Best Mattress for Adjustable Bed Bases

More people are upgrading to adjustable beds for the versatile comfort they provide. Once you’ve found your perfect adjustable base, you still need a complementary mattress. The best mattresses for adjustable bed bases adapt with the base’s movements, providing equal amounts of comfort in a variety of positions.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Adjustable Beds: Zoma Mattress

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Named the best memory foam mattress for adjustable beds by eachnight.com, the Zoma Mattress is our top recommendation for anyone who wants a flexible, comfortable sleep surface. The bed maintains its cool, restorative feel at any angle.

The Zoma Mattress’s design helps you achieve peak performance through a better night’s sleep. It has a medium feel making it a good mattress for side sleepers and combination sleepers.

The 12-inch mattress has three flexible foam layers, all verified safe by CertiPUR-US®.

The first layer is 2 inches of gel memory foam with Triangulex™ technology. The triangular cutouts of Triangulex™ contour and cushion under the shoulders and legs. The cutouts also increase the mattress’s breathability.

The second layer is 2 inches of Reactiv™, made of responsive poly-foam. Reactiv™ improves your comfort and keeps you from sinking too deep into the mattress.

The base layer is 8 inches of Support+ foam, which promotes mattress longevity by deterring sagging.

A soft, breathable cover made with polyester and elastane encases the mattress. The elastane helps the material stretch for more breathability.

A queen size Zoma Mattress is $699. It includes free shipping and returns, a risk-free 100-night trial, and a 10-year warranty.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Adjustable Beds: Zoma Hybrid

Our Zoma Hybrid is designed for flexibility. The coils provide support and the foams feel comfortable, no matter how the mattress is angled on an adjustable base. A Zoma Hybrid is 12 inches tall and contains four layers.

The top layer is 2 inches of gel memory foam with triangular air channels. The triangular cutouts increase airflow through the mattress and boost pressure relief in the leg and shoulder areas.

Next, we have 2 inches of Reactiv™ foam. This springy poly-foam prevents you from feeling trapped in your bed.

The hybrid’s support core is 7 inches of pocketed coils. We encase the coils to limit motion transfer without negating the coils’ bounce, improving the mattress’s overall comfort. Firm foams surround the coils’ perimeter, offering edge support.

The base layer is an inch of sturdy foam. The foam base creates a rigid surface for the coils to bounce off of, which helps maintain the coils’ stability.

A Zoma Hybrid is $999 for a queen size mattress. Like the classic Zoma Mattress, our hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The warranty offers coverage for visible indentations that exceed an inch.

Best Budget Mattress for Adjustable Beds: Zoma Start

For many shoppers, buying an adjustable bed is enough of an ask that they don’t want to overspend on a new mattress to go with it. People seeking a comfortable and durable mattress on a limited budget can be well-served by the slim Zoma Start, a reworking of our original Zoma memory foam mattress.

Underneath the Zoma Start’s AirCloth is a 1-inch layer of gel memory foam, followed by an inch of Reactiv™ foam. These layers work together to provide responsive comfort with minimal sinkage. The base layer is 8 inches of Support+ foam, reinforcing the mattress’s structural integrity.

This construction gives the Zoma Start a mildly firmer feel than what the classic Zoma or Zoma Hybrid offers. So we recommend it not only for budget shoppers but also for sleepers who enjoy the feel of unyielding support keeping them on top of the bed.

Best Luxury Mattress for Adjustable Beds: Zoma Boost

The Zoma Boost stands 15 inches tall, a thicker hybrid mattress that can still flex well with an adjustable bed. The foam layers can still provide plush, pillowy comfort at an angle, while the pocketed coils can adapt to a base’s panels without the coils’ bounce and support being affected. If your goal with an adjustable bed is to create the most comfortable sleep environment, a Zoma Boost can complete the experience.

The foam top of the Zoma Boost relies on three layers. First, there’s the quilted surface with ultra-cool and soft fibers, with underlying plush foam for a pressure-relieving cushion. Then graphite-infused memory foam to deepen the bed’s compressive comfort and further hug the body with stay-cool cushion.

After these comfort foam layers come the transition layer of Reactiv™ foam, a buoyant material that offsets sinkage without taking away from the bed’s softer feel. Then at the heart of the luxury mattress is its supportive layer of pocketed coils, with wrappings that help the coils isolate motion to minimize disruptive ripples across the surface.

As with all Zoma mattresses, the Zoma Boost ships free in a compact box and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

What is an Adjustable Bed?

Adjustable beds have segmented bases so that the mattress’s head and foot can be easily raised and lowered. You can sit back and watch TV or read a book or elevate your legs to relieve pressure.

These bed frames rely on a hydraulic motor to adjust. You make these adjustments by using a remote or an app. Most adjustable bases have preset positions and will let you program in one or two more. Once you find your ideal setup, you can return to it over and over with the push of a button.

The more expensive adjustable bases include extra features such as full-body massagers and under-bed lighting.

Pros of an Adjustable Bed Frame

Customized Comfort

An adjustable base lets you choose from presets such as the zero gravity position and program in other positions. If you have a sleepless night where you just can’t get comfortable, an adjustable bed can help you find a relaxing position.

An adjustable bed can also make your waking hours more comfortable. Sit up in bed to read or watch TV, or elevate your legs to alleviate stiffness from working all day.

Health Benefits

Many people invest in an adjustable bed frame to soothe a chronic condition. By sleeping with your upper body elevated, you can relieve symptoms of sleep apnea, heartburn, and acid reflux, and even stop yourself from snoring. Raising your legs reduces the pressure on your lower back and may alleviate restless legs syndrome symptoms.

An adjustable bed can also make getting in and out of bed easier if you have a condition that restricts movement, such as arthritis.

Extra Features

More upscale models include added features such as massagers and under-bed lights. With an adjustable base, you could conceivably spend an entire day in your bed without compromising your posture.

Cons of an Adjustable Bed Frame

Price

Since adjustable bases must contain high-quality electric parts, they cost more than a basic bed frame. Many of them have become more budget-friendly, but quality frames may still cost upwards of $1,000.

Noisy

Electric motors are rarely 100 percent silent, and an adjustable base’s engine is no exception. It’s common to hear a whirring sound as the base changes position. Still, many are quiet enough, and it’s not like you’ll be trying to sleep with the motor running.

Heavy

Adjustable bases often weigh hundreds of pounds, which can make set up and moving difficult. But there are lightweight options on the market. Plus, many manufacturers include white glove delivery with an adjustable base, which means the delivery team will set it up for you.

Eyesore

Adjustable bases are usually made with functionality in mind rather than aesthetics. Many are bulky and will not match your bedroom decor. However, some look very similar to a regular metal bed frame. And many adjustable bases can fit inside a bed frame of your choice, or you can use a bed skirt with an adjustable base to hide its inner workings.

Best and Worst Mattress Types for Adjustable Beds

Flexibility is an important consideration when you’re buying a mattress for an adjustable base. If the mattress cannot move and stretch with the base, its materials may wear out prematurely.

Of course, to make your shopping easier, you can buy an adjustable bed and mattress combo. However, as you’re often to choose different mattress types in your adjustable bed bundle, it’s still wise to know their materials and features.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a sensitive material. It flexes to fit the shape of an adjustable bed, and it molds itself around your body when you lie down. Memory foam’s responsiveness evenly supports your weight and relieves pressure points.

Traditional memory foam’s main drawback is how much heat it can retain. Manufacturers solve this problem by adding materials such as cooling gel, charcoal, graphite, and copper to wick away heat.

Nearly any memory foam mattress is a good fit for an adjustable base, though we do recommend ones with higher densities for added durability. The average memory foam mattress lasts about 7 years, though high-quality ones can remain comfortable for up to 10 years.

Latex

Latex conforms to your body like memory foam, although latex foam is typically more rigid. It’s still flexible enough to move with an adjustable base. The material also features excellent temperature control and a bounce that can make you feel like you’re floating.

Natural latex is an eco-friendly option that’s made from rubber tree sap, although only Dunlop latex is 100 percent natural. The other type of natural latex, Talalay latex, contains polyurethane fillers to soften the material.

Natural latex is more expensive than other types of foam. If you’re shopping for a budget mattress, synthetic latex might be the better choice. However, synthetic latex cannot match the expected lifespan of natural latex, which can last for 15 or more years.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses contain a coil support layer cushioned between foam layers. Many people love the bouncy lift. You should not feel like you’re sinking into a supportive innerspring unless it comes with a plush pillowtop.

While innerspring mattresses are inexpensive, their coils can wear out within 5 or 6 years. An innerspring mattress not designed for an adjustable bed frame can even break down prematurely.

If you want an innerspring mattress for an adjustable bed, look for one with pocketed coils. Every coil is placed in a foam or fabric pocket, which promotes the flexibility needed to move with a base. And avoid pillowtop mattresses, as they can restrict the bed’s comfort when bent.

Hybrid

You may see the term “hybrid” applied to a variety of mattresses for marketing reasons. A true hybrid mattress has a coil support layer with 2 to 3 inches of foam on top. The idea is a bed with all the advantages of an innerspring and foam mattress that minimizes each’s setbacks.

Using a hybrid on an adjustable base can have mixed results. Many contain pocketed coils designed to move with an adjustable frame, though you may still want to double-check with the company before purchasing.

Hybrid mattresses are a pricey option since they contain a mix of high-quality materials. They have a longer expected lifespan than an innerspring, lasting for about 6 or 7 years.

Airbed

Airbeds contain one or more air chambers for support and a top foam layer. You add or remove air using a built-in pump, which you adjust with a remote or an app. Many airbeds also include smart technology to track how well you sleep.

Though they feature customizable comfort, airbeds lack the flexibility of a foam mattress. Folding an airbed on a raised base can block the air chambers, reducing the mattress’s comfort and support. An adjustable base may even puncture the mattress or cause enough wear for leaks to develop.

If you choose an air mattress, look for one with multiple air chambers. Models with only one chamber are typically too rigid.

Sleeping Position

Your sleep position affects how your body weight is distributed, which in turn affects how much the mattress needs to push back to counteract your pressure. Every sleeping position has a corresponding firmness range.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most common position and has a few health perks associated with it. Sleeping on your side minimizes snoring, reduces pressure on your heart, and helps your brain clear out waste.

A side sleeper’s mattress should have a soft to medium feel. Pressure points tend to build up in a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders—a plush mattress provides relief.

Back Sleeping

Sleeping on your back naturally keeps your spine neutral. It’s one of the best positions for back pain, but it can also aggravate acid reflux and worsen sleep apnea. If you love sleeping on your back, an adjustable bed can raise your upper body to alleviate symptoms.

A good mattress for a back sleeper has a medium-firm to firm feel. If you want a softer mattress, try a medium one with targeted back support.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is considered the unhealthiest sleeping position. When you sleep on your stomach, gravity can cause your spine to overextend. You’re likely to wake up with a bad case of back pain when that happens.

A stomach sleeper’s mattress should be firm to prevent sinkage. You can sleep with a pillow under your stomach as an extra precaution.

Combination Sleeping

Many of us move between two or three positions in the night, possibly to avoid pressure buildup and stiff joints. If you’re a combo sleeper, you should look for a responsive mattress that can adapt to your movements. And consider motion-isolating materials if you plan on sharing with a partner.

A suitable mattress for a combination sleeper has a balanced medium or medium-firm feel.

Mattress Firmness

Mattress firmnesses range from firm to soft to medium, with variations in between. Companies determine firmness using a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 as the softest and 10 as the firmest.

The best firmness for you is affected not only by your sleep position but also by your weight. How much you weigh affects how much pressure you place on your mattress.

If you weigh less than 130 pounds, consider a plush mattress for pressure relief. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, look for a firmer mattress that resists compression.

A mattress’s firmness can be subjective. What one company calls a medium, another may classify as a medium-soft.

We recommend reading reviews from customers who have owned the mattress for at least three months for a better idea of its feel. Reviews are always helpful whether you’re buying a bed-in-a-box mattress online or a bed from your local mattress store.

Mattress Thickness

To find a mattress for an adjustable base, you have to consider its thickness. If a mattress is too thick, it won’t move well on the base. A mattress that can’t adapt to the base’s various positions is more likely to break down prematurely.

We recommend mattresses that are 10 to 15 inches thick. However, you can go as low as 8 inches if you’re shopping on a tight budget.

If you need a mattress for a heavy sleeper, we recommend one that’s at least 12 inches thick. A mattress this thick resists compression better than a thinner mattress would.

Mattress Sizes

Adjustable bases are available in the usual standard sizes, although some models may be more limited than others. For example, many models aren’t available in sizes smaller than a twin XL.

King size bases can be set up to move with a standard king mattress or for each half to operate independently to work with a split king mattress. Our article comparing split kings to a standard king has more on the differences between the two.

Sleep Trial, Warranty, Return Policy

A high-quality adjustable mattress should always include a sleep trial and an extensive warranty as a guarantee of quality. Return policies are usually bundled into the sleep trial, though mattresses without a sleep trial can still include a return policy.

Sleep Trial

Even if you nap on a showroom mattress, it’s not the same as sleeping on it night after night. A sleep trial lets you try out a mattress at home and gives you the freedom to return if you’re not satisfied. However, companies often ask you to try out a mattress for at least 30 days before returning it to give your body a chance to adjust.

Most sleep trials last 90 to 120 days, although a few extend to a full year. The sleep trial should start on the day of delivery, not on the day of purchase. Many online mattress companies will only let you make one return within a year.

Warranty

Mattress companies bear financial responsibility for defects and damages, as outlined in a warranty. Mattress defects commonly covered include sagging of a certain depth, tears or cracks in the material, and cover damage beyond normal wear and tear. The warranty is void if you keep your mattress on an unsupportive foundation, don’t rotate it often enough, or spill something on it.

While even the best adjustable beds usually lack a sleep trial or return policy, they should include a limited warranty that covers electronic failure. Some adjustable bed frame warranties last as long as 25 years.

Return Policy

If your mattress doesn’t include a sleep trial, you can still test it out at home if it has a 30-day return policy. Give the policy a quick readthrough before making a purchase, as some include hidden fees, such as restocking or shipping costs.

Most adjustable bases are final sale items. If you buy a bundle, you cannot return the adjustable bed, but you should be able to return the mattress.

More Adjustable Bed Considerations

The right mattress isn’t all that you need for a good night’s sleep on an adjustable base. You should also consider your pillow, sheets, and mattress protector.

Pillows

Even the best pillows tend to slip off of an adjustable bed when you raise the head. To prevent a pile of pillows on the floor, you can try a pillow holder. Slide the pillow holder under the head of the mattress, and then you’ll have a small barrier that keeps your pillow in place.

Others may also want to install a headboard on the adjustable bed. This addition can keep the pillows from slipping behind the head of the bed as the

You can also carefully arrange pillows on the bed, even tucking them away under the covers during the day. These can help keep the pillows in place until it’s time for bed.

We also recommend minimizing the number of pillows you sleep with. Eliminate decorative pillows and stick with a basic head pillow.

Sheets

Sheets for an adjustable bed’s mattress need to have a close fit. Ordinary sheets meant for a mattress that stays flat can bunch up in the middle when you raise the bed, with the edges slipping over the mattress’s corners. Bedsheet fasteners can tighten the edges of your sheets, helping them stay in place.

Protector

We always recommend investing in a mattress protector to prevent liquid damage and keep out pests. Protectors slip over the mattress like a fitted sheet. The mattress protector may bunch up on an adjustable bed, just like a fitted sheet can.

For an adjustable bed mattress, you can try slipping it inside an encasement. Encasements cover the entire mattress, zipping closed for a tight fit.

Did We Help?

A mattress for an adjustable bed should feature flexible materials that let it adapt to the base’s movements. Foam beds and hybrids are good choices, but innerspring and air mattresses often are not. If you’re unsure a mattress is a good match for an adjustable base, reach out to customer service.