Best Adjustable Bed Mattresses Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Updated: Jul 25, 2022
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Key Takeaways

  • When purchasing a mattress, consider size, material, and firmness to best serve your health and physical needs.
  • Foam, hybrid, and airbeds are the best mattresses for an adjustable bed.
  • If you’re not sure if a mattress will work with an adjustable bed, ask the manufacturer before purchasing, as using an incompatible mattress can void its warranty.
woman stretching in bedroom

If you have chronic pain, sleeping issues (like sleep apnea or GERD), or trouble getting comfortable throughout the night, an adjustable bed can make a huge difference in your sleep quality. Adjustable beds allow you to change the angle of your head and feet to reduce pressure and alleviate some of the discomfort that comes with it. And if you have trouble getting out of bed, an adjustable bed can also help you sit up and get to a standing position much more easily than a standard bed, according to Kiran Gollakota, co-founder and CEO of Lightyear Health.

Adjustable beds can be as simple as a foundation with a remote that lets you change the position of your bed. Or, they can have much fancier features like massage settings, under-bed lighting, and even automatic snore detection (the bed will automatically raise your head when it detects snoring). While additional features can be useful, Gollakota advises keeping it simple if you’re not totally comfortable with technology, since many high-tech adjustable beds operate through an app. “The most sophisticated adjustable bed is not going to do you any good if it’s too hard to use,” he said.

In addition to narrowing down the type of adjustable bed you want, you also have to consider the mattress. Not all mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds. Traditional innerspring mattresses—the kind you likely grew up with—can be too stiff and don’t always flex properly on an adjustable bed (although some adjustable beds are compatible). Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also prematurely break the mattress down so you’ll need to replace it sooner.

On the other hand, foam and hybrid mattresses and adjustable airbeds all work well with an adjustable bed. While you can use any mattress that fits into these categories, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right support so you don’t end up with aches and pains (or exacerbate any pain you have now). To help you narrow down your options, we’ve rounded up the seven best mattresses for an adjustable bed.

Which Type of Mattress Is Best for an Adjustable Bed?

Foam and hybrid mattresses are equally great for an adjustable bed. Adjustable airbeds, which allow you to control the firmness level by adding and/or releasing air from the chambers, also work well. We included adjustable bed mattresses from each of these categories on this list. The choice really comes down to preference and what you’re hoping to get out of your bed.

7 Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds:

Best Value & Editor’s Choice

Saatva Logo
Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
  • Type: Airbed
  • Firmness: 50 firmness levels
  • Trial length/return period: One year
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, queen upper flex, king, king upper flex, split king, California king, split California king
  • Price: $2,325–$4,750

Product Details

The Saatva Solaire brings adjustability up a notch. Not only is this mattress compatible with an adjustable base, it’s an airbed, so it’s also fully adjustable itself. There are 50 firmness settings so you can adjust as needed and find your ideal feel in different sleeping (or lounging) positions. Because there are dual air chambers, you can adjust each side of the mattress independently—meaning if you sleep with a partner, you can each sleep at your own preferred firmness level. Although it sounds a little complicated, it’s easy to control with the included remote.

Aside from the adjustability, the Saatva Solaire has various comfort layers that make it a good choice. It includes contouring foams that work with the air to alleviate pressure on your joints, and a 3-inch pillow top with added lumbar support that’s ideal if you have lower back pain.

Another standout is that the Solaire comes in split king and upper flex options. The split king models are completely split down the middle so the head and foot can be adjusted independently on both sides, while the upper flex has a split top that allows individuality in head adjustments.

Saatva has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Customers give it high marks for the actual products, saying the mattresses are incredibly comfortable, as well as the customer service, which is often described as “outstanding.”

Why it Made Our List

Because it’s an airbed, the Saatva Solaire is fully adjustable. It has 50 firmness settings so you can adjust the feel as well as the position when you put it on an adjustable bed.

  • Type: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial length/return period: 100 nights
  • Warranty: 10-year
  • Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Price: $2,499–$4,998

Product Details

Fairly new to the mattress world, Purple launched in 2016 with a completely unique construction. Rather than stacking layers of foam and coils, Purple mattresses are made of a stretchy polymer grid that makes them ideal for adjustable bases and relieving pressure. The grid stretches and moves with the adjustable base so you don’t have to worry about damaging the mattress’ internal structure.

The adaptability of the grid also makes this mattress ideal for pressure relief. The grid flexes and cradles your body, creating a sort of weightlessness that’s similar to what you get in the zero-gravity position of an adjustable bed. If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll also appreciate the grid’s open air channels, which allow air to flow through so the mattress doesn’t trap heat like memory foam-only options can.

This model has a 3-inch grid layer that gives it a medium feel, but if you like a softer mattress, the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 has a 4-inch grid layer that adds some plushness and height.

Purple has mostly glowing reviews, with happy sleepers giving it an overall rating of 4.19 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Customers speak highly about the mattresses, saying they’re especially great for alleviating chronic pain and pressure, though some have had issues with missing items or items arriving late.

Why It Made Our List

Because the grid is so flexible, the Purple Hybrid Premier 3 easily adjusts to the movements of an adjustable base. It also adapts to your body in the same way, providing targeted pressure relief that can help reduce aches and pains.

  • Type: Foam
  • Firmness: Soft, medium, or firm
  • Trial length/return period: 120 nights
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Price: $1,199–$1,999

Product Details

The WinkBeds GravityLux is an all-foam mattress that has three main layers: a base layer of high-density foam, a middle layer of Progression foam, and a top layer of breathable memory foam. The base layer gives the mattress some extra durability, so it won’t break down when used regularly on an adjustable bed. This layer also prevents dipping and sagging that can often go hand-in-hand with memory foam mattresses—so it’s easier to get into and out of.

The middle layer has different levels of softness, or “give.” It provides more support near the hips and lower back, which can help prevent or reduce neck and back pain, and it’s softer near your shoulders and legs—areas that need to sink into the mattress to keep your spine aligned. The top layer helps prevent heat buildup that can come with traditional memory foam and reduces motion transfer so you’re less likely to get jostled awake if you sleep with a partner.

The WinkBeds GravityLux also comes in three firmness levels—soft, medium, and firm—so you can pick the one that best suits your needs.

Customers are happy with the mattress and WinkBeds as a whole, giving the company an overall rating of 4.39 out of 5 stars on BBB. While some reviewers had trouble with the return process, others spoke highly of the delivery process and the comfort of the mattresses.

Why It Made Our List

The WinkBeds GravityLux offers exceptional pressure relief and support that makes it easier to get into and out of bed. It also has a high-density foam layer that can stand up to the movement of an adjustable base, making it one of the best mattresses for an adjustable bed.

  • Type: Hybrid (organic latex, organic wool, organic cotton, steel coils)
  • Firmness: Firm (7 out of 10)
  • Trial length/return period: One year
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Price: $1,199–$2,299

Product Details

The biggest draw of the Avocado Green Mattress is its fully organic construction. It’s made of organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton, all non-toxic materials that provide exceptional pressure relief too. A true hybrid, these layers sit on top of individually wrapped coils that have five separate ergonomic zones. In other words, the coils are optimized to provide extra support where you need it (lower back and hips), and a little more give where you don’t (shoulders and legs).

Because it’s not an innerspring mattress, the Avocado Green works well on an adjustable bed, even with the coils. As is, it has a gentle firm construction (Avocado rates it a 7 out of 10), which is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, but you can also opt for a pillow top (for an additional $400 to $600 depending on the size) that brings it down to a 6 out of 10—a better option for side sleepers.

If you like the idea of an organic mattress but are looking for an option at a lower price point, you may want to consider the Avocado Eco instead. While the construction is slightly different, it’s still an excellent adjustable bed mattress.

Avocado’s overall BBB rating isn’t as impressive as some of the others (2.37 out of 5 stars), but there aren’t many reviews to qualify that score. While customers are happy with their adjustable bed mattress and pillows, most of the complaints are due to shipping delays. It’s worth noting that many of these complaints came in during material shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and their website features thousands of positive reviews.

Why It Made Our List

Its fully organic construction is the main thing that makes the Avocado Green Mattress stand out, but it also has an ergonomic construction that can provide pressure relief and alleviate pain.

  • Type: Foam
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial length/return period: One year
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Price: $799–$1,698

Product Details

Nectar makes three memory foam mattresses, all of which will work well with an adjustable bed. The Premier mattress is the mid-grade model that has three main foam layers combined with a quilted cooling cover that helps promote air flow. The 7-inch base layer is made of high-density foam that properly supports your body in the absence of coils, so you don’t uncomfortably sink into the bed—which can also contribute to pain. 

This foam layer is topped with two additional layers: dynamically adjusting foam and a gel-infused memory foam layer. Together, these layers quickly adjust to your body temperature and movement.

If you get hot flashes in the middle of the night, you may want to consider the Nectar Premier Copper instead. It has an almost-identical construction, but with added breathability; there are copper fibers in the quilted cover that offer more temperature regulation.

Nectar is one of the most highly rated mattress companies, with customers giving it an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Sleepers, including those with sleep apnea, praise the mattress, claiming their new mattresses have drastically improved their sleep quality.

Why It Made Our List

Because of its dynamic foam layer and high-density support layer, the Nectar Premier Mattress quickly adjusts to your body and to your adjustable bed. It also comes with a generous one-year trial period and a lifetime warranty.

  • Type: Hybrid (memory foam and coils)
  • Firmness: Medium to medium-firm (6.5 out of 10)
  • Trial length/return period: One year
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Price: $799–$1,699

Product Details

While the DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid mattress, it’s more reminiscent of a traditional pillow top that you may have had in the past. It has six main layers, including a coil base layer and various foam support and comfort layers. What makes it stand out from other hybrid mattresses is the euro top layer and cashmere-blend cover that come together to give it an extra plush top that feels like a pillow top, but still works with an adjustable base. (A traditional spring pillow top mattress won’t work with an adjustable bed.)

DreamCloud calls this mattress a “luxury firm,” which really means it’s on the firmer side of medium. Because of this, it’s great for back, side, and combo sleepers as well as anyone with chronic back pain. The hybrid construction gives it a bouncier feel than memory foam and makes it easier to get into and out of. While this mattress is a bit thicker than others—it’s 14 inches—it will still work with an adjustable base as long as the base isn’t too high. Pairing this with a platform-style adjustable base will likely be your best bet.

Another very highly rated option, DreamCloud’s reviews on Trustpilot give it an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. While some customers said it took a little while to get used to their new mattresses, which is typical, many said they’re getting much better sleep since switching to DreamCloud.

Why It Made Our List

The DreamCloud Premier gives you the plushness of a traditional pillow top, but because of its hybrid construction, it works well with adjustable bases and provides enough support to prevent pain.

Best for Pressure Relief

Nolah Logo
Nolah Signature 12”
  • Type: Foam
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial length/return period: 120 nights
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Price: $1,099–$2,398

Product Details

The Nolah Signature 12” mattress is the brand’s most pressure-relieving model. It’s constructed of a proprietary AirFoam, which works to evenly distribute your weight and reduce the pressure on your hips, shoulders, and back more than traditional memory foam. This can translate to a more comfortable night’s sleep and reduced pain. It’s also more durable than memory foam, so it can stand up to the regular movement of an adjustable base and resists sagging from your body weight.

While the mattress isn’t completely organic like the Avocado Green, the foam layers are wrapped up in an organic cotton cover that’s cooling and helps wick away moisture—an ideal combination if you find yourself waking up sweating in the middle of the night.

There aren’t a lot of third-party reviews for Nolah, but it currently has an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. The customers that did review the company cited problems with customer service.

Why It Made Our List

The Nolah Signature 12” offers more pressure relief and support than traditional memory foam but the same level of flexibility, making it an ideal choice for an adjustable bed.

Types of Mattresses Compatible With Adjustable Bed Bases

Not all mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases. Before buying a new mattress for your adjustable bed, check in with the manufacturer to make sure it will work for that purpose. Using a mattress that’s not compatible with your adjustable base may void its warranty. Here’s a guide on the best mattresses for an adjustable bed to get you started:

Foam

Foam mattresses are mattresses that are made only of foam. This may be memory foam, latex foam, proprietary foams, and/or a combination of all or some of the above. Foam easily flexes and moves with an adjustable base without compromising the structure or comfort of the mattress.

As for feel, all-foam mattresses conform to your body and give you more of a feeling that you’re “sinking in” to your mattress. They’re excellent for pressure relief, but may be more difficult to get into and out of compared to hybrid models. Memory foam models also tend to trap heat, unless they have specific cooling layers.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are another option for adjustable bed bases. Hybrid mattresses have some combination of foam and coil layers. A true hybrid has at least 2 inches of foam, plus pocketed coils that are more flexible than traditional springs.

Keep in mind that hybrid mattresses are different from innerspring mattresses. While both types of mattresses have coil layers, innerspring mattresses have less foam and are stiffer than hybrid mattresses. Innerspring mattresses won’t always work with an adjustable bed because they’re not flexible enough.

Airbed

Airbeds are less popular than memory foam and hybrid models, but they work with adjustable bases just as well. One of the benefits of an airbed, like the Sleep Number, is that in addition to adjusting your position (thanks to the base), you can change the firmness level by adding or releasing air.

How to Choose a Mattress for Your Adjustable Bed

There’s no shortage of memory foam and hybrid mattresses out there. As such, there’s a long list of mattresses that will work with your adjustable bed. To narrow down your choice, the first thing you should do is consider your preferences. Do you like to sink into your bed and experience more body-conforming, which can help alleviate pressure? If so, a memory foam mattress might be the better option for you. Keep in mind, however, that memory foam mattresses tend to be harder to get in and out of—so if you have mobility issues they may have a little too much sinking for your liking.

Hybrid mattresses make it easier to get into and out of bed because they offer more support thanks to the coil layers. They’re also bouncier and don’t isolate motion as well as memory foam mattresses. This isn’t an issue if you sleep alone, but if you share a bed with a partner who tosses and turns it can be a deal breaker. 

In addition to the type of mattress, you’ll also want to think about the feel. Soft mattresses feel plusher—but if they’re too soft, they can throw your back and spine out of alignment which can exacerbate pain. Medium- to medium-firm mattresses provide more support than soft mattresses and work especially well for side sleepers. Medium-firm mattresses are also better if you have back pain, according to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in 2021.

While certainly not a requirement, Gollakota advises that just to be safe (and to make things easier), you should consider getting your adjustable bed base and mattress from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility. Of course, you’ll still have to double check to make sure you’re getting a mattress type that will work with your frame.

Other Adjustable Bed Mattresses We Recommend

If you want to continue your search, there are several other mattresses that will work well with an adjustable bed. Here’s a list of other adjustable bed mattresses we recommend:

  • Tuft & Needle Hybrid
  • Sealy Cocoon Chill
  • Helix Midnight
  • Bear Hybrid
  • Birch Natural Mattress
  • Ghostbed Flex
  • Saatva Loom and Leaf
  • Nest Sparrow Hybrid
  • Dreamfoam Copper Dreams
  • Casper Original Hybrid
  • Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid
  • Lucid Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
  • Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam
  • Winkbeds EcoCloud

Looking for an adjustable bed as well? Check out these brands on your search: Tempur-Pedic Adjustable Bed, Amerisleep Adjustable Bed, Saatva Adjustable Bed, and Avocado Adjustable Bases.

Bottom Line

Foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and some airbeds all work with an adjustable base. The best mattress for an adjustable bed really depends on your preferences and what you’re hoping to get out of your mattress (e.g., pain relief, extra support, adjustable firmness levels). All of the picks on this list are highly recommended and have different merits. They also come with lengthy sleep trials so you can try them at home for at least 100 days before deciding if it’s the right mattress for you.

Why Trust Us?

The bed and mattress reviews that we list follow an extensive examination of manufacturers, stated 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.

Our ratings consider factors we list in the review: comfort, manufacturer guarantee, return policy, cost.

During our research process, we:

  • Consulted with medical and sleep sources
  • Surveyed different models of beds and mattresses
  • 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, and other experts in the field to ensure we’re providing the most accurate, helpful information.

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s not a single mattress that’s best for an adjustable base, but you do want to consider the construction. Foam and hybrid mattresses and some airbeds work with adjustable bases, while traditional innerspring mattresses may not.

Pricing is accurate as of July 1, 2022.

WRITTEN BY

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LINDSAY BOYERS

Lindsay Boyers is a functional nutritionist and editor with over a decade of experience in health, research-based scientific writing, and commerce writing. She's written 15 books and her work appears on Forbes, CNET, U.S. News, mindbodygreen, Livestrong.com, Healthline, and CNN Underscored, among others. She’s also personally tested hundreds of consumer products, from mattresses to kitchen appliances to gardening tools. Lindsay holds certifications in holistic nutrition, functional nutrition, and professional food safety, as well as a B.S. in food in nutrition. She’s currently studying to become certified in sleep science.

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY

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BRITTANY FERRI, PHD, OTR/L

PhD, OTR/L

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.