Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds (2020): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Adjustable beds have been around for decades, most often used in hospitals for patients. The ability to elevate the head and feet makes it easier for doctors to examine patients and more convenient for both healthcare workers and patients with less mobility.

These days adjustable beds aren’t just in hospitals— many people use them in their own homes. Adjustable beds’ therapeutic properties help individuals fall asleep and stay asleep with fewer disruptions at night. In our article, we discuss our favorite adjustable bed options and offer tips on what to look for in the best mattress for adjustable beds.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on AmerisleepRead AS3 customer reviews

AS3 Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 20-Year Warranty
• Designed to reduce pain points
• Heat reducing mattress cover
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Our Runner-Up

View on ZomaRead Zoma customer reviews

Zoma Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 10-Year Warranty
• Designed for faster recovery
• Triangulex™ technology promotes healthy posture
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

9 Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds

1. Amerisleep AS3

The Amerisleep AS3 is an excellent choice, and one of the best mattresses for adjustable beds on the market. It’s 12 inches tall and contains 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Affinity, and 7 inches of Bio-Core®. The soft, breathable cover encourages airflow throughout the mattress and helps you sleep cooler.

This memory foam mattress has three unique layers for the perfect adjustable bed. Bio-Pur® is plant-based memory foam—castor oil partially replaces petroleum during the manufacturing process. As a result, Bio-Pur® is more breathable than traditional memory foam. Bio-Pur® conforms to the body, but allows the sleeper to feel like they’re sleeping on the mattress instead of inside it.

The Affinity layer uses HIVE® technology for 5-zone support. Hexagonal-shaped segments make up the surface structure, with firmer segments for lighter sections of the body, like the head, back, and legs, and softer segments for heavier areas, like the hips and shoulders. The Affinity layer creates a cloud-like sensation when resting on the mattress.

Like Bio-Pur®, Bio-Core® is created through eco-friendly methods. Bio-Core® is the support foam that reinforces Bio-Pur® and Affinity with no risk of sagging for consistent support.

With a medium feel, the Amerisleep AS3 is an ideal option for side and combination sleepers. It’s available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes, and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

2. Zoma Sports Mattress

The Zoma Sports Mattress is 11 inches thick and contains 2 inches of Triangulex™, 2 inches of Reactiv™, and 7 inches of Support+. The mattress cover is made of a polyester blend to wick away moisture.

Zoma’s Triangulex™ provides sleepers with a special 5 zone support, made of triangular segments. Firmer segments support lighter sections of the body, like the head, back, and legs, while softer segments support heavier sections of the body, like the shoulders and hips. Triangulex™ is also topped with cooling gel for additional cooling in drawing heat away and evenly dispersing it into the air.

Reactiv™ has a latex-like feel— it conforms to the body to relieve pressure and has a responsive bounce, making it easier for sleepers to move at night. Reactiv™ aligns the spine and allows sleepers to feel like they’re sleeping on top of the mattress instead of inside it.

The Zoma Sports mattress is specifically designed for athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle, and it’s one of the best mattresses for back pain. Each foam layer provides full-body support while pulling heat away from the body and preventing overheating.

The Zoma Sports mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes, and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

3. Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid

The Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid mattress is 13 inches tall and contains 3 inches of TitanChill Endurance®, 1 inch of SmartFlow, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of base foam. The quilted phase change fabric covers gel-infused memory foam on the top of the mattress for a breathable, soft surface.

By infusing copper into gel memory foam, Nest Bedding created the TitanChill Endurance® foam that effectively pulls heat away from the body and improves blood circulation. Copper is a natural heat conductor and a great cooling feature for memory foam. The SmartFlow foam contains punched ventilation holes to improve airflow inside the mattress. Its responsiveness also makes it easier for sleepers to move at night.

The support layer is made up of pocketed coils, which serve to reduce motion transfer but still provide a responsive bounce. Pocketed coils also offer good edge support, so there’s less risk of sleepers rolling off the bed. The base support foam reinforces the shape of the mattress.

The Nest Alexander Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness options— plush, medium, and luxury firm. This mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, and split California king sizes, and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

4. Natural Escape

The Natural Escape mattress is 11 inches thick and consists of 3 inches of Dunlop latex and 7.25 inches of pocketed coils. The quilted organic cotton cover includes a 0.75-inch wool pillow topper that also acts as a natural flame retardant.

Dunlop latex is a natural material that sleeps cooler than memory foam. Dunlop latex adds extra support and softness due to its dense and durable structure and prevents sleepers from overheating.

The pocketed coil support layer contains a 3 zone lumbar system— top and bottom sections of the mattress contain thinner coils (15.5mm), while the middle section is made of thicker coils (14.5mm) for full-body support. Pocketed coils also reduce motion transfer and provide good edge support.

The Natural Escape mattress has a medium-firm feel and is available in twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, and California king sizes. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

5. Spindle

The Spindle mattress is 10 inches tall and contains two layers of 3-inch medium Dunlop latex and 3 inches of firm Dunlop latex. The organic cotton cover includes a 1-inch wool topper to wick away moisture and act as a natural flame retardant.

Dunlop is a natural latex that sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam. Its durable material offers a responsive bounce, making it easier for sleepers to switch positions at night.

What makes the Spindle mattress unique is the switchable layers. The mattress arrives at a medium setting, but by switching the layers the Spindle mattress can be altered to soft, medium, firm, or extra firm feel. If customers have tried switching the latex foam layers and are still unsuccessful in reaching the right comfort level, Spindle will send a soft or firm latex foam layer to the customer free of charge (within the sleep trial).

The Spindle mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king sizes and includes a 365-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

6. Novosbed

The Novosbed is 11 inches tall and contains 2 inches of memory foam, 2 inches of transitional foam, and 7 inches of support foam. The machine-washable cover is made of stretch knit Tencel® for a soft, breathable sleep surface.

To combat heat retention, Novosbed uses open-cell technology in their memory foam— as a result, the top foam layer is cooler with less risk of overheating. The transitional foam contours to the body’s natural curves for exceptional pressure relief and isolates motion transfer. The support foam evenly distributes body weight for consistent, balanced support with little risk of sagging.

If customers are struggling to find the perfect balance of comfort and support in the mattress during the sleep trial, Novosbed will send a soft or firm layer free of charge. Customers only need to unzip the cover and place the new layer on top of the mattress.

The Novosbed mattress comes in three different firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. The mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes and includes a 120-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty.

7. Tuft & Needle Hybrid

The Tuft & Needle Hybrid mattress is 12 inches thick and consists of 2 inches of T&N Adaptive® foam, 1 inch of microcoils, 1 inch of transitional poly-foam, 6 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of high-density foam. The polyester and polyamide blend cover includes a 1-inch quilted poly-foam pillow top infused with carbon fiber for extended durability.

T&N Adaptive® foam is a special gel poly-foam infused with graphite. This material is only available through Tuft & Needle. The foam absorbs and disperses heat evenly and offers a responsive bounce to the sleep surface. Graphite is used to cool down high-heat machines, like PCs— when infused with gel poly-foam, graphite effectively pulls heat away from the body for excellent cooling.

The Tuft & Needle Hybrid mattress has a medium feel. The mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes, and includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

8. Avocado

The Avocado mattress is 11 inches tall and contains 2 inches of Dunlop latex, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of Dunlop latex. The mattress cover is made of organic cotton.

Natural Dunlop latex sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam and provides a responsive bounce, making movement easier at night. Dunlop latex conforms to the body’s curves, relieving pressure and reducing aches and pains.

The pocketed coil layer not only isolates motion and reinforces the latex comfort layer, but it’s designed as a 5 zone support system. Thicker coils are placed in lighter sections of the body for softer support, like the head, back, and legs, while thinner coils provide softer support to heavier sections, like the hips and shoulders.

The Avocado mattress has a firm feel, but if customers want something a little softer, they can pay an extra charge for a 2-inch Dunlop latex Euro-style pillow top. The topper alters the surface of the mattress to a medium-firm feel.

The Avocado mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes, and comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

9. Puffy

The Puffy mattress is 10 inches tall and consists of 2 inches of Cooling Cloud™ foam, 2 inches of Climate Control™ foam, and 6 inches of high-density support foam. The polyester cover is stain-resistant, making cleaning easier.

Cooling Cloud™ is a gel-infused foam that absorbs and disperses body heat while improving air circulation. Climate Control™ foam uses open-cell technology to better regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. This high-density foam provides consistent, even support to the body without the risk of sagging.

The Puffy mattress has a medium feel and is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. The mattress includes a 101-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

What Is An Adjustable Bed?

An adjustable bed is a mechanical bed frame where the head and foot of the bed can be adjusted through a remote. Adjustable beds used to feature manual controls, but thanks to advancing technology, adjustments can be made through a remote and/or wireless apps. Some adjustable beds include special features like alarms and preset positions. Adjustable beds contain benefits and drawbacks— take a look at both to see if an adjustable bed is right for you.

Benefits of an Adjustable Bed

Health

By elevating the upper body, sleepers can reduce snoring and alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Elevating the legs and feet can improve blood flow, helping those with poor circulation. The zero-gravity position (both head and feet are elevated), reduces snoring, alleviates aches and pains in the back and hips, and eases heartburn and acid reflux.

Comfort

An adjustable bed makes it easier to adjust sleep positions and get in and out of the bed— this is especially beneficial to those with limited mobility.

Adjustable beds are a great option for couples with differing sleep preferences. A split mattress allows each person to choose a mattress with their preferred firmness level and lets them adjust the bed accordingly without disturbing the other person.

Another nice feature of some adjustable beds is a massage option. Vibrations in the mattress relax muscles and reduce discomfort, inducing sleep.

Convenience

Adjustable beds provide added comfort while reading in bed or watching TV. Remotes and app controls allow sleepers to adjust the angle of the bed and activate special features— some brands are even Bluetooth-compatible. Some adjustable beds include USB ports so you can easily charge your devices in bed.

Drawbacks of an Adjustable Bed

Price

Adjustable beds come at a higher price tag, ranging between $900 to $2000 for a queen size. The price also depends on what types of special features are included in the bed frame— the more features included, the higher the cost.

Noise

Depending on the brand, some adjustable beds may produce noise, mostly due to the electrical equipment. If you are a light sleeper, an adjustable bed may not be the best option since the sound may increase sleep disruptions.

Also, if not properly taken care of, mechanical parts break down easily. Costs for repairs can range, depending on the problem, but most adjustable beds are non-returnable.

Weight

Adjustable bases are heavy and can be hard to move. Most normally weight at least 100 pounds or more.

Best Mattress Types for an Adjustable Bed

Before purchasing an adjustable bed, always double-check with the manufacturer to make sure your current type of mattress is compatible with an adjustable base. Some mattress types perform better with an adjustable base, while others may have little to no mobility and could cause damage to the mattress.

Memory Foam

A memory foam mattress contours to the shape and weight of the body for even pressure and weight distribution. Memory foam provides excellent pressure point relief and bounces back for great conformability. A memory foam bed has superior comfort and support when paired with an adjustable base.

Latex

Similar in feel to memory foam, latex also contours to the shape and weight of the body. But while memory foam provides close contouring, latex offers more rounded contouring for more air exposure and less risk of heat retention. Latex is slightly firmer and more durable than memory foam and has a responsive bounce to the sleep surface.

Latex is a great option for an adjustable base, though a latex mattress under 12 inches would be ideal for best performance because of it’s firmer feel.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress combines the comforting pressure relief of memory foam with the coiled bounce of an innerspring. A true hybrid mattress has a 2-inch thick comfort layer of foam or latex with a coiled support system. Hybrids are more expensive than other types of mattresses due to the number of materials they contain. Hybrid mattresses are usually good options for an adjustable bed but check with the manufacturer before purchasing.

Innerspring

Also known as the “traditional bed,” innerspring mattresses contain mostly coils with a thin comfort layer or pillow top. Innersprings are not very compatible with adjustable frames because of the coiled structure— the flexibility of an adjustable bed could damage coils and risk losing support. Some companies are coming out with more flexible innerspring models specifically for adjustable bases. Check with the manufacturer before purchasing an adjustable bed base for your innerspring bed.

Airbed

For an airbed to be compatible with an adjustable base, it must contain multiple air chambers to more effectively flex with the base. Single air chambers are too rigid, and can’t be adjusted without causing damage. An air mattress lacks the flexibility of memory foam and latex mattresses— angles will be limited on an adjustable bed.

Other Considerations When Buying an Adjustable Bed

In addition to understanding the benefits, drawbacks, and mattress types, customers need to consider the size of the adjustable bed, mattress thickness,  preferred sleep position, and the type of sleep trials, warranties, and return policies available when purchasing an adjustable bed and mattress.

Size

Adjustable beds are available in corresponding standard mattress sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Some brands offer split sizing in queen, king, and California king sizes, great options for couples. Most adjustable beds are available in queen size and larger— adjustable beds may cause support issues in smaller, narrower mattresses like twin, twin XL, and full sizes.

Thickness

An ideal mattress for an adjustable bed falls between 10 to 14 inches tall. Mattresses that are too thin may lack support, and beds that are too tall are less likely to be flexible enough for an adjustable frame.

Sleeping Position

Sleeping position has a large impact on the type of mattress you buy. Each sleep position requires a certain level of support to keep the spine in neutral alignment— mattress firmness could help or hinder spinal alignment.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is one of the most common and healthiest sleep positions. Side sleepers breathe easier and sleeping on your right side may improve heart health. Side sleeping reduces snoring and lowers the risk of sleep apnea.

Back Sleeping

Back sleepers are better able to keep their spine in neutral alignment because of the spine’s direct contact with the mattress surface. There is some risk of snoring and developing sleep apnea for back sleepers, but for those who already suffer from this condition, an adjustable base can be a huge benefit in relieving symptoms.

Read more: Best mattresses for back sleepers

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position with a higher health risk. Because we keep most of our weight in our midsection, gravity pulls that weight down, straightening the spine and causing lower back pain for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleeping can also cause neck strain, because sleepers twist the head at an unnatural angle to breathe better at night.

Sleep Trials, Warranty, and Return Policy

Features like sleep trials, warranties, and return policies help to reassure customers of their purchase. Mattresses are an expensive investment, but a quality mattress will come with a sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty with a flexible return policy if a sleep trial isn’t offered.

Sleep Trial

Sleep trials allow customers to try out a new mattress within the comfort of their own home, taking away pressure from salesmen. This trial period can last between 90 to 120 days. If the customer isn’t happy with the mattress, the company will arrange to have it picked up and donated before issuing a full refund. Sleep trials are especially beneficial to customers who purchase a bed-in-a-box brand.

Note that adjustable beds don’t usually come with sleep trials.

Warranty

Most mattresses come with a standard 10-year limited warranty—  beware of companies who don’t offer a warranty. Warranties cover manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1 inch (this depth varies based on brand). Always double-check the warranty to make sure your new mattress can be used with an adjustable base.

Return Policy

If a sleep trial isn’t offered, take a look at the return policy. Return policies last about 30 days— about the same amount of time it takes for the body to adjust to a new mattress. If the bed doesn’t live up to expectations, customers can initiate a return and the company will have the mattress donated or recycled.

Other Things to Consider

Do you need a special mattress for an adjustable bed?

No, but there are some types of mattresses that do better on an adjustable base than others. Memory foam and latex beds are the best options. Hybrids do okay, but to use an innerspring with an adjustable base,  you’ll need to check with the manufacturer first. Generally, innerspring and air mattresses do poorly with an adjustable base.

Can you put a mattress topper on an adjustable bed?

If the mattress you have paired with your adjustable bed isn’t as comfortable as you’d like it to be, you can certainly add a mattress topper to increase comfort. That said, be careful with choosing a topper that’s too thick. If your mattress is over 14 inches thick, it may not be able to bend as easily. Before buying a topper, look at the thickness of your mattress and determine how thick the topper can be. It’s best to ensure your mattress is no taller than 14 or 15 inches thick.

Do adjustable bases ruin mattresses?

As long as the mattress you’re placing on your adjustable bed is designed to pair with one of these bases, then you shouldn’t have to worry about damage. Almost all foam mattresses pair with adjustable beds and the majority of the hybrids made today are also designed to pair well with these bases. The only mattress type that could get damaged with one of these bases would be innerspring.

How much does an adjustable base cost?

There are a variety of bases on the market today, and each base has different features. Depending on the number of bells and whistles your base includes, you could spend anywhere between $1000 to $3000. These bases should be viewed as an investment, too, so it’s important to find one with a good warranty.

What’s the difference between a hospital bed and an adjustable bed?

The adjustable beds found in bedrooms today were directly inspired by the bases found in hospital rooms, and they share one significant feature—head and foot articulation. Apart from that, these bases are very different. Hospital beds adjust the angle of your head and feet, they can also be adjusted to raise or lower the sleeper closer to or farther from the ceiling. Adjustable beds often contain features like dual-wave massagers, built-in USB ports, programmable positions, under-bed lighting, and so on. Hospital beds are centered around health benefits, while adjustable beds offer both health benefits and other convenient features.

Conclusion

An adjustable bed frame offers many benefits to sleepers, from reducing snoring to alleviating aching muscles. Adjustable beds aren’t for everyone due to their high cost and heavy structure, but if you find one that’s right for you, it’s time to get out there and buy one.