Mattresses for adjustable bed frames are historically associated with the senior years, hospitals or rehab facilities, originally designed to adapt and help appropriately position an injured or immobile person to more easily recover or find relief. However, realizing the everyday life benefits of an adjustable bed has led this practical feature to be introduced into the modern bedroom. With so many adjustable beds out there and so much to benefit from them, we want to help you pick the best adjustable mattress for you.
If you’re reading a book or watching a movie, an adjustable mattress can prevent the annoyance of stacking pillows in the hope of finding a stress-free position for your neck. If you sprained your ankle or have sore feet or knees, it is an ancient practice to elevate your injuries above the level of your heart when you rest. This practice helps reduce unwanted fluids in the injured area, alleviates pain and speeds up healing—especially key if you’re an elite athlete. An adjustable bed makes this practice possible without needing to hope your blanket-based contraption used to raise your leg remains intact through the night. Adjustable mattresses also make the life-changing zero-gravity position available for your body.
Zero-gravity is the positioning of your body to a strategic 120-degree angle to relieve pressure and relax your spine and muscles. The position also helps regulate healthy breathing as it stimulates the efficient functioning of your circulatory system (reducing snoring and preventing sleep apnea). In addition, a bed adjusted to zero-gravity can help reduce inflammation or stress in your legs and feet as you naturally elevate them above your heart. Your body weight is also evenly distributed, helping you ease into a neutral and rested body alignment that can help relieve back pain. Notably, therapists have also chosen this to be an ideal position for patients to open themselves up. Simply because of the natural reduction of stress our bodies experience when placed in zero-gravity.
Adjustable mattresses create a customizable sleep experience, giving you options that stationary mattresses simply can not. Here are some of the best options on the market today.
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed by the team. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader.
The Best Adjustable Mattress – Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Mattress for Adjustable Bed – Saatva Solaire
- Best Value Mattress for Adjustable Bed – Nectar Original
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best Mattress for Pressure Relief – Nolah Signature
- Best Luxury Mattress for Adjustable Bed – DreamCloud Premier
- Best Latex Mattress for Adjustable Bed – WinkBeds EcoCloud
- Best Mattress for Back Pain – Bear Star Hybrid
- Best Cooling Mattress for Adjustable Bed – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Best Overall Mattress for Adjustable Bed - Saatva Solaire
Mattress Type: Airbed |
Firmness: 50 custom firmness levels |
Sleep Trial Period: 365 nights |
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Mattress Advisor Score: 8.7/10 |
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, king, Split king (2 twin XLs) California king, Split California king |
Lifetime Warranty |
Sleepers this mattress is geared towards: |
Couples |
Those struggling with back pain |
Notable features: |
50 firmness options |
Remote-controlled elevation and firmness |
Why It’s the Best Overall Adujustable Mattress
Determining firmness or elevation based on how you’re feeling or what you’re doing is what stands out about a high-end adjustable mattress. The Saatva Solaire is an adjustable smart bed that offers 50 different mattress firmness levels with the click of a remote. Remote controls are attached to both sides of the mattress, making it easy for couples to determine their individual sleep preferences (testers also reported superb motion isolation). Furthermore, inflation and adjustment of the mattress were reportedly almost silent, preventing noisy interruption to your partner’s sleep if you need to make late-night changes.
The Saatva Solaire’s Construction
The base includes a power edge enclosure that secures the adjustable bed base’s perimeter. Above this is an air chamber that helps maintain full-body support regardless of firmness level. A moisture barrier and a memory foam layer that helps with cooling and spinal support work together at the center of the bed. On top is a five-zoned pressure-relieving latex layer, plus an organic cotton quilted cover pillow top. Remote controls are attached to each side of the bed, equipped to customize firmness according to the sleeper’s individual needs.
Top Scores
The Saatva scored a 9 out of 10 in motion transfer and 8.5 out of 10 in edge support, establishing the bed as a couple’s go-to choice. A score of 8.5 out of 10 in cooling makes the bed ideal for warm sleepers. With a 9 out of 10 in durability, this mattress is made to last.
The Testing Team’s Feedback
“The five-zoned pressure-relieving design is perfect for people struggling with back pain. Saatva Solaire’s extensive firmness options are unprecedented, giving you complete control. The mattress is our highest-rated adjustable bed, though it is on the pricier side.“
Best Value Mattress for Adjustable Bed - Nectar Original
Mattress Type: Gel Memory Foam |
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6/10) |
Sleep Trial Period: 365 Nights |
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Mattress Advisor Score: 8.7/10 |
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King |
Lifetime Warranty |
Sleepers this mattress is geared towards: |
People with a Limited Budget |
Couples Who want a Memory Foam Bed |
Notable features: |
Generous Trial Period and Warranty |
Accessible for all sleep Positions |
Why It’s the Best Value Adjustable Mattress
Luxury mattresses can radically help improve your long-term health and well-being, yet they don’t always come cheap. The Nectar Original is a great mattress that offers high-end support and comfort while being more affordable than comparable beds. The bed is suitable for all sleeper types and has a reputation for providing supreme pressure point relief. If you are indecisive or on a limited budget, Nectar’s flexible trial period and return policies should help to calm your concerns and reflect the company’s broader confidence in customer satisfaction.
The Nectar Original’s Construction
The Nectar has a bottom cover and base layer to ensure a stable foundation. At the center is an adaptive foam designed to support your body while deterring sinkage. The two top layers maximize comfort, with a gel memory foam layer that aids in pressure relief while evenly distributing your body weight and a plush quilted cover.
Top Scores
The Nectar Original scored an 8.5 out of 10 in pressure relief and responsiveness, making the mattress helpful for people with back pain and suitable for combination sleepers. Also great for side sleepers and couples, the Nectar scored a 9 out of 10 in edge support.
The Testing Team’s Feedback
“The full-year trial and lifetime warranty, while also being an affordable bed, makes the Nectar a good option for indecisive shoppers on a budget. The bed lacks a bit of circulation and may not be great for hot sleepers.”
Best Adjustable Mattress for Side Sleepers - Helix Midnight Luxe
Mattress Type: Hybrid |
Firmness: Medium (5/10) |
Sleep Trial Period: 100 Nights |
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Mattress Advisor Score: 8.7/10 |
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Warranty: 15-year Limited Warranty |
Sleepers this mattress is geared towards: |
Side Sleepers |
Warm sleepers |
Notable features: |
Provides consistent and stable pressure-relieving support |
Designed with materials to maximize cooling |
Why It’s the Best Adjustable Mattress for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a softer bed that still offers quality posture support while evenly distributing body weight. The Helix Midnight Luxe has a comfortable firmness level for side sleepers while providing sufficient spinal support and responsiveness. Side sleepers using the wrong mattress can wake up with aches and pains due to disproportionately applying weight to their knees, hips and shoulders while they sleep. With the Helix, you get that pain-relieving comfort expected from foam, alongside a durable and stable foundation from the bed’s innerspring base.
The Helix Midnight Luxe’s Construction
The base of the Helix Midnight Luxe is a dense foam layer underneath a layer of 1,000 individually-wrapped coils. Contouring and pressure relief are promoted in the center by layers of memory foam and high-density foam. Greeting you at the top is memory foam underneath a pillow top cover designed to facilitate breathability and comfort.
Top Scores
The Helix Midnight Luxe scored a 9 out of 10 in spine alignment and responsiveness. Warm sleepers should take notice of the bed’s near-perfect 9.5 out of 10 in cooling. The mattress also scored an 8.5 out of 10 in pressure relief.
The Testing Team’s Feedback
“The Helix Midnight Luxe’s cooling ability is quite impressive. Expect a supported spine and consistent pressure relief wherever you end up on the bed. The contouring foam layers are excellent for side sleepers seeking a plush, cradling bed.”
Best Adjustable Mattress for Pressure Relief - Nolah Signature
Mattress Type: All-Foam |
Firmness: Medium-Soft (4.5/10) |
Sleep Trial Period: 120 Nights |
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Mattress Advisor Score: 8.6/10 |
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Lifetime Warranty |
Sleepers this Mattress is Geared towards: |
Hot sleepers who prefer foam beds |
Side and combination sleepers |
Notable features: |
Breathable for an all-foam bed |
Organic Cotton Cover Top |
Why It’s the Best Adjustable Mattress for Pressure Relief
If you tend to sleep on your side or end up in strange sleep positions during the night, you may wake up with aches and pains. The Nolah Signature is an all-foam mattress specializing in safely delivering cradling comfort to your body while evenly distributing your weight and relieving pressure before it causes inflammation. Some all-foam mattresses tend to hug your body but let you sink in without proper support for your posture and joints. The Nolah delivers the comfort associated with all-foam beds while maintaining healthy support for your joints.
The Nolah Signature’s Construction
The Nolah Signature has a high-density foam foundation equipped with a knitted border cover to ensure the bed doesn’t move around. The central two layers consist of a pressure-relieving and high-resilience foam. On top is a breathable foam layer that further relieves pressure underneath an organic cotton cover top.
Top Scores
Great for all sleeper types, the Nolah Signature scored a 9.25 out of 10 in pressure relief and a 9.5 out of 10 in responsiveness. Designed to be cooler than other all-foam beds, the Nolah also received an 8 out of 10 in cooling.
The Testing Team’s Feedback
“The Nolah provides exceptional pressure relief and almost perfectly adapts to your body’s movements as you sleep. It is quite cool for an all-foam bed and also very durable. One drawback for side sleepers and couples is the bed’s mediocre edge support.”
Best Luxury Mattress for Adjustable Bed - DreamCloud Premier
Mattress Type: Hybrid |
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6.5/10) |
Sleep Trial Period: 365 Nights |
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Warranty: Lifetime |
Mattress Advisor Score: 9/10 |
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Sleepers this mattress is geared towards: |
Couples |
Those dealing with back pain or joint pain |
Notable features: |
All-cashmere cover top |
Highly-durable foundation |
Why It’s the Best Luxury Adjustable Mattress
Expert craftsmanship, durable high-end materials and overall versatility are all expected from a luxury mattress. The DreamCloud Premier lives up to these expectations. The bed has a cashmere top that sits upon a multi-layered construction that is equally comfortable as it is supportive and durable. Stomach and back sleepers should find it supportive enough for their needs, while side sleepers should receive ample pressure relief. Using only durable and high-quality materials is also likely behind the DreamCloud’s generous 365-night trial period and lifetime warranty, plus a white glove delivery option.
The DreamCloud Premier’s Construction
The DreamCloud has a six-layer construction. The mattress’s foundation includes a high-density foam layer underneath a coil compression system. At the center is pressure-relieving memory foam. The top three layers are designed to maximize comfort. There is a Euro-top support layer assisting a memory foam layer that conforms to your body, and the luxurious cover is made entirely of cashmere.
Top Scores
The DreamCloud scored a near-perfect 9 out of 10 in pressure relief and responsiveness. Its strong foundation helped the mattress score a 9 out of 10 in durability and 8.5 out of 10 in edge support. The bed’s 9 out of 10 in motion transfer makes it great for couples.
The Testing Team’s Feedback
“Expect a truly durable mattress that is built-to-last. You and your partner will not disrupt each other’s rest as the bed exceeded expectations in motion isolation. The mattress did a great job of relieving pressure in the joints while supporting a healthy posture.“
Best Latex Mattress for Adjustable Bed - WinkBeds EcoCloud
Mattress Type: Latex Foam Hybrid |
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6.5/10) |
Sleep Trial Period: 120 Nights |
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Mattress Advisor Score: 8.5/10 |
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Warranty: Lifetime Limited |
Sleepers this mattress is geared towards: |
Environmentally conscious consumers |
Back sleepers |
Notable features: |
100% natural latex material |
Extremely durable |
Why It’s the Best Latex Adjustable Mattress
Latex mattresses are more natural than other luxury beds. The WinkBeds EcoCloud offers a 100% natural latex construction while still aiding quality and restorative sleep. The latex and innerspring layers are both zoned according to your body’s needs (softer around the head and feet while firmer at the center). Despite the bed’s mediocre motion isolation not being great for couples who toss and turn, the EcoCloud’s durable construction and high-performing responsiveness have testers deeming the mattress one of the best for sex.
The WinkBeds EcoCloud’s Construction
The WinkBeds EcoCloud has four layers. The coil-based foundation maintains pressure relief and durability. Above this is a zoned natural latex layer generating support. A plush wool layer sourced from New Zealand lies underneath a soft cover made of organic cotton.
Top Scores
The EcoCloud scored well in posture and joint support, with an 8 out of 10 in pressure relief and spine alignment and an 8.5 out of 10 in responsiveness. The latex and coil construction also gave the bed a 10 out of 10 for its durability.
The Testing Team’s Feedback
“Expect consistent comfort and support as you move across the mattress due to great responsiveness. The EcoCloud’s quality pressure relief should help you wake up feeling fresh.”
Best Mattress for Back Pain - Bear Star Hybrid
Mattress Type: Hybrid |
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6.3/10) |
Sleep Trial Period: 120 Nights |
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Mattress Advisor Score: 9/10 |
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King |
Warranty: Lifetime Limited |
Sleepers this mattress is geared towards: |
People with an active lifestyle |
People struggling with back pain |
Notable features: |
Supreme lumbar support |
Breathability |
Why It’s the Best Adjustable Mattress for Back Pain
Long-term sleep on a mattress that doesn’t keep your spine appropriately aligned can lead to chronic or worsened back pain. The Bear Star Hybrid mattress is one of the best mattresses today for supporting a healthy posture as you sleep. The bed’s medium-firmness provides a softer feel for sleepers who may typically need a firmer mattress, thanks to the superb support and responsiveness built into the bed’s foundation.
The Bear Star Hybrid’s Construction
At the base is high-density foam. Above this is a layer of 1,300 individually-encased supportive coils. At the center is a memory foam designed to stimulate airflow. The top foam layer delivers comfort and contours to your body while encouraging breathability. On the very top is a hand-quilted fiber cover.
Top Scores
Ensuring the Bear Star Hybrid can help back pain, the mattress scored a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10 in spine alignment. Notably, for combination sleepers, the Bear scored an 8.75 out of 10 in responsiveness.
The Testing Team’s Feedback
“Expect consistent comfort with the Bear as it adapts and responds quickly to your movements. The bed’s design promotes a good amount of breathability, making it great for hot sleepers.”
Best Cooling Mattress for Adjustable Bed - Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Mattress Type: Hybrid |
Firmness: Soft (3/10), Medium (5/10), Firm (7/10) |
Sleep Trial Period: 120 Nights |
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Mattress Advisor Score: 8.8/10 |
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Warranty: 10-year Warranty |
Sleepers this mattress is geared towards: |
Those who get hot while sleeping |
Back pain sufferers |
Notable features: |
Up to three different firmness levels |
The mattress is suitable for all sleeper types |
Why It’s the Best Cooling Mattress
Falling asleep hot is never easy, as waking up in sweat is never pleasant. The Aurora Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a hybrid mattress intricately designed to provide a cool and comfortable sleeping experience for all sleeper types. The bed includes cooling features incorporated throughout its design to absorb body heat and maintain a neutral temperature. Testers reported weeks after unboxing the mattress that it stayed remarkably cool to the touch.
The Aurora Luxe’s Construction
The mattress has a thick two-layered base, built with a high-density foam that supports a layer of individually encased pressure-relieving coils. Two foam-based layers in the center aid the bed’s responsiveness. On top is a quilted mattress cover designed to regulate temperature and a cooling foam layer that optimizes pressure relief.
Top Scores
The mattress scored a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10 for its cooling ability. While designed to retain a neutral temperature and absorb body heat, the bed didn’t fail in providing consistent support, scoring a 9.25 out of 10 in responsiveness.
The Testing Team’s Feedback
“The Aurora Luxe delivers an incredibly cool sleep, making it one of the best for hot sleepers. Due to the quality spine alignment, the bed is also a great choice for people struggling with back pain.”
How Mattress Advisor Found the Best Adjustable Mattresses for Gizmodo
Mattress Advisor is a neutral mattress testing and review company. Mattress Advisor rigorously tests mattresses and sleep products to determine the best choice for sleepers according to their needs and patterns.
The Mattress Advisor Testing Process
Mattress Advisor uses an elaborate testing process in their laboratories. Various factors are studied to determine the quality of a mattress, and the results of those tests are analyzed to give each product a weighted score out of 10. Performance factors are weighted more heavily than things such as customer service, warranty and set up, but all elements of a mattress are taken into consideration, including its construction, shipping and delivery, how it performs when slept on and a multitude of other factors. Their research helps consumers make truly educated choices.
Key Performance Factors that the Sleep Lab Tests
Cooling: | Determines the ability of a mattress to maintain a neutral temperature and deliver cool sleep. |
Motion Isolation: | Determines a bed’s ability to isolate motion between sleepers. |
Pressure Relief: | Determines a bed’s ability to evenly disperse body weight and relieve pressure. |
Responsiveness: | Determines a bed’s ability to adapt and support your body as you move. |
Edge Support: | This is judged by the sturdiness of the bed’s sides when you sleep near or sit on them. |
Spine Alignment: | Determines the bed’s ability to promote a healthy alignment of the spine. |
Firmness: | You should determine your bed’s firmness by your sleeping habits and body type. For example, a side sleeper may need a softer mattress. |
How to Pick The Best Adjustable Mattress Type
Picking the best adjustable mattress will depend on the type of sleeper you are and the lifestyle you live.
Size
Picking the size of your bed depends on your lifestyle. For example, if you have limited space in your home, you may want to seek a queen-size bed. However, if you tend to spread out while you sleep and have a partner, a king-sized mattress could be worth the slightly larger loss of space in your home.
Cost
Mattresses can vary from $50 to $5000. The price should reflect the quality of the bed’s materials, its ability to meet your needs and your overall budget.
Compatibility
A mattress should be accessible to both you, your partner and your home. If you struggle to get into bed, you will want a mattress with good edge support. If you use your bed for lounging, you want a bed that elevates easily. Circumstances and needs will determine a mattress’s compatibility with your life.
Weight
If you anticipate moving a mattress on your own, weight is an important consideration. For example, if you need to move or rearrange your bedroom, a heavy mattress could be problematic.
Other Physical Considerations When Buying the Best Adjustable Mattress
Relationship and family status, body type or your living situation should all be considered when choosing an adjustable bed.
Best Adjustable Mattress for Back Pain
If you struggle with back pain you are going to want a firmer mattress that specializes in spine alignment.
Best Adjustable Mattress for Sleepers with Sensitivity to Allergens
If you struggle with allergies, you may want a bed with more allergen-resistant materials such as memory foam or latex. Beds with quality airflow should also be important to you.
Best Adjustable Mattress for Hip Pain
If you struggle with hip pain, you may want a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress. A softer mattress can help with pressure relief.
Best Adjustable Mattress for Shoulder Pain
If you sleep on your back, a medium or medium-firm mattress that offers good posture support is a good choice if you struggle with shoulder pain. However, if you are a side-sleeper, you may want a softer mattress that relieves pressure on your shoulders while you sleep.
Best Adjustable Mattress for Hot Sleepers
If you sleep warm, you should consider a hybrid or innerspring mattress with quality airflow. The best cooling mattresses tend to be latex, innerspring and hybrid mattresses.
Best Adjustable Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Firmer mattresses are typically a better choice for heavier sleepers. It’s good to consult the weight capacity of a mattress before making your choice.
Best Adjustable Mattress for Couples
A mattress with good motion isolation is ideal for couples. Quality motion isolation can stop one sleeper from disrupting the other, helping prevent resentment over lost sleep.
Best Adjustable Mattress for Sex
A bed with good responsiveness is worth looking into when it comes to accommodating adult activities.