History of Adjustable Beds
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There is historical evidence to suggest that medical beds date to the 16th century and may have even had adjustable forms, although rudimentary. However, when discussing the history of the modern adjustable bed, Dr. Willis D. Gatch (1878-1954) gets credit for the invention.
Gatch, who was chair of the Department of Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, invented what came to be known as the “Gatch Bed.” The bed was able to adjust elevation on three divided sub-sections.
Many innovations have occurred since the “Gatch Bed” came on the scene. Throughout their history, adjustable beds have been known for their therapeutic qualities. Long before they were available on the retail market, adjustable Beds had a strong following among hospitals around the world.
You would be hard pressed to go to any hospital in the world and not find it populated by adjustable beds preferred for their ability to be moved and cleaned easily in addition to their ability to provide comfort and relief to patients, particularly those bedridden for extended periods of time.
After many years of hospital use, the medical community recognized the adjustable bed’s promise in home settings when a patient is well-enough to the leave the hospital but perhaps still in need of a therapeutic bed. Of course, not everyone would be pleased with a bulky hospital bed in their home setting and the market responded.
A few companies first began to design and manufacture beds that combined the therapeutic value of a hospital bed with the aesthetic qualities of a traditional flat mattress. As these models became more popular among consumers more companies began to develop products. Now, the market has expanded to a point where users have tremendous choice in quality and function when considering an adjustable bed for home use.
