Once seen mainly in medical settings, adjustable beds have become a lifestyle upgrade for those who’ve grown tired of sinking into poorly propped-up pillows and overly soft mattresses. However, there’s nothing luxurious about having a hospital bed at home. Advances in engineering and stylish designs have made adjustable beds more popular as stunning at-home solutions for quality sleep.
Today, adjustable beds are sought after not only for their novelty but for their proven ability to enhance health and well-being – the benefits of an adjustable bed include relieving pressure points, improving circulation, or simply making late-night reading more relaxing.
The current price landscape of adjustable beds (2025)
The cost of an adjustable bed in South Africa can vary depending on size, features, and what’s included. At the current prices (2025), buyers can generally expect:
- Entry-level adjustable bed frames (frame only)
Entry-level adjustable beds start from around R16,500 for a single bed, up to R26,000 for queen and king extra-length beds. These are basic, frame-only beds constructed in metal, offering basic head and foot adjustment functions. These simple bases are completely unfurnished, with the metal frame exposed. - Mid-range foundation-only models
Starting at around R40 000 for a single bed, mid-range adjustable beds begin to offer a smoother experience and higher weight capacities. Although these are still technically frame-only adjustable beds, they combine better build quality, typically stronger motors, and more comfort settings to deliver a longer lifespan and far superior performance. - Premium adjustable bed with luxury add-ons
This is what you really want to know, isn’t it? What is the cost of an adjustable bed in South Africa – one with all the bells and whistles? Starting at around R 25,000 for a single bed and reaching up to R60,000 to R64,000 for an extra-length king, a luxury adjustment bed is the ultimate investment in your sleep quality and overall wellbeing. A premium adjustable bed is usually beautifully upholstered and features advanced adjustments such as zero-gravity positioning, massage functions, and dual controls for larger sizes. The price of premium adjustable beds typically includes a high-quality foam mattress that conforms well to the contours of the bed as it adjusts.
While imported models or those with specialised engineering may cost more, there’s now a healthy range of options that balance quality and value in the South African market.
Six factors that influence the cost of adjustable beds
Naturally, the question is: what exactly drives this price difference? Understanding the factors behind the numbers will help you make a choice that fits your needs and your budget. Several key elements determine how much an adjustable bed will cost:
- Bed size and weight capacity
Larger sizes and higher weight limits often require stronger frames and motors. It should go without saying that ramping up the quality and endurance of materials and mechanics would also ramp up the price. - Mechanism precision
Precision engineering, premium materials, and certified components can add to cost but improve reliability. What this means is that more meticulously designed and manufactured motors will last longer and ensure a smoother experience than cheaper alternatives, which may be prone to becoming jerky and noisy over time. - Motor sophistication
Entry-level beds may have one or two preset positions, while higher-end models offer multiple memory settings, independent head and foot movement, and whisper-quiet operation. Queen- and king-size beds allow dual controls, which means that while you’re sitting up doom-scrolling late into the night, your partner can set their side of the bed to sleep position. - Mattress type
Whether the mattress is included, and whether it’s memory foam, latex, or hybrid, can affect the total cost of an adjustable bed considerably. Since you’re already making such a significant investment in your sleep, opting for a cheap, poor-quality mattress is like putting budget tyres on a luxury sports car – you won’t get the comfort, support, or lifespan you paid for. - Extra features
When it comes to an adjustable bed’s functionality, more features are likely to cost more. The features available vary from brand to brand, but they could include zero-gravity positioning, massage modes, USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, or wireless remotes. - Brand reputation and warranty
Established brands with solid warranties may cost more upfront, but they offer peace of mind and often save you money over time. The good news is that a proper warranty signals confidence in the product’s quality, and may be worth considering when you’re weighing up the total cost of an adjustable bed.
Hidden costs to watch for
So, you think you’ve found the perfect electric bed and you can’t wait to swipe that credit card and start counting sheep in style. Before you begin reorganising your budget, remember that the advertised price of the adjustable bed isn’t always the full and final cost. There are numerous add-ons to be prepared for:
- Delivery and installation
Some retailers include delivery and installation in their total cost. Still, some others charge an additional fee – especially when delivering to outlying areas or installing the bed up multiple flights of stairs. - Mattresses sold separately
Not all adjustable beds come with a mattress, especially those on a more entry-level tier. An adjustable bed works best when paired with a full-foam mattress designed to flex with the frame, support your body evenly, and maintain its shape over years of movement. Choosing the right quality mattress can increase the total cost of an adjustable bed significantly. - After-sales service and warranty coverage
Many adjustable beds come with a warranty, often 10 years or more, but the fine print matters. Warranties are often tiered: the first year or two may cover parts and labour in full, while later years may only cover parts or the frame. Here’s a quick warranty checklist to help you understand the real value of extended warranties, before you agree to buy them:- Length of coverage
Aim for 10 years or more. Premium models may offer as many as 20 to 25 years. - Tiered terms
Understand how long each tier lasts, how the warranty changes over time, and what warranty extension options are available. - Parts availability
Make sure the manufacturer still produces parts for your model, and find out how frequently models and parts are phased out. - What’s covered?
Confirm that the initial warranty includes motors, electronics, and the remote, not just the frame.
- Length of coverage
Finding the perfect adjustable bed at competitive pricing
It’s tempting to focus only on the initial price, but a well-built adjustable bed is a long-term investment. Fit for Bed’s Swissway adjustable beds are designed to provide comfortable and durable options for South African homes. German-engineered and TUV-approved, our adjustable beds are rigorously tested to meet strict safety and quality standards. Three meticulously designed options give you the choice of ergonomic support, each offering outstanding value for money:
- Adjustable comfort zones
Whether you opt for slats or disc pads, you’re able to adjust the tension on key comfort zones like hips and shoulders, allowing you to tailor your support to meet your needs. - Perfectly paired mattress choices
With Swissway, the cost of an adjustable bed includes a stunning full-foam mattress, perfectly paired to your new bed. Options include natural latex, Dunlop latex, dual comfort, or hybrid to suit personal preference and enhance motion compatibility. - Battery backup and electrosmog protection
Don’t let loadshedding keep you in an upright position all night long. Our smooth, silent motor operates on a backup battery, allowing you to lower the bed to a flat position in the event of a power outage. All electrical currents are cut when the bed is idle – for a healthier sleep environment. - Dual control for couples
Independent remotes and mattresses allow partners sharing a king-size bed to adjust their side without disturbing the other. - Custom upholstery and leg colours
Each Swissway adjustable bed is available with the affordable option of choosing an upholstered base in one of eight fabrics (30 colours) and four stunning leg colours, to personalise aesthetics to match your bedroom décor.
Is the cost of an adjustable bed worth it?
In 2025, South Africans can realistically expect the cost of an adjustable bed to lie anywhere from R20 000 for entry-level frames to R65 000 (and higher) for top-tier frame-and-mattress packages. The key to a smart purchase lies in understanding what’s behind the price tag, from engineering quality to warranty coverage.
Spending a little more on a well-designed electric bed can mean many years of better sleep, improved health, and daily comfort. If you’d like to understand the inner workings (and outer advantages) of a Swissway adjustable bed, pop into any of our stores or contact us directly.
