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Dream maker, bank breaker By Rina Rozenberg In all fairness, I must warn readers that a visit to an adjustable bed store can leave you frustrated. That is, once you realize you can't afford to buy one and are forced to go home to lie in your own "regular" bed. Although some people view adjustable beds as a medical necessity, such beds are usually purchased for the sake of comfort. Dr. Karlin Daniel, an orthopedist with Clalit Health Services, says that from a medical standpoint, very few people really need adjustable beds (people with limited mobility or who suffer from joint or blood circulation disorders). But for those who do not need an adjustable bed because of health reasons, the bed mainly serves as a source of much-needed comfort. About 80% of all beds sold in Israel are flat, while the other 20% are adjustable. Advertisement "The average luxury adjustable bed customer comes from the upper two deciles of the socioeconomic ladder," says Avi Barssessat, CEO of the Hollandia chain of sleep-system stores. "Up until about 10 years ago my customers were 55 or older, now they start at 35, both because people are getting rich younger, and thanks to a greater awareness of quality of life." Barssessat notes that bed sales increase in winter, as people spend more time in the bedroom during the cold season. Tomer Ben, marketing manager for Aeroflex sleeping solution stores, says his customers are middle class and upward. Still he notes that since there are always special offers and convenient payment terms, any working couple can afford to buy an adjustable bed. Salespeople at stores that market adjustable beds claim that the economic downturn has not affected sales. Even though companies marketing luxury products are admitting times are tough, Barssessat insists there are still enough people who can afford to indulge in luxury items and who will not scrimp on a comfortable adjustable bed, even one that costs tens of thousands of shekels. Ben also says that sales now are the same as before the economic crisis, and if there are special offers on specific beds, this is due to end-of-year sales and is unrelated to the economic climate. If you have decided you deserve a better sleeping experience, there are a few things you should know about buying an adjustable bed, especially since they cost so much. The sleep-system industry does not follow the seasonal price fluctuations of the rest of the furniture sector, so there is no point in waiting for a certain time of year when prices will be lower. You will always be able to find some bed or other on special. Some of the chain stores have end-of-year sales, while others do not. The price range is also very wide, and the difference between one bed and another can be in the tens of thousands of shekels. Ben says that there is usually a reason for such a price gap. "The more expensive beds are a much better product that lasts longer," says Ben. "The technology is more advanced, the materials are sturdier, and some beds have a built-in massage system." "A more expensive bed might have leather upholstery, bedside drawers and a more exclusive design," explains Orna Gilad, a store manager for Aminach. "A bed's quality is measured by the type of materials used, their finishing, the strength of the bed and the motor, and the durability of the materials." Even though it is impossible to talk about a bed without mentioning the mattress, this component can easily be switched from one bed to the next. In certain cases, you might even be able to use the mattresses you already have on your regular beds at home, if they are flexible enough for an adjustable bed, and thus save money. If you don't want to part with your bed frame, some stores will agree to come to your home and install an adjustable bed mechanism. The first thing to do when considering a bed purchase is to simply to lie down on it and see if it is ergonomically suitable. When you raise or lower the bed, for example, do you feel pressure on your lower back or shoulders? Check the adjustment angles too, and make sure the joints in the base are compatible with your body. Beds at Hollandia, for example, have an additional joint in the neck area, which is not a feature at most other companies, and provides more head support. Barssessat explains that when the upper part of some beds is raised, the head sticks out and does not have proper support. The base of the adjustable bed supports the mattress, and must include special comfort zones for the neck and lower back to properly respond to one's body movements. This surface is made of a flexible polymer that does not respond the way wood does. Make sure that the area that will be under your shoulders is flexible, particularly if you sleep on your side, because if the surface is not flexible enough, all the pressure from your weight will be on your shoulders. The lower back region of the mattress base should also be more flexible. If you raise the mattress to a 90-degree angle, you will see all the parts that make it move. The more parts there are, the more trouble they can cause. The mechanism should consist of as few parts as possible. When you lift the mattress, you should see a smooth surface. The cheaper beds have exposed elastic belts and bits of metal and plastic, increasing the chances that something can go wrong with one of them. Adjustable bed experts recommend that the entire system be made of steel, which makes the bed much stronger. The bearings that move during the bed's operation should be made of aculon (industrial nylon), which prevents friction between the metal parts. Aculon is highly durable, such that the mechanism can work quietly and smoothly for years, without being oiled or lubricated. Make sure aculon has been used for all the bearings that move when the bed is being adjusted. If any other material is used, friction and noises could develop over the years. Never take safety lightly. If your hands do not rest while you sleep, and might wander under the bed, make sure there is a safety mechanism to stop the bed from slamming down on them. Check what kind of safety mechanism the bed has, and whether it stops automatically if it detects a foreign body (a pet or crawling baby, for example), or whether the mechanism will only work if there is also the pressure from a person's body to make the bed go down. Most beds are easy to control. When you are at a store, check if the buttons are big enough for you to activate even in the dark, while half asleep. A control box connected to the bed with a cable is better than a remote control, as a wired control cannot get lost and does not need batteries. Check how much noise the bed makes. Before you order a bed, press your ear against it and listen for the motor. Although the acoustics and the general noise level in the store are different than in your bedroom, don't skip this noise test, as a loud motor could ruin your whole sleep experience. Since an adjustable bed is a mechanical device operated by a motor, things can break down and a warranty is essential. Read all the sub-paragraphs, too, and check the warranty period for the various parts. The motor, adjustment mechanism, control panel and the base of the bed should be guaranteed for five-10 years. Bookmark to del.icio.us   A "gesture of dignity" Israeli envoy to Venezuela departs after being expelled by Chavez over Gaza op A voodoo initiative Voodoo priests in Benin pray for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

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