- Starting price: $1,798
- Trial period: 50 nights
- Sizes available: Twin XL (39″ W x 80″ L), full (54″ W x 75″ L), queen (60″ W x 80″ L), split king (39″ W x 80″ L, each half)
- Warranty: Three years
4 Best Adjustable Beds of 2024
According to our 2023 survey of 1,000 adjustable bed users, 85-90% told us that their adjustable bed helped them sleep better. The improvement in sleep was reported by users with self-reported symptoms of insomnia, chronic pain, snoring, acid reflux, and mobility concerns. [1]NCOA Adviser Adjustable Beds Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched June 2023
Sleep is one of the most important contributors you can make toward your physical and mental health. But half of all older adults in the United States report having problems falling and staying asleep, according to research. [2] Poor sleep can lead to an increased risk of falls, cardiovascular disorders, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders like dementia.Tatineny P, et al. Sleep in the Elderly. Missouri Medicine. September 2020. Found on the internet https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7723148/
It’s important to address sleep deprivation as soon as possible to protect your health, so ask your doctor for guidance. This could involve improving your sleep hygiene, like avoiding blue light from electronics at night to fall asleep faster. It could also involve changing your environment by swapping your sleeping surface for a new pillow, mattress, or adjustable bed.
This review showcases our Review Team’s top four adjustable bed recommendations based on research, surveys, and expert consultations. We hope it helps you make an informed decision as you search for ways to improve your sleep.
A quick look at the best adjustable bed frames
- Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame: Best Overall
- Saatva Adjustable Base Plus: Best Features
- Sealy Ease Power Base: Most Affordable
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base: Best for Sleep Tracking
Compare the best adjustable bed frames of 2024, as of April 2024
Starting price | $1,798 | $1,249 | $899 | $1,899 |
Warranty | 3 years | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
Trial period | 50 nights | None | None | None |
White glove delivery? | Yes, starts at $199 | Yes, free | Yes, free | Yes, free |
The best adjustable beds in 2024
Other brands to consider
Since there’s an overwhelming number of brands and models on the market, our Reviews Team chose the best four adjustable beds based on price, features, and services. We also liked a couple more brands that didn’t make our top picks but might offer something you need.
Helix
The Helix Adjustable Base was a close contender with a competitive price. Starting at $873.80 before promotions, this base comes with up to 12-inch adjustable leg height, two presets (zero gravity and flat), three programmable buttons, massage, and under-bed lighting. Its many features make it an attractive option, but it’s missing the key considerations listed below.
Helix drawbacks:
- No trial period or returns (unless the packaging is unopened)
- No white glove delivery
- Relatively short 10-year manufacturer warranty
Puffy
The Puffy Serenity Adjustable Base comes with a generous 101-night trial period, which is among the longest in the industry. It also comes at a fair price compared to other brands in our list, starting at $1,199 before promotions.
This base is a great choice if you want to try your bed for an extended period to ensure it works for you. But it didn’t make our list because it doesn’t offer many standout features that rival its competitors, like Saatva or Nectar.
Puffy drawbacks:
- No white glove delivery
- Limited sizes available
- Minimal presets (only flat and zero gravity)
How our reviews team chose the best adjustable beds
Our team surveyed 1,000 users and consulted experts in sleep and ergonomics to curate a list of important features that influenced how we chose the best adjustable beds. These factors included price, trial period, and delivery options.
We also created a scorecard based on these parameters, which further guided our recommendations. Adjustable bed models priced below average (about $1,500 for a queen) with longer trial or warranty periods and better brand reputations on third-party review sites scored higher than their competition.
All of our selections are medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for NCOA readers’ needs.
How to shop for an adjustable bed
With so many adjustable bed brands and models, how do you know which option is best? We simplified the process by walking through important considerations and features, so you can make the most informed decision.
Online vs. in-person shopping
Most brands offer their adjustable bases through their online stores. You can fully shop online, interact with customer service over the phone or live chat, and purchase your new bed without leaving your house. This is the most convenient way to shop for your adjustable base, and for some brands, it’s the only way. For example, Saatva showrooms are located in larger cities, and you can’t find its bases at third-party retailers, like Mattress Firm. Nectar and Puffy adjustable beds are almost exclusively sold online, although you can find their mattresses in stores.
Other big-name brands, like Tempur-Pedic, are sold online and in retailers across the country. If you’d rather try your adjustable base in person, you can find showrooms or partner stores near you by searching on Google or visiting the brand’s website for locations. But many third-party retailers will override the brand’s service terms with their own. For example, when our Reviews Team visited a Mattress Firm, we found the warranty on Tempur-Pedic adjustable beds was at least 15 years shorter than the brand’s terms. It’s best to shop directly from the brand for the best value.
Features to look for in an adjustable bed
Some of the most commonly offered features are outlined in the table below.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Adjustable leg height | Most adjustable beds offer different leg heights up to 18 inches. Some offer removable legs, or a zero-clearance design, to place your adjustable base on an existing bed frame. You will have a chance to select your leg height during setup. Those with painful joints, like knee arthritis, may benefit from a higher bed to sit and stand with ease. |
Massage | While adjustable bed massage settings feel more like vibration than kneading, they can promote relaxation. Some beds offer various massage modes, so you can choose between vibration patterns and intensities. |
Lighting | Many adjustable beds come equipped with under-bed LED lighting to illuminate the area under and around the edge of the bed, potentially reducing the risk of falling at night. |
USB charging ports | USB ports built into the adjustable bed frame offer a power source for charging devices without the need to reach or get out of bed. |
Preset positions | Adjustable bed models may come with one-touch preset positions, meaning you can press one button on the remote and the bed will adjust to the preset position you prefer. The most common presets are the anti-snore and zero-gravity positions. |
Wall-hugging technology | This advanced feature shifts the head of the bed closer to the wall as it elevates, keeping you within reaching distance of your nightstand. |
Pros and cons of adjustable beds
Before you make the decision on whether an adjustable bed is right for you and your sleep needs, make sure to weigh the pros and cons.
Health benefits of adjustable beds
More than 40% of respondents to our survey of adjustable bed users reported their primary motivations for purchasing an adjustable bed were increased comfort and pain relief. Many sleepers find that elevating the foot of the bed can relieve pressure and pain in the lower back and legs for temporary relief, depending on your condition. [3]Goldman, S.M. Nocturnal Neuropathic Pain in Diabetic Patients May be Caused by Spinal Stenosis. Diabetic Medicine. Aug. 24, 2005. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2005.01746.x
You don’t need an adjustable base to try different sleep positions. You can wedge pillows under your upper back for a reclined position, which may alleviate acid reflux. [4]Albarqouni L, et al. Head of Bed Elevation to Relieve Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms: A Systematic Review. BMC Family Practice. Jan. 19, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7816499/ You can also place them under your legs to see if the position improves your sleep experience. If you can’t find your ideal position, an adjustable bed may be the way to go. Talk to your doctor about whether an adjustable bed is appropriate for you, in case there is a medical reason it would not be.
According to Wu, sleep is important for recovery, so addressing pain-related sleep disturbance quickly is a high priority. “Sleep disturbances can limit the body’s capacity to manage chronic pain effectively,” he said. “Without adequate sleep, pain sensations become more intense, so sleep acts as a natural pain reliever.”
Older adults cite various health benefits from using adjustable beds. For example, 69.4% said they have an easier time getting in and out of their adjustable beds, compared to their experience with standard beds.
Overall, 89.5% of the survey participants reported improved sleep. Here’s the breakdown of sleep quality improvement by health condition:
- Chronic pain: 92%
- Snoring: 91%
- Acid reflux: 91%
- Insomnia: 91%
- Mobility concerns: 90% [1]NCOA Adviser Adjustable Beds Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched June 2023.
Sleep is also important for your mental health. “Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of developing anxiety, depression, or addiction. It can also exacerbate existing mental health issues,” said Wu. “On the other hand, consistent and quality sleep reduces [the] risk of these conditions.”
Adjustable beds also can help caregivers prevent injury—both to themselves and the person they’re caring for. Elevating the head of the bed can help a person rise into a seated position, which makes assisted transfers into and out of bed easier. But if the person you care for has advanced mobility needs, you may benefit from purchasing a hospital bed through Medicare Part B instead. You could qualify for coverage if it’s deemed medically necessary by your doctor. [5]Medicare.gov. Hospital Beds. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospital-beds
Choosing a mattress for your adjustable bed
Now that you’ve done the research to find the best adjustable bed bases, it’s time to learn more about mattresses and how your mattress choice plays a role in your investment.
What is the difference between an adjustable bed and an adjustable mattress?
To avoid confusion, there is technically no such thing as an adjustable mattress. When you read about adjustable mattresses, what’s being described is a mattress that’s made of materials that are flexible enough to bend and shift when mounted on top of an adjustable base, like the ones reviewed in this article. Some mattress materials, like innersprings, are incompatible with adjustable bases because they don’t allow for the mattress to bend into different positions with the frame.
Can I use a regular mattress on an adjustable bed?
If your mattress is made of memory foam, latex, or hybrid materials, it should work nicely with your adjustable bed base. The sweet spot for mattress thickness for an adjustable base is up to 13 inches. And while you may be able to use a mattress made with pocketed coils, innerspring mattresses are not typically constructed for use on adjustable bed frames. The best thing to do is to call the mattress manufacturer to double-check compatibility before investing in a new adjustable bed base. If your current mattress will not work with an adjustable base, you’ll need to factor the cost of a new mattress into your overall purchase.
Bottom line
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute links poor sleep with an increased risk of chronic diseases and issues, like heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. [6]National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Why Is Sleep Important? Found on the internet at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/why-sleep-important It’s important to prioritize quality sleep to maintain your health, so if you’re experiencing sleep disturbances, don’t wait to talk to your doctor. Ask if an adjustable bed is appropriate for your treatment plan.
Saatva is our top pick due to its excellent customer satisfaction and competitive price, which includes white glove delivery and an array of features. Nectar offers similar features but goes the extra mile to include a 50-night trial period, earning our “Best Value” spot. If you’re on a budget, Sealy is a great option with a starting price below $1,000. And if you’re interested in tracking your sleep quality, Tempur-Pedic’s high-tech TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base is our favorite choice.
Frequently asked questions
The best adjustable bed for you will depend on factors such as your budget, sleep style, and which features you’d like to have with your adjustable base. Our Reviews Team feels the Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame is the best overall in this review.
Adjustable beds can promote better sleep, reduce pain, and even ease symptoms of conditions like acid reflux. It can be worth it if it improves your overall comfort or quality of life.
Doctors may recommend adjustable beds for many health concerns. Chester Wu, MD, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist in Houston, Texas, told us that adjustable beds can improve sleep quality by allowing people to find a comfortable and supportive sleep position.
No. Most adjustable bed manufacturers recommend foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses for adjustable bases due to the mattress’s ability to flex with the movement of the adjustable base. Innerspring mattresses are not recommended for use with adjustable bed bases.
No. Insurance typically will not cover an adjustable bed. But Medicare Part B, also known as original Medicare, does cover certain adjustable beds that are categorized as pressure-reducing support surfaces and hospital beds. A prescription from a doctor is required, and you’ll need to buy the bed from an authorized dealer. [7]Medicare.gov. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage
Most of the warranties in this review cover 25 years of use. The estimated life of an adjustable bed base when maintained regularly and used correctly is a minimum of 10 years. [8] Sleep Advisor. Will an Adjustable Bed Wear Down Your Mattress? Jan. 16, 2024. Found on the internet at: https://www.sleepadvisor.org/do-adjustable-beds-damage-mattresses/
Adjustable beds can help with snoring. Elevating the upper body and head can open up the airways and nasal passages, which may help reduce snoring.
Most modern mattresses are designed with some level of flexibility, which means they shouldn’t be negatively affected by an adjustable base. But the frequency of adjustments you make to the bed does have the potential to cause premature wearing.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
- NCOA Adviser Adjustable Beds Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched June 2023.
- Tatineny P, et al. Sleep in the Elderly. Missouri Medicine. September 2020. Found on the internet https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7723148
- Goldman S.M. Nocturnal Neuropathic Pain in Diabetic Patients May be Caused by Spinal Stenosis. Diabetic Medicine. Aug. 24, 2005. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2005.01746.x
- Albarqouni L, et al. Head of Bed Elevation to Relieve Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms: A Systematic Review. BMC Family Practice. Jan. 19, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7816499
- Medicare.gov. Hospital Beds. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospital-beds
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Why Is Sleep Important? March 24, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/why-sleep-important
- Medicare.gov. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage
- Sleep Advisor. Will an Adjustable Bed Wear Down Your Mattress? Jan. 16, 2024. Found on the internet at: https://www.sleepadvisor.org/do-adjustable-beds-damage-mattresses/