The Ultimate Guide to Adjustable Mattresses

We may earn commissions from affiliate links on our site(s) at no extra cost to our readers. Commissions do not affect our opinions or evaluations.

Adjustable mattresses were only used in hospitals and care homes to enhance the comfort provided to the patients, but nowadays adjustable mattresses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, accommodating any lifestyle with cutting-edge technologies such as integrated Bluetooth and massaging units, which makes them a desirable alternative whether you like to read, watch TV, or have breakfast in bed.

What is an Adjustable Mattress?

adjustable mattress

An adjustable mattress is a mattress that is compatible with adjustable bed frames which allows you to get a better sleeping experience by including height and angle adjustments so you may position your legs, torso, and head as needed.

To customize the bed to your liking, you may use a smartphone app or a remote control. In addition, some adjustable beds are equipped with lighting, heating, and massage functions. Electric motors and hinges are used in adjustable beds to move the mattress and bed frame.

Pros of adjustable mattresses

  • Better sleep: You can discover the ideal sleeping position with the use of an adjustable mattress, which will help you go to sleep earlier, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more rested.
  • Health benefits: Even if you don't suffer from a chronic illness, having an adjustable mattress might be beneficial, as other activities such as exercise can create muscle aches, and the force of gravity can cause joints to creak, and adjustable mattresses’ health benefits offer solutions to these problems.
  • Improve blood circulation: Your capacity to increase circulation may be significantly impacted by your choice of bed and adjustable bed customization makes reaching the best sleeping position easier.
  • Variety: There are adjustable beds available in almost every size. You can choose from twin to king, to anything that fits your needs, even if the sizes are slightly different from the usual mattress sizes.

Cons of adjustable mattresses

  • Cost: While adjustable beds come with many incredible features, they also come with a relatively high price tag.
  • Extensive Maintenance: Adjustable mattresses require an excessive amount of maintenance, which could be an issue for some people.
  • Weight: If you like to change your home decoration frequently, then you might find that it’s not easy to move the adjustable mattress around because it’s very heavy.

Features of Adjustable Mattresses

A couple is reading on a raised adjustable bed in a modern bedroom.

Each adjustable mattress has its own set of unique features and implemented technologies to enrich the comfort of your sleeping experience, some of these features are in the adjustability of the mattress itself, or wellness features which was the reason why adjustable mattresses were used in the medical field.

Here are some adjustable mattress features, keep in mind that not every adjustable mattress will include all of these features so it’s important to find a mattress that fits your sleeping preference.

Adjustability

  • Head and foot elevation: Adjustable mattresses have either a single or a twin motor that determines how much control you have over the bed's adjustability. Both the head and foot portions are powered by that motor, which allows you to adjust the mattress to your preference and sleeping style.
  • Individual side adjustments: Adjustable beds are a great option for side sleepers because they allow fine adjustment of the sleeping position, which alleviates the constraint from pressure points such as the shoulders and hips.
  • Lumbar support: Springs slats are the most common type of support structure in adjustable mattresses. The laminated wood used to make these slats gives the bed a slightly bouncy and firm feel, and some adjustable mattresses allow the lumbar slat firmness to be changed, which gives you control over the amount of support you need to reach the ideal lumbar and spine support.

Wellness Features:

  • Vibration massages: Some adjustable beds have a massage function that applies light vibrations to ease tension in the muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce pain.
  • Zero-gravity position: You can achieve the zero gravity position using adjustable mattresses by inclining the upper body and slightly elevating the lower body, the zero-gravity position is a position commonly used by people suffering from neck, back, and hip pain.
  • Pre-sleep routines: You can adjust various elements in the mattress before you go to sleep according to your preference, so if you’d like to adjust the temperature of the mattress or the firmness it would be ready before you sleep.
  • USB ports: with the USB ports in the adjustable mattresses it is possible to charge your electronic gadget while you sleep.
  • Smart home integration: Most adjustable beds are integrated with apps that allow you to control many aspects of the mattress using your mobile phone.

Types of Adjustable Mattresses

Memory Foam

One of the most popular materials for adjustable bedframes is memory foam, as mattresses made of memory foam are incredibly flexible and have excellent pressure-relief properties.

When the pressure is alleviated they return to their former shape, as a result, a memory foam mattress effortlessly contours to the body shape and movements.

Latex Adjustable Mattresses

A latex mattress could be what you're searching for if you want an adjustable mattress that is more environmentally friendly, as mattresses composed of latex come in two varieties: natural and synthetic. Rubber tree sap is often used to obtain natural latex.

While latex and memory foam do have certain similarities in terms of flexibility and other attributes, latex is a better option due to its extra advantages. To begin with, it lasts longer than memory foam. Therefore, you should give a latex mattress serious thought if durability is your main concern.

Innerspring Adjustable Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses provide great bounce and comfort, however. It's crucial to understand that not all innerspring mattress types can be utilized with an adjustable bed, so you must first make sure that an innerspring mattress is suitable with an adjustable bed frame if you want one for your adjustable bed, and choosing an innerspring mattress with pocket coils as opposed to continuous coils is highly advised because pocket coils, which serve to specifically support your pressure spots, are individually wrapped.

Hybrid Adjustable Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are a great choice For adjustable beds since they combine the durability of foam mattresses with the softness and bounce of innerspring mattresses. Although these mattresses are on the pricey side, they are well worth the money.

Air Adjustable Mattresses

Air mattresses are often the least popular option when it comes to adjustable mattresses. This is primarily because an adjustable bed configuration has the potential to obstruct the air chambers and prevent the creation of the intended angles. Additionally, they are the least sturdy.

What to Consider Before Buying an Adjustable Mattresses

Adjustable mattresses

  1. Preferences: Some people prefer traditional mattresses, such as the hybrids or the innerspring, and don’t care about the extra features that adjustable mattresses have, so before investing in an adjustable mattress you have to make sure that aligns with your preferences.
  2. Size: You need to make sure that your adjustable mattress fits your adjustable bed, as they come in a variety of sizes, if the mattress is too small or too big it will affect the quality of your sleep.
  3. Single or Split mattress: One of the most important things to consider before buying an adjustable mattress is whether you want the mattress to be a single mattress or a split mattress. The split mattress consists of two adjustable mattresses that are installed side by side and operate independently. Couples will love this choice since it lets each partner choose their preferred sleeping position without interfering with the other.
  4. Thickness: Keep in mind that if the mattress is too thin it won’t be very durable, and if it’s too thick it may not be able to adjust properly, so you must be careful while choosing your mattress thickness, a mattress that is 8 to 12 inches thick is optimal.
  5. Budget: Adjustable mattresses are generally on the pricier side since they include many cutting-edge technologies and features, however, the price completely depends on the material of the mattress and the features included in it.

FAQs

Is there a weight limit for adjustable mattresses

Yes, many queen and king-sized adjustable mattresses have weight limits of 300-400 pounds. If you need more support, look for models with AC motors for heavier lifting.

Are adjustable mattresses loud?

Some people will find the motors of older models sound a bit too loud and might disturb their sleep, however, newer models are marketed to have quieter motors than older motors.

How much do adjustable mattresses cost

Most adjustable mattresses cost between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the amount of features it has and the material used in the construction of the mattress. If you are restricted by a budget, check out other bed frames.

Is an Adjustable Bed the Same as an Adjustable Mattress?

No, they are not the same thing. Adjustable beds are supportive frames that elevate and adjust the position of your mattress, while adjustable mattresses are specially designed to conform to these adjustments for optimal comfort. We recommend pairing the SONU Adjustable Bed with a compatible adjustable mattress, like the SONU Sleep System, for the ultimate personalized sleep experience.

What not to do with an adjustable bed?

  • Don’t plug too many appliances into the wall outlet, It's better to leave only the bed plugged in.
  • Don’t sit on the edge of the mattress, Adjustable mattresses have a softer edge that allows them to flex. Sitting on the edge of a mattress causes it to distort more quickly than a standard flatbed.
  • Don’t sit at the foot of the bed, as this places additional strain on the motor, and the added weight may cause the device to fail.

Why is my adjustable mattress so uncomfortable?

If your mattress is too thin or too thick for your adjustable bed, you will be uncomfortable all night, and if it is too thick, you will be unable to adjust the bed adequately. The optimal thickness for adjustable bed mattresses is 6 to 12 inches.

Are adjustable mattresses bad for side sleepers?

Adjustable beds are an excellent choice for side sleepers because they allow fine adjustment of the sleeping position. These adjustments prevent any tension buildup on pressure points such as the back, shoulders, and hip.

Conclusion

Adjustable mattresses unlock a personalized sleep experience by letting you control the height and angle to your exact preferences. Not only do you get cutting-edge features like Zero-gravity positioning, electric motors, and even USB ports, but you can also tailor your firmness and adjust for specific needs.

However, adjustable mattresses also have some disadvantages that could be an issue for some people, such as their weight or excessive maintenance, they’re also on the pricey side.

Jessica H.

Senior Product Editor

Jessica is a reviewer, writer, and sleep enthusiast at Sleepiverse. Jessica graduated with her master's degree in Nursing research and education. She is a registered nurse and currently works in the Intensive Care Unit. Since becoming a nurse, Jessica has worked the night shift, which means a disrupted sleep schedule. Knowing she needed to function at her best while caring for patients at night, she spent a lot of time researching how to sleep well with a difficult schedule.