Best Adjustable Beds For Older Adults
Best Adjustable Beds For Older Adults
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Editor’s Choice
Best for Older Adults
Saatva Lineal Standard Adjustable Bed Base
Trouble sleeping is a common issue for older adults. Once exclusively used in hospital settings, adjustable beds are now widely available for home use. These customizable bases elevate your head and feet, which takes the pressure off your joints and can help reduce chronic pain. They may also help address other health issues, like obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, heartburn or reflux, and poor circulation. For older adults with limited mobility, by adjusting your bed, you can also find a position that makes it easier to get in and out of bed. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best adjustable beds for older adults.
“There are illnesses like congestive heart failure where patients can breathe much easier if the head of the bed is raised,” said Dr. Tom Cornwell, national medical director of Village Medical at Home. “Many frail older adults sit more during the day and develop dependent ankle swelling. Being able to elevate the legs can ‘cure’ this with no side-effects such as occurs with diuretics (water pills).”
Even if you’re not dealing with a chronic health condition, an adjustable bed can still be beneficial. As many as 50% of older adults complain about difficulty falling or staying asleep. We surveyed 600 people who were either looking for adjustable beds, currently owners, or who cared for someone who owns an adjustable bed. Many respondents reported that it’s easier to sleep (49%) and easier to get comfortable (49%), while 57% reported that their adjustable bed has helped in reducing back pain. The best adjustable bed for an older adult depends on your preferences. Some come with advanced smart features, while others offer just the basics.
How We Found the Best Adjustable Beds
In order to bring you this “Best Of” list, we investigated over 30 models of adjustable beds, spoke with experts and manufacturer representatives, evaluated hundreds of customer reviews, researched medical literature, and scoured individual specifications of all beds reviewed here. We deliberately took into greatest consideration those features most important to our older adult audience.
Best Adjustable Beds for Older Adults
- Best for Older Adults: Saatva Lineal Standard Adjustable Bed Base
- Best Basic Design: Purple Ascent Adjustable Bed Frame
- Easiest Assembly: GhostBed Adjustable Base
- Best Risk-Free Trial: Puffy Adjustable Base
- Best High-Tech Features: Tempur-Pedic Ergo Extend Smart Base
- Most Affordable Luxury: Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+
- Best for Side and Stomach Sleepers: Reverie R650 Adjustable Power Base
- Most Eco-Friendly: Avocado Eco Adjustable Base
- Most Affordable: Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame
- Price: $1,249–$2,598
- Trial Period: None
- Warranty: 25-year limited
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Split California King
If you’re looking for a mid-priced adjustable bed with just the right amount of features, the Saatva Lineal Standard is a great option. It’s one of the few beds in our review with a wall-hugging feature, which keeps the top of your mattress lined up with the back of the frame so you can still easily reach your side table—an important feature if your mobility is limited. It also has adjustable height legs in case you need a lower or higher mattress height for ease of entry and exit.
The Saatva Lineal has under-bed lighting, illuminating the floor around the bed so that you don’t trip on or kick the base in the dark, and a backlit remote with a built-in flashlight. It does not include some of the more “techie” features that are either intimidating or not a priority for the older population. Saatva’s massage feature allows you to choose between full body wave, head, or leg massage.
Saatva is highly rated on third-party sites, and reviewers gave the company 4.6 out of 5 stars overall on Trustpilot. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Saatva also has high marks with 4.77 out of 5 stars. The Saatva website contains 48 reviews specifically for their adjustable bed frame and has 4.9 out of 5 stars. People praise both the quality of the products as well as the customer service. (As of Sept. 23, 2022)
Key Features
- Under-bed lighting
- Wall-hugging design
- Three massage settings (full body wave, head, or feet)
- Adjustable-height legs
- Eight size options
- White glove delivery
- Price: $1,399–$2,798
- Trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10-year limited
- Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King, Split King
If you’re looking for a basic, affordable, and quality adjustable bed, you might want to consider Purple. It’s the perfect choice for those who aren’t interested in luxury and tech features. Purple is the only bed on our list that doesn’t include a massage feature. See our chart below for a breakdown of features by model.
Purple is one of the few companies that offer a free trial period, and theirs is generous at 100 nights. They do require that you keep it for at least 21 days and charge a 10% restocking fee if the bed is returned. You must drop the bed off for shipping or pay a hefty pick-up fee of $240 to $500.
The BBB gives Purple an A+ rating, and it has 4.17 out of 5 stars with 368 customers reporting. There are reports from hundreds of happy customers—especially of note are those reporting relief from pain. It appears that their adjustable frame, along with their mattress and pillows is one of the most comfortable combinations available on the market. (As of Sept. 23, 2022)
Key Features
- USB charging ports
- 100-night trial
- Headboard brackets
- Price: $1,599–$3,198
- Trial Period: None
- Warranty: Lifetime limited; extended full warranty available for purchase
- Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, Split King
White glove delivery may not be important with a bed as simple to assemble as the GhostBed Adjustable Base. GhostBed ships their adjustable beds in smaller, easy-to-manage boxes and has assured a very simple set up process:
- Cut open the box.
- Attach the six legs (no tools needed; they screw right into the base).
- Plug in the power cord.
- Insert the retainer bar.
- Put batteries in the remote.
That’s it—the remote is already synced to the bed. The most difficult part will be adding your mattress. You can watch a GhostBed representative assemble a new base in roughly two minutes:
The GhostBed Adjustable Base is not particularly brimming with features considering its price, but it does include under-bed lighting and USB charging ports, adjustable-height legs, and optional headboard brackets in case you want to attach your own headboard. The massage feature is more sophisticated than some and includes two zones, three modes, three intensities, and a timer.
You are somewhat limited with size options, as GhostBed offers the fewest selection of sizes of any of the beds reviewed here, with only a twin XL, queen, or split king. The limited lifetime warranty is exceptional in the adjustable bed world (no other bed in our review has one) and can even be beefed up if desired. A full warranty is in place during the first year (limited after that) and you can purchase an additional three years of full coverage.
Reviewers on Amazon give the Ghostbed Adjustable Base 4.2 out of 5 stars, with many praising the massage feature.
However, reviewers on Trustpilot were not impressed with the company as a whole, especially with customer support, giving them 1.3 out of 5 stars overall. Most complaints are about delayed deliveries and a difficult return process—they are not complaints specifically about the adjustable bed. (As of Sept. 23, 2022)
When we asked GhostBed for a response, a spokesperson said: “We have a senior customer service team that is fully dedicated to responding to third-party review sites. We have personally responded to every BBB complaint over the last year. The global pandemic has given our family business a lot of unforeseen challenges to have to deal with. However, as a company dedicated to customer service, we are taking on several initiatives to improve the experience.” You can read GhostBed’s entire response in our Guide to the GhostBed Adjustable Base.
Key Features
- Under-bed lighting
- Massage feature includes: 2 zones, 3 modes, 3 intensities, and a timer
- USB charging ports
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Easy assembly
- Adjustable-height legs
- Headboard brackets
- Price: $1,199–$1,799
- Trial Period: 101 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, Split King
The Puffy Adjustable Base comes equipped with many impressive features, but it stands out because you can return it if you’re not happy. While most adjustable bed sales are final, Puffy offers a generous 101-night sleep trial to give you time to decide if it’s right for you. And if you do decide to return it, Puffy will send someone to come remove it for you and give you a full refund. It also comes with a rare, full lifetime warranty, adding to the confidence a consumer can have in their purchase.
The drawback is you will have to assemble this bed yourself. The massage feature is fairly basic and only offers three full-body speeds and no head-only or foot-only zones. While the Puffy Adjustable Base does come with a remote, it’s a bit smaller than others and the surface is flat, so it might be more difficult to operate, especially for those with arthritis or other hand mobility issues.
Many on-site reviewers said they chose this model as their first adjustable bed and are happy with how easy it is to operate. The company as a whole has 2.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, mostly related to customer service and the mattresses (not the adjustable bases), but Puffy doesn’t have many reviews on third-party sites collectively. There are hundreds of positive reviews of the adjustable base specifically on the Puffy website.
Key Features
- USB charging ports
- Under-bed lighting
- Three-speed massage
- Speedy delivery (2–5 days)
- 101-night trial period with free pickup and 100% refund if returned
- Adjustable-height legs
- Headboard brackets
- Price: $2,369–$4,698
- Trial Period: None
- Warranty: 25-year limited
- Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
Tempur-Pedic offers four models of adjustable bases, but we have highlighted the Ergo Extend Smart Base here because of its impressive high-tech features. If price is not a factor in your purchase, and you’re impressed with the latest technology in home-improvement products, then this might be a good option for you.
Temper-Pedic makes the only adjustable bed base in our review to include automatic snore detection, sleep tracking, Perfect Seat, Pillow Tilt, and sleep-cycle sensing alarm features. Automatic snore detection will automatically raise the head of your side of the bed by about 12 degrees when it hears you begin to snore. Sleep tracking is utilized through the mobile phone app, which gives you a nightly sleep score and issues recommendations on how you can improve your sleep. The Perfect Seat feature lowers the mattress in the middle putting your body in a more naturally comfortable seated position, and Pillow Tilt refers to a slight bend at the neck for a more comfortable head position. This bed is so tech-savvy you can set your alarm for a range, for example, from 6–7 a.m., and it will wake you at a time within that range when you’re stirring, aligning with your natural sleep cycle.
The Ergo Extend Smart Base is one of only two beds that offer voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Home—a great feature for those with reduced hand mobility or impaired vision. The only feature this bed is missing is wall-hugging capability, which may be a deal-breaker for some who are not able to reach their nightstand while the head of the bed is elevated. There is no free trial period, so the purchase is final.
Tempur-Pedic’s overall rating, which is 1.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, is less impressive than some of the others but most of the complaints have to do with the memory foam mattresses, not the adjustable base itself. In Tempur-Pedic’s favor is their 30-plus years in business and their A+ rating from the BBB. Tempur-Pedic’s website reveals they have 4.5 out of 5 stars for their adjustable bases, with many consumers commenting that they didn’t expect to use or appreciate the AI features as much as they do. (As of Sept. 23, 2022)
Key Features
- Voice control
- Automatic-snore sensing
- Sleep tracking
- Perfect Seat
- Pillow Tilt
- Sleep phase-sensing alarm
- Mobile app
- Massage in four zones with three intensities
- Under-bed lighting
- USB charging ports
- Adjustable-height legs
- Headboard brackets
- White glove delivery
- Price: $1,800 – $3,000
- Trial Period: None
- Warranty: 10-year limited
- Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, Split King, Split California King
The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ gets the “Most Affordable Luxury” title because it has luxury features like voice control (through Amazon Alexa or Google Home), a mobile phone app, and wall-hugging technology at a mid-point price. It also comes with white glove delivery, an important feature for those who cannot, or do not want to, carry the heavy package in and set it up themselves. The massage function features head-only, foot-only, or full body massage with three intensity options.
The 10-year limited warranty is a bit lacking in length compared to the other companies. Also, there is no free trial period, so this bed cannot be returned (although we don’t imagine that you’d want to).
Third-party reviews are difficult to come by, however, on Facebook, the brand has 3.9 out of 5 stars, with most consumers praising the quality of products as well as the customer service. Complaints were geared towards delivery issues and refunds not processing quickly. Amerisleep’s website gives the Adjustable Bed+ 4.8 out of 5 stars, with reviews often mentioning relief from back pain, especially in the zero-gravity position. (As of Sept. 23, 2022)
Key Features
- Wall-hugging feature
- Three-zone massage with three intensity settings
- USB charging ports
- Under-bed lighting
- Voice control
- Mobile app
- White glove delivery
- Adjustable-height legs
- Headboard brackets
- Price: $2,099–$4,198
- Trial Period: None
- Warranty: 20-year limited
- Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Split California King
Reverie stands out from the other companies in our review for two reasons: They make nine models of adjustable beds to choose from, and their R650 model has a full-body tilt feature. This means that the bed base remains flat while the head or foot of the bed elevates. This feature is ideal for side or stomach sleepers because it gives you all of the benefits of elevation without bending your neck or torso sideways or backwards, which could lead to discomfort.
The Reverie manages to combine the tilt feature with wall-hugging capability, so you will always remain within reach of your nightstand. It includes a mobile phone app which can be used to control the bed as an alternative to the remote. This bed has a safety stop feature when the weight limit is exceeded in order to protect the motor, as well as automatic power-down in the event of a power outage—so you don’t get stuck in the bed and unable to flatten it. Delivery generally takes four to six weeks when ordered through the Reverie website or less than two weeks when purchased from a local retailer.
Reviewers say this adjustable base has been great for back pain and pressure relief. While there aren’t many reviews on third-party sites collectively, reviews on the BBB rate it 1.19 out of 5, with the most complaints about mechanical issues. The Reverie website’s reviews give 4.7 out of 5 stars for all of their adjustable bases, with 24 respondents reporting. Reports of excellent customer service are recurring. (As of Sept. 23, 2022)
Key Features
- Full-body-tilt option
- Mobile app
- Wall-hugging design
- Wave massage with 10 intensities
- Under-bed lighting
- Adjustable-height legs
- Safety stop for exceeded weight limit
- Automatic power-down for power outage
- White glove delivery (but won’t remove old bed)
- Price: $1,159–$2,199
- Trial Period: None
- Warranty: 20-year limited
- Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Split California King
Avocado offers three adjustable bases—the Eco, Eco Plus, and Eco Pro. The Eco, which is the entry-level model, is a great option for anyone looking for a basic, eco-friendly adjustable bed. As the name implies, the Avocado Eco is made with sustainable materials. It has rubberwood legs, a sturdy metal base, and a 100% organic-certified cotton canvas platform. Unlike most adjustable beds, it is made without the use of polyester or polyurethane foams, which can cause health problems in sensitive individuals.
Avocado is a carbon-negative business, meaning that they voluntarily offset more than 100% of their emissions by supporting carbon offset projects through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. These offset projects help mitigate climate change and support innovation in addressing greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
All of this is achieved at a very reasonable price and with a few important features such as a mobile app, USB charging ports, and height-adjustable legs. The massage feature has six setting options, three for your head and three for your feet, and a timer in case you fall asleep before turning it off. You will not find wall-hugging or white glove delivery with this bed. The warranty is standard at 20 years and there is no free trial period, so it can’t be returned.
Buyers of the Avocado Eco Adjustable Base were surprised by all the features, especially for the low price. One on-site reviewer said it made an immediate difference in their sleep quality, while others give it high marks for sturdiness and durability. The company has minimal third-party reviews with 2.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot out of only 34 reviews, with most complaints related to customer service. The Avocado website shows 4.7 out of 5 stars with 91 reviews posted. Customers report satisfaction with the simplicity of the bed while giving just the right amount of comfort features. (As of Sept. 23, 2022)
Key Features
- Made with sustainable materials
- Carbon-negative company
- Mobile app
- Six massage settings
- under-bed lighting
- USB charging ports
- Adjustable-height legs
- Price: $849–$1,698
- Trial: 50 nights
- Warranty: Three-year, 10-year available for purchase
- Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King
You will be hard-pressed to find a quality adjustable bed frame at a lower price point than the Nectar. But it is not without some features: It comes with a mobile app, USB charging ports, massage, and even a rare free-trial period of 50 nights.
The warranty is the shortest in our review at only three years, but a 10-year warranty may be purchased for $199. Shipping and returns are free, but Nectar is currently providing contact-free delivery, so set up is not included. Shipping takes only two to five days, which is a great selling point compared to some of the beds on our list, which can take up to six weeks.
Customers give Nectar’s adjustable frame 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Nectar website. Customer reviews of Nectar Sleep on Trustpilot are a different story. Most of the reviews are for mattresses, but there are repeated tales of delays in shipping, troubles with FedEx deliveries (including lost and damaged items and incorrect addresses), and problems with returns. Similarly, Nectar Sleep has 1.18 out of 5 stars with the BBB after 281 reviews. There seems to have been some major issues with customer service, some of which were probably related to COVID delays. (As of Sept. 23, 2022)
In response to negative reviews, Nectar had this to say: “While Resident (Nectar’s parent company) continues to work with the BBB to understand and address customer complaints, we do not find that the BBB is the best indicator of current customer sentiment regarding our products. We do our best to resolve all issues presented through our dedicated customer service and support functions and have overwhelmingly positive customer reviews.” To read the entire response, visit our complete review of the Nectar Adjustable and Move bases.
Key Features
- Mobile app
- Basic massage
- USB charging ports
- 50-night trial
- 2–5 day delivery
Best Adjustable Bed Comparison
Key Features
| Saatva Lineal Standard | Massage | Wall hugging | Under-bed lighting | White Glove Delivery |
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| Purple Ascent | Massage | Wall hugging | Under-bed lighting | White Glove Delivery |
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| GhostBed Adjustable Base | Massage | Wall hugging | Under-bed lighting | White Glove Delivery |
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| Puffy Adjustable Base | Massage | Wall hugging | Under-bed lighting | White Glove Delivery |
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| Tempur-Pedic Ergo Extend Smart Base | Massage | Wall hugging | Under-bed lighting | White Glove Delivery |
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| Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ | Massage | Wall hugging | Under-bed lighting | White Glove Delivery |
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| Reverie R650™ Adjustable Power Base | Massage | Wall hugging | Under-bed lighting | White Glove Delivery |
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| Avocado Eco Adjustable Base | Massage | Wall hugging | Under-bed lighting | White Glove Delivery |
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| Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame | Massage | Wall hugging | Under-bed lighting | White Glove Delivery |
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Tech Features
| Saatva Lineal Standard | Voice Control | Mobile App | USB Charging | Backlit Wireless Remote | Sleep Tracking | Snore Detection |
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| Purple Ascent | Voice Control | Mobile App | USB Charging | Backlit Wireless Remote | Sleep Tracking | Snore Detection |
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| GhostBed Adjustable Base | Voice Control | Mobile App | USB Charging | Backlit Wireless Remote | Sleep Tracking | Snore Detection |
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| Puffy Adjustable Base | Voice Control | Mobile App | USB Charging | Backlit Wireless Remote | Sleep Tracking | Snore Detection |
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| Tempur-Pedic Ergo Extend Smart Base | Voice Control | Mobile App | USB Charging | Backlit Wireless Remote | Sleep Tracking | Snore Detection |
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| Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ | Voice Control | Mobile App | USB Charging | Backlit Wireless Remote | Sleep Tracking | Snore Detection |
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| Reverie R650™ Adjustable Power Base | Voice Control | Mobile App | USB Charging | Backlit Wireless Remote | Sleep Tracking | Snore Detection |
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| Avocado Eco Adjustable Base | Voice Control | Mobile App | USB Charging | Backlit Wireless Remote | Sleep Tracking | Snore Detection |
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| Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame | Voice Control | Mobile App | USB Charging | Backlit Wireless Remote | Sleep Tracking | Snore Detection |
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Adjustability
| Saatva Lineal Standard | Independent Head and Foot Adjusting | Full Body Tilt Position | Adjustable Height Legs | Headboard Brackets | Customizable Presets | Position Presets (including Zero Gravity) |
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| Purple Ascent | Independent Head and Foot Adjusting | Full Body Tilt Position | Adjustable Height Legs | Headboard Brackets | Customizable Presets | Position Presets (including Zero Gravity) |
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| GhostBed Adjustable Base | Independent Head and Foot Adjusting | Full Body Tilt Position | Adjustable Height Legs | Headboard Brackets | Customizable Presets | Position Presets (including Zero Gravity) |
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| Puffy Adjustable Base | Independent Head and Foot Adjusting | Full Body Tilt Position | Adjustable Height Legs | Headboard Brackets | Customizable Presets | Position Presets (including Zero Gravity) |
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| Tempur-Pedic Ergo Extend Smart Base | Independent Head and Foot Adjusting | Full Body Tilt Position | Adjustable Height Legs | Headboard Brackets | Customizable Presets | Position Presets (including Zero Gravity) |
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| Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ | Independent Head and Foot Adjusting | Full Body Tilt Position | Adjustable Height Legs | Headboard Brackets | Customizable Presets | Position Presets (including Zero Gravity) |
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| Reverie R650™ Adjustable Power Base | Independent Head and Foot Adjusting | Full Body Tilt Position | Adjustable Height Legs | Headboard Brackets | Customizable Presets | Position Presets (including Zero Gravity) |
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| Avocado Eco Adjustable Base | Independent Head and Foot Adjusting | Full Body Tilt Position | Adjustable Height Legs | Headboard Brackets | Customizable Presets | Position Presets (including Zero Gravity) |
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| Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame | Independent Head and Foot Adjusting | Full Body Tilt Position | Adjustable Height Legs | Headboard Brackets | Customizable Presets | Position Presets (including Zero Gravity) |
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Bed Size Options
Health Benefits of Adjustable Beds
Lying flat on your bed can put significant pressure on your head and your heels. Elevating your head or legs can provide some pressure relief, which can reduce pain and make you feel more comfortable. It can help in other ways too.
National Institute of Health research shows that elevating your head slightly—even just 7.5 degrees—may help reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and help to reduce snoring (which is good for the snorer and whoever is sleeping beside them), as well as help alleviate symptoms of GERD like heartburn. Meanwhile, elevating your legs can help improve circulation by promoting blood flow and reduce swelling in the lower extremities.
All of the beds mentioned in this review offer zero gravity as a preset position. The zero gravity position was developed by NASA to deliver a feeling of weightlessness, relieving pressure from the body. It involves elevating the upper and lower body until there is a 120-degree angle between the torso and legs. This can help relieve back pain, joint pain, and make you feel more comfortable. In our AgingInPlace.org survey, nearly 68% of respondents said that pain was their primary sleep disturbance, while more than 62% said they had decided to purchase an adjustable bed to help with joint and back pain.
Adjustable beds are also helpful for anyone with arthritis and reduced mobility. They can be adjusted to heights and positions which assist an aging adult with getting in and out of the bed, reducing the risk of falling or straining. These adjustments can also make it easier for in-home caretakers to access their patients comfortably.
Pros and Cons of Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds have a lot to offer, but they’re not right for everyone. When deciding if an adjustable bed is right for you, consider the pros and cons, as well as your personal preferences.
Pros
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Provides comfort and promotes sleep quality
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Can help alleviate pain and swelling
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Reduces symptoms of reflux and heartburn
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Reduces severity of sleep apnea and snoring
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Easier to read or watch TV
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Get in and out of bed easier
Cons
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Expensive
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Most are final sale
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Don’t work with all mattress types
How Much Do Adjustable Beds Cost?
Adjustable beds vary in price, but most fall between $1,000–$4,000 (not including the mattress). The price difference generally reflects the number of features included, so if you don’t need all the “bells and whistles,” these beds can be affordable.
In some cases, you may be able to get an adjustable bed covered by your insurance company or Medicare, but this usually requires a doctor’s note that outlines a specific medical need. Mattresses and adjustable beds don’t fall under regular coverage, but you may be able to use FSA or HSA money if you have a documented medical reason for the purchase.
Additionally, most retailers offer payment plans to purchase adjustable beds. You can usually find a payment plan that doesn’t charge interest, as long as you pay within a certain time frame.
Consider This When Buying an Adjustable Bed
Adjustable beds run the gamut, from entry-level models that only do the basics to smart beds that can auto-adjust when they sense snoring. AgingInPlace.org’s survey identified “comfort and adjustability,” followed closely by “price,” as the top two considerations when purchasing an adjustable bed.
- Mattress: All adjustable beds are compatible with most foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses. Some spring mattresses don’t work so you will be looking at also purchasing a new mattress if you currently own one of these. Additionally, if you want to upgrade to a split adjustable bed, a traditional, non-split mattress from your current bed won’t be compatible—you will need two smaller mattresses that match with the size of the adjustable bed you are looking to purchase. All adjustable bed companies also sell mattresses specifically made to go with their adjustable bases. Always contact the manufacturer if you have any doubts about the compatibility of your current mattress.
- Features: Some adjustable beds are extremely tech-savvy, while others have some features, but don’t go overboard. Some possible features include a wall-hugging design, massage, under-bed lighting, snore sensing, and app integration. When choosing an adjustable bed, consider how many of these features you want and your comfort level with learning new technologies. Keep in mind that more tech features tend to up the cost, so if these aren’t important to you, you’ll save some money by going with more basic models.
Special note: One feature, adjustable-height legs, is an important consideration for anyone with mobility issues because it will allow you to get your bed at the perfect height for ease of entry and exit, reducing the chance of falls or straining. The height that is best for you is personal and depends on your height and mobility limitations, but generally, the ability to lower a bed helps promote patient safety and reduce falls. Refer to our table above for a breakdown of all variable features by bed model
- Weight limit: Adjustable beds have a weight limit, usually somewhere around 750 to 850 pounds. Keep in mind that this includes the weight of the mattress, as well as anyone sleeping on it. Before purchasing an adjustable bed, make sure it supports the total combined weight you need.
- Assembly: Some adjustable bed manufacturers include white glove delivery with your purchase, which means someone will carry it in and assemble it for you. Those who do not generally describe a fairly hassle-free assembly process, but this may not be an option for an aging adult living alone. A handyman can always be hired to assemble the bed for you and should take only about 30 minutes.
- Warranty and trial period: Most adjustable beds come with a 20- to 25-year warranty. However, some are only covered for 10 years or may have limited lifetime warranties that are a bit more generous. When shopping for an adjustable bed, read through the warranty to make sure you feel comfortable with the coverage. Consider the return policy too. Most adjustable beds are final sale, but there are some returnable options (like the Puffy Adjustable Base) that come with at-home sleep trials.
- Price: You will, of course, need to consider the price and your budget when choosing an adjustable bed. You can spend anywhere from just over $1,000 to over $4,000, depending on size and the amount of features included. If your current mattress is not compatible, you’ll also have to consider the cost of a new mattress in addition to the base. Most companies offer financing options, allowing you a bit of flexibility around price.
How We Research and Choose Adjustable Beds for Older Adults
Our bed reviews follow an extensive examination of manufacturers, specifications, and reviews. Our reviewers are people who like comfortable beds and who want to be sure that claims made by bed makers are ones that are backed up by performance and results.
During our research process, we:
- Consulted with medical and sleep sources
- Surveyed different models of beds
- Spent hours researching adjustable beds
- Read hundreds of verified customer reviews
Many products and services featured on AgingInPlace.org will play a crucial role in your daily life. As these products should help enhance aging at home, we work to uncover as much as possible about the products and services we review. We also consult occupational therapists, audiologists, geriatricians, professional adult caregivers, respiratory therapists, and other experts in the field to ensure we’re providing the most accurate, helpful information. Read more about our methodology.
Bottom Line
Adjustable beds bring many benefits beyond comfort alone. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, sleep apnea, reduced mobility, heartburn, digestive issues, or a snoring partner, an adjustable bed may help alleviate those issues. They also allow you to prop yourself up easier to watch TV, read, or eat. The Saatva Lineal Standard Adjustable Bed Base is our Editor’s Pick for best adjustable bed for older adults, but if you’re looking for a higher-tech bed, the Tempur-Pedic Ergo Extend Smart Base is a wise choice. If you’re not sure if an adjustable base is right for you, the Puffy Adjustable Base comes with a 101-night sleep trial that offers peace of mind—and time to decide if it’s exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This depends on the adjustable bed. Some have a universal headboard attachment that you can use to connect your current setup. Others don’t have headboard attachments, but most fit inside standard-size bed frames.
Lindsay Boyers contributed to this report.
Pricing is accurate as of 9/23/2022
WRITTEN BY
Lauren Sherman, M.S., is a health content writer with a master's degree in human genetics from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, laboratory experience at National Jewish Health, and clinical experience at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She has extensively researched products to help those wanting to age in place such as medical alert systems, walk-in tubs, adjustable beds, and oxygen concentrators.
View AuthorMEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Brittany is a registered and licensed occupational therapist who has worked with geriatrics in assisted living and hospital settings. She holds a PhD in Integrative Mental Health, has published four books, and has written over 300 articles on a range of health topics. Brittany is the owner of Simplicity of Health, where she offers health writing and program development for health and wellness-related businesses.
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