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The 4 Best Split King Adjustable Beds in 2023

We researched the top brands to find the best split king adjustable beds for different preferences and sleeping positions.
Mar 30, 2023

By Lauren Sherman, MS
Medically Reviewed by Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L
Reviewed by Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, Senior Director, NCOA Center for Healthy Aging
Fact checked

Key Takeaways

  • Split king adjustable beds consist of two adjustable bases joined together side by side with two twin XL mattresses.
  • Each half of the base has a dedicated remote control sleepers can use to control their half of the bed.
  • Split king adjustable beds vary in price and features, but there are affordable options with long-term warranties, trials, and discounts.

A split king adjustable bed, where each side may be adjusted independently, is a popular option for couples who have different sleep preferences. Unlike a standard king-size adjustable base, a split king adjustable base consists of two twin XL bases joined together, allowing each side to be adjusted independently of each other, whether that’s for sleeping, reading, working, watching TV, or eating.

Most manufacturers sell split adjustable beds in two sizes: king and California king. While a regular king bed averages 80 inches long by 76 inches wide, a California king is typically 84 inches long by 72 inches wide, depending on the manufacturer.

Because there are two separate mattresses, split king beds tend to provide less sleep interruption when a sleep partner moves, compared with a bed that has one shared mattress. While there are various options to choose from, our Reviews Team narrowed our top picks down to five, 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 beds for more options.

The best split king adjustable beds of 2023

Table 1 Comparison of the best split king adjustable beds, as of January 2023

BedPrice Without Mattresses*Trial PeriodWarrantyRemote ControlMobile App
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus$2,598 None25 yearsYesNo
Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart Base$3,698 None25 yearsYesYes
Puffy Adjustable Base$2,099 101 nightsLifetimeYesNo
Purple Ascent Adjustable Base$2,798 None10 yearsYesNo

* Prices as of January 2023, excluding promotions and discounts

Best Overall: Saatva Adjustable Base Plus

A Saatva Adjustable Base Plus for a split king bed with each half in different head and foot configurations.

The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus is our pick for best overall split king adjustable bed.

Pros Excellent company reviews Free white-glove delivery California split king option Wall-hugging feature Adjustable legs
Cons No app No trial period

Price: $2,598 (does not include price of mattresses)

Payment options: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Google Pay, PayPal, and Affirm

Trial period: None

Warranty: 25-year

Dimensions:

  • 80 inches long by 76 inches wide

Weight capacity: 850 pounds for each twin XL base, including the weight of the mattress (Saatva twin XL mattresses weigh between 62–95 pounds)

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. It comes in a regular king size or a California king size, to suit taller sleepers. Each side functions independently and includes all of the following features:

  • Five preset buttons: zero-gravity, anti-snore, flat, maximum head height position, and custom
  • Safety lock
  • Wall-hugging feature that keeps nightstands within reach
  • Full-body, head, or leg massage with three-speed options and 15-minute timer
  • Under-bed lighting plus a built-in flashlight on the remote

Like many adjustable bed bases, this Saatva base has a zero-gravity setting, which is achieved by lying on your back and raising your legs and head just above the level of your heart. It places your body in a position that mimics the state of complete weightlessness and gives you the sensation of floating.

The Saatva split king adjustable base has a zero-clearance design that allows the base to be used either without legs on a platform bed frame or with adjustable legs. If used with adjustable legs, you can adjust the base height from 13–18 inches.

Saatva provides free white glove delivery, meaning its team members will deliver and set up the bed for you. They will remove the packaging and even remove your old mattress and box spring free of charge. The 25-year warranty consists of a 5-year full warranty followed by another 20 years of limited warranty. Saatva does not accept returns on adjustable bed frames, so all sales are final.

Compatible mattresses

When choosing a split king adjustable bed frame, you will need two twin XL adjustable-bed-compatible mattresses. The following Saatva mattresses are compatible with its adjustable beds:

(Prices for two twin XL mattresses as of January 2023)

  • Saatva Classic Luxury Hybrid Innerspring ($2,710)
  • Loom & Leaf Ultra-Premium Memory Foam ($3,150)
  • Saatva Latex Hybrid ($2,990)
  • Zenhaven Latex ($3,990)
  • Solaire Adjustable ($5,050)
  • Memory Foam Hybrid ($2,630)

If you want to use a non-Saatva mattress with your Saatva adjustable base, contact the manufacturer to verify whether the mattress is compatible with an adjustable base.

Customer service

If you need help choosing a bed frame or mattress, or if you have questions about your order, you can contact Saatva by:

  • Phone (1-877-672-2882) available 24/7
  • Email (info@saatva.com)
  • 24/7 live chat on the website

If you want to see a Saatva adjustable base in person, your options are limited to eight viewing rooms across the United States.

Customer reviews

Saatva has an A+ rating and a score of 4.75 out of 5 stars based on more than 1,500 reviews with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The few complaints that have been made relate to delays in delivery times, difficulties with returns, and the quality of Saatva mattresses. Most of the reviews are not specific to split king adjustable bed frames. Saatva has 4.5 out of 5 stars based on more than 1,000 reviews with Trustpilot. Overall, customers are happy with its 24/7 customer service, as Saatva has the highest customer satisfaction rating of any company in our review.

Read more in our full Saatva review.

Most Advanced: Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart Base

A split king Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart Base with each half in different head and foot configurations.

You can adjust each half of the split king Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart Base by remote, app, or smart home device.

Pros Advanced technology features and mobile app Free white-glove delivery California split king option Adjustable legs
Cons High price Poor customer service reviews No trial period

Price: $3,698 (does not include price of mattresses)

Payment options: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and Tempur-Pedic credit cards

Trial Period: None

Warranty: 25-year

Dimensions:

  • 79.5 inches long by 77 inches wide

Weight capacity: 650 pounds for each twin XL base, including the weight of the mattress (Tempur-Pedic twin XL mattresses weigh between 39.3–77 pounds)

Tempur-Pedic’s Ergo Smart Base comes in a regular split king size or a California split king size for the same price. In addition to all of the features found in the Saatva base, the Ergo Smart Base also includes:

  • Two USB ports on each side
  • Sleeptracker technology and a mobile phone app that provides sleep monitoring and coaching
  • Automatic snore response that elevates your head 12 degrees if it hears you begin to snore
  • Smart home compatibility with connections to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa so you may use voice commands
  • Adjustable legs that let you choose the height of the base in 3-inch increments, from 4–16 inches
A smartphone showing the Tempur-Pedic adjustable bed app with an Amazon smart home device and instructions to "Just ask Alexa."

You can use the Tempur-Pedic app to control your adjustable base or ask your Amazon or Google smart home device to do it for you.

To use the Tempur-Pedic app, you need to download it from the Apple app store or Google Play store, place the Sleeptracker sensors that come with the bed below your mattress, and follow the instructions provided by the app. The app and sensors let you see how you slept and provide customized sleep coaching tips to help you sleep better over time. And since the app is compatible with Alexa and Google smart devices, you can use voice commands to operate your bed and even ask how you slept last night. It will give you a report and make suggestions for improvements.

Tempur-Pedic provides free white glove delivery and removal of the packaging and your old mattress. All Tempur-Pedic adjustable beds have a 25-year limited warranty. There is no trial period with any Tempur-Pedic adjustable bed.

Compatible mattresses

All three models of Tempur-Pedic mattresses work with its adjustable bases:

(Prices for two twin XL mattresses as of January 2023)

  • Tempur-Cloud ($3,398)
  • Tempur-Adapt ($3,398)
  • Tempur-Breeze ($7,998)

Customer service

If you need help choosing a bed frame or mattress, you can contact a Tempur-Pedic sleep expert by clicking the Live Chat button on its Customer Support page or by phone and email.

  • Phone (1-888-811-5053) available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Saturday and Sunday
  • Contact form on website
  • 24/7 chat line on website

If you want to see a Tempur-Pedic adjustable base in person, you can use its online store locator to find a retailer near you.

Customer reviews

Tempur-Pedic has an A+ rating but a score of 1.04 out of 5 stars with the BBB, with nearly 700 complaints on file. Most of the reviews are not specific to split king adjustable bed frames but are about poor customer service in general. Tempur-Pedic has low scores on Trustpilot as well, with 1.3 out of 5 stars. Common complaints involve difficulties with returns and warranty issues not settled in a timely fashion.

Best Value: Puffy Adjustable Base

A Puffy adjustable split king base with each half in different head and foot configurations.

The Puffy adjustable base has two USB charging ports on each side of the base and adjustable legs.

Pros 101-night trial period Lifetime warranty Low price Adjustable legs
Cons No white glove delivery No app Lower weight capacity than competitors

Price: $2,099 (does not include price of mattresses)

Payment options: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Klarna

Trial Period: 101-night

Warranty: Lifetime

Dimensions:

  • 80 inches long by 76 inches wide

Weight capacity: 400 pounds for each twin XL base, including the weight of the mattress (Puffy twin XL mattresses weigh between 30–61 pounds)

If you are unsure about which bed to choose or about owning an adjustable bed in general, consider the Puffy Adjustable Base, as it comes with a 101-night free trial period and lifetime full warranty. If you are not happy with the adjustable bed for any reason within 101 days, Puffy will pick up the bed, donate it to charity, and provide a full refund. The Puffy warranty covers any defects due to faulty workmanship or materials that may arise as long as you own the Puffy adjustable base.

Some noteworthy features of the Puffy split king adjustable base include:

  • Four USB charging ports
  • Dual-zone massage with three speeds and a timer
  • Universal headboard attachment
  • Adjustable legs
  • LED under-bed lighting
  • Zero-gravity, flat, and two custom-programmable presets
  • Wireless remote control with a built-in flashlight

The adjustable legs provide five different options for adjusting the height of the base within a range of 2–11.5 inches above the ground.

Two drawbacks of the Puffy split king adjustable bed are that there is no mobile phone app, and you must assemble the bed base yourself. With free two-to-five day delivery, you’ll receive a large box at your door, and the rest is up to you. Make sure you have help to get the adjustable base moved into your home and assembled.

Compatible mattresses

Puffy states that its adjustable bases may be used with any mattress, but if you’d like a new Puffy mattress with your base, you have three choices:

(Prices for two twin XL mattresses as of January 2023)

  • Puffy ($2,998)
  • Puffy Lux ($3,598)
  • Puffy Royal ($4,398)

Customer service

If you need help choosing a bed frame or mattress, or if you have questions about your order, you can contact Puffy by:

  • Phone (1-800-430-8380) available 6:30 a.m. to 8 pm PT, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday and Sunday
  • Email (support@puffy.com)
  • Contact form on website

If you want to test a Puffy bed in person, you can use its online store locator to locate the nearest Puffy retailer.

Customer reviews

Puffy has an A+ rating and 2.06 out of 5 stars with the BBB, but it is not accredited. Most customer complaints involve delivery delays and damaged items and are from 2021, which may be related to pandemic supply chain issues. There were very few complaints in 2022. Puffy fares slightly better on Trustpilot with 3.7 out of 5 stars out of more than 70 reviews. Most customer complaints reference the comfort and quality of the mattresses. Positive reviews mention excellent customer service and confirmation that the company honors the generous return policy as advertised.

Read more in our dedicated Puffy Mattress review.

Simplest Design: Purple Ascent Adjustable Base

A Purple Ascent Adjustable Base with each half in different head and foot configurations.

The Purple Ascent Adjustable Base has gray upholstery and 9-inch wooden legs and comes with a basic, no-fuss remote control.

Pros Basic, easy-to-use remote Can be used with or without an existing bed frame Discount program for veterans and workers in certain professions Discount when buying bed base and mattresses together
Cons No white glove delivery No massage feature No trial period

Price: $2,798 (does not include price of mattresses)

Payment options: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Affirm

Trial Period: None

Warranty: 10-year

Dimensions:

  • 79.6 inches long by 75.4 inches wide

Weight capacity: 750 pounds for each twin XL base, including the weight of the mattress (Purple twin XL mattresses weigh between 70–105 pounds)

The Purple Ascent Adjustable Base is a good choice for those who aren’t interested in high-tech features and just want a reliable, affordable adjustable bed with a simple design. It comes with two remote controls that allow you to adjust the head and foot of each base, as well as two additional buttons for an anti-snore setting and a zero-gravity setting. Purple is the only bed on our list that doesn’t include a massage feature. It does include these features:

  • Two USB ports on each side of the base
  • Three adjustable presets (sitting, zero gravity, and anti-snoring)
  • Wireless remote control
  • Upholstered frame and 9-inch wooden legs for a simple design that can be used with or without an existing bed frame
A Purple adjustable base remote with six buttons and a diagram of the remote's settings.

The Purple adjustable base has a streamlined remote with only six buttons and a side-selector switch to choose which side of the split king bed to operate.

Purple offers a 10% discount to students, teachers, active duty members of the military, veterans, first responders, truckers, and health care workers. Once you verify your eligibility on its website, Purple will email you a coupon code to use on your order.

Purple has recently discontinued the free trial period for its adjustable bases, so all sales are final. Purple does not offer white glove delivery service, so you are required to unbox and assemble the bed yourself.

Compatible mattresses

Purple offers a large selection of mattresses, all compatible with their adjustable base beds.

(Prices for two twin XL mattresses as of January 2023)

  • Purple ($2,290)
  • Purple Plus ($3,098)
  • Purple Hybrid ($3,798)
  • Purple Hybrid Premier 3 ($4,998)
  • Purple Hybrid Premier 4 ($6,398)

All Purple mattresses come with a 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty. If you purchase a Purple mattress and adjustable bed frame together, you can save $500 off your order total.

Customer service

If you need help choosing a bed frame or mattress, or if you have questions about your order, you can contact Purple in three ways:

  • Phone (1-888-848-8456) 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday
  • Email (info@purple.com)
  • Live chat on the website

If you want to see a Purple bed in person, you can use its online store locator to find a Purple retailer near you.

Customer reviews

The BBB gives Purple an A+ rating, and it has 4.19 out of 5 stars from more than 360 reviewers. Trustpilot gives Purple 2.5 out of 5 stars with more than 26 reviews. Positive reviews mention good experiences with customer service and comfortable mattresses, with some reviewers reporting relief from back pain. Negative reviews cite delivery issues and the quality and durability of its mattresses.

Who is a split king adjustable bed for?

People may prefer adjustable beds for a number of reasons. Studies have shown that the use of an adjustable bed system can result in a reduction in pain severity for those with mild to moderate lower back pain.1 Adjustable beds have also been shown to help reduce snoring and increase the time spent in deep sleep when users sleep in an inclined position.2 People with limited mobility may also appreciate an adjustable bed for greater ease getting in and out of bed by elevating the head of the bed or lowering the foot of the bed. And since you can operate each of the two split king mattresses individually, you won’t disturb your partner when changing positions or getting in and out of bed.

Who is a split king adjustable bed not for?

Split king adjustable beds are not for everyone. For example, a split king adjustable base is not recommended for a king-size mattress. If you do use a king-size mattress on a split king base, you have to make sure that each half of the split king base can be joined to operate together when adjusting the position of the bed. If not, you won’t be able to adjust either of the split king bases without damaging the single king-size mattress. Make sure you purchase the appropriate adjustable base for your mattress.

Lastly, split king adjustable beds aren’t ideal for sleepers who like to position themselves in the middle of the bed. That’s because split king mattresses aren’t joined together, so there is a noticeable seam where the two mattresses meet, which can be uncomfortable to sleep on.

What to consider when buying a split king adjustable bed

Budget

Adjustable bed bases can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from around $1,400–$5,000. 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

Some adjustable beds are more technologically advanced than others, including features such as a mobile app and smart sensors that monitor your sleep patterns. When choosing an adjustable bed, consider how many of these features you actually need and whether you’re comfortable using the technology. Keep in mind that more tech features tend to raise the cost, so if these aren’t important to you, you’ll save some money by going with more basic models, such as the Purple Ascent Adjustable Base.

For people with limited mobility, one feature deserving special consideration is adjustable-height legs. Adjustable legs on the base allow you to position your bed at the right height for ease of entry and exit, reducing the chance of falls or straining.

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.

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.

Split king vs. king adjustable beds

Whether you prefer a regular king adjustable bed vs a split king adjustable bed will depend on whether you sleep alone or with a partner. The overall size of the bed is the same, but the split king is split into two twin XL bases and mattresses that can function independently, whereas the regular king base uses one mattress and adjusts as one unit. Those sleeping alone may prefer a regular king, while those with a partner may prefer a split king so they can each adjust their sides of the bed independently.

Why you can trust our Reviews Team’s adjustable bed reviews

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 550 hours carrying out in-depth research on adjustable beds to give you the most accurate review. To make our selections, we:

  • Surveyed 600 adjustable bed users for first-person insights
  • Interviewed two industry experts
  • Researched 30 different models across the category
  • Read real customer reviews from trusted third party websites, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot

How we chose the best adjustable beds

Based on our expert consultations and research, we determined the following factors to be important for our readers when shopping for an 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

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.

If you’re tech-savvy and prefer a split king adjustable bed with advanced features, consider the Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart Base. If you want the most basic design with an easy-to-use remote, go with the Purple Ascent Adjustable Base.

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. For an all-around solid choice at a reasonable price, our Reviews Team recommends the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus that comes with free delivery and assembly.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. 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/
  2. 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

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