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Jan 08, 2024

Best Mattresses For Adjustable Beds 2023

Adjustable beds have many virtues. People with mobility issues, those who snore or people who experience acid reflux can see big benefits from adding some tilt to their bed. Dr. Mara Vucich, D.O., a

Adjustable beds have many virtues. People with mobility issues, those who snore or people who experience acid reflux can see big benefits from adding some tilt to their bed. Dr. Mara Vucich, D.O., a physiatrist with The Maryland Spine Center at Mercy Medical Center, says adjustable beds can be particularly beneficial for those with back pain, but anyone can use one. In fact, a 2022 study found that adjustable beds improve both sleep quality and duration for healthy people too. However, finding the best adjustable bed is only half the story—you also need one of the best mattresses for adjustable beds to go with it.

The best mattresses for adjustable beds work seamlessly with adjustable bases to provide support.

You want to pair your adjustable base with a mattress designed to flex. Most mattresses in a box are compatible with adjustable bases, but there are a few additional things to take into consideration to get the most from your adjustable base. We deeply researched popular brands to find the best options. Our top pick, the Nectar Premier, is a gel-infused memory foam mattress that works beautifully on an adjustable base without sacrificing the support you need for a good night’s sleep. Read on for more top options with the excellent flexibility.

Nectar

Type: Memory foam | Trial: 365 nights | Key features: Cooling upgrades, motion isolation, pressure relief, lifetime warranty

The Nectar Premier is everything a great memory foam mattress should be. Dual-action cooling features combat heat retention, while Certipur-US certified foams minimize motion transfer and hug you closely to ease pressure point pain. The all-foam construction means the Nectar Premier flexes beautifully on an adjustable base, while 7 inches of base layer foam ensure structure and stability for long-term performance. The mattress also comes in a split king, a size that works particularly well on adjustable bases by ensuring personalized comfort on both sides of the bed.

It gets better—with the Nectar Adjustable Bundle, you can save on the Nectar Premier (or any of Nectar’s mattresses), the brand’s adjustable base and its best-selling bedding bundle, which includes sheets, pillows and a mattress protector.

What our editors say: Vetted sleep editor Lindsey Vickers tested a Nectar Premier mattress for several weeks. She found it to have a nice sink-in feel that’s ideal for cradling side and back sleepers.

Amazon

Type: Hybrid | Trial: None offered | Key features: Choice of heights, option to bundle with base, moisture wicking, odor reducing

This budget-friendly hybrid mattress is made with a layer of memory foam infused with bamboo charcoal. According to the brand, that helps wick moisture and resist odors for cooler, fresher nights. Under the foam, there’s a base of individually wrapped steel coils to provide edge support and help maintain comfortable spinal alignment. It also ensures flexibility so you get the most of your adjustable base.

Lucid’s mattress comes in a choice of heights, both of which are compatible on adjustable bases. The 10-inch mattress has a medium-firm feel that works well for back sleepers, while the 12-inch mattress has a plush feel that’s ideal for side sleepers. The mattress is available for purchase on its own or bundled with Lucid’s adjustable base.

What reviews say: There are thousands of reviews for the Lucid memory foam mattress, with an overall rating of 4.4 stars. Happy customers call it “an incredible mattress for the money” and “a dream come true.” Another reports that it works beautifully on their adjustable base, noting that the 12-inch mattress is an ideal height that still “lets the vibration of the massage motors of the bed bases come through.” Another customer writes, “Great product. It has helped with back and leg problems. Best of all it fits on my adjustable bed frame and moves when [my] head and feet are elevated or both at the same time.”

Saatva

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 365 nights | Key features: Choice of firmness, available in unique sizing, dual-coil design for cooler sleep

Saatva calls its Classic Mattress a luxury innerspring, thanks to its responsive feel and plush comfort layers. It’s brimming with upgraded features, from the cushioning Euro top to the patented Lumbar Zone technology, which promises healthy spinal alignment in any sleep position. Hybrid mattresses naturally promote better air circulation than foam options, and this one goes one step further with a dual-coil design that minimizes heat retention. The organic cotton cover is also naturally breathable.

The mattress comes in a choice of firmnesses and two heights, but only the 11.5-inch profile is compatible with adjustable bases. It’s available as a split king and a split California king, a size that can be difficult to find. Bonus—Saatva offers a small discount if you add one of the brand’s bases to your mattress purchase.

What our editors say: Vetted deals writer Jordan Thomas owns this mattress, and reports that it’s cooling, comfortable and supportive. “I’ve found it great for back pain,” she says. “And it provides great edge support.”

Nest

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 365 nights | Key features: Choice of firmness, internal split for dual firmness options, sustainable design

Adjustable bases are all about personalized comfort, and the same is true of the Nest Sparrow. The brand’s signature hybrid has a unique design that makes it possible to swap out the inner foam layer for the ideal firmness (and extend the lifespan of your mattress). In king and California king sizes, an optional internal split means both partners can customize the feel on their respective side.

The Sparrow is made with Energex foam, which the company describes as adaptive and responsive, with a memory foam-like feel but better breathability. A supportive coil layer adds additional flex to the mattress, making it well suited to adjustable bases.

What our editors say: Vickers says she has come to love this soft mattress: “I felt cuddled each night as I dozed off on it.”

Dreamcloud Sleep

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 365 nights | Key features: Breathable design, Certipur-US certified foams, lifetime warranty

This luxury hybrid mattress combines layers of memory foam with coils for pressure relief, support and a medium-firm feel that’s more on the firmer side. A breathable cashmere blend cover, cooling gel memory foam and innersprings all promote airflow to disperse heat. While the uppermost layers are gently contouring, there’s plenty of pushback support. That’s thanks to individually wrapped coils, which move independently for targeted support and flex well to accommodate the movement of an adjustable base.

At 14 inches, this mattress is on the tall side. The brand confirms that it’s compatible with adjustable bases, but it’s worth keeping the overall height of both mattress and base in mind before you buy.

What reviews say: The Dreamcloud Hybrid is very well reviewed, with one exceptionally happy customer calling it “an absolute game changer.” Another writes, “I am very happy with my purchase of the Dreamcloud premium hybrid mattress and adjustable bed frame. No more restless nights, joint pain is decreasing with each passing day, and I am waking up rested every morning.”

Tempur-Pedic

Type: Memory foam | Trial: 90 nights | Key features: Pressure relief, choice of construction, free white glove delivery, available in unique sizing

The Tempur-Adapt from Tempur-Pedic is a memory foam mattress with an optional hybrid upgrade. Both versions make for an 11-inch mattress that is designed for adjustable base compatibility, and both have the impressive pressure relief and motion isolation for which memory foam is known. That makes it a great pick for anyone looking to relieve back pain and couples who regularly disturb each other when they roll over in the night. The brand’s proprietary Tempur Material responds to pressure and temperature for support all night.

Like Saatva, Tempur-Pedic offers its mattresses in a split California king, which is a nice option.

What reviews say: Happy customers call the mattress comfortable and supportive, and many give it credit for minimizing or even resolving back pain. One customer writes, “My wife and I selected the split king along with the adjustable frame and massage feature. I no longer wake up with lower back pain and am getting a restful night’s sleep.” Another, who explains she “thought long and hard about this buying bed because the price was steep,” encourages those on the fence to go for it. “Totally worth it. I was having problems sleeping and neck problems. Both issues have improved since buying my new bed. I also wrestled with whether or not to buy the adjustable base. Let me tell you, just buy it.”

Saatva

Type: Air mattress | Trial: 365 nights | Key features: Adjustable firmness with 50 options, cooling upgrades, pressure relief, unique sizes available, lifetime warranty

The Saatva Solaire incorporates sophisticated air chamber technology that gives sleepers complete control over how the mattress feels on any given night. Fifty customizable firmness settings pair with pressure-relieving comfort layers featuring materials like gel-infused memory foam and latex, along with a naturally breathable organic cotton cover.

This 13-inch mattress comes in what the brand calls “upper-flex” for queen and king sizes. That means the head of the mattress moves independently on both sides. For full control over the head and foot of the mattress on either side, Saatva has a split option on king and California king mattresses. These options pair exclusively with Saatva’s adjustable bases, which is worth keeping in mind.

What reviews say: “The adjustable split queen mattress is terrific. Being able to adjust the firmness as well as the individual head height are wonderful features,” says one happy customer. Another writes, “This is luxury comfort that doesn’t feel like an air bed, except we can independently adjust the firmness. It works perfectly on the adjustable base.”

Purple

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 100 nights | Key features: Choice of firmness, hypoallergenic materials, temperature neutral

In the Restore Premier Mattress, Purple paired its proprietary Gelflex Grid with comfort foam and a layer of independently responsive coils. It makes for a hypoallergenic, non-toxic mattress that stays temperature neutral, responds instantly to movements and eases pressure point pain with superior support. The combination of materials, and particularly the Gelflex Grid, have the necessary flexibility to bend nicely with adjustable bases. Plus, this 13-inch mattress comes with the choice of a firm or soft feel to suit different sleep positions.

Purple offers a hefty discount when you pair the Restore Premier with its smart base. One note—it’s available in queen, king and California king sizes only.

What reviews say: The Restore Premier is a resounding hit with customers. One calls it a “top tier mattress” and writes, “Finally committed to getting a Purple mattress and we are not disappointed. I’ve had zero back pain since using the mattress and the adjustable bed frame is absolutely a must-have.” Another, who has been sleeping on the mattress and adjustable base for a few months, writes, “I just thought that poor sleep was just a by-product of being middle aged. Since sleeping on my Purple, I fall asleep naturally, stay asleep longer [and] sleep cool.”

Saatva

Type: Latex | Trial: 365 nights | Key features: Flippable design, choice of firmness, temperature neutral, lifetime warranty

With its flippable design, the Zenhaven latex mattress gives sleepers a choice of Luxury Plush or Gentle Firm feels. The zoned latex layer has all the hallmarks of this material, including a gentle buoyancy, impressive durability and excellent support and pressure relief. It also flexes well so you can enjoy all the positions of your adjustable base. Latex is temperature neutral, and Saatva takes it one step further with perforations for even better breathability.

The Zenhaven is available in a split king. Saatva offers a $100 savings if you add an adjustable base to your mattress purchase.

What reviews say: Fans of the Zenhaven call it the “best mattress ever.” One writes, “Got the Zenhaven Split King with adjustable base two years ago. Best investment I ever made. Whatever you do, invest in this and you won't feel like you've been hit by a truck in the morning.” Another says their back has never been happier and adds, “Using an adjustable platform only enhances the mattress. I swear you do feel like you're floating in certain positions.”

To inform our search, we interviewed health experts about what features are most important to consider when shopping for mattresses for adjustable bases. Then to compile this list, we started with our tried-and-true mattress favorites, all of which are based on extensive testing and the cumulative knowledge of the Forbes Vetted sleep team. We drilled down to find mattresses with the flexibility to really shine.

We also made sure to include a range of materials and features to suit individual budgets, preferences and sleep styles.

Our team has deeply researched sleep products, with decades of combined experience reporting on, testing and writing about everything from mattresses to pillows to bases. We also interview medical professionals and industry experts for relevant insights. We’re always fine-tuning and regularly update our recommendations to ensure you’re getting the most accurate information possible.

Shopping for a mattress that will enhance all the features of an adjustable base means keeping a few extra considerations in mind. Here are the things you’ll want to consider.

Mattresses made with memory foam and latex, as well as some hybrids, tend to work well on an adjustable base. Memory foam layers flex well as the base inclines, so you can maximize the benefits of different positions. Latex, meanwhile, is naturally flexible, so it has the same ability to curve with a base. Hybrid mattresses that include individually-wrapped coils also respond well to the movement of adjustable bases.

However, long-term performance should also be a consideration when you’re buying a mattress for an adjustable base. Since mattresses are generally engineered to lay flat, those made with inferior materials may degrade faster as they’re moved up and down. Prioritizing high-quality materials and reputable brands is the best way to ensure your mattress will last a long time.

Be mindful of mattress height. A too-tall mattress won’t have the flexibility to bend properly with a base, causing it to “float” instead of curve—largely negating the benefits. There’s no hard rule, but mattress companies generally advise a height of no more than 13 inches. If you’re considering a mattress that’s not on this list, make a point of checking with the manufacturer before purchasing to ensure a particular mattress is compatible with an adjustable base.

Some adjustable bases consist of a single frame that allows for foot or head tilting (or both). Others are split, either at the top or down the entire base, for independent control on both sides of the bed. To ensure you can maximize this feature to its fullest, it’s important to find the right mattress.

A split king mattress is really just two twin XLs, which allows for personalized comfort and adjustability on both sides. It also cuts down on motion transfer. However, the crevice between the mattresses can make cuddling in bed a challenge, and you may feel like you have double the work when you change the sheets. Split king mattresses with adjustable bases are also expensive.

A split upper (also known as a split head) is a regular king mattress with a split that only extends down the mattress about halfway, allowing for adjustment at the head of the mattress only. That limits the amount of personalized adjusting you can do and means you’ll need to find a base to match.

No matter what kind of base you have, the true test of a mattress is sleeping on it. Look for brands that offer reasonable sleep trial periods so you have plenty of time to put your mattress to the test. That’s the best way of ensuring you not only sleep comfortably, but that you can also make the most of your adjustable base.

As for warranties, they shouldn’t be considered as a make-or-break factor. Still, it’s helpful to be aware of what a company offers in terms of coverage, so check the fine print before making a purchase.

Christine Prizina, a physical therapist with St. Mary’s Home Care in Reno, enthusiastically endorses adjustable bases. “Lying flat on your back flat increases tension in your muscles and joints,” she says. “Because the adjustable base allows you to raise your upper body and legs, it can help you find a sleep position that helps decrease pain and tension.”

But it’s not just those with back pain who benefit. “Adjustable bases also help maintain the natural curve in your spine, which helps decrease symptoms such as numbness and tingling,” she says. Some bases have a zero gravity setting, which helps distribute the weight more evenly to decrease back pain and even promote better circulation. That also benefits people who experience lower extremity swelling. “Elevating the feet above the heart can help increase circulation to minimize that fluid retention,” says Prizina.

She points to other groups who may benefit, including people with mobility issues relating to advanced age or injury, as well as those looking to relieve acid reflux or even plain old congestion. “As you lay flat, stomach acid can make its way up to the esophagus and that causes the heartburn feeling. Elevating the top of the mattress can help prevent that acid from backing up.”

What if you’re one of the lucky few without these health concerns? Prizina recommends adjustable bases across the board. “At the very least, it makes for a more comfortable way to read or watch television,” she says. One caveat—she says that adjustable bases are likely not the best choice for stomach sleepers, but points out that it’s not the healthiest sleep position to begin with. Back and side sleepers, however, should benefit from an adjustable base’s ability to support the spine’s natural curve. “It’s the easiest way to find a more comfortable position faster, without fidgeting with pillow placement,” Prizina says.

Memory foam, latex and some hybrid mattresses tend to be great options for adjustable beds since they have the necessary flexibility to curve with the base. The key is choosing a mattress that’s made with high-quality materials to ensure long-term support and durability. Be mindful of mattress height too—a mattress that’s too tall won’t be able to flex properly. Make sure to double check for compatibility before purchasing.

In short, yes. While there is no definitive standard for mattress thickness on adjustable bases, be wary of going too tall. Most mattress companies advise a mattress height no taller than about 13 inches, though that’s not a hard and fast rule. A mattress that’s too thick won’t flex as much and limits how effectively it can move on the base.

There’s no single best or healthiest way to sleep on an adjustable bed, since individual needs and comfort preferences vary. The idea of an adjustable bed, after all, is personalizing it to suit you. However, making adjustments to the top and bottom sections of your bed to align the spine can help relieve pressure on the hips, as well as the shoulders and neck. “Sleeping on your back with your head elevated and the knees slightly bent helps decrease tension and pressure on the low back. That’s probably the best,” says Prizina. “Side sleeping can be a good position too, since it helps maintain the natural curve of the spine.”

A popular setting is the zero gravity position, in which the head is raised slightly and the knees have a slight bend with legs raised above the level of the heart. It’s a neutral body posture that may contribute to a more comfortable night’s sleep.