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Adjustable beds allow for customization to help an individual sleep in the most comfortable position possible. The head of an adjustable bed can be raised to an angle that can promote improved circulation, offer pressure relief, and decrease snoring. Some adjustable beds also enable raising the bottom section to elevate the feet.
A quality adjustable bed frame must have the best mattress for sleepers to truly take advantage of the benefits these beds offer. Use this guide to learn what features to look for and why the following models rate among the best mattresses you can buy for an adjustable bed frame.
- BEST OVERALL: The EcoCloud by WinkBeds
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DreamFoam Copper Dreams Mattress
- BEST PRESSURE RELIEF: The Purple Mattress
- BEST COOLING: Bear Hybrid Mattress
- BEST MEMORY FOAM: Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
- BEST LATEX: Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
- BEST HYBRID: GhostBed Flex Mattress
- BEST ORGANIC: Avocado Green Mattress
- MOST COMFORTABLE: Zoma Hybrid Mattress
Types of Mattresses for Adjustable Beds
Various types of mattresses are suitable for use with an adjustable bed. This guide can help shoppers select the type of mattress that will offer the support, contouring, pressure relief, and firmness level that matches their needs and preferences. The four types of mattresses that work with adjustable beds include: memory foam, latex, hybrid, and air mattresses.
Memory Foam
A popular option for adjustable bed frames, memory foam is more flexible than other materials and can easily bend as the bed frame moves. Memory foam contours to the body well and offers good pressure relief for many individuals.
When choosing a memory foam mattress for an adjustable bed frame, look for products made with a higher density foam for optimal durability and longevity. The top layers of the mattress should have a density of at least 3.5 pounds per cubic foot to prevent the mattress from sagging over time. A base foam layer with a density of at least 1.8 pounds per cubic foot is also recommended.
Latex
Like memory foam, latex offers excellent contouring and pressure relief, plus the additional benefit of greater cooling properties. Its open-cell design allows for more air to flow compared to the denser design of memory foam, which can trap heat.
Natural latex, such as Dunlop latex or Talalay latex, is environmentally friendly and offers greater durability compared to memory foam. Latex is also highly resilient; once pressure is removed, it will return to its original shape. This allows it to contour to the body as the user changes positions overnight and also makes it a good choice for adjustable bed frames.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses offer the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress with the contouring benefits of memory foam and latex mattresses. These mattresses have a core made with pocketed coils that offer support and allow for cooling airflow. On top of the innerspring layer is a layer (or layers) of foam and/or latex that can help provide pressure point relief.
Air
Air mattresses feature adjustable air chambers that allow individuals to personalize the amount of contouring and support offered by the mattress. Some models offer two separate chambers that allow for the firmness of either side of the bed to be adjusted independently of one another, making them a logical choice for partners with different preferences. Many air mattresses are compatible with adjustable bed frames, but shoppers should confirm with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keep in mind that an air mattress may wear out more quickly than other mattress types when paired with an adjustable bed frame. Also, bending the mattress as it is adjusted could block the chambers and make it more challenging to adjust the firmness.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Mattress for an Adjustable Bed Frame
While shopping for the best mattress for adjustable bed frames, consider the features outlined below. These features can help you identify what is most important to you and focus your search to select the best mattress to satisfy your needs.
Size
The size of the adjustable bed frame will impact the ideal mattress size. Whether you already own your adjustable bed frame or are planning to purchase a new one along with your new mattress, consider the size that will fit best in your space and offer an adequate sleep surface for you (and your partner, if applicable). Below are the dimensions for standard mattress sizes:
- Twin: 39 inches wide by 75 inches long
- Twin XL: 39 inches wide by 80 inches long
- Full/double: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long
- Queen: 60 inches wide by 80 inches long
- King: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long
- California king: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long
Some mattresses are also available in split sizes. These styles allow for each side of the bed to be adjusted independently of the other side. For example, one partner could raise the top of the bed to a near upright angle while the other stays in a flat position. Split mattresses are available in queen, king, and California king sizes from some manufacturers.
Sleeping Position
Your preferred sleeping position is important to consider when you shop for a mattress. Depending on your preferred sleeping position and where pressure is placed on your joints, you may find that one mattress style or firmness level is better than another.
- Side sleepers: Side sleepers generally need a softer mattress to provide adequate contouring and pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. A mattress with a firmness rating between 3 and 5 out of 10 is often a popular choice for side sleepers, as this firmness level creates a softer sleep space to give the necessary pressure relief.
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers tend to prefer a firmer mattress than side sleepers. If the mattress is too soft, the heavier parts of the body will sink lower than the lighter parts, which can place the spine out of alignment and cause back pain or discomfort. A mattress with a firmness rating around 6 or 7 out of 10 is often a good fit for back sleepers.
- Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers require an even firmer mattress than back or side sleepers. A softer mattress will let the hips sink too deeply while keeping the head and neck too high.
Sleeping at this angle places the spine out of alignment and can cause back pain. Stomach sleepers may prefer a mattress with a firmness rating between 8 and 10 out of 10 to keep the spine properly aligned.
Density and Thickness
The density of a mattress refers to the weight of the foam per volume, and a denser mattress is made with heavier foam. Heavier foams are more solid and durable than lighter, less-dense options. Memory foam mattresses with a density of 5 pounds or more per cubic foot also offer better contouring than lower-density options. One downside of denser foam is that it can trap more heat than lower density foam, which may cause some sleepers to feel too warm in bed. Plus, denser mattresses tend to be more expensive.
The thickness, or height, of a mattress is also important to consider when shopping for a mattress to use on an adjustable bed. A mattress taller than 12 or 13 inches may be too thick to bend when adjusting the bed. A mattress shorter than 8 inches may not be as durable and also may not offer sufficient cushioning and comfort, especially for side sleepers. The sweet spot for adjustable bed frame mattresses is a height between 8 and 13 inches.
Firmness
Mattresses come in a wide variety of firmness options, from a super plush pillow top to an extra firm and supportive model. Firmness is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. As mentioned above, different sleeping positions often do best with different firmness levels; side sleepers are generally more comfortable on a softer mattress, while back and stomach sleepers typically prefer a firmer mattress.
A softer mattress with a firmness rating between 1 and 3 allows more of the body to sink into the mattress and can create a cradle around the body. A firm mattress with a rating between 7 and 10 offers the least amount of contouring and great support for the body. For a more balanced feel, consider a mattress with a firmness rating between 4 and 6.
Pressure Relief
If a mattress doesn’t offer adequate pressure relief, sleepers may wake up with pain around pressure points, which are areas of the body where the greatest amount of pressure is placed when lying down. They are located in different areas of the body for individuals with different sleep position preferences.
A back sleeper’s pressure points are located on the shoulders, tailbone, and heels; a stomach sleeper’s pressure points are located on the thighs, knees, and rib cage; and a side sleeper’s pressure points are located on the hips and shoulders. Mattresses that offer pressure relief contour to the body to alleviate the pressure felt by the joints.
Contouring
Contouring and pressure relief are very closely related. Mattresses that are more contouring conform to the individual shape of each body. A high-contouring mattress will create a cradle-like sleep space, offering relief from pressure placed on the joints.
If a contouring mattress is important, consider a memory foam or latex option. These materials offer greater contouring properties than standard innerspring mattresses have. Hybrid mattresses may also be a good option to consider, as they typically feature memory foam or latex layers atop the coils to offer the contouring and provide relief for pressure points.
Temperature Regulation
Those known as “hot sleepers” tend to become overly warm as they slumber, and the wrong type of mattress can contribute to this uncomfortable condition. To prevent overheating as you rest, consider a cooling mattress, one with a special design or material content for enhanced breathability, airflow, and/or moisture wicking. For example, coils in an innerspring or hybrid mattress prevent heat from getting trapped and allow for more air to flow through the mattress overnight. Activated charcoal or gel may also be infused into a mattress’s foam layers to absorb heat and prevent the mattress from feeling too warm.
A cooling mattress may also integrate special fabrics or materials into the cover. Tencel, for instance, is very breathable and helps wick away moisture from sleepers. Another material some manufacturers use is a PCM (phase change molecule) fabric, designed to absorb excess heat from the body. PCM can also release some heat back if the body becomes too cool, keeping the temperature balanced.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to how sturdy a mattress feels right at the edges. Mattresses with greater edge support are firmer and have more resistance along the edges, while mattresses with poor edge support have more give at the edges. The edge support a mattress offers can impact how easy it is to get in or out of bed or to sit on the side of a bed. Poor edge support can make these motions and positions more challenging, while greater edge support will make them easier.
Edge support can also reduce the chances of accidentally rolling out of bed, as mattresses with greater edge support sag less at the sides. Greater edge support also allows for more usable sleep space, which can be a benefit for individuals sharing a bed with a partner.
Our Top Picks
To arrive at the selections on this list, quality, durability, and comfort were closely considered as well as the variety of mattresses available and the features detailed above. These products represent premium options from reputable manufacturers designed to help individuals enjoy a restful sleep in their adjustable bed.
Best Overall
The EcoCloud by WinkBeds
The EcoCloud by WinkBeds is a medium-firm mattress with a 5 out of 10 firmness rating. It features individually wrapped coils with a zoned design to provide more contouring for the shoulder and hip areas and firmer support along the lower back and lumbar region. This design helps keep the spine in alignment to reduce back pain. A 4-inch layer of Talalay latex covers the innerspring layer to further reduce pressure on the joints by providing softer support to the hips and shoulders. Regardless of preferred position, the Talalay latex can help keep the spine aligned to promote comfortable sleep and reduce aches and pains upon awakening.
The EcoCloud also offers coolness benefits, as the open-cell structure of Talalay latex allows air to flow; unlike other materials, such as memory foam, it does not trap heat. The quilted mattress cover is a blend of New Zealand wool and organic cotton that also contributes to the overall breathability and comfort. Couples sharing a bed may appreciate the low motion transfer properties of Talalay latex. Talalay latex is also antimicrobial, dust-mite resistant, antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and nontoxic. Choose from twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes for an adjustable bed frame.
Best Bang for the Buck
DreamFoam Copper Dreams Mattress
Achieve comfort and coolness with this budget-friendly mattress from DreamFoam. Select a 12-inch firm option or a 13-inch medium-firm option with the Copper Dreams Mattress. This mattress features two layers of memory foam to offer comfort, contouring, and pressure relief. The top memory foam layer is 1.5 inches thick and is infused with copper graphite to pull heat away from the body. Beneath this layer is a 2.5-inch memory foam layer that allows the mattress to contour to each individual and provide relief for pressure points. A smooth-weave fabric that offers additional cooling benefits covers the mattress.
Beneath the two layers of memory foam are two additional foam layers: a 2-inch transition foam and a 6-inch high-density base to create a sturdy foundation for the mattress. Memory foam minimizes motion transfer, so this mattress can also help an individual sleep more comfortably when a partner is moving around on the other side of the bed. This mattress in a box is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split California king sizes.
Best Pressure Relief
The Purple Mattress
Those looking for pressure relief may find the Purple Mattress a dream come true, thanks to its signature feature: a 2-inch breathable gel grid layer. Made from a temperature-neutral elastic gel, it can flex under the hips, shoulders, and other pressure points while providing sufficient support for the rest of the body to keep the spine in alignment. As a sleeper shifts, the gel flexes and offers optimal support for each new position.
The Purple Mattress is also designed to keep sleepers cool via more than 1,800 air channels integrated into the SoftFlex Cover. This allows ample airflow to help prevent feeling overheated. This nontoxic and hypoallergenic mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes.
Best Cooling
Bear Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid mattress is an optimal choice for hot sleepers looking for a cooling mattress. An innerspring coil layer allows for sufficient airflow to transfer heat out of the mattress, while a cooling-gel memory foam layer dissipates heat, facilitates airflow, and regulates temperature. Beneath the cooling gel layer is a layer of premium comfort foam that contours to each individual body and sleep position to offer pressure relief.
The mattress has a 6.1 firmness rating and offers exceptional edge support via strong edge coils that wrap around the perimeter. This low emissions mattress is GREENGUARD Gold Certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and has also passed various third-party emissions standards related to pollutants like formaldehyde, phthalates, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Choose from twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.
Best Memory Foam
Saatva Loom u0026 Leaf Mattress
The Loom & Leaf Mattress from Saatva features a four-layer design to offer optimal comfort and support. The top layer is made from hypoallergenic organic cotton that is both breathable and soft. The cover is also treated with an antimicrobial agent to promote healthier sleep. Just under the cover is a layer of gel-infused foam that functions to keep the spine aligned while also providing cooling benefits.
The third layer is premium, high-density memory foam with a 5-pound per cubic foot weight. This high-density foam is durable and offers excellent contouring properties for pressure relief. The final support layer, also made from high-density foam, provides stability. This mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, and split California king sizes. Choose from a relaxed firm feel (5 to 7 out of 10 firmness rating) or firm feel (8 out of 10 firmness rating) for each size option.
Best Latex
Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
The Zenhaven mattress from Saatva is made with 100 percent natural Talalay latex. The five-zone latex layer allows for excellent contouring and pressure point relief to the back and joints. Talalay latex is naturally hypoallergenic, and the mattress is crafted using other nontoxic and natural materials for peace of mind. Another thoughtful feature is its flippable design: One side offers a luxury plush feel of 4 to 5 out of a firmness rating of 10 and the other offers a gentle firm feel of 7 to 8 out of 10.
Above the Talalay latex layer is a layer of 100 percent GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic wool. This material helps regulate body temperature and also boasts natural flame-retardant properties. The quilted, organic cotton layer that encases the mattress is breathable, hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial. The Zenhaven comes in the following sizes for adjustable beds: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, and California king.
Best Hybrid
GhostBed Flex Mattress
Individuals looking for a contouring mattress that provides sufficient support may want to consider the GhostBed Flex mattress. This hybrid mattress features a seven-layer design that integrates different materials to keep sleepers comfortable. The top layer is a soft, cool-to-the-touch quilted cover with a 1-inch layer of cooling fiber woven in. Two 1-inch gel memory foam layers allow the mattress to contour to the body, relieve pressure, and keep the spine in alignment.
Beneath the gel memory foam layers is the company’s Ghost Bounce layer, which contours like memory foam while offering the responsiveness of latex. A layer of individually wrapped GhostFlex coils adds spring and allows for cooling air flow. The perimeter of the mattress is reinforced with quality edge support to make getting in and out of bed easier. Finally, a base layer of a high-density foam offers a strong foundation and lasting durability. Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes are available.
Best Organic
Avocado Green Mattress
The Avocado Green Mattress features organic and natural materials for those who want a sustainable, environmentally friendly choice. The mattress features a GOLS-certified (Global Organic Latex Standard) latex that may be more durable, resilient, and better at controlling temperature than polyurethane foam. There’s also a GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) wool layer that wicks away moisture and is dust mite resistant, antimicrobial, and creates a natural fire barrier. A breathable, moisture-wicking GOTS-certified cotton cover tops the mattress for additional cooling benefits.
The mattress provides a medium-firm (7 out of 10) feel to offer both contouring and support for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and average-to-tall or heavier side sleepers. It’s a hybrid mattress with individually wrapped tempered steel coils. The coils feature three different gauges arranged into five ergonomic zones to evenly distribute weight and offer support and contouring to different body types. The coils also help reduce motion transfer to let one partner sleep soundly while the other tosses and turns. Choose from six different mattress sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.
Most Comfortable
Zoma Hybrid Mattress
The four-layer design of this hybrid mattress offers cooling and contouring comfort. There’s a ventilated fabric cover to wick away moisture and a gel memory foam layer to relieve pressure points, while its aerated perforations promote air flow for breathability and cooling benefits. Next, a Reactiv dynamic response layer quickly accommodates movement and position changes while contouring to cradle sleepers.
The final layer is a pocketed-coil and high-density base that gives the mattress stability, allows for enhanced airflow, and offers excellent edge support. This mattress is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes.
FAQs About Mattresses for Adjustable Beds
Those seeking additional information about the best mattresses for adjustable bed frames may find what they need in the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Q. Do you need a special mattress for an adjustable bed?
Most mattresses should work with adjustable beds. However, there are exceptions, including some innerspring or coil mattresses that are too solid to bend, waterbeds, many mattresses with air chambers, and mattresses with wires or other hard components on the edges that won’t bend. Check with the product description and manufacturer’s information to confirm that a mattress is compatible with an adjustable bed frame.
Q. How thick should a mattress be for an adjustable bed?
A thickness between about 8 and 12 or 13 inches is generally ideal for an adjustable bed. Mattresses with a thickness in this range are thin enough to bend during adjustment while still being thick enough to offer comfort and support.
Q. Do adjustable beds ruin mattresses?
No, a quality adjustable bed shouldn’t ruin a mattress, as long as the mattress you are using is suitable for use with an adjustable bed. When not in use, it’s best to keep the mattress flat to reduce wear on it and prolong its life.
Q. Should I pick a firm or a soft mattress?
The answer is a matter of personal preference. If you’re unsure which firmness level is right for you, consider your preferred sleep position. Stomach sleepers generally need a firmer mattress with a rating between 8 and 10, back sleepers often prefer a medium-firm mattress with a firmness rating around 6 or 7, and side sleepers tend to need a softer mattress with a firmness between 3 and 5.