Living made easy

This section includes beds for use in a domestic setting by older and disabled people. They tend to be less bulky than hospital beds and do not look as clinical.

This includes electric adjustable beds, variable posture (profiling) beds, chair beds, adult cots, made to measure beds, turning beds, high and low beds and double 'combination' beds. Beds that are described as 'divan' have deep bases and sprung mattresses.

Help and advice

For information about choosing a standard, extra long or extra wide bed, contact the National Bed Federation (NBF). They will be able to send you factsheets on how to choose a bed and mattress. These are provided free of charge.

You may wish to read information on where to position your bed within a room.

All upholstered furniture that is intended for private use in a house needs to conform to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Within each standard there are several parts with tests of increasing severity. Check with suppliers which parts have been met.