Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds

Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories. Learn more.

Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top mattress picks for adjustable beds and added more feedback from the testers in our lab — so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

»

Whether you’ve just bought yourself a new adjustable bed frame or are simply looking to upgrade the mattress currently resting atop your existing one, this guide is for you. Below, I’m going to walk you through the absolute best mattresses for adjustable bed frames on the market today. Not only are they engineered to move in perfect harmony with your adjustable bed, but they’re pretty darn cozy, too.

And not to worry — after we go over our picks, we’ll also chat about the methodology we used to select them. That way, you’ll know exactly what factors to consider when shopping for a mattress of your own.

So, without further ado, let’s take a peek at our mattress selections.

Our Top Pick for the Best Mattress for an Adjustable Bed

The Helix Midnight proved to be our top pick because of its durability, quality of materials, and versatility. Its balanced feel and blend of comfort and support should suit many sleeping positions and body types.

The Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds

• Best Overall Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – Helix Midnight
• Best Value Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – Nectar
• Best Mattress for Back Pain – Nolah Evolution
• Best Innerspring Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – Saatva
• Best Hybrid Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – WinkBed
• Best Mattress for Heavy People – Titan Plus
• Best Cooling Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – Bear Pro Hybrid
• Best Mattress for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
• Best Organic Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – Birch
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – TEMPUR-Adapt

Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds Video Review

Best Overall – Helix Midnight

Expert Opinion

The Helix Midnight should pair nicely with many adjustable beds out there (including the brand’s very own) due to its versatility. When running it through our series of tests in our mattress lab, it showed impressive results.

On our motion isolation test, which involves us dropping a 10-pound steel ball from three different heights with a measurement tool akin to a seismograph, we saw a low amount of disturbance. So, if you sleep with a partner, you shouldn’t feel each other moving around much at night. The mattress will gain even further stability when put on a sturdy adjustable base. As for cooling, the hybrid construction of the Helix Midnight is naturally breathable and helps lessen body heat. This is important when pairing a mattress with an adjustable base, since you’re boxing in the structure a bit more than normal.

We also felt greatly supported by the perimeter of this mattress, and this solid edge support is good news for couples and anyone who likes to spread out or sleep at the edge of the bed. And with an adjustable base, you’re likely to feel even more support. Lastly, we found the Helix Midnight is responsive and easy to move around on, making it great for sex.

What our tester says: “The mattress is bouncy, making it easy for you to roll over or switch positions at night without worrying that you’ll get “stuck” in the bed. I think the luxe version is a great option for anyone looking to have all the benefits of the original mattress model — but with added plushness and support.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Shoppers appreciate the Helix Midnight’s removable cover and how easy it is to clean.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• For such a high-rated, high-quality mattress, we believe the Helix Midnight is set at a reasonable price (about $1,332 before discounts for a queen size).
• The same responsiveness that makes the Midnight a good option for sex also makes it a solid choice for combination sleepers who need to easily switch sleeping positions.
• The medium-soft feel should provide a balanced feel to back and side sleepers alike.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• While the balanced mattress feel is suitable for other sleeping positions, it’s simply too soft for stomach sleepers.

For even more details on this bed, check out our full review of the Helix Midnight mattress. You can also check out our review of the Helix Adjustable Base and click here to get the best deal.

Best Value Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – Nectar

Expert Opinion

If you’re shopping on a budget, you may want to take a peek at the Nectar mattress, a memory foam bed that packs a serious comfort punch without breaking the bank. What sets the Nectar mattress apart from other beds on the market is the sheer amount of memory foam utilized in its construction. Here, you’ll find thick top layers of the stuff over a sturdy base of high-density poly foam.

Memory foam is fantastic at relieving pressure at sensitive spots like the shoulders and hips, so pain sufferers may find that the Nectar is especially good at alleviating tension at these areas. Of course, we had to put this mattress through our pressure relief test to be sure. This involves us spreading a mat across the mattress surface that tracks areas of high, moderate, and low pressure. Results show up as a graphic on our pressure map. For the Nectar, we saw primarily blue and green, with just a touch of yellow while side sleeping. These are some incredible results in the back and side sleeping positions. An absence of orange and red indicates the mattress causes lower pressure buildup.

What our tester says: “I think the Nectar has a great classic memory foam feel. If you love deep sinkage and contouring, this is the mattress for you. I especially like this feel for back and side sleepers, who should find their pressure points cushioned, and spines supported. The Nectar also has good motion isolation, so you shouldn’t feel your partner or pet moving around at night.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Sleepers with joint pain and back pain say they found a lot of relief on the Nectar Original mattress.

Pros of the Nectar Mattress

• As we mentioned, memory foam is great for joint pain. This translates well to side-sleeping, as the pressure put on the hip and shoulder should be relieved and cradled by the thick memory foam comfort layer.
• If you’re not certain about whether or not this is the mattress for you, you can find comfort knowing that you have 365 nights to test the Nectar out and decide.
• Another fantastic thing about the Nectar brand is the “Forever Warranty” that comes with each mattress purchase. This means that if anything were to happen to your Nectar mattress, the company would repair or replace it at no charge to you. Talk about some major bang for your buck.

Cons of the Nectar Mattress

• There’s simply not enough support for folks over 250 pounds.

Sound like a winner? Then hop on over to our full Nectar mattress review to learn more or check out our review of the Nectar adjustable base to pair these two products together for a great night of sleep. You can also click here to get the best deal.

Best Mattress for Back Pain – Nolah Evolution

Expert Opinion

Do you struggle with back pain at night? Then you’ll definitely want to top your adjustable bed frame with a mattress that’s been designed specifically to alleviate tension at the hips, shoulders, and lower back. If this sounds like something you need, then we recommend checking out the Nolah Evolution mattress. Not only does this bed do an excellent job at relieving pressure all across the spine, but it’s also built with individually wrapped coils to keep the hips elevated. This balance makes it our favorite mattress for back pain. Note: The Nolah Evolution is available in three different firmness levels — Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested out the Luxury Firm.

In the back sleeping position, our pressure map test revealed almost entirely blue, with just a slight touch of green at the hips. This indicates extremely low pressure buildup around the lumbar region, showing us that this should be ideal for alleviating back pain.

What our tester says: “I think this mattress is a solid choice for back sleepers. Its coils provide enough support to keep the spine aligned and help alleviate back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Shoppers say that the manner in which the Nolah Evolution distributes weight makes it a comfortable yet supportive mattress, resulting in a restful sleep unlike any other.

Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• The balanced feel that makes the Nolah Evolution such a good mattress for back pain also makes it a wonderful option for back sleepers.
• The Nolah Evolution is a durable mattress with great edge support, cooling abilities, and responsiveness (all important factors for couples). Even with its springs and more responsive nature, the Evolution still isolates small movements well.
• Sure, hybrid mattresses are already cooling thanks to their coil construction. But the Nolah Evolution sleeps extra cool because of a proprietary material called AirFoamICE — an alternative to memory foam that’s more breathable due to its open-celled construction.

Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• The Nolah Evolution measures a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, so if you solely snooze on your stomach, you might find it a bit too soft (stomach sleepers tend to need a firmer, more supportive mattress that keeps their hips elevated). You may want to opt for the Firm model or check out our best mattresses for stomach sleepers instead.

For more on this bed, read our full review of the Nolah Evolution mattress. You can also read our review of the Nolah Smart Adjustable Base to see if Nolah is your one stop shop, or click here to get the best deal.

Best Innerspring Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – Saatva

Expert Opinion

Built with a coil-on-coil construction, the Saatva evokes a traditional innerspring feel that could work well for those accustomed to sleeping on a firmer mattress. And while this bed doesn’t ship in a box like some of the other options on this list, it’s still totally compatible with most adjustable frames on the market. We should also add that the Saatva comes in three different firmness options, so you can choose your specific model based on your personal preference, and they sell their own adjustable bed, the Saatva Lineal.

Another common feature of innerspring mattresses is its ability to cool down hot sleepers. The springs towards the foundation allow air to flow throughout the mattress. During testing, we found that the Saatva’s construction is one that should do a great job of promoting cooling. It has not one but two coil layers for air to travel. And its organic cotton cover offers some additional breathability at the top of the mattress.

What our tester says: I think those who appreciate a traditional innerspring feel will really like the Saatva. It offers a blend of cushioning and ample support, which helped maintain my spinal alignment and kept me comfortable.” –Bridget Chapman, senior product editor 

What Customers Say

Reviewers say the top-tier customer service really sets this company apart from the rest. Saatva offers white glove delivery at no additional cost, meaning they’ll remove your old mattress and set up your new one.

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

• Our favorite thing about the Saatva is how well it supports a neutral spine alignment. This means its sturdy coils are able to lift the hips in line with the lower back and the shoulders, ensuring comfort all across the body.
• If you opt for the Soft model, you should find that it provides plenty of cushioning and support for those looking to snag a mattress for arthritis.
• Because the Saatva comes in three firmness options, most body types and sleeping positions should be well-supported and comforted.

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

• If you prefer a traditional memory foam feel, then you may not like the Saatva. The innerspring coils give it a springy feel that’s quite opposite of the slow sinkage that memory foam offers.

For more on this springy bed, take a peek at our full Saatva mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal.

Best Hybrid Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – WinkBed

Expert Opinion

Hybrid mattresses combine top layers of foam with sturdy pocketed coils (or springs) to deliver optimal pressure relief and support. There are a lot of hybrid models available online these days, and many of them are compatible with adjustable beds, but one of our favorites is the WinkBed. The WinkBed tops our list because of its dynamic construction. Here, you’ll find top layers of gentle memory foam over a section of individually wrapped coils. This establishes a balanced vibe between cuddly comfort and supportive lift. Also, WinkBed offers their original hybrid in three different firmness options. So, wide range of sleepers could be comfortable on this bed.

One aspect of the WinkBed that impressed us during testing was its edge support, or the strength of its perimeter. Sturdy edge support can be important for many, but especially couples or those who like to sleep towards the edge of the mattress. Edge support ensures that sleepers can make use of the full surface. When we sat and laid down on the WinkBed’s edges, we were pleased to find that they maintained their shape and did not collapse. We think many other folks should feel equally as stable.

What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the WinkBed is its durability. This is a high-quality mattress that should really stand the test of time. This is great news for any sleeper, but especially nice for heavy people and couples.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

If you’re looking for a quick delivery, this might be the mattress for you. Customers said the WinkBed shipped sooner than expected.

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

• The bed also did well on our motion transfer test, marking it as a solid option for couples.
• The hybrid construction of the WinkBed allows room for breathability.
• The responsive feel and support of the WinkBed helps keep combination sleepers on top of the mattress and makes it easier to move around at night.

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

• The WinkBed has a more responsive feel that doesn’t provide as much contouring or sinkage as a traditional memory foam mattress. So, if that’s the feel you’re after, we suggest you take a look at the best memory foam mattresses instead.

For even more details on this bed, check out our full review of the WinkBed mattress. You can also click here to get our best deal.

Best Mattress for Heavy People – Titan Plus

Expert Opinion

An adjustable bed is a sensible for choice for heavy people, as they can benefit from a sturdy foundation and more support. And when pairing their adjustable base with a mattress, they want to consider the Titan Plus — a mattress made just for them. To accommodate larger body types, Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan Plus with durable materials, including TitanFlex foam (a more responsive alternative to memory foam) and a support layer of extra-tall coils.

We found this mattress to be fairly firm — around a 7.5 on our mattress firmness scale. However, we should note that heavy sleepers are likely to experience it as a bit softer since they put more pressure on the layers. To test this, we brought in a heavier colleague to lie on the Titan Plus. He felt it was closer to a medium-firm 6.5 on our mattress firmness scale. He felt supported, but also got a bit of pressure relief from a top layer of conventional memory foam.

What our tester says: The materials under the Titan Plus’ hood are sturdy and durable. You get just the right amount of cozy mobility on top, but the theme here is support.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Many reviews applaud the Titan Plus for its ability to ease pressure off the back and reduce pain in the lumbar region.

Pros of the Titan Plus Mattress

• Even though the Titan Plus is designed for heavy sleepers, it should also be comfortable for back sleepers between 130 and 250 pounds, as long as they prefer a firm mattress.
• The same goes for average weight stomach sleepers. Of all the sleeping positions, they require the most support.
• The Titan Plus’s strong springs give it a lot of bounce and responsiveness. This makes it easy for combo sleepers of all weights to switch sleeping positions.

Cons of the Titan Plus Mattress

• The thicker materials of the Titan Plus cause it to sleep a little hot, although you can pay extra for a cooling cover.

For more on this bed, read our full review of the Titan Plus mattress, or click here to get the best deal. And if you really want to upgrade your sleeping experience, consider pairing the Titan Plus with the Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base.

Best Cooling Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – Bear Pro Hybrid

Expert Opinion

One of the most important factors in any mattress is its cooling ability. If your bed sleeps too hot, you might have trouble falling or staying asleep at night. The Bear Pro Hybrid is an incredibly cooling mattress that should help prevent these common issues. Its Celliant cover is built to wick away moisture from your body, which helps cool you down. We’re also confident that the cooling gel infusions and breathable coils should prevent sleepers from overheating.

What our tester says: “There are lots of things to love about the Bear Pro Hybrid mattress. For one, it’s a great choice for back sleepers in need of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. Its upper foams do a great job cushioning these areas to help relieve pain and tension. I think it could also be a nice option for combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

A lot of the reviews were from combination sleepers who seem to find it easy to switch sleeping positions at night.

Pros of the Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress

• The foam used in the Bear Pro Hybrid is CertiPUR-US certified, so it’s safer for you and the environment.
• Back sleepers and some stomach sleepers should really enjoy the more supportive, sturdy feel of this mattress. We measured it at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, so it’s just above medium-firm.
• During testing, we found the Bear Pro Hybrid’s memory foam layers provide lots of contouring and pressure relief for sensitive joints (especially for back sleepers).

Cons of the Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress

• While this mattress isn’t super-firm, it’s still not the softest model out there. It may not provide enough cushioning for side sleepers.

For more on this bed, read our full review of the Bear Pro Hybrid mattress, or click here to get the best deal.

Best Mattress for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Expert Opinion

An adjustable bed can provide extra stability, which is important if you share your mattress with a partner. And if you want your bed to be especially supportive and stable, we recommend pairing it with one of the best mattresses for couples — a mattress such as the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.

As a hybrid mattress, the Signature Hybrid is built with a layer of memory foam and bouncier transition foam up top, with a support layer of individually encased coils. These springs leave more space than foam does, allowing lots of air to flow through the mattress and help couples sleep cool. This is crucial, as two bodies tend to heat up a bit more than one. While putting this mattress through a host of tests, we found the Signature Hybrid also has low motion transfer, meaning that partners are unlikely to feel each other’s tossing and turning. At the same time, we found that the springs make this mattress bouncy and responsive enough for sex, allowing couples to easily move around and switch positions.

What our tester says: “I appreciate that the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress isolates motion well, has strong edge support, and sleeps fairly cool.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Budget shoppers should like to know that customers praise the Signature Hybrid for its great value considering its overall quality.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• Like many of Brooklyn Bedding’s models, the Signature Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels — Soft (best for side sleepers), Medium (best for side sleepers), and Firm (best for stomach sleepers).
• The same responsiveness that makes the Signature Hybrid a good option for sex also makes it good for combination sleepers. They should be able to switch between their back, side, and stomach with little issue.
• After promotions and discounts, a queen size Signature Hybrid can often be found for under $1,000.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• The mattress’s construction is fairly simple, with not a lot of extra features. If you’re someone who prefers a bed with additional bells and whistles, check out our best luxury mattresses.

For more on this bed, read our full review of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress, or click here to get the best deal. You can also pair the Signature Hybrid with the brand’s own high-tech Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base.

Best Organic Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – Birch

Expert Opinion

When finding a suitable pairing for an adjustable bed, many sleepers opt for an organic mattress due to the quality of the materials. For a mattress to truly be considered “organic,” it needs to pass a rigorous series of tests and receive environmentally friendly certifications.

Look at the Birch, for instance. Its construction — a combination of wool, latex foam, and pocketed coils — has been certified GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS, and more. Read more about what those certifications mean here. You can literally rest assured that this mattress was made without harmful emissions and chemicals. In terms of feel, we found the Birch to be a firm, responsive, and supportive mattress. Latex foam tends to be sturdier and bouncier than memory foam, and when paired with the coils below, it gives the Birch a distinctly on-top-of-the-bed feel.

What our tester says: “I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer

What Customers Say

Reviews applaud the Birch for its cooling abilities, saying that they don’t overheat at night on this mattress.

Pros of the Birch Mattress

• Back sleepers should feel lifted by the Birch, which helps keep the spine in a neutral alignment.
• There’s more than enough support here for stomach sleepers. The Birch should keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders, which is key to preventing back pain.
• Latex is naturally cooling, and the wool fibers at the top of the mattress are highly breathable, in addition to being fire-retardant.

Cons of the Birch Mattress

• Side sleepers will likely find the Birch too firm, and should seek out something softer that offers more contouring at the shoulders and hips.

For more on this bed, read our full review of the Birch mattress, or click here to get the best deal. Also, the Birch is created by Helix, so you can pair it with the Helix Adjustable Base.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for an Adjustable Bed – TEMPUR-Adapt

Expert Opinion

If you’re on the prowl for a memory foam mattress to go with your adjustable bed frame, I’d recommend checking out the TEMPUR-Adapt. As a brand, Tempur-Pedic is known for their luxury memory foam mattresses, and the TEMPUR-Adapt is their classic model. What’s so great about the TEMPUR-Adapt is that you can choose between its foam and hybrid versions. Either way, you can find the benefits of memory foam, but we like the all-foam version so we can reap all of the benefits of the material. Memory foam slow response to pressure and works to contour to the curves of your body to ensure deep tension relief through the night. The TEMPUR-Adapt is no exception.

Our pressure map test showed some outstanding results in the back sleeping position (almost entirely blue with just a touch of green). This should be a great option for back pain. Side sleeping, we found some impressive results for folks with shoulder pain. At the hip, we could see moderate pressure (a bit of yellow showed on our map). So, those with more severe hip pain might want something a bit more pressure-relieving. Overall, we found the memory foam does a wonderful job of contouring the body and taking stress off the body.

What our tester says: “It features all the best parts of memory foam: stellar pressure relief, strong motion isolation, and dreamy comfort. I also think back sleepers and a lot of side sleepers will be happy with the TEMPUR-Adapt thanks to the contouring and support they’ll get.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Customers suffering from severe back pain say the TEMPUR-Adapt now lets them rest without worry.

Pros of the TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress

• Memory foam is known for its ability to trap movement. This is great news for couples, who shouldn’t feel their partner tossing and turning at night.
• A 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale (true medium-firm), the TEMPUR-Adapt should provide the ideal level of comfort and support for back sleeping.
• This mattress tested really well for back and side sleepers with shoulder pain, as well as back sleepers with hip pain.

Cons of the TEMPUR-Adapt Mattress

• Tempur-Pedic is well-known for creating high-quality luxury mattresses. With this in mind, the TEMPUR-Adapt may not be a good selection for those wanting one of the best affordable mattresses.

To learn more about these mattresses, visit our TEMPUR-Adapt mattress review. Or you can click here to get the best deal.

How We Picked These Mattresses

Now that we’ve gone over our selections, let’s dig into the methodology we used to choose the best mattresses for an adjustable bed. You can think of the following section of a summary of all the major factors you’ll want to think about when searching for a mattress to fit your adjustable bed.

Price

Many mattresses are priced somewhere between $800-$1,500. Keep in mind that price differs with type of mattress construction and the quality of materials used. However, a mattress that’s overpriced ($3,000, perhaps) may not perform a whole lot better than a mattress that’s $1,700. In contrast, a super-cheap mattress ($500, for example) may not be worth the investment because its materials will wear a lot sooner than an $800 mattress.

Materials

As you likely gathered from the section above, once you consider the mobility of your adjustable bed, it’s important to think about the materials that are going to be most compatible with a frame that moves. Overall, we want a durable, high-quality construction that’s catered to your individual needs. In our section “What Type of Mattress Is Best for Adjustable Beds,” I’m going to run through some of the most popular mattress materials and discuss how well (or not well) they handle adjustability.

What Is Pressure Relief, and Why Is It Important?

Pressure relief refers to a mattress’s way of alleviating tension and stress from the body. Depending on how much you way or what sleeping position you choose, you’re more susceptible to pressure buildup, which can lead to joint pain and overall discomfort. Choosing a mattress with great pressure relief means that the bed does a great job at taking strain off of sensitive areas.

Thickness

Thickness, or mattress height, is especially crucial to consider with a bed you’re using on an adjustable mattress. If you get a mattress that’s too thick, your adjustable bed is going to have a harder time moving your mattress around. A mattress that’s too thin may wear faster.

Weight

Keep in mind the weight of your mattress, as adjustable frames are heavy as it is. For the lightest mattress options, we recommend memory foam mattresses. The coils in hybrids and innersprings often drive up the weight of a mattress.

Sleeping Position

We selected mattresses that suit a variety of sleeping positions. Softer mattresses are going to feel great for side sleepers, since the hip and shoulder joints press into the surface and a firm option can cause too much pressure buildup. Medium-firm mattresses are ideal for back sleepers, who love a medium-firm feel that cradles yet supports the back into alignment. And for firm mattresses, stomach sleepers do best. They need their hips elevated throughout the night.

Body Type

Not all people are going to experience their sleep on a mattress the same way. If you’re a lightweight sleeper, we definitely recommend a softer mattress, as these folks don’t require much firm support. Heavier sleepers, on the other hand, are going to need a sturdier mattress that can support their weight for years to come.

Firmness & Feel

The firmness you select for your mattress depends on your sleeping position, body type, and overall preferences. We rank the mattresses we review on a scale from one to 10, with one being the softest and 10 being the firmest. For more information on how to determine what firmness is best for you, see our Firmness Guide.

Temperature Regulation

If you tend to wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning dripping with sweat, it may be the time to consider one of the best cooling mattresses. Memory foam beds often include cooling gel infusions, and latex beds use latex as a naturally cooling material. Also, hybrid and innerspring mattresses sleep pretty cool thanks to their coils, which provide room for airflow.

Compatibility

Not all mattresses are made for adjustable frames, so we recommend doing your research ahead of time. Many brands also sell adjustable frames and recommend some of their own models to pair it with.

Trial & Warranty

Trials and warranties are two of the most important things for a customer to be aware of while mattress shopping. With a sleep trial, you have a set number of days (typically 100 or more) to sleep on the mattress and determine whether or not you want to keep it. Warranties protect the purchaser from issues with manufacturing and/or delivery. Both vary from brand to brand, so we recommend reading the fine print.

Mobility

Before you start perusing the Internet for mattresses, it’s important to consider the range of motion you’ll need. While all adjustable bed frames are inherently mobile structures, they don’t all move in the same way. Some only move at the head of the bed, others only isolate at the feet, and there are some capable of moving both at the same time. Take stock of all that your adjustable bed can do before you even think about buying a new mattress.

Why? Well, the more your bed frame can adjust, the more pliable you’ll need your mattress to be. If your adjustable bed frame can move in a number of different directions (at a number of different speeds), you’ll probably want to go with an all-foam model, preferably one made of poly foam or memory foam. These materials are soft and bend easily, so are least likely to prohibit your bed frame’s full range of motion.

That’s not to say that you need to skip the springs or coils all together, but these materials are naturally more solid than the aforementioned foams. Therefore, they may work best with adjustable beds outfitted with simpler “up” and “down” movements.

Thickness

Another important factor to consider is the overall thickness of your mattress. When we talk about thickness, I’m basically referring to how tall your bed is. Most bed-in-a-box models measure between 8-12” tall, which shouldn’t pose too much of a problem for your adjustable bed. However, it’s worth noting that the thicker the mattress, the more difficult it will be for your adjustable frame to manipulate it to your desired shape.

I’d also pay extra close attention to how tall each specific layer is. If a mattress you’re looking at has an 8” tall section of pocketed coils, for example, it’s going to be way less pliable than a mattress that only features 5” of pocketed coils or springs. So, make sure to really dig into the bed’s construction. These specs should be available on the brand website. If you can’t find them there, I’d encourage you to chat with customer support.

Weight

Finally, you’ll want to think about the weight of your mattress. Read the fine print of your adjustable bed frame to find out how much weight it can support and make sure to buy a bed within this range. Failing to do so could result in the malfunction of your adjustable bed as it struggles to lift your mattress.

If the weight of your prospective mattress is not clearly indicated on the product page, we suggest navigating to the FAQ section of the brand website. That’s where we usually find relevant information about the bed’s weight and dimensions.

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 Type of Mattress Is Best for Adjustable Beds

Memory Foam

In our opinion, memory foam is one of the best materials for an adjustable bed frame. It’s soft, flexible, and highly pliable, marking it as an excellent option for a little bedtime origami. Further, it’s fantastic at relieving pressure, which could be a big plus for folks who bought an adjustable bed to optimize the overall comfort of their sleep space.

Poly Foam

Though we wouldn’t recommend going with a bed built entirely of poly foam (for me, it’s just a little too firm on its own), the material is pretty much as pliable as memory foam. This means it should bend without any problems, allowing you to rise and fall to your heart’s content.

Latex

Latex is an eco-friendly foam option that’s soft, bouncy, and naturally cooling. While not quite as flexible as either memory foam or poly foam, it still does a great job of moving in tandem with an adjustable base. If you’re an environmentally minded sleeper looking to sync up with your adjustable base with an organic material, latex could be a nice fit for you.

Hybrid

As mentioned earlier, hybrid mattresses are ones that combine foam layers with either pocketed coils or springs. They’re firmer than all-foam options, but also more flexible than innerspring mattresses. If you’ve got an adjustable bed and want to pair it with something supportive yet pliable, a hybrid mattress could be a good choice for you.

Innerspring

While some innerspring mattresses feature foam comfort layers or pillow top sections, most are primarily built with steel coils. This can make them difficult to bend, depending on how thick these coil sections are. If your adjustable bed has a limited range of motion, you should be fine pairing it with an innerspring mattress. However, if it’s a highly mobile frame, you may want to go with something softer than innerspring.

What Are Airbeds, and Do They Work?

Airbeds are yet another type of mattress construction, and yes, they’re different from air mattresses. Often remote-controlled, airbeds include air channels that can be regulated to reach an ideal firmness. These beds are great for those who aren’t sure what mattress is best for them, and many pair excellently with an adjustable frame for an extra-luxurious feel.

How Do Adjustable Beds Work

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.). Overall, adjustable beds can make nighttime activities like watching TV or reading more convenient. When you’re finished, you can lower the setting to different position that suits your comfort level and sleep soundly.

FAQs

What is the best mattress for adjustable beds?

While there isn’t one-size-fits-all mattress model, we’re certainly partial towards the Amerisleep AS3. It’s an outstanding medium-firm option that uses memory foam for lots of pressure relief and contouring. Still, there’s plenty of high-quality support foam to keep the sleeper lifted.

What mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds?

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.

Does an adjustable bed ruin your mattress?

If you use the right mattress, your adjustable bed should be compatible with your mattress. We recommend staying away from adjustable beds if you have an innerspring; it lacks flexibility due to its firmer nature and sturdy coils. As a result, innersprings likely won’t bend well with your adjustable bed.

How thick should a mattress be for an adjustable bed?

It’s important to select the proper thickness for an adjustable bed. Thinner mattresses may wear more easily, while too thick of a mattress can lack the necessary flexibility. That’s why we recommend a mattress of around 10 inches in thickness.

Summary: Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds

Final Thoughts

Well, that about does it for this guide to the best mattresses for adjustable beds. When shopping for one of your own, remember to focus on its thickness, material make-up, and weight. That way, you’ll be sure to land on a model that’s practically perfect for your adjustable frame in every way.

Bridget Chapman

Senior Product Editor

About Author

Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.

Combination Sleeper