Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

The Amerisleep AS3 is 12-inches tall, flexible, and conforming — perfect for an adjustable frame. Amerisleep uses state-of-the-art mattress technologies in their products, so if you’re looking for a total sleep upgrade, we recommend pairing one of their beds with your new adjustable base.

Amerisleep offers five different models varying in firmness, all of which are compatible with adjustable bases. We like their AS3 model the most because it’s designed with an even balance of comfort and support, making it comfortable for the majority of sleepers. The AS3 is a great option for side sleepers, back sleepers, and couples especially, due to its versatility. If you’re a stomach sleeper, we recommend trying one of their firmer beds.

The Amerisleep AS3 has three layers: 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Affinity with HIVE®, and 7 inches of Bio-Core®.

The first layer of the AS3 molds to your body for instant pressure relief and comfort; and because Bio-Pur® has an advanced open-cell design, it’s more breathable and porous than other memory foams— reducing the risk of heat retention. The thickness of this comfort layer allows for adequate cushioning under the shoulders and hips but isn’t so thick that you feel “stuck” down in the mattress.

Next is the Affinity layer with HIVE® technology. HIVE® is a zoned support system offers dynamic support by reinforcing your torso, feet, and head while offering deeper compression under your shoulders and hips. HIVE’s® design contributes to healthy spinal alignment and promotes better sleeping positions.

The last layer of the AS3 is 7 inches of Bio-Core® to give the bed structural support and prevent wear and tear.

Each model comes in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King. Plus, Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty with every mattress.

For a full review of Amerisleep mattresses, check out our other guide.

Another great mattress to pair with an adjustable base is the Zoma Mattress. The Zoma Mattress is a gel memory foam mattress marketed to athletes, engineered to help those leading an active lifestyle get the restorative sleep they need. Designed with an even balance of comfort and support, the Zoma is medium, the firmness most comfortable for side and back sleepers.

The Zoma Mattress stands 11 inches tall and features 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam, 2 inches of Reactiv™, and 7 inches of Support+. Because it contains three layers of foam, it can easily adapt with an adjustable base. Let’s talk about its construction.

When you lay on the Zoma, you’re met with 2 inches of cushioning, pressure-relieving memory foam. This layer molds to your body while the gel within the foam combats body heat to keep you sleeping comfortably.

Zoma’s first layer also includes Triangulex™, a zoned support technology, in this layer, too. Triangulex™ is firmer under your torso and softer under your shoulders and hips to maintain neutral spinal alignment and alleviate pain points.

The second layer of Zoma is 2 inches of Reactiv™, a latex-like poly-foam. Reactiv™ is more responsive than traditional memory foam, so it gives the bed a bit of bounce and prevents you from sinking uncomfortably far into the mattress. Plus, it reinforces the Triangulex™ above to keep you lifted in proper alignment.

Last is a 7-inch layer of Support+, a durable poly-foam in place to give the bed shape and— as its name suggests— support.

Zoma’s mattresses are online-only. Zoma offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty with each of their mattresses.

The Vaya Hybrid is an affordable hybrid mattress with a medium firmness level. Side, back, and combination sleepers will find the perfect balance of cushioning and support on this advanced yet budget-friendly mattress.

Beneath a soft, ventilated cover, the Vaya Hybrid has a comfort layer made with proprietary foam. Although this material is flexible and conforming, it also has a slight bounce, similar to natural latex foam. This buoyancy is perfect for keeping the hips and shoulders lifted and aligned during sleep.

Vaya’s foam layer is also naturally breathable and won’t retain heat and moisture the way traditional mattress foams do. Plus, the air channels throughout the cover help warm air quickly escape the mattress and prevent overheating.

The base of the Vaya Hybrid features individually wrapped spring coils. Each coil responds with the perfect level of pressure, ensuring you stay supported without developing painful pressure points.

The Vaya Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial allowing you to test out the bed and make sure it’s right for you. Their 20-year mattress warranty also covers sagging and indentations greater than .75 inches.

In addition to their memory foam mattresses, Amerisleep offers three hybrid models. Their AS5 Hybrid is their softest hybrid, perfect for side sleepers and lightweight individuals. With three supportive layers, sleepers remain in a safe sleep position, while the joints are cushioned.

The comfort layer of the AS5 Hybrid features Amerisleep’s unique Bio-Pur® foam. This plant-based foam is more responsive and more breathable than traditional memory foam. The use of fewer synthetic oils also makes this material non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Since some sleepers tend to sink on soft mattresses, Amerisleep includes a transition layer of their Active Flex foam. This material is highly responsive, ensuring the hips and shoulders don’t sink too far into the mattress. On the AS5 Hybrid, sleepers are less likely to experience spinal misalignment and muscle pain.

The base of the AS5 Hybrid is made up of hundreds of pocketed spring coils. Each coil is triple wrapped in a lightweight fabric to increase airflow. This coil base ensures body weight stays evenly distributed throughout the night to prevent morning aches and pains.

Like all of Amerisleep’s mattresses, the AS5 Hybrid comes with a 20-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.

Plenty of people like the feel of innerspring mattresses, but many of these don’t pair well with an adjustable bed. If you’re seeking a bouncy mattress for an adjustable base, we recommend the GhostBed Flex hybrid. As the name suggests, the mattress is quite flexible and moves well with a base’s panels. The

The GhostBed Flex has a medium feel and contains six layers with a quilted mattress cover. An inch of immediate cool burst airflow technology fiber is sewn into the mattress cover, working with the underlying gel memory foam layers to promote a cool-to-the-touch feel.

Two layers of gel memory foam, each an inch thick, form the bed’s comfort layers. Gel memory foam eases pressure points across the body and conforms to the sleeper for a relaxing hug-like feel.

Underneath the gel memory foam layers is a layer of special Ghost Bounce material, design to have the buoyancy of latex and the contouring feel of memory foam. Ghost Bounce helps to establish a floating sensation for weightless comfort.

The mattress’s pocketed coil layer also contribute to the hybrid’s weightless feel, and feature reinforced Spirited Edge™ support along the mattress’s perimeter. The coils are supported by the high-density foam base.

The GhostBed Flex can be tried out for 101 nights. The mattress is also backed by a 25-year warranty.

Many sleepers like to dress up their adjustable bed with a luxurious mattress for the ultimate sleep experience. If you’re seeking a well-made, comfy mattress at an affordable price, we suggest the Tuft & Needle Mint mattress. The design is an improved version of the original Tuft & Needle foam mattress, filled with two layers of Tuft & Needle’s proprietary foam.

Three foam layers make up the Tuft & Needle Mint mattress, which are all wrapped up in a soft knit cover. This mattress cover can be infused with antimicrobial protection from HeiQ, promoting a pristine mattress surface.

Tuft & Needle’s exclusive foam is T&N Adaptive® Foam, a contouring material that relieves pressure. While the original Tuft & Needle had only one layer of this material, the Mint mattress contains two layers to create compression.

The top layer has 30 percent more graphite gel than the original Tuft & Needle mattress, creating a cool and conforming material. The ceramic gel beads inside the mattress also increase the material’s cushioning support, stacking together when you lie down.

The mattress’s base is a supportive foam ringed by 4 inches of extra-firm foam for edge support. No worrying about rolling over the side of the mattress if you enjoy sleeping close to the edge.

The Tuft & Needle Mint mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

While memory foam is a popular material in mattresses for adjustable beds, we can’t neglect to mention our recommendation for a latex mattress. The Amerisleep Organica is excellent for people who want to sleep on a natural mattress, whether it’s out of concern for the environment or sensitivity to synthetic materials.

Four layers make up the Amerisleep Organica, wrapped up in an organic cotton cover.

The first layer is an inch of New Zealand Joma Wool®. The wool cushions the body and offers an all-natural fire barrier. Plus, the material works with the cotton top to wick away heat and moisture, keeping the surface comfortably cool and dry.

Next is 3 inches of natural Talalay latex, a responsive and breathable material. The Talalay latex relieves pressure and buoys the body, keeping the sleeper from sinking too far into the mattress.

The wool and latex inside the mattress have both met the standards of the Standard 100 OEKO-TEX®, ensuring these materials are free of harmful chemicals. The latex foam has also met with the approval of the Rainforest Alliance and the eco-INSTITUT organizations.

The support core is 8 inches of pocketed coils, resting atop a inch-thick base of Dunlop latex foam. The latex foam keeps the coils a firm, sturdy surface to push off from, ensuring they stand tall year after year.

The Amerisleep Organica is backed by 20-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.

What Is an Adjustable Bed?

Adjustable foundations lift the bed’s top and bottom ends, creating a customized, comfortable shape in which to read, watch TV, or sleep. The best adjustable beds help alleviate symptoms of chronic pain, acid reflux, or discomforts stemming from old age.

However, these adjustable beds can do more than alleviate pain and discomfort. They can also enhance sleep quality by relieving pressure points. For the most part, these foundations are viewed as a luxury item, though some may need them for medical reasons like adjustable beds for seniors who have a more difficult time moving about independently.

Typically, they come with a remote responsible for motion control. It has an array of buttons that raise and lower the bed’s head and foot.

The flat button will lower the bed quickly so the individual can climb out of bed easily, and the snore button raises the head to help a sleeping partner breathe easier. If you find a bed adjustment that you’ve fallen in love with, you can program the bed to remember the position. All you have to do is push one button, and the bed will set itself.

The bed has an auto power-down feature that brings the foundation back to a flat position in case of a power outage.

Some adjustable frames have Wallhugger™ technology that lifts the bed up while keeping close to the wall without damaging the wall or any bedroom furniture. This technology is designed to keep the user close to their nightstand, so they can grab what they need without readjusting the bed.

Because these types of foundations are heavy, the queen and king adjustable beds come in two separate parts. Queen and king sizes come with a sync cable so both halves can move as one.

Some of the more luxurious adjustable foundations come with full-body massagers, under-bed lighting, and USB ports.

How to Find the Best Mattress for an Adjustable Bed

It used to be that a box spring was all you needed to provide the right mattress with sufficient support. Now, different mattress types require different forms of support to function at their best.

Whatever mattress type you decide on, make sure to fully research the adjustable bed you want to ensure it is compatible with the type of mattress you choose.

Mattress Types

In most cases, all-foam mattresses, such as memory and latex foam beds, and hybrid mattresses work best with adjustable beds. That said, there are high-quality air bed and innerspring options that work with these sleep-promoting bed frames, too.

Memory Foam

Memory foam beds conform to the body. It’s one of their most well-known traits. Memory foam allows you to sink into the mattress, so body weight is evenly distributed along the sleeping surface, reducing pressure points.

When paired with an adjustable foundation, the memory foam flexes to the base without compromising the sleeper’s support or comfort.

Latex

Much like memory foam mattresses—but not as effective because they have less contouring properties—latex foam mattresses have conforming abilities that prevent pain and pressure points.

There are two different types of natural latex—Talalay and Dunlop latex. While both are naturally derived materials, Talalay latex has synthetic additives to increase softness, while Dunlop is all-natural. Therefore, Talalay is often softer than Dunlop latex.

Latex is a rigid material and often has a medium-firm feel. Choose a latex mattress height 10-inches or shorter so the bed and the mattress can cooperate well with each other.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses have a foam comfort layer, typically made of memory or latex foam. The top layer is 2 to 3-inch thick to cushion the joints and prevent pressure points. Beneath the comfort layer is a base of pocketed coils. These coils move independently of one another and provide more accurate contouring than traditional innerspring coils.

Innerspring

The innerspring mattress, also known as the traditional mattress, combines innerspring coils with a pillow top surface, usually made with poly or memory foam. The base is built using a metal framing held together with iron springs. The coils are very supportive and maintain a level sleeping surface.

This type of mattress is very common in America. They are cheaper to build than memory foam mattresses, and they are also more preferred for their characteristic bounce. However, innerspring mattresses are known for creating pressure points because the coils don’t give much to relieve pressure. This results in sore joints in the morning.

The metal in the springs and the framing make innerspring mattresses very stiff, which means they don’t work very well on an adjustable base.

Air Bed

Separated into one or more air chambers, air mattresses are filled with oxygen to allow the bed to be adjusted for personalized comfort. Some airbeds, like those with multiple air chambers, will pair well with adjustable beds; however, the angles the foundation manipulates the mattress into will impede airflow, resulting in diminished support.

We don’t recommend an airbed with a single air chamber (In the construction of an air mattress, there can be a single enclosed plastic lining or multiple where air is stored to create a comfortable sleeping surface.) while multiple chambers allow the mattress to bend even when full of air, a single chamber will be too stiff to work and will not provide comfort or pressure relief to the user.

To get the most comfortable sleep and wake up every morning pain-free, read our guide on finding the best mattress for back pain.

What to Look For

We’ve already discussed the best mattress types for adjustable frames. But what makes memory foam and latex mattresses more compatible with adjustable beds than the others? A combination of flexibility, durability, thickness, and support.

Flexibility

Memory foam and latex mattresses have natural flexibility. The materials are very versatile.

Memory foam, like a sponge, can be squeezed and formed into different shapes. It’s not advised to treat your new memory foam mattress like play-dough. Rough handling can cause the mattress to break cell walls quicker, which can lead to sagging. The adjustable bed manipulates the material only slightly, which doesn’t damage the memory foam very much.

The material’s contouring nature allows the mattress to conform closely to the base without resulting gaps you would get from using a rigid innerspring mattress.

Thickness

Essentially, to work with an adjustable bed, the more rigid the materials used in the mattress, the thinner the mattress has to be. The average thickness of a mattress is between 6 and 14-inches. The mattress should around 8 to 12 inches thick—enough to support you, but thin enough to form to the base as it adjusts.

Durability

When an insufficient mattress is paired with an adjustable base, the longevity of the mattress is dramatically cut short. This is because the bed isn’t getting the support it needs. The mattress must be flat on the base to maintain its lifespan.

Look for a mattress that lies flush with the base at all times—even when the foundation’s head and foot have been raised to their highest.

Quality materials largely determine the durability of the overall product. Low-quality materials are made cheaply, have low density, and use toxic materials in the manufacturing process. Look to certifications when searching for a quality mattress. Certain certifications like CertiPUR-US® or Greenguard Gold state that the product has met a third-party standard to limit harmful effects on the environment and air quality.

Support

When a mattress lies flush against a solid surface, it is stable enough to properly support its user. Proper support will relieve pressure and distribute weight while helping an individual achieve restorative sleep.

Finding a mattress that is compatible with an adjustable bed is the best way to ensure the mattress will continue to give proper support.

Keep Your Sleep Position in Mind

Your sleep position affects your quality of sleep more than you know. When choosing a new mattress, it is important to consider your personal preferences, such as sleep position and body type.

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping is the most popular sleep position and one of the healthiest. We recommend sleeping on your right side so that unneeded pressure isn’t placed on your internal organs. A good mattress for side sleepers offers healthy spinal support while relieving pressure in major joints such as your shoulders and hips. Placing a pillow under your head and between the knees will further align your spine.

Back Sleepers

For most people, this is considered the healthiest sleep position. This is because the spine lies in a neutral position with ample support. The only issue with this sleep position is the risk of the tongue falling to the back of the throat, causing snoring—which is an issue an adjustable bed can solve.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers face more health risks than other sleeping styles. In this position, your spine is pulled taut for at least 8 hours—that’s a lot of strain to put your back every night. Placing a pillow under the hips will help alleviate some of this pressure.

Combo Sleeper

Sleepers who sleep in one or more sleeping positions during the night are referred to as combination sleepers. They are also known as restless sleepers. Combination sleepers face the same risks and benefits as the other sleep positions, so a mattress for combination sleeping needs to provide support and cushion suitable for all three.

Time to upgrade your entire bed set? Read our best mattress of 2024 guide to find your next bed.

Pros and Cons of Adjustable Beds

Every product has its downsides and benefits. Even though adjustable foundations are advertised as a wonder product, it still has downsides like every other product.

Pros

Therapeutic: For those with lower back pain, acid reflux, or any other type of sleep discomfort, sleeping in an upright position with your legs slightly bent procures a blissful night’s rest by relieving pressure from the head, shoulders, lumbar region, hips, and feet, opening up airways.

Reduced symptoms of snoring, heartburn, sleep apnea, insomnia, chronic pain, and other sleep disruptions have been reported thanks to the use of an adjustable bed.

Comfort and Control: The beauty and benefits of an adjustable base is the ability to change your sleeping habits with a few buttons. Want to change over to a healthier sleeping position? Stomach sleepers can become back sleepers easily. Adjust the base to a zero-gravity position (a position that places your head and legs above your hips) to acclimate yourself to back sleeping.

Convenient: Those who are disabled or elderly will enjoy how an adjustable base can transform their lives. With an adjustable base, eating in bed, reading, watching TV, and even getting out of bed is easier.

Amenities: Designer beds are all the rage. They have been for centuries. And there is no bed fancier than one that can charge your electronic device, have its movement controlled from your phone, and give you a massage at the same time.

Cons

Mattress Deterioration: Mattress deterioration is going to happen regardless of use; however, deterioration can increase with misuse. Unfortunately, even if you purchase a mattress designed to pair with an adjustable base, the mattress will still deteriorate faster than a normal mattress of the same quality.

The mattress is constantly being moved. Even though a mattress may be made for an adjustable bed, deteriorating is expected due to the constant stress placed on the mattress materials from movement and forced flexibility.

The stress breaks down the materials faster than it the bed was constantly laying flat.

Price: Cost varies based on brand and amenities. Typically a queen-size adjustable foundation costs between $800 and $1800. Adjustable frames with minimal amenities will cost less than an adjustable bed with all the bells and whistles. However, be careful when selecting an adjustable foundation, as there are some low-cost models known for breaking shortly after purchase.

Repair expenses can get pricey once the bed’s warranty has expired. While most adjustable bed warranties have a span of 20 years, they only cover structural defects. Motor and electrical components of the base are typically only covered for the first few years of a  warranty.

Noisy: For the adjustable bed to work, a motor is installed into the base. Undoubtedly, the motor makes noise every time the bed is readjusted. Modern motors are much quieter than motors 20 years ago; however, they can still be annoying if you’re sensitive to sound.

Heavy: These types of bases are extremely heavy— some bases weigh close to 300 lbs. Those who relocate a lot, such as military personnel, probably won’t find an adjustable mattress foundation worth the hassle.

Design: While there used to be, and still are, brands that transform your comfortable bedroom into a glorified hospital room, there are now stylish adjustable mattresses that look more like normal bed frames.

There are even adjustable bases that can fit inside the bed frame of your choice. Just remember to check all the measurements before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of mattress is best for adjustable beds?

All-foam mattresses like memory foam and latex beds are usually the best for adjustable beds because they’re the most flexible. However, many hybrid mattresses can also pair well with adjustable beds because mattress brands design them to be more adaptable than plain innerspring mattresses.

Some innerspring brands have adapted their mattress to work with these bed frames as well, but most innerspring beds do not pair with adjustable beds. Before pairing any spring mattress with one of these bed frames, check the warranty guidelines to ensure it’s meant to work with an adjustable base.

Do you need a special mattress for an adjustable bed?

It’s a common misconception that you need an adjustable mattress to pair with an adjustable bed. However, that’s not necessarily the case because “adjustable,” in reference to adjustable mattresses, does not have the same meaning as the “adjustable” when used with adjustable bed frames.

“Adjustable” mattresses are beds that can be modified to suit specific sleep needs. These beds often come with customizable layers you can adjust to find your ideal level of comfort and support. Adjustable in this sense is in reference to comfort.

“Adjustable” bases are bed frames with electronic motors that move the head and foot of the bed up and down. Adjustable in this sense means the angle of the bed can be tweaked to suit different sleep needs.

When searching for a mattress to pair with your adjustable base, you’ll just want to make sure it’s flexible enough to adapt to the base’s movement.

How thick should a mattress be for an adjustable bed?

Thicker mattresses cannot bend and adapt with adjustable beds as easily as thinner mattresses can. When searching for the best mattress for an adjustable bed frame, look for a mattress 14 inches thick or thinner. Anything over 15 inches thick won’t be able to bend with the frame.

Do adjustable bed frames ruin mattresses?

As long as the mattress you’re pairing with the adjustable base is designed to move and bend with one of these bed frames, then an adjustable bed will not ruin your mattress. However, if you pair a mattress that is not meant to be bent with one of these frames, then you can expect some damage to the mattress.

Are adjustable beds worth it?

While adjustable beds are pricey, many people who splurge find the investment worth it. Adjustable beds may seem like an accessory designed for convenience, but they actually offer countless sleep benefits, and getting good sleep boosts your overall health. There’s no better investment than one in your well-being, which is why so many of us spend money on gym memberships and spend a little extra on healthier food options. An adjustable bed frame can give your sleep the boost it needs to improve your overall health.

Conclusion

With sleeping disorders becoming more common, many Americans are turning to adjustable beds to experience zero gravity’s pressure-relieving benefits for better and restorative sleep

The adjustable bed base doesn’t just provide sparkle to your bedroom decor; it provides a solution to chronic pain and therapeutic sleep.