After taking into consideration price, features, delivery, warranty, manufacturer reputation, and customer reviews, our Reviews Team gave the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus the designation of “Best Overall” in split king adjustable beds.
8 Best Split King Adjustable Beds of 2024: Our Expert Picks
A split king adjustable bed, where each side may be adjusted independently, is a popular option for couples who have different sleep preferences and different wind-down routines when it comes to sleeping, reading, working, watching TV, or eating.
Most manufacturers sell split adjustable beds in two sizes: king and California king. The main difference is the size: A California king is typically 4 inches longer and wider than a king at 84 inches by 72 inches.
Because there are two separate mattresses, split king beds tend to provide less sleep interruption with a sleep partner. Our Reviews Team narrowed our top picks, taking into account the value, features, sleeping positions, ease of use, and more to help you choose the best split king adjustable bed for your needs. You can also read our review of the best adjustable bed frames for more options.
The best split king adjustable beds of 2024
- Saatva Adjustable Base Plus: Best Overall
- Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame: Best Value
- Puffy Adjustable Base: Longest Trial Period
- Sealy Ease Power Base: Simplest Design
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base: Most Advanced
- Purple Premium Plus Smart Base: Most Customizable
- Sleep Number FlexFit 1 Smart Base: Best for Upper-Body Adjustability
Comparison of the best split king adjustable beds
Trial period | None | 50 nights | 101 nights | None | None | None | None | None |
Warranty | 25 years | 3 years | Lifetime | 25 years | 25 years | 10 years | 15 years | Lifetime |
Mobile app | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Price | $2,598 | $3,596 | $2,099 | $1,798 | $3,798 | $3,190 | $2,199 | $3,790 |
* Data as of April 2024
Best Split King Adjustable Beds
What is a split king adjustable bed?
A split king adjustable bed measures out to the same size as a king bed but is split down the middle to allow co-sleepers to customize their individual sleep experience while not disrupting one another. Each independent mattress equals the size of a twin XL mattress: 38 inches by 80 inches.
What to consider when buying a split king adjustable bed
Budget
Adjustable bed bases can be quite expensive, with costs ranging between $1,798 and $3,798 among the models we chose. If your current mattress is not compatible, you’ll also have to consider the cost of a new mattress in addition to the base. Some companies offer financing options, allowing you a bit of flexibility around price. You may also be able to get a discount for purchasing the split-king adjustable base with the two twin XL mattresses at the same time.
Features
Here are a few of the most important features to consider in more detail:
Adjustability: Adjustable legs on the base allow you to position your bed at the right height for ease of entry and exit, reducing the risk of falls or straining. This is especially important for people with mobility issues. Adjustable head and foot functions are also important, especially with the split king, since each side adjusts independently.
Massage capabilities: From targeting specific areas of the body to full body and dual massage, this feature can help relieve stress and pain, as well as relaxing your muscles so you can wind down faster and sleep more soundly.
Tech features: If you’re tech savvy, you might want a split king adjustable bed that’s supported by a smartphone app. Apps can help you to customize your experience by setting timers for adjustments (an especially helpful feature for people who snore), tracking your restless sleep patterns, and more. If you’re not comfortable using an app to control your bed, you should confirm that two remote controls come with the bed—one for each sleeper.
Other technologically advanced features may include built-in Bluetooth speakers to stream audio from your computer or phone, and USB ports to make device charging easy and convenient.
Under-bed lighting: This is an important feature to assist with getting in and out of bed safely, especially if you are at an increased risk for falls. Under-bed lighting provides an added safety feature to ensure you have good visibility in your bedroom at night.
Presets: Even if your split king adjustable bed comes with previously programmed settings like anti-snore and zero gravity, it’s also great to have a couple of preset options that are customizable for your needs. You may find that creating your own position will lead to the best quality rest for you.
Weight limit
Adjustable beds have a weight limit, typically between 400 and 850 pounds per twin XL base. Keep in mind that this includes the weight of the mattress as well as anyone sleeping on it. A twin XL mattress typically weighs between 30 and 105 pounds. Before purchasing an adjustable bed, make sure it supports the total combined weight of both the mattress and the user.
Assembly
Some adjustable bed manufacturers offer white-glove delivery, which means a professional will carry it in and assemble it for you. Without white-glove delivery, it may take multiple people to carry each of the split king bases inside, which may weigh close to 100 lbs each, depending on the brand. Make sure you feel comfortable, or have assistance, moving any heavy boxes and assembling the adjustable base if you order from a brand that doesn’t offer white-glove delivery services.
Warranty and trial period
Most adjustable beds come with a warranty, but they can vary greatly by manufacturer, from as little as three years up to a full lifetime warranty. When shopping for an adjustable bed, read through the warranty to make sure you feel comfortable with the coverage. Consider the return policy, too. Most adjustable beds are final sale, but there are some returnable options, such as the Puffy Adjustable Base, that come with an at-home sleep trial.
Ordering and delivery
Adjustable beds can be ordered in store or online for delivery to your home. Delivery times vary from one manufacturer to the next, but many offer estimates of shipping windows from the date of order. It can be helpful to contact customer service for delivery details before you place your order.
Split king vs. king adjustable beds
The regular king adjustable bed is more suitable for couples with the same sleep preferences. It also allows for one set of sheets and offers a single mattress surface. On the other hand, while even the best split king adjustable bed is great for partners who have different sleep preferences, it does require two sets of sheets and may cause an uncomfortable seam between the two mattresses that couples may not be used to.
King Adjustable Bed | Split King Adjustable Bed | |
---|---|---|
Benefits | There’s no seam since you use one single mattress, and couples can adjust one bed to their joint preferences. | Each partner can customize their sleep preferences, from the mattress itself to the position. |
Pros | More room without a seam between you. One set of sheets needed. Keeps intimacy simple. | Each sleeper can customize their own experience, from bed position to massage, without bothering the other. A personalized experience can lead to a better overall sleep routine and higher-quality rest. The transfer of motion between couples with two individual mattresses is minimal. |
Cons | Sleepers must commit to one bed position and agree jointly on using all the same features. The transfer of motion from one partner to the other can be a sleep disrupter. | If the mattresses are not secured properly, it can create a gap between the individual beds. The potential seam where the mattresses meet can be a hard adjustment. |
Issues with split king adjustable bases
The best split king adjustable beds come with advantages for partnered sleepers, but there are also some issues to note:
- Uneven mattress feeling: Since split kings are made up of two separate mattresses, this can create an unevenness. Plus, if the two individual mattresses are not properly secured to the bed frame, they can be displaced by normal sleep movements and a space can form between them, creating an uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous, gap.
- It’s a big investment: Along with the cost of the base itself, you’ll also need new mattresses and bedding. Mattress prices can be higher for this bed model, costing you hundreds of dollars more.
- Mattress inventory can be limited: Since the split king adjustable bed is not considered a mainstream model, finding the right twin XL mattress options may present challenges.
- The larger size takes up a lot of room: If you have a small bedroom, a split king adjustable bed can pose a problem because it takes up quite a lot of space. Make sure to take proper measurements and test out whether you and your partner will have enough room to get in and out of bed comfortably and walk around safely at night.
How we chose the best split king adjustable beds
Based on our expert consultations and research, we determined the following factors to be important for our readers when shopping for a split king adjustable bed:
- Comfort
- Price
- Trial period
- Delivery and setup
- Warranty
- Brand reputation
- Special features
- Number of size options
We had all of our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure that each brand and model is appropriate for NCOA readers’ needs.
Bottom line
For those who are wondering what is a split king or what is a split king mattress, split king adjustable beds are a great option for adults who share a bed with a sleeping partner. They may provide relief from back pain, reduce snoring, and offer a better night’s sleep overall. In addition, a split king bed has two separate mattresses so that sleepers are not as bothered by the movements of their sleep partners.
For an all-around solid choice at a reasonable price, our Reviews Team recommends the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus, which comes with free delivery and assembly. If you’re tech-savvy and prefer a split king adjustable bed with advanced features like smartphone connectivity, consider the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base. The Purple Premium Plus Smart Base can also connect to smart devices and it offers the most options for customized positioning, along with three programmable presets per side.
Go with the Sealy Ease Power Base if you want the most basic design with an easy-to-use remote. If you’re looking only for upper-body adjustability, consider the Sleep Number FlexFit 1 Smart Base. Lastly, If you want to make sure you like your bed before committing to it, consider the Puffy Adjustable Base, which has a 101-night trial and a lifetime warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Because a split king bed is made up of two mattresses side by side, you will be able to feel the edges and gap in between. But you can purchase a gap filler to remedy the issue. This T-shaped connector works as a small bridge to remove the gap—and any dip—between the split king mattresses. Using a ratchet strap is an alternative method, but it may not fully secure a twin XL sheet set.
Yes, a split king is made up of two twin XL mattresses side by side.
Most adjustable split king bases use metal bars to hold the mattresses in position.
It may be somewhat difficult to put sheets on a split king bed because you are using two sets of twin XL sheets. If the mattresses fit very tightly together, you may have to work a little harder to get the fitted sheets in place.
A standard split king bed uses two sets of twin XL sheets, not a specific type of split king sheet set. You can find twin XL sheets in most department and bedding stores.
Yes, most split king adjustable beds come with optional headboard attachment brackets. Check out our page on headboards for adjustable beds for more information.
It depends on the type of mattress. Although a split adjustable base works with two twin XL mattresses that are adjustable-frame compatible, you can use an adjustable base king-size mattress on a split king base, too.
If you do use a king-size mattress, though, you will want to sync the split king remotes or use a cord to attach the bases so they operate together instead of independently, otherwise the base won’t work as it’s designed to. If you have a foam, latex, or hybrid mattress, check with the existing mattress manufacturer for details on whether the mattress can be used with an adjustable base.
King adjustable beds are 16 inches wider than queen adjustable beds. King beds are 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, while queen beds are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
The split king adjustable beds we researched have weight capacities that range from 400 pounds to 850 pounds per side. We found the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus had the highest weight capacity at 850 pounds per side.
A split king adjustable bed is worth it if you sleep with a partner who has different sleep habits or needs than you. Thanks to the split-mattress style, co-sleepers can address separate sleep issues without disrupting one another.
It’s worth it to address back pain and snoring, and to improve overall sleep quality if either (or both) of you are having a hard time sleeping soundly.
The best split king adjustable bed is the one that meets the sleep needs of both you and your partner. Once you have settled on a bed that fits your budget and has all of the offered features you prefer, such as delivery options, warranty, and trial period, we recommend comparing the models in this review. Saatva is our top overall pick because it has great customer reviews, free white glove delivery, and high weight capacity. Nectar offers great value as a more basic model with good programmable and preset options, as well as good tech features and USB charging ports. We also like Puffy’s adjustable legs, 101-night trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordability.
For couples, a split king adjustable bed means both partners can benefit from the firmness level of their preference without compromising. It may also mean less sleep interruption if one partner is moving around at night.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
- Hagino C, Erfanian P. Before-after study to determine the effectiveness of an adjustable wood frame-foam and wool mattress bed-system (The Natura Mattress System) in reducing chronic back pain in adults. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. March 1997. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2485300/
- Danoff-Burg S, Rus HM, Weaver MA, Raymann RJEM. Sleeping in an Inclined Position to Reduce Snoring and Improve Sleep: In-home Product Intervention Study. JMIR Formative Research. April 6, 2022. Found on the internet at https://formative.jmir.org/2022/4/e30102