There are so many benefits that come along with an adjustable frame. Personally, since I started using an adjustable base, I’ve noticed improvement in my sleeping experience. Additionally, since I can adjust the position of the bed, it’s now easier to watch tv from my room without getting neck and back aches.

According to a Grand View Research report, the global adjustable bases and mattress market by 2021 was valued at around $6.24 billion. This shows that adjustable beds are rapidly increasing in popularity and demand, as more consumers opt to use these products to enhance their sleep experience and overall well-being. 

However, for you to enjoy the benefits of an adjustable base, you’ll need to pair it with the right mattress.

What Type of Mattress Works Best on an Adjustable Bed Frame?

Short Answer: the best mattress for adjustable beds are memory foam mattresses, or memory foam hybrid mattresses. They’re flexible enough to match the movement of the base, however, always make sure a mattress is branded ‘good with adjustable frames’.

As usual, we carry out a 2-stage review process where we shortlist several mattress options according to claims made by their manufacturers and brands. In this case, we reviewed over 7 mattresses that manufacturers claimed to be compatible with adjustable beds and reviewed them in descending order. These mattresses also have positive reviews from recent buyers, so you won’t only be counting on our team’s opinion.

The best mattress for an adjustable bed is the GhostBed Luxe, and even better, get their adjustable base combo. This bundle is the best deal we could find, and it comes with an industry leading warranty and custom design features.

Let’s explore all 7 mattress options below.

Luckily when it comes to finding the best adjustable bed or adjustable base, you have a lot of options as far as types and materials. Based on your personal preferences and sleeping style, you can decide which one will be most suitable for you. However, keep in mind that not all mattresses can work with an adjustable bed. Always check with the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure you settle for a mattress that can pair with an adjustable bed. When you’re shopping for a mattress for an adjustable bed online, you want to make sure it has a decent sleep trial period, and at least a 5 year warranty.

Latex Mattresses & Adjustable Bed Bases

Made from natural or synthetic latex, latex mattresses are quite similar to gel infused memory foam in terms of feel, although they are a bit bouncy. However, it’s more durable and can be a more eco-friendly alternative, if you choose natural latex.

If you do end up choosing latex it will be much more sturdy and long-lasting than synthetic. Latex is also great for pressure relief. If you sleep hot, you’ll be glad to know that latex itself is cooler than a memory foam mattress and offers the same, and sometimes better pressure relief.

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Memory Foam Mattresses & Adjustable Bed Bases

The best memory foam mattress is known for conforming to your body’s shape and relieving pressure. Your body will sink into the gel infused memory foam for supported sleep. This material is used in foam layers of different densities to create a softer or medium firm to firm feel.

Innerspring Mattresses & Adjustable Bed Bases

An innerspring mattress is a more traditional style of mattress that’s constructed of innerspring coils and a pillow top surface. These mattresses are known to relive more pressure points due to the individually wrapped coils. These types of innerspring mattresses go well with any bed base and adjustable mattress. However, when you’re looking for the best innerspring mattress for a split adjustable bed, generally a foam or hybrid is best.

Hybrid Mattresses & Adjustable Bed Bases

The best hybrid mattresses for adjustable beds are generally hybrids. A hybrid bed is built using a combination of material and can be used with just about any bed base and mattress for an adjustable bed frame. Typically a combination of pocketed coils and foam or latex. People like that they can get the bounce of the pocketed coils and the supportive conforming of the latex or foam.

Factors to Consider When Buying Adjustable Mattresses

It’s important to know what to look for in the best mattress for adjustable beds. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for an adjustable mattress.

1. Thickness

When we’re talking about an adjustable base or adjustable beds, you don’t want the mattress to be too thick. On the other hand, you don’t want to compromise comfort for a thinner mattress. Look for a mattress thickness between 8 to 12”, with pocketed coils – this will be just the right amount of support and pressure relief and thin enough to still be adjusted. The best mattress for an adjustable bed is somewhere in the mid-range of thickness and offers comfort and support.

2. Size & Feel

The measurements on adjustable beds can vary slightly compared to normal bed frames. Be sure that the medium firm mattress you choose will fit the adjustable frame properly. It’s a real pain to have to return or exchange your twin xl or California King mattress, especially one that has support and comfort properties you like.

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3. Durability of the Adjustable Mattress

Adjustable beds have become a fan favorite, a lot more than the traditional platform bed. However, adjustable beds need to maintain their comfort level. Because of this, adjustable beds need a mattress that is built with high quality, durable materials that will be able to withstand the bending and pressure. You must ensure that the mattress can remain completely flush with the base even when the head or foot of the bed is completely raised. Go for a mattress that has at least a 10-year warranty, and is specifically made for an adjustable bed. The best mattress for adjustable beds should also have a weight limit stated…if not, inquire from the brand to ensure a better night’s sleep.

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4. Sleep Trial and Warranty

Buying a mattress separately from the frame online can be scary, especially one for an adjustable bed frame. When you go with a company that gives an aggressive sleep trial period and at least a 5 year warranty, you can literally rest easy knowing your comfort is protected. Not all lower quality adjustable mattresses will offer a sleep trial, or the sleep trial period may be voided by simply removing the mattress tag. Most mattresses that come with a good warranty should give you peace of mind.

When shopping for a mattress, look for at least a 5 year warranty, but also be aware that a 10 year warranty is the industry standard. Anyone willing to have a 10 year warranty stands behind their products. Those who don’t offer a warranty, or have a short warranty should be approached with caution, because they probably aren’t using premium materials.

When it comes to industry standards for the amount of night sleep trial period you should be looking for, most give a 365 night sleep trial period of less. Anything under a 20 night sleep trial should make you wary. Some lower quality mattresses don’t want to give a long night sleep trial period because they know their mattresses don’t hold up as well over time. 

5. Your Sleeping Position

Sleeping positions play a huge role in picking out the ideal adjustable mattress for you, emphasis on adjustable beds. Many sleepers who prefer using adjustable beds for reasons such as managing acid reflux, will often sleep on their back. The elevated head gives them adequate support and prevents back pain, while enhancing blood circulation. This means that most adjustable mattresses will be ideal for back sleepers. However, some users of the adjustable bed, like myself, are side sleepers.

I bought a mattress that’s ideal for my sleeping position but that’s also compatible with adjustable beds. Additionally, you should consider how often you use the adjustable feature of your bed so you know if the materials will take more wear and tear over time. Personally, I use the adjustable feature only when my acid reflux is acting up; otherwise, I’m okay sleeping in a flat position. Adjustable bases tend to reduce the life span of lower quality mattresses due to the excessive stretching and compressing of the mattress unlike a normal bed frames. Therefore, as mentioned before, take note of the durability and warranty before making a purchase. 

Side sleepers generally like a softer mattress, whereas back sleepers tend to like one that’s a little more firm. Please note that we don’t recommend stomach sleeping on an adjustable mattress. This sleeping position can be catastrophic to your spine, neck and back. If possible, when the adjustable feature is on, sleep on your back, unless a licensed physician suggests otherwise.

If you have acid reflux issues, try not to sleep immediately after having a meal. Sit upright on your couch or your bed for more than an hour and watch tv or read a book. This upright position will provide relief and help you sleep better. An adjustable mattress can be used to ease your body while you’re digesting and trying to get ready for bed.

Overall, you’re looking for comfort and support, and your sleeping position determines if a memory foam bed, hybrid mattress, or latex mattresses are the right choice.

6. Motion Isolation

Motion transfer is when the movement exerted on one side of the bed is experienced on the other side. This concept only applies to couples or people who sleep as two, whether with someone else or with a pet. Moving on adjustable beds is generally a harder task due to the positioning of the mattress and base. However, adjustable bases make getting in and out of bed very easy to do while using minimal effort. Because of this and the minor sleeping movements being fairly doable, you’ll need a mattress that isolates motion. 

My partner and I bought a split king adjustable bed and two twin mattresses. This helps fully isolate motion when one of us turns or gets out of bed. In case this option is hefty for you, test out the motion transfer levels in other mattress types to see which one works best. Our reviewed mattresses above all have commendable motion isolation.

7. Firmness Level

The best mattress for adjustable beds doesn’t necessarily have one type of firmness. This misconception has people buying the wrong mattress and paying for it later with body pains that could have been avoided.

There are mainly 4 different mattress firmness levels known in the industry; soft/plush, medium firm, firm and extra firm. Other brands may opt to categorize them further, but these are the main ones.

Disclaimer: Many people think that thicker mattresses are firm; this isn’t true. Mattress thickness or height has nothing to do with its firmness level.

Generally, the right firmness level for you, depends on your body weight.

Light sleepers should go for soft or medium firm adjustable mattresses, while heavy sleepers should go for firm or extra firm beds. If a light person sleeps on a firm bed, it’ll feel like sleeping on a rock and can easily acquire back pain. Vice versa is also true. Are you unable to tell the ideal mattress for your body weight? Leave a comment below and we will advise you to our best.

Quick tip: when reading reviews from other sleepers, no matter how good the rating, read to see if the reviewer mentions their body type or weight. This will help you know who the mattress is ideal for.

8. Edge Support

How easy is it to sleep close to your bed’s edge or sit on the side of your bed? That’s what edge support is all about. At the SleepShop Inc., we love a mattress with good edge support. Especially when using adjustable bases, it’s easy to fall over if you sleep close to the end of the bed. Now we don’t want that, do we?

When buying a mattress for adjustable bed frame in a store, it’s easy to test it out, but online, you’ll have to rely on several things including the info provided by the mattress brand, reviewers and testing the mattress out during your sleep trial. Many hybrid mattresses with wrapped coil system and zoned support will often provide remarkable edge support. If you prefer all foam mattresses, don’t worry, there are good options too.

The Difference Between Mattress For Adjustable Beds and Hospital Beds

A residential adjustable mattress base and an adjustable bed base for hospitals are similar, but they aren’t the same thing. Hospital beds are normally 6 inches of high density foam topped with a thick rubbery outer layer that can stand up to being aggressively cleaned and sanitized, but offer less support. Most hospital beds, including the twin xl, also rise up and down to help nurses be able to access patients, and customize the bed height for general safety.

Most mattresses on these types of beds are designed for utility and meeting the standards of patient comfort. These mattresses aren’t designed for luxury, or extraordinary comfort. They are likely not made of premium materials such as latex foam but they definitely offer support to your back and provide excellent pressure relief.

Health Benefits of an Adjustable Bed 

With complete customization at your fingertips, adjustable beds can help with a wide variety of health issues. Below are 5 common conditions that adjustable beds can provide relief: 

Stuffy nose

When you adjust your position or bedding during the night, you disturb allergens that can inflame your nasal passages, making it harder to breathe. This explains why nasal congestion often worsens while you sleep.

Sleeping flat on your back can easily cause mucus to accumulate in your throat and nasal passage. This can, in turn, make it quite hard to breathe easily at night. Elevating your head and upper body slightly on an adjustable bed can promote drainage and keep your sinuses clear for a more restful sleep.  

Acid reflux and heartburn

Adjustable beds provide a perfect angle of elevation, which can be really helpful for sleepers with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and other acid reflux conditions. Sleeping with the bed’s head raised or partially elevated prevents stomach acids from flowing back up your esophagus. It also helps minimize the pressure on your stomach, which further reduces the risk of acid reflux and heartburn. 

Circulation issues or leg swelling 

Adjustable beds allow you to adjust your legs above the heart level, which enhances better blood circulation throughout the body. This can help minimize fluid and blood build-up around your feet, which often cause edema (swelling), especially in sleepers with circulation issues. 

Lower back pain

Sleeping on an adjustable bed allows you to elevate your feet, which can help alleviate the pressure on your spine and lower back. This also promotes proper spinal alignment, minimizing muscle strain and discomfort. Moreover, a slight lower body incline can help distribute your weight evenly, reducing painful pressure points on the back. 

Breathing issues & snoring 

Snoring usually occurs when your tongue and soft tissues obstruct the airway, which commonly happens when sleeping flat on the back. Sleeping with your head elevated opens the airway by minimizing the pressure on your chest cavity and nasal passages. This enables the air to move more freely, reducing any vibrations that may occur due to obstruction.  

Keep in mind that sleeping on an adjustable bed isn’t a treatment solution, it’s only a sleep solution. So, if you have the above-mentioned issues, you should visit a doctor for medical advice.

Conclusion

There are so many great mattress types out there when it comes to choosing a mattress for adjustable beds. The best adjustable bed for you will depend on your personal preferences and sleeping habits, but knowing what to look for is a great step to picking the perfect one. If you’re in the market for a mattress for your adjustable bed and none of these types seem to fit, let us know in the comments section below and we can help you find the perfect mattress for your adjustable bed.