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An adjustable mattress works with a bed base that moves into different positions. They may help people with certain health conditions, such as sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux.

This article looks at what makes a mattress adjustable, the potential health benefits of sleeping on an adjustable mattress, and 9 of the best adjustable mattresses available.

An adjustable mattress is a mattress that will work with a bed frame that a person can move into different positions to suit their sleeping needs.

Some standard mattresses are not flexible enough to use on adjustable beds.

Adjustable mattresses include memory foam, latex, innerspring, and air mattresses.

An adjustable mattress needs to be thick enough to provide comfort but thin enough to be flexible. It also needs to be durable to prevent excess wear and tear from movement.

An adjustable bed may help improve spinal alignment. In a 2013 study, researchers found an actively controlled adjustable bed improved spinal alignment and improved sleep quality.

An adjustable mattress may also help with sleep apnea.

A 2017 study found that raising the head of the bed so that people slept with mild head elevation significantly improved their obstructive sleep apnea.

According to the same study, raising the bed may not be safe for people with certain health conditions such as lower limb edema and venous insufficiency.

Elevating the head of the bed by 6–8 inches (in) (15–20 centimeters [cm]) may help reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Adjustable mattresses and beds can be expensive and may require more maintenance than a regular bed and mattress.

People may want to consider the following points when choosing an adjustable mattress:

  • A split mattress provides individual control of each side of the bed.
  • If buying a mattress and bed separately, measure them carefully, and check with the retailer that they are compatible.
  • If people have back pain, they may want to choose a mattress with orthopedic support, such as pressure relief and spinal alignment.

According to a 2015 review, a medium-firm mattress may be the best option for optimal sleep quality, comfort, and spinal alignment.

However, firmness preferences may vary depending on individual sleeping styles, body weights, and health needs.

People looking for a sustainable mattress can check for certified organic materials and labels such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from some bedding materials and other products may be harmful to human health.

The CertiPUR-US certification ensures low VOC emissions, as well as prohibiting manufacturers from using other harmful chemicals in foam mattresses.

Learn more about eco-friendly mattresses here.

Here is a selection of adjustable mattresses to help people with different sleeping needs.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Saatva Solaire Mattress

  • Type of mattress: This is an air bed with memory foam support.
  • Firmness: It has 50 firmness levels.
  • Pro: People can choose different firmnesses for each side of the mattress.
  • Con: Some reviewers say that it led to warm sleep.
  • Price: The list price starts at $2,247.

The Saatva Solaire Mattress is an air bed with memory foam support.

Each side has 50 firmness levels, so it may suit couples with different needs or anyone who is unsure which firmness suits them.

Other features include:

The Saatva Solaire Mattress is available for purchase online.

Nectar Mattress

  • Type of mattress: It contains memory foam.
  • Firmness: It is medium firm.
  • Pro: The company says that this mattress may provide more support for back and side sleepers.
  • Con: Some reviewers report off-gassing from this mattress.
  • Price: The list price starts at $873.

Review sites generally rate this memory foam mattress highly, citing excellent value. It is suitable for use with an adjustable base.

Features include:

  • a quilted cooling top
  • a support layer that prevents sinking
  • minimal motion transfer
  • pressure point relief
  • support for spinal alignment

The Nectar Mattress is available for purchase online.

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

  • Type of mattress: This is an all-foam mattress.
  • Firmness: It has a medium-firm feel.
  • Pro: It has graphite and gel beads that may lead to cooler sleep.
  • Con: Some reviewers report limited edge support.
  • Price: Its list price starts at $645.

This is a 10-in (25-cm), medium-firm mattress suitable for use with an adjustable bed base.

Features include:

  • graphite and gel beads to draw heat away from the body
  • breathable, open-cell foam
  • pressure relief
  • support for all sleeping position
  • Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certifications
  • box delivery

The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is available for purchase online.

Zoma Mattress

  • Type of mattress: This is an all-foam mattress.
  • Firmness: It is medium firm.
  • Pro: It has three zones of support, which may help reduce shoulder and hip pain.
  • Con: Some reviewers report overheating while sleeping on this mattress.
  • Price: Its list price starts at $649.

Designed to relieve pain, the Zoma foam mattress is suitable for use on any bed frame, including an adjustable one.

Features include:

  • cooling gel memory foam that contours to the body
  • responsive foam to prevent sinking
  • support for spinal alignment
  • three zones that target pressure points
  • CertiPUR-US certification

The Zoma Mattress is available for purchase online.

AS2 Amerisleep Mattress

  • Type of mattress: This is an all-foam mattress.
  • Firmness: It is medium firm.
  • Pro: The company says that this is suitable for back and stomach sleepers.
  • Con: Some reviewers report that it was too firm and caused back pain.
  • Price: The list price starts at $1,049.

The AS2 is a medium-firm foam mattress is flexible and works with an adjustable base.

Features include:

  • spinal alignment support
  • pressure point relief
  • breathability and airflow
  • rapid-response memory foam
  • CertiPUR-US certification
  • sag prevention and durability

The AS2 Amerisleep Mattress is available for purchase online.

Secretland 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress

  • Type of mattress: This is an all-foam mattress.
  • Firmness: It has a medium-plush feel.
  • Pro: Some reviewers say that it is comfortable and reduces aches and pains.
  • Con: Others say that it is too firm and does not expand fully.
  • Price: The list price starts at around $280.

This mattress has three layers of foam and a hypoallergenic cover. It can fit any bed base, including an adjustable one.

Features include:

  • gel memory foam for temperature regulation
  • a washable cover
  • responsive, contouring foam
  • pressure relief
  • CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certifications
  • box delivery

The Secretland 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress is available for purchase online.

Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Bed

  • Type of mattress: This is an air mattress.
  • Firmness: It has a range of firmness options.
  • Pro: It automatically adjusts its firmness in response to movement.
  • Con: Some reviewers found it to be noisy.
  • Price: The list price starts at $2,599.

The company also highlights this product’s cooling technology and plush comfort. It is suitable for use with an adjustable base.

Features include:

  • five comfort layers
  • adjustable firmness levels on each side separately
  • pressure relief
  • response to movement
  • provides sleep quality scores

Extra features, such as foot warming, a feature called “zero gravity,” and head or foot elevation are available at an additional cost. Also, a split king option is available if a person buys the mattress with an adjustable base.

The Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Bed is available for purchase online.

The Dreamcloud Luxury Hybrid

  • Type of mattress: This is a hybrid mattress.
  • Firmness: It has a “luxury firm” feel.
  • Pro: Some reviewers say that they “slept cool,” or did not overheat, while using it.
  • Con: Others have said that it is too soft, tall, or firm.
  • Price: The list price starts at $1,273.

The company highlights that this mattress provides comfort, support, and cooler sleep. It is suitable for use with most bed frames, including adjustable ones.

Features include:

  • gel memory foam for pressure relief
  • individually wrapped coils for targeted support
  • a 365-night sleep trial
  • a lifetime warranty

The Dreamcloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress is available for purchase online.

Birch Natural Mattress

  • Type of mattress: This is a hybrid mattress.
  • Firmness: It has a medium-firm feel.
  • Pro: Some reviewers report good edge support and a reduction in aches and pains.
  • Con: Others report that the mattress was too soft and did not give enough support.
  • Price: The list price starts at $1349.

This medium-firm hybrid mattress contains hypoallergenic and organic materials, such as cotton, wool, and Talalay latex. It is suitable for most bed bases, including adjustable ones.

Features include:

  • Greenguard Gold certification
  • GOTS certification
  • a 100-night sleep trial
  • a 25-year warranty

The Birch Natural Mattress is available for purchase online.

The following table compares the mattresses in this article.

TypeFirmnessPrice
Saatva Solaire Mattressair memory foamrange of firmness optionsfrom $2,247
Nectar Mattressmemory foammedium firmfrom $873
Tuft & Needle Original Mattressall foammedium firmfrom $645
Zoma Mattressmemory foammedium firmfrom $649
AS2 Amerisleep Mattressmemory foammedium firmfrom $1,049
Secretland 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattressfoam gelmediumfrom around $280
Sleep Number 260 p6 Smart Bedair mattressrange of firmness optionsfrom $2,599
Dreamcloud Luxury Hybridhybridluxury firmfrom $2,599
Birch Natural Mattresshybridmedium firmfrom $1,349

A person can also use other solutions to improve sleep position and help certain health conditions.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends placing blocks under the bedposts at the head of the bed to relieve GERD symptoms.

Using a pillow to change the position of the head may help reduce snoring.

Below are answers to common questions about adjustable mattresses.

Do doctors recommend adjustable beds?

Healthcare professionals may recommend adjustable beds in certain circumstances.

For example, there is evidence that elevating the head during sleep can help reduce symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn, indigestion, and regurgitation.

Are adjustable mattresses worth it?

This depends on what a person is looking for. If a healthcare professional recommends an adjustable mattress for a condition such as GERD, the symptom relief may be worth the cost and inconvenience of buying a new mattress.

The prices can vary. A person may be able to buy one that costs about as much as a nonadjustable mattress.

Which adjustable mattress is best?

The best adjustable mattress for each person depends on several factors.

People should consider the size of their bed frame, the firmness of the mattress, and whether they require any additional features, such as cooling technology.

An adjustable mattress works with an adjustable bed frame to change sitting or sleeping positions. It may help with certain health conditions.

People may want to buy an adjustable bed that comes with a mattress, or they can check with retailers that a mattress and bed frame from different brands are compatible.

If people have a health condition that may benefit from using an adjustable bed and mattress, they may want to check whether their health insurance covers it. Some health insurance companies may class an adjustable bed or mattress as medical support.