity beds worth it?

If you suffer from chronic pain, tend to sleep on your back, or are looking for a piece of furniture in your space that is going to serve multiple functions, then investing in an adjustable base so you can have your own zero gravity bed might be worth it.

On the other hand, if you are a stomach sleeper, prefer minimal disruption before bedtime, and feel comfortable enough on a flatbed, then you might wish to reconsider investing in one.

Are zero gravity beds good for your back?

Since you spend eight to ten hours each night asleep, sleeping on a flatbed can result in the build-up of pressure, which can, in turn, result in chronic back pain. Zero gravity beds are going to help offset pressure across your body, including your back, resulting in a far more peaceful night’s sleep.

What does zero gravity on a bed mean?

The term ‘zero gravity bed’ can be confusing. What the zero gravity position actually means is setting an adjustable bed frame in such a way that your body is able to mimic the support and pressure-free feel, not dissimilar to how astronauts float in space.

This works because pressure is evenly spread throughout the body, all while keeping the spine neutral.

What are the benefits of zero gravity bed?

Sleeping on a zero gravity bed comes with many benefits, including less snoring, easier breathing, reduced heartburn, and acid reflux, as well as improved circulation and deeper sleep. There are many other benefits that come with keeping your bed position in this way, and it can be used for a number of issues you might be experiencing because of uncomfortable sleep.

How do I use my adjustable bed to get into the zero gravity position?

When using an adjustable bed for better sleep, it’s best to try lifting your upper body so that it stays at a 120-degree angle, along with your thighs. Proceed to angle your knees, so that they remain slightly bent, while remaining above heart level. This is going to help reduce pressure on your neck, back, shoulders, as well as your legs.