Correctly Adjusting the Slat Base?!

This is how the manual adjustment of a slat base works

There are different types of slat bases – this also determines how you can and should adjust the different zones of the slat base.

Variable sitting and lying position

In addition to non-adjustable models, you can choose from manually or electrically adjustable versions. For example, you can manually raise areas such as the foot or head sections. With an electric slat base, the whole thing can be adjusted from one level to another via remote control. Height-adjustable slat bases are particularly suitable for senior citizens, for example, as they make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. Would you also like to read a book comfortably as if you were sitting in an armchair or on a lounger at the beach? No problem with an adjustable slat base!

Variable firmness and adjustability 

In addition to the adjustability of the sitting and lying position, some models allow you to individually regulate the degree of firmness of the slat bases, so to speak. But how exactly do you make a slat base harder or softer? This works with the help of so-called adjustment sliders. Depending on where they are placed, they have a different effect on the individual slats. This allows the lying sensation to be adjusted to be harder or softer.

A distinction is made between O-sliders and T-sliders. These designations are based on the appearance of the sliders. O-sliders are usually made of plastic, enclose two slats of the slat base, one above the other, thus forming the shape of an O. T-sliders, on the other hand, which are also made of plastic, are located between two slats and are more reminiscent of the shape of the letter T. The firmness in the adjustable area of the slat base can be adapted, regardless of whether it is an O- or T-slider. The two types simply work in different ways on the slat base.

The further the O-sliders are located at the outer edge of the lying surface, the greater the pressure on the two connected slats. This way the slats lie closely together and create a firm lying sensation. If the adjustment sliders are closer together, pressure is reduced, and the slats can move more flexibly. Thus, the adjustment leads to the creation of a softer lying sensation.

With the T-sliders, it works the other way around: the further away from each other the sliders are located, the softer the slat base appears. That's because the adjacent slats can move more flexibly in this case. The further you push the T-sliders together in the middle, the harder the lying sensation becomes.

Do I have to adjust my slat base manually?

Is it necessary to adjust the slat base by hand? Most people are stumped by this question. There is also the question of how to adjust the slat base correctly. Move the slider outwards to the edge of the lying surface or to the middle? This uncertainty is precisely one of the reasons why you should think twice before you start moving each slat and each slider individually from one place to another. After all, we want to lie softly and sleep well at night!

If you want to adjust your slat base, your preferred sleeping position is crucial. You can adjust the slat base to suit your preferred lying position so that it provides additional support for certain zones and areas of the body. Other important aspects when adjusting the slat base are the firmness of the mattress and your body weight. Adjusting the slat base according to your weight can significantly improve your sleep. The higher the body weight, the firmer the slat base should be set so that the body is optimally supported. It is also important to consider whether you are sleeping alone in the bed or whether there is a partner at your side. Below, you will find a brief overview of the possible settings for your slat base so that you can adjust it perfectly to your needs.

Adjusting the slat base for back sleepers

The supine position is considered a very healthy sleeping position, as the spine can assume its usual S-shape and thus align itself naturally. In addition to relieving the intervertebral discs and thus stimulating the regeneration of the spine, sleeping on your back can prevent physical pain and tension. When adjusting the slat base, you should make sure that the back is well supported, while the pelvis can sink in a little. In this way, the natural S-shape of the spine is optimally supported. It is best to adjust the sliders in a V-shape, tapered from top to bottom. Important: Make sure that your pillow is not too high, otherwise it can cause neck pain.

Adjusting the slat base for side sleepers

The side sleeping position is also considered safe for health. One of the advantages of this sleeping position is that you can snuggle up to your pillow or your partner. In addition, lying on your side can help against both back pain and snoring. Unlike the supine position, however, there are a few things to keep in mind for people who sleep on their sides when adapting your slat base to the lateral position.

For an ergonomic posture, it is important that, in addition to the hips, especially the shoulders can sink in well. This keeps the spine straight and prevents back pain. The slat bases with bridge^® technology from Swissflex therefore have a pronounced shoulder zone. This area is particularly flexible to provide pleasant pressure relief - without the need for manual adjustment, because these models adapt automatically to your body and your lying position.

If you adjust your slat base manually, you can revert to the V-shape. This time, however, the V may be a bit more open, which means the sliders are closer to the edge of the slat base. You should also place the sliders on the top slats further into the middle so that the shoulder can sink in better. Once again, it is important that your head is not too high to prevent neck pain.

Adjusting the slat base for stomach sleepers

Do you often sleep on your stomach? Even though the prone position can help against snoring, it often has some disadvantages, which is why it is not necessarily one of the recommended sleeping positions. The natural S-shape is flattened, putting pressure on muscles and joints, which in turn can lead to back pain. This sleeping position is also not exactly gentle on the neck. Whether your face is in the pillow or turned to the side, it happens quickly that your head kinks off and the uncomfortable position causes neck pain..

You just can't get used to a different sleeping position? Then adjust your slat base as follows to relieve your body as much as possible. The sliders are arranged parallel in two rows, we recommend a little further to the middle, so that your body can sink in better on the lying surface and there is not too much pressure on the stomach and chest. Again, make sure the pillow is not too high so that your neck is relieved.

Quick tip: If you have a hollow back, we also have a suitable slat base setting for you here. It is important that the middle is well supported and that the lower back and spine do not sag. In other words, move the sliders outwards so that the bed feels firm. Your pelvis may sink in a bit, so you can choose a soft setting in this area. Finally, the sliders in the shoulder area are placed centrally between those of the pelvis and body center, thus creating a medium firm lying feeling.

Ultimately, the decision on how to adjust your slat base depends largely on whether you prefer a hard or soft surface when you sleep. Are you unsure which setting is best for you with so many different settings? Rather than making a random adjustment, ask an expert for advice or opt for a type of slat base that automatically adapts to the contours of your body.

Slat bases with automatic adjustment 

You want to enjoy individual comfort, but don’t want to adjust every single slat of your slat base by hand? Then Swissflex is the right choice for you! Swissflex slat bases with the innovative bridge^® technology automatically adapt to your body. The bridge^® technology enables a flexible suspension comfort that does not require manual adjustment. How does it work? The slats are connected to each other like a chain. This creates a smooth body fit that supports a comfortable position when lying down from head to toe, whether you're a stomach, side, or back sleeper.

What to pay attention to when buying slat bases 

Even the best mattress - whether firm or soft - won't give you the full comfort of truly restful sleep without the right slat base. So, remember that a slat base does not provide lifelong support as it did on day one. Therefore, when buying a new bed or mattress, it pays to look at the slat base. Is your slatted frame more than ten years old? Is one or the other slat already sagging? Before the slats finally give way, it's time for a new model!

It is best to buy a mattress and a slat base together, because then you can ideally match the lower and upper components of the bed. After all, what good is a hard mattress if your slat base is set rather soft, or vice versa? Expert advice is also always a good idea as well to find a suitable slat base. Weight, physique, and comfort requirements differ from person to person - and influence which slat base gives you the greatest sense of well-being and is therefore the right one for you.

One of the most important criteria when buying a slat base is not that the degree of firmness can be adjusted manually. More important is a high adaptability of the slats because this allows you to enjoy individual comfort - without having to adjust individual sliders yourself! Also pay attention to the quality of the slats, sliders, and the whole construction to enjoy your sleeping comfort for a long time. If you want even more comfort, a slat base with adjustable head and foot sections is also worth considering. Imagine stretching out in bed after a long day and putting your feet up or watching a movie from the comfort of your bed. Is there anything more relaxing? Probably not! 😊 Browse through the Swissflex product range and treat yourself to first-class sleep comfort!