How to Measure Bed Height

This method of measuring the correct height of an electric adjustable bed, known as the “Pivot Point”, was introduced by Laybrook by working closely with occupational therapists whilst doing assessments with clients.

An adjustable bed assessor measuring a client's pivot point

This is a simple measurement but one of the most important dimensions to check to ensure getting in and out of bed is as easy as possible. If you have a medical condition you may find it easy today but we find, especially with older customers, that as their bodies change they find it more difficult to get in or out of bed.

Measure twice and buy your bed ONCE.

How to measure

A woman in a chair measuring her own pivot point

The person who the bed is for (if there are two people, measure the person with the ailments) needs to sit on the side of the bed or a chair without shoes or slippers on. Measure from the floor to the TOP of the knee and note this.

The Pivot Point measurement will depend on the type of mattress chosen, the weight of the person and how they would like the feel of the mattress.

The principle behind this is that if your hips are slightly higher than your knees it is much easier to stand up from the bed. If however it is too high it may be difficult to get your legs up onto the bed — maybe not now, but in the future, especially if the person develops arthritis, oedema (swollen ankles) or hip problems. Why take a chance, you may as well do it right ONCE.

People have different leg lengths even if they are similar heights.
People shrink as they get older, normally because their back compresses, sometimes up to 4 or 5 inches. Legs generally stay the same length.