How to Choose a Split Queen Adjustable Bed

Key Takeaways

• Split queen adjustable beds allow sleeping partners to share a bed while they each sleep in a position that suits their sleep needs.
• There are a wide range of price points and features to suit a variety of budgets and requirements.
• Many split queen adjustable beds provide additional features such as massage, under-bed lighting, and remotes that can be programmed with your favorite positions.

Best Split Queen Adjustable Beds

• Best Overall: Leva Quest Elite Adjustable Base
• Most One-Touch Preset Positions: Leva Elite 500 Adjustable Base
• Best Mid-Range: Leva Elite 250 Adjustable Base
• Best for Set Up: iDealBed 5i Custom Adjustable Bed Base
• Best on a Budget: Mattress Firm 300 Adjustable Base

How to Choose the Right Split Queen Adjustable Bed

Mattress compatibility: It’s important that the mattress is compatible with the adjustable bed frame. Each mattress must be able to flex as the frame moves into different positions. When purchasing an adjustable frame and mattress, verify that both components will work together. For a split queen, you need two mattresses that measure 30 by 80 so that you can get the independent movement that makes the split queen great for couples. Most mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds, though foam, latex, and hybrid are usually recommended while innerspring mattresses aren’t always compatible and can be damaged by the movement.

Comfort: There are a number of things to consider when it comes to comfort. First, find a mattress that has the right amount of firmness to support you while providing comfort. Temperature is another important consideration. Some memory foam mattresses will keep you much warmer, so if you tend to get hot in your sleep you should keep this in mind. However, there are also mattresses that are designed to keep you cool.

Durability: A split queen bed is a major purchase and the foundation for your sleep. Do your research to ensure the bed you choose will stand up to daily use and maintain its quality over time. Finding an adjustable split queen bed that offers a solid warranty can help ensure that your bed is covered for a long time to come.

Features: An adjustable bed base will often come with an array of features such as massage, under-bed lighting, and preset positions you can adjust to at the press of a button. Be sure the bed you choose has the features that are most important to you. If price is an issue, a model with fewer features may help you reach the desired price point.

Loudness: A split queen adjustable bed base makes use of motors to move the bed from one position to another. Different brands of motors will operate at different volumes. When selecting a bed, have a listen while adjusting, and consider whether the sound of the motor aligns with your preferences for your home and in your bedroom. Because a split queen is ideal for couples, you’ll most likely want to make sure it’s quiet enough that it won’t wake you or your partner while sleeping. 

Assembly: Each adjustable bed is different, so knowing what the manufacturer offers in way of delivery and assembly is a good jumping point. You can often read customer reviews for more insight into how easy or hard assembly is for any given adjustable bed. While many beds can be shipped and delivered, leaving it up to you to assemble, many manufacturers offer white-glove delivery service and setup for an additional cost.

Delivery method: Before committing to a new adjustable queen split bed purchase, find out what is involved in the delivery. What are the charges, how much time will it take, and is assembly included? Some delivery services will even remove your old mattress for you, but you need to discuss this option with customer service in advance so you know if this service is free of charge or comes with an additional fee.

Weight limit: Different beds and their mechanical components can accommodate different levels of weight, which will be clearly marked. It’s important to make sure that the bed you choose can support the combined weight of both your sleeping partner and you.

Price: The price of a split queen bed can vary greatly depending on the brand and  features you choose. In any case, it’s a big investment, and the price of the bed is an important element to consider when making this purchase. There may be special offers on various brands from time to time which can significantly lower the price. Many brands also offer installment plans like iDeal Beds, which partners with Klarna to offer customers a flexible payment plan.

Warranty: Warranty time frames vary for split queen adjustable bed bases. Be sure the warranty you choose suits your needs and is appropriate for the size of the investment you are making for your new bed. Different components of your adjustable bed, such as the motors, may also have separate warranties. Mattresses will also have separate warranties.

What is the Difference Between a Split Queen and a Regular Queen Bed? 

When it’s made up with quilts and pillows, a split queen bed may look just like any other queen size bed, but under the surface, it’s quite different.

• A split queen adjustable bed base supports two mattresses that move separately, but side by side. The two mattresses are the same size as a regular queen. Both a split queen and regular queen will measure 60 by 80 inches in total and take up the same amount of space in your bedroom.

• A split queen bed can be considerably more expensive than a standard queen bed due to its advanced features and functionality.

• The adjustable split queen bed allows your partner and you to share a bed even if you have different sleeping preferences or needs. Using two separate twin narrow mattresses, you have the autonomy to adjust your side of the bed to meet your specific needs.

What is the Difference Between Split Queen and Split King Beds?

When it comes to the difference between a split queen and a split king bed, size matters, and when the size increases, often the price does as well.

• A  split queen bed measures 60 by 80 inches and is made up of two narrow twin mattresses, each measuring 30 by 80 inches.

• A split king bed measures 76 by 80 inches and is made up of two twin XL mattresses, each measuring 38 by 80 inches, making the total size of a split king-size bed 16 inches wider than a queen. Many popular brands such as Serta iComfort offer XL twin mattresses that will work for the split king bed, but they don’t offer the narrow twin mattress required for the split queen bed. Plus, XL twin sheets are more widely available than standard twin sheets.

• More brands make split king adjustable beds than split queen beds. Some popular brands, such as the Signature Design by Ashley, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Ergo, or the Serta Motion Perfect Adjustable Base, offer a regular queen-size bed base, but the split adjustable design is only for larger beds, such as the split king or split California king.

Sleeping Positions and Their Effect on Back Pain

Issues with back pain often relate to posture and the position of the spine. Sleeping in an unsupported position can lead to back pain.

Back sleepers: Sleeping on your back helps distribute your weight evenly while keeping your spine stable. Your pillow should support the back of your neck and fill the space between your neck and the surface of the bed, which indirectly supports your neck. Elevating your knees with the adjustable bed frame or a pillow can help maintain the natural curve and reduce pressure on your spine.

Side sleepers: When sleeping on your side, it’s easy for the spine to fall out of position rather than remaining straight, which can also lead to back pain. To help prevent this issue, place a pillow between your knees to help maintain the correct angle for your hips and spine. Be sure your pillow is of an appropriate thickness to help your head and neck maintain the same plane as your spine. If your hips are wider than your waist, you will benefit from a softer mattress, such as one with memory foam, because it will allow your hips to sink into the mattress while your spine remains at the proper angle.

Stomach sleepers: Sleeping on your stomach is not ideal if you have back pain. If you do sleep on your stomach, place a pillow under your pelvis to help maintain the natural curve of your back. Many stomach sleepers prefer to keep their hands near their head while sleeping for leverage when they want to lift their head or get up. It’s best to sleep without a head pillow unless you can use one without causing additional strain.

Combination sleepers: Combination sleepers may sleep in different positions and even change position as they sleep. While changing position during sleep may temporarily relieve pressure on your spine, you are less likely to remain in a supportive sleep position—like when placing a pillow between your knees—because you move in your sleep.

How We Wrote the Best Split Queen Adjustable Beds Article

We reviewed split queen adjustable beds based on the following criteria:

• Cost
• Warranties
• Features included
• Comfort and adjustability 
• Ease of installation
• Expert sources
• Customer service accessibility and performance
• Customer satisfaction reviews
• Company reputation
• Noise levels

Why You Can Trust Our Reviews

The bed 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
• 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 audiologists, geriatricians, professional adult caregivers, and other experts in the field to ensure we’re providing the most accurate, helpful information.

Pricing is accurate as of May 24, 2022.