Choosing the Best Mattress for an Adjustable Bed

Adjustable beds could have many health benefits, helping your body heal from surgery or injury, providing comfort and proper spine alignment, and feet elevation to improve circulation.

Let’s learn how to choose the best mattress for adjustable bed, and how they can benefit your sleep health.

What Is an Adjustable Bed?

An adjustable bed base is a hinged base that can be adjusted to raise the feet and head. With an adjustable alignment, you can find many comfortable sleep positions. Many modern adjustable bases include USB chargers, nightlights, and massage. Constructed in metal, an adjustable mattress, and base are durable, long-lasting, easy to clean and maintain.

Andrew Wuest and Son’s made one of the first moveable bed frames in 1874. A simple hinged construction elevated the head so the person could comfortably sit up in bed. In 1909, Dr. Gatch took that simple construction and created a new design that is similar to what we use today. During WW1, the Gatch bed was the standard hospital bed that aided soldiers’ recovery.

What Are the Benefits of an Adjustable Bed?

• Easing insomnia by helping find a comfortable sleep position
• Alleviate sleep apnea, asthma, and snoring by clearing the airways by elevating the head
• Enhance circulation by elevating the feet
• Lessen acid reflux and heartburn by raising the head
• Reduces back pain by aligning the spine
• Relieve arthritis by aligning the spine and helping find a comfortable sleep position

Can Any Mattress Be Used with an Adjustable Bed?

Certain mattress types and materials are more suitable for adjustable bases than others. Unfortunately, if you use the wrong mattress type with your adjustable base, you won't experience the full range of motion. You may even damage the mattress.

Best Mattress Types for an Adjustable Base

Whether your mattress will work well on an adjustable base will come down to:

• Material composition
• Thickness
• Mattress quality
• Lifespan

Memory Foam

A memory foam mattress for adjustable bed will work well. Memory foam mattresses react well to the flexible base as they are malleable and flow with the base movements.

Latex

One of the best mattress with adjustable base is latex. Like memory foam, it will react well to the mechanisms of the base. 

Innerspring

An innerspring mattress for adjustable bed may not be the best option for an adjustable base. The springs in many innerspring mattresses are not ideal for an adjustable base. It is advisable to consider a foam mattress to get the most comfort.

Airbed

When choosing the best mattress with adjustable base, be careful when choosing an air mattress. If your chosen air mattress is a multi air chamber construction, this will ease the adjustments and ensure your comfort is unimpeded.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress could prove to be a flexible mattress for adjustable bed. Although hybrid mattresses are of a spring construction with a foam or latex topper, they are a more modern coil spring sleep solution and could fit a base well. Be sure to check the mattress manufacturer's foundation recommendations if you're considering a hybrid mattress for your adjustable base. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Adjustable Beds Need Special Mattresses?

While it’s possible to use any type of mattress on an adjustable bed base, some mattresses could prove more beneficial than others. Foam mattresses are ideal for an adjustable base, while coil spring mattress may not be the most comfortable as the springs may not move well with the base.

Can a Coil Mattress Be Used with an Adjustable Base?

A coil spring mattress can be used with an adjustable base but there could be better options. As an adjustable base moves every day, the constant strain of movement that a traditional coil spring mattress will endure on an adjustable base may impede its comfort. A foam or modern hybrid mattress could be a better option.

Do Adjustable Beds Ruin Mattresses?

An adjustable base will not damage the right type of mattress. Foam, latex, and many advanced hybrid mattresses with individually-wrapped coils are designed with the flexibility that an adjustable base requires. 

Disclaimer: Nolah does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Nolah blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.