If you struggle to get comfortable at night, an adjustable bed could be the answer. Adjustable bed frames allow you to find your ideal sleeping position simply by elevating certain parts of your body. They have many benefits, from alleviating health issues to reducing snoring, and can even make watching TV from your bed more comfortable.
But if you have the perfect mattress and want to upgrade to an adjustable bed, it might not be as simple as simply switching to a new bed frame. That's because not all mattresses have the curve and flex an adjustable bed base requires, including some of this year's best mattresses for all sleepers. And if the bed can't bend, your adjustable bed base becomes just another platform frame.
This guide will walk you through the benefits of upgrading to an adjustable bed and why you might need to upgrade your mattress, too. If it turns out that your current mattress is no longer working (or is old and needs replacing), now is the perfect time to invest in a new bed. This year’s Labor Day mattress sale features deals on some of our favorite mattresses, with options for every budget and bed base. But for now, let’s find out why not all mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds.
What is an adjustable bed?
An adjustable bed uses a motorized base to lower or raise the head and foot sections. This allows you to achieve customized sleeping positions, which can improve comfort levels and alleviate health issues including back pain and acid reflux. It’s also a great idea if you like to relax while watching TV or reading in bed. With the head elevated, you won’t have to struggle to get comfortable by leaning on pillows, which promotes better back support to prevent neck strain.
But adjustable beds aren’t just about comfort. They’re suitable for any sleeper who needs extra relief and support to reduce pain. They’re especially beneficial for people with mobility issues, as they help you get in and out of bed, while making it easier to change positions. This increases independence and reduces the risk of falling.
Benefits of an adjustable bed
Because an adjustable bed allows you to change your sleeping position, it can benefit you in a variety of ways that go far beyond just comfort. The main benefit is that it can offer a zero-gravity position, where your head and feet are slightly elevated. This promotes perfect spinal alignment and provides the right amount of pressure relief to ease the discomfort of back and joint pain. This position will also improve blood circulation, which in turn will reduce any swelling, especially in the legs and feet.
And speaking of legs: Adjustable beds can also help relieve symptoms associated with restless legs syndrome. You'll experience less discomfort from tossing and turning, making it easier for you and those you share a bed with to sleep.
Adjustable beds are also very effective at reducing or even stopping snoring. They reduce snoring by elevating the head, which relieves pressure on the airway, allowing sleepers to breathe more easily throughout the night. They are a great choice for sleepers who suffer from sleep apnea (or who are really annoying to the people they share a bed with).
Adjustable beds can also be beneficial for couples with different sleeping needs. Separate adjustable beds give each partner the ability to independently adjust their side of the bed. So, if one of you likes to lie flat while the other likes to have your feet slightly elevated, you can still share a sleeping surface while enjoying your own customizable sleep experience.
Can you use an adjustable base with any mattress?
The answer is simple: no, not all mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds. But the majority of modern mattresses are. In general, memory foam, latex, and other mattresses without springs are suitable for adjustable beds, and while many hybrid mattresses can also be used with an adjustable frame, some do not have the necessary springs.
The best memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to mold and conform to your shape, meaning they will easily bend with the movement of an adjustable bed. And when they move, they won't lose their shape or support qualities. Latex mattresses work similarly to memory foam, but they have more elasticity. They bounce back quickly, making them a very good choice when it comes to adjustable beds.
Many hybrid mattresses also work on an adjustable base, especially if they have individual pocket springs. Pocket springs are able to bend without breaking, and each spring can move independently of the other. So when the springs at the head of the bed bend, the ones at the base don't move. However, taller hybrids or hybrids with interconnected or Bonnell springs aren't always suitable for use with an adjustable base…
3 Reasons Why Your Mattress Might Not Be Compatible with an Adjustable Bed
1. It's too big
When it comes to finding the best mattress for your adjustable bed, the ideal thickness is between 10 and 14 inches. This range will give you the best balance of comfort, support, and flexibility.
If your mattress is taller than 14 inches, it may be too thick to use with an adjustable base. It won't be able to flex properly, which significantly reduces the range of motion of your adjustable base. You won't get the right angles, which can lead to discomfort, and there's a good chance you'll damage the mattress.
“Mattress height is a matter of personal preference. The goal is to create a comfortable and easy-to-use sleep environment and bed configuration,” says Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva. “Beyond that, choose the mattress that best pairs with your bed base, whether it's a platform, traditional, or adjustable base… Due to the height/thickness of the Saatva Classic 14.5″ mattress, this model cannot be paired with an adjustable base.”
2. He has the wrong coils
Memory foam and latex mattresses are best suited for adjustable beds. If you prefer a mattress with a bit of bounce, you can opt for a hybrid mattress. However, you need to make sure it has the right springs. Hybrid mattresses for adjustable beds should have individual pocket springs, as each spring moves independently. This individual movement means that the springs will conform to the shape of the adjustable bed base, without any gaps or uncomfortable pressure points.
Traditional innerspring mattresses with interconnected springs don’t work because they don’t flex properly. Instead of the springs moving individually (like a mattress with individual pocket springs would), the entire mattress moves. This then leads to uneven support, sagging, and potential damage to the mattress.
Mattresses that use interconnected Bonnell or offset spring systems are also something to avoid. These tend to have thicker steel springs, designed specifically for use on a flat surface. The thickness of the springs makes them too stiff and less flexible, which could damage the mattress as well as put excessive pressure on the base.
3. It's too firm
No matter what type of mattress you use for your adjustable base (memory foam, latex, or the best hybrid mattress), it needs to have some give. This means that if your mattress is very firm, it might not be suitable. Forcing a mattress that’s too firm to bend and flex can create gaps in the inner layers that will then damage the foams, leaving you with an uneven and unsupportive bed.
Top 3 Adjustable Bed and Mattress Sets
If you want to make sure your mattress is the perfect fit for your adjustable bed, the easiest way is to buy a set. Sets take the guesswork out of it, and because they’re designed to work together, you’re guaranteed a great night’s sleep. Buying a set not only saves you time, but it can also save you money. Here are three of the best mattress and adjustable bed sets you can buy today.