Adjustable mattresses can offer just what you need for your best sleep. Read on for tips on to how to choose and for our top picks.
Adjustable mattresses allow you to customize your sleep-style preferences, which for some people is a win in itself. Meanwhile, being able to control the firmness of your mattress may also benefit your sleep quality overall.
If you’re considering an adjustable mattress, including split mattress options, read on to learn what to look for and our picks for the best options.
*Pricing accurate as of May 1, 2024.
- Company policies: We looked for brands offering good warranties, in-home trials, and shipping and return policies.
- Company reputation: We looked into each brand’s reputation, including their Better Business Bureau profile if they have one, and how transparent they are about their business practices.
- Safety: All mattresses on our list meet federal flammability requirements. Most are made in the United States.
- Reviews: We read customer reviews to see what people who’ve actually slept on each mattress say about it.
- Materials: We prioritized picks made with materials certified safe by third-party organizations, like CertiPUR-US.
Learn more about our mattress scoring process.
Adjustable mattresses contain air chambers that can be firmer or softer through manual controls, remote controls, or smartphone apps. They inflate or deflate based on your desired firmness level. Some have different zones so you can choose the areas where your body will get pressure point relief. Others have split inner layers, so you can have differing firmness levels on either side of the bed.
Adjustable mattresses differ from adjustable bed bases, which you can use to elevate the head or foot of the bed. Some adjustable mattresses can be used on either a regular or adjustable base. If the base also adjusts, you may find more relief for certain conditions, like a snoring partner, for example.
Adjustable mattresses with adjustable bases are particularly helpful for those managing chronic health conditions such as snoring, GERD and reflux, pain and circulation issues, and even acute health conditions such as recovering from surgery and pregnancy, noted Samina Ahmed Jauregui, PsyD, is a psychologist at University Hospitals in Ohio.
“By being able to elevate the head, upper back, legs, and feet, people are likely to reduce some of their symptoms that might be disturbing their sleep,” she said.
Different kinds of adjustable mattresses
Like other mattresses, you can find adjustable mattresses that use different materials. While all adjustable mattresses will use chambers that fill with air to customize firmness levels, material types can vary. You can find adjustable mattresses made with:
- Latex: Latex is harvested from rubber trees and is known for its impressive comfort and durability.
- Memory foam: Memory foam is a material designed to conform to the body for support and pressure relief.
- Foam: Foam types include gel, latex, and memory, and may offer benefits like reduced sweating, support, and durability.
Advantages and disadvantages of adjustable mattresses include the following:
Pros
- different settings allow for different firmness levels
- good for couples with different comfort preferences
- may promote sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment
Cons
- high price point
- extra components mean more opportunity for technical difficulties
Adjustable mattresses are known for offering the best of both worlds. The two features that set these mattresses apart are:
Customizability
Adjustable mattresses give you control over how firm or soft your mattress feels. Those with zoned controls also allow you to adjust the firmness in specific areas of the body, like your lower back.
By changing the setting on your mattress to suit your desired firmness level, you can find the perfect balance of comfort and support, even if your preferences change over time.
This can be especially beneficial for symptom relief from back conditions like herniated discs. If your mattress has an adjustable base that can be raised, it can also help alleviate acid reflux, sleep apnea symptoms, and mild edema.
Personalization for two
You and your partner don’t need to compromise on firmness with an adjustable mattress. Instead, you can each find what works best for you as individuals.
“Using adjustable mattresses with a partner, I think, provides an added benefit at prioritizing one’s own sleep without compromising one’s relationship,” Jauregui noted.
Many adjustable mattresses can look pretty similar at a glance. So, how do you know where to start?
Couples should make sure that the mattress has a dual chamber design, so each sleeper has individually controllable air chambers on their side of the bed.
Beyond the mattresses’ construction and chambers, you may also want to consider:
- Materials certifications: Some mattresses’ foam and latex are certified by third-party groups for low emissions, excluding certain chemicals, whether they’re organic, and more. Shopping for a mattress that has certifications could help you reduce your chemical exposure, or get a more eco-friendly mattress if that’s important to you.
- Cooling features: If you or a partner sleeps hot, looking for a mattress with cooling features or characteristics could be essential.
- Smart technology: If you want to be able to control your mattress from your phone, a smart-enabled bed is the way to go.
- In-home trial period: Knowing whether you’ll love a mattress is almost impossible if you haven’t slept in it for a few days. Fortunately, many companies offer at-home trial periods, so you can return the mattress if it doesn’t work out.
- Warranty: Most mattress companies offer 10-year warranties. This allows you to get a replacement if your mattress shows atypical wear and tear, like sagging, over time.
In general, your mattress should be thin enough to fold easily. Too-thick mattresses may not work on an adjustable bed frame.
Memory foam and latex foam mattresses flex easily and are usually suitable. Some hybrid mattresses may also work, but check with the manufacturer first.
Adjustable beds can have loud motors. They’re also heavy and can be challenging to move or clean.
Adjustable beds can also be expensive. Many require special sized sheets, which are also expensive.
Make sure to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before you buy.
Many do, but the American Chiropractic Association does not have an official position statement about universal adjustable mattresses or beds. If you consult a chiropractor, ask them what they think is appropriate for you.
Adjustable mattresses can be a good investment for a great night’s sleep. Many brands offer technology that lets you customize the mattress. But before you buy one, make sure to do your research and know what you’re looking for so you can choose the right mattress for your preferences.