Written by Lauren Hapgood, Performance Staff Writer
Tired of sleeping flat on your back all night long? Then you may want to consider buying an adjustable bed frame. These frames are built to bring a little variability to the bedroom by raising the legs, lifting the head, and generally shifting the body into different positions to achieve truly optimized comfort. These bases can be great for people who struggle with snoring, those with poor circulation, or people who simply like to read or watch TV in bed. But which adjustable bed frame is right for you and your unique slumber needs?
In this guide, we’re going to introduce you to the best adjustable bed frames on the market. Though they differ in terms of design, style, and construction, they’re all great examples of how functional (and comfortable!) an adjustable bed frame can be. Next, we’ll share the methodology we used to rate them, so you know what factors to consider in your search. Then, we’ll wrap things up with a few expert tips you can employ to improve your shopping experience.
Our Top Pick For Adjustable Bases
We chose the Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame as our top choice for adjustable bases because it’s easy to operate, includes premium features, and has adjustable height options. This bed is great for anyone wanting a simple base with a touch of luxury.
Best Adjustable Beds & Bases
- Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Overall
- DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame – Best for Heavy People
- Saatva Adjustable Base Plus – Most Supportive
- Helix Adjustable Base – Best Massaging
- Nolah Adjustable Base With Massage – Best for Couples
- Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base – Best Value
Best Adjustable Beds Video Review
Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Overall
Nectar Adjustable Base
If you like to sit up in bed or are in search of various features, like an anti-snore position or massaging, then the Nectar Adjustable Bed could be for you.
Sleepopolis Score
4.70 / 5
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Expert Opinion
The Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame base has the head and leg elevation that you’d expect from an adjustable base and a few other features that make it a great choice. The wireless remote comes with three preset settings: zero gravity, anti-snore, and TV recline. The zero gravity button puts you in a neutral 120-degree position that simulates weightlessness. If there’s a unique position you love, you can save it as a preset, too. This base also has a built-in two zone massage that comes with three intensities.
The height of this base is also adjustable. You can either use the eight-inch legs or the three-inch legs, both of which are included with the base. The base also comes with two-inch extenders for some additional height. Another great feature is the addition of four USB ports built into the base, which gives you easy access to your chargers.
What our tester says: “Both the head and foot of the base raise in a way that’s designed to optimize weight distribution, enhance blood flow, and provide this feeling of floating on top of the mattress. Personally, I found this position to offer the most pressure relief for my lower back.” – Sarah Riccio, former Sleepopolis senior writer and bedding expert
Who the Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame is Best for
- People who like relaxing in bed: People who like sitting up in bed to watch TV or read may appreciate the preset “TV recline” button.
- Couples: This adjustable base is offered in a split king option, which is great for couples with different sleeping preferences.
- People unsure if they want an adjustable base: The Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame comes with a 50-night home trial period, which is perfect for those who want to try out an adjustable base before fully committing.
Who Should Avoid the Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame
- Budget shoppers: This bed frame is one of the more expensive ones on this list, which may not be affordable for some shoppers. Shoppers on a budget should check out our best cheap mattresses page.
To learn more about this base, check out our full Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame review. Or if you’re ready to commit, click here to get our best deal.
DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame – Best for Heavy People
DreamCloud Adjustable Base
If you like to sit up in bed, raise your legs, or need an anti-snore feature, the DreamCloud adjustable bed could be a great choice.
Sleepopolis Score
4.60 / 5
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Expert Opinion
If you’re a heavy sleeper over 250 pounds in search of the best adjustable bed frame, we can’t recommend the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame enough. A queen size model supports up to 750 pounds, and its luxury features and careful construction make it more durable and high-quality than other options on the market. Best of all, DreamCloud offers a 50-night sleep trial and a three-year warranty, so there’s plenty of time to test this bed base out for yourself and determine whether or not it provides enough support for you.
What our tester says: “The range of motions you get with adjustable bases also means they work for a variety of sleeping positions — side sleepers and stomach sleepers should be able to find comfortable positions, as well.” – Sarah Riccio, former senior writer
Who the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame is Best for
- Snorers: The anti-snore preset may be a solution for those who snore or have sleep apnea. We recommend snorers check with their doctor to see if this position is right for them.
- People who like lounging in bed: The lounge preset puts you in a great position for sitting up in bed to watch TV or read. We loved that if you find an angle you like, you can save it to your remote.
- People with joint pain: The ZG (Zero Gravity) button distributes sleepers’ weight evenly across the mattress, taking excess pressure off the body. During testing, this was our favorite setting of all.
Who Should Avoid the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame
- Those with a headboard: Unfortunately, the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame doesn’t come with a headboard, nor is it compatible with one.
To learn more about this base, check out our full DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame review. Ready to buy this bed frame? Get our best deal here.
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus – Most Supportive
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus
The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus is a luxury adjustable bed featuring custom settings that allow sleepers to program their favorite positions, in addition to the pre-set positions available on the wireless remote.
Sleepopolis Score
5.00 / 5
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Expert Opinion
The upgraded version of the standard Saatva Adjustable Base has all the features of the original: head and leg elevation, and adjustable legs that go up in half-inch increments of height options, from 13 to 18 inches. It’s also designed to be “zero-clearance,” meaning you can take off the legs and use it on other platform bases. But the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus boasts some additional features such as presets and a three-setting massage function. With a weight capacity of 850 pounds, this base is also super supportive and durable, giving you a sturdy foundation upon which to sleep, as well as some truly luxurious bells and whistles.
The slim design of the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus lets it fit into other frames and keeps the quiet motor out of sight. It comes in a variety of sizes, including twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. It even offers some unique dimensions such as split California king, upper-flex queen, and upper-flex king.
What reviews say: Customers love the free delivery and setup that Saatva offers, and they rave about the easy communication and support from Saatva customer service.
Who the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus is Best for
- People wishing to re-use their current bed frame: You can remove the legs from this base and place it in a platform base, so your current bed frame won’t go to waste.
- Restless sleepers: This base features under-bed lighting, which helps illuminate the way if you’re someone who often gets out of bed at night.
- People who want a tall base: The base can be 18 inches tall at its maximum height, thanks to the adjustable legs.
Who Should Avoid the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus
- Budget shoppers: As a luxury base, the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus usually costs more than $1,500 before discounts.
To learn more about this base, check out our full Saatva Adjustable Base Plus review. Interested in the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus? Get our best deal here.
Helix Adjustable Base – Best Massaging
Helix Adjustable Base
The Helix Adjustable Base is a budget-friendly option that offers a variety of features, from massages to a zero gravity preset.
Read Full ReviewExpert Opinion
The Helix Adjustable Base is controlled with a wireless remote that allows you to program up to three memory presets. The remote is already programmed with flat and zero gravity buttons. You can easily return the base back to its original position with one button. This base also has a massage function with three intensity levels. Lastly, it comes with two USB ports.
What reviews say: Customers find this base to be easy to operate and assemble, with the buttons and instructions being easy to navigate.
Who the Helix Adjustable Base is Best for
- People with spinal pressure: This base has a zero gravity setting, which is designed to give you a weightless feel that can take pressure off your spine and other sensitive areas.
- People with stiffness: This base comes with three massage intensities, which can be great for those with muscle stiffness.
- People who snore: This base lets you elevate your head and shoulders, which can reduce snoring by giving you an angle that promotes unrestricted airflow.
Who Should Avoid the Helix Adjustable Base
- People who want a headboard: This base is not compatible with headboard attachments, which could be a dealbreaker for those wanting a headboard for comfort or aesthetic purposes.
To learn more about this base, check out our full Helix Adjustable Base Plus review. Sold on the Helix Adjustable base? Click here for our best deal.
Nolah Adjustable Base With Massage– Best For Couples
Nolah Adjustable Base With Massage
The Nolah Adjustable Base with Massage has four noise-free engines that offer a vibrating full-body massage with three intensity levels. Reinforced steel adds stability to this base.
Sleepopolis Score
4.90 / 5
Expert Opinion
The Nolah Adjustable Base With Massage has convenient features built into it, such as USB ports, an under-bed night light, and reinforced steel that offers stability. It’s a high-tech base with four noise-free massage engines that provide a vibrating full-body massage in three intensity levels. It comes with a wireless remote but also responds to voice controls.
What reviews say: Although this is a high-tech base, customers are not finding set up and assembly to be complicated. In fact, they praise how easy the bed is to use and operate.
Who the Nolah Adjustable Base With Massage is Best for
- People needing pressure relief: The remote comes with a zero-gravity preset, which simulates weightlessness and can help relieve pressure.
- People in pain: The vibrating massage can be great for relieving pain from head to toe.
- Heavier sleepers: The reinforced steel undercarriage makes this a super sturdy and durable bed frame that can support up to 750 pounds, including the mattress and sleepers.
Who Should Avoid the Nolah Adjustable Base With Massage
- People seeking simplicity: This bed comes with a lot of bells and whistles, which may not be for everyone. If you want a base that just elevates the head and feet, this may not be for you.
Our full Nolah Adjustable Base With Massage review is coming soon. Think the Nolah Adjustable Base With Massage is the best option for you? Get our best deal here.
Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base – Best Value
Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base
The Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Power Base comes with head-to-foot tilt adjustments, plus zero gravity and anti-aging posture presets. There are two USB ports and a built-in power-down battery box that is a self-sufficient and energy-efficient source of power.
Sleepopolis Score
4.80 / 5
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Expert Opinion
The Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Power Base has a built-in power-down battery box that is a self-sufficient and energy-efficient source of power. It comes with the basic head-to-foot tilt adjustments but also comes with several presets, including zero gravity and an anti-aging posture. This base also includes two USB ports, a wireless remote with a flashlight, and can support up to 850 pounds.
What reviews say: Reviews express extreme satisfaction with the high quality and sturdy construction of this base. Many customers are reporting a decrease in their pain after sleeping with this base.
Who the Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base is Best for
- Couples: This base is sold in a split king option, which is ideal for partners with different sleep preferences.
- People needing pressure relief: The zero gravity and anti-aging postures should be beneficial to those who need a weightless feeling.
- Heavier sleepers: This adjustable base can support up to 850 pounds, including the mattress.
Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base
- People with aesthetic preferences: This adjustable base is sold in one color and design, which may not fit your aesthetic preferences. However, it can fit into an additional slatless frame if needed.
To learn more about this base, check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base review. Get our best deal on the Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power base here.
What is an Adjustable Bed?
Adjustable bed, or adjustable base, is a customizable bed frame that allows sleepers to alter the position of their mattress in a way that neutrally (and properly) aligns the spine. Many simply adjust the head and/or feet, but there are many luxurious options with special features. Some folks use these frames to put themselves in a nice reading or TV-watching position, and others use it to enhance comfort during sleep.
High-quality adjustable beds utilize steel in its construction, allowing a sturdy base to support a variety of body types. Many adjustable beds require assembly, and often they’re extremely heavy, so consider grabbing a friend to help you or stick with a model that’s pre-assembled.
Once you’ve got it all set up, you can adjust the positions of an adjustable bed, often with a remote. Many models come with presets (zero-gravity, anti-snore, etc.). When you’re finished, you can lower the setting to different position that suits your comfort level and sleep soundly.
Adjustable Bed vs Adjustable Mattress
As discussed above, the best adjustable beds are the nifty frames that help folks customize their comfort in bed, whether they’re asleep or simply engaging in relaxing nighttime activities. However, the best adjustable mattresses, or the cozy beds highlighted in this very roundup, are the actual sleeping surfaces that go atop adjustable beds.
The most important thing to keep in mind is whether or not the mattress you purchase is compatible with your adjustable bed. And that’s something you won’t have to worry about with any of the above recommendations. We’ve tested them all in our sleep lab, and if you’re wanting to learn more about our rigorous processes, check out our testing methodology.
Pros and Cons of Adjustable Beds
Purchasing an adjustable bed is a great idea for some, not all. Check out the chart below to see if your desires and priorities match up with what goes into having an adjustable bed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Helps with circulation (especially those with zero-gravity settings) | Can be expensive |
| Versatility results in added comfort | Heavy |
| Great for couples with different preferences | Some are difficult to assemble |
| Some have anti-snoring settings | |
| Easier to watch TV/read |
What to Look for In An Adjustable Bed
When shopping for an adjustable bed, you may be overwhelmed by all the different brands and models on the market. To make your shopping process a bit easier, here are some factors you may want to consider before making your purchase.
Construction
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for an adjustable bed frame is its construction. This might seem like an obvious point, but it’s easy to get distracted from the basics when thinking about all the other more “exciting” features that may come with an adjustable base.
What Kind Of Construction Should You Look For?
High-quality adjustable bed frames are typically made of steel, a sturdy material that’s both flexible and supportive. Remember, you want your frame to support at least 750 pounds, and steel is definitely up to the challenge!
Assembly
Ease of assembly is another major factor to think about when shopping for an adjustable bed frame. A lot of steel frames are incredibly heavy, with some weighing upwards of 200 pounds. This can make it difficult for some to set it up on their own. If you aren’t too good with assembling furniture or physically can’t due to pain or disability, consider snagging a frame that’s pre-assembled. Or, you could buy from a brand that offers white glove delivery service —the base is delivered to your home and set up for you.
Wall-Hugging Design
Another thing we look out for when researching adjustable bed frames is whether or not a frame has a wall-hugging design. Frames that feature this design are able to slide up and down your bedroom wall (without hitting it, of course!) rather than away from the wall. This saves a ton of space and makes for a more seamless bedroom aesthetic. You’ll also have an easier time reaching your nightstand. Apartment dwellers may be especially well-suited to this kind of build.
If a frame is built with this kind of design, the brand will always advertise it either in the name of the product or in the “details” section.
Positions
Though all adjustable bases move, not all of them move in the same ways. Most frames can independently raise your head and feet or do both at the same time, but some come with additional premium features.
Below are some of the most common preset positions you may discover when shopping for an adjustable bed frame of your own. Again, brands usually list these in the “details” section of the product, so if there’s one that sounds particularly interesting to you, make sure to look for it by name in that section.
- Zero-gravity: This position raises both the head and foot of the bed in a way that’s supposed to make the sleeper feel weightless. Basically, the foot of the base is raised slightly higher than the head in an effort to promote better blood flow and circulation.
- Anti-snore: Folks who struggle with snoring may be particularly well-suited to this position, which raises the head slightly upward. This helps to promote better breathing, but isn’t a “fix-all” snoring cure. As always, be sure to chat with your doctor to see if this setting could work for you.
- TV: As the name suggests, this position is all about raising the head of the bed so you can better watch TV or read. Who says your bed can’t be a recliner?
- Flat: And finally, the flat-back position. Most adjustable bed frames have a “flat” button that allows you to return to a neutral sleeping position.
Extra Features
Aside from adjustability, many of these frames boast features that bring a little extra pizazz to the sleeping experience. While you won’t find these on all frames, two of the most common ones include:
- USB Ports: It’s pretty common for adjustable bed frames to come with USB ports, but some have more than others. If you sleep with a partner, we’d make sure to look for a frame that features ports on both sides of the bed. That way, you can both charge while you snooze!
- Massage: Many adjustable bed frames also come with massage settings! If this function appeals to you, take some time to determine exactly what you’d like it to do. For example, some bases offer multi-speed settings that allow sleepers to experiment with different levels of intensity. And some have massage “modes” so users can localize the vibrations to certain areas of the base.
Related: Best Mattresses for Adjustable Bed Frames
Sleepopolis Tips
Still not sure how to land on the adjustable bed frame of your dreams? No worries! Allow me to share some expert tips and tricks to improve your search.
- Some companies allow you to try out the adjustable base and then return or exchange it if you’re not satisfied. If you’re not sure if you really want an adjustable bed, finding one with a sleep trial could be a good way to find out.
- In that same vein, make sure to pay extra close attention to the warranty on your product! If one isn’t listed, we’d recommend moving right along.
- If you sleep with a partner who has different sleep preferences from you, we’d suggest looking for a frame with “split adjustability.” This allows each sleeper to modify their side of the bed without disturbing their bedmate.
Why Warranties & Trials Matter
It’s common to have a lengthy sleep trial for mattresses, but it’s less common to have sleep trials for adjustable bases, so don’t worry if you come across one that doesn’t allow returns. If you really want to try one out before committing, there are some on the market that do allow returns.
When it comes to adjustable bases, you’ll want to make sure yours has a lengthy warranty. You’ll likely keep your base for many years, so you’ll want to be covered just in case something goes wrong.
FAQs
Can you use a regular mattress with an adjustable bed?
Yes, you certainly can use a regular mattress with an adjustable bed. We strongly recommend first confirming with the manufacturer whether or not your particular mattress is compatible with your adjustable bed frame.
Generally, more flexible mattress models are best suited to adjustable beds, as they can conform to the shape of the frame as it adjusts. Memory foam mattresses are perhaps the best candidates, but many latex and hybrid mattresses have the potential to be great fits also.
Are adjustable beds worth it?
’Wed like to think that for most, adjustable beds are entirely worth the cost. While they are an extra investment, there are plenty of models out there designed for budget shoppers wanting a quality option. Even if you’re not planning on using your adjustable bed for sleep, they can be a fantastic way to enhance your experience relaxing in bed by reading or watching TV.
What’s the best sleeping position for an adjustable bed?
Back sleeping tends to be the best sleeping position for adjustable beds. Typically we recommend lifting the head of the base if you struggle with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as it helps open your airway. Zero gravity settings, if offered on your base, are also known for helping those with OSA and also folks with joint pain, as it helps distribute body weight evenly.
Is it healthy to sleep on an adjustable bed?
Generally yes, it is healthy to sleep on an adjustable bed, but it all depends on your preferred sleeping position. We mostly recommend adjustable beds for back sleepers, as the ability to raise the feet and/or head can help further promote spinal alignment in this position.