Zero-Gravity Beds: Benefits, Cost, and More

Key Takeaways

• Zero-gravity adjustable beds are designed to improve your sleeping position for higher quality sleep.
• Costs of zero-gravity beds vary depending on the brand, features, and size.
• We recommend the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus as the best adjustable bed with a zero-gravity feature.

If you’re considering buying a zero-gravity adjustable bed, you may wonder whether it’s worth the investment. We researched the benefits of zero-gravity beds and how much you can expect to pay if you’re considering purchasing one. We’ll also share our choice of the best adjustable bed with a zero-gravity setting.

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What is the zero-gravity position on an adjustable bed?

The zero-gravity position is intended to simulate weightlessness, putting less stress on your muscles and spine. Many adjustable bed remote controls have a zero-gravity preset. Once you push the button, it will raise your upper body and knees so that your torso and thighs are angled equally from the hip. When our Reviews Team surveyed 1,000 adjustable bed users in June 2023, 22% said it was the position they used most frequently. ^[1]Adjustable Bed Survey. 1,000 Respondents. Conducted Using Pollfish. Launched June 26, 2023.

Top 5 benefits of zero-gravity beds

Sleep is important at any age, but older adults need to prioritize sleep as their sleep patterns naturally change. Zero-gravity adjustable beds can benefit sleepers in numerous ways. Let’s look at the top five zero-gravity adjustable bed benefits.

1. Help you sleep better

The top benefit of zero-gravity adjustable beds is their ability to foster longer, higher-quality sleep. In a recent study, adjustable bed users who slept with their head, feet, or both at an incline—like in the zero-gravity position—experienced improved sleep, physical health, and mental health. ^[2]Danoff-Burg, et al. Use of an Adjustable Bed Base Improves Sleep Quality and Duration. Sleep. May 25, 2022. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/45/Supplement_1/A154/6592556 As sleep impacts all areas of our health, improving the quality of sleep and time spent sleeping can support your physical and mental health. ^[3]University of Michigan School of Public Health. Sleep 101: Why Sleep Is So Important to Your Health. March 2, 2020. Found on the internet at https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2020posts/why-sleep-is-so-important-to-your-health.html

Specifically, study participants using zero-gravity beds reported the following benefits:

• Fell asleep more quickly
• Were able to sleep throughout the night
• Were more satisfied with their quality of sleep
• Felt well-rested upon awakening

2. May relieve back pain

Back pain is one of the most frequent problems patients report to doctors. ^[4]Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. Chronic Back Pain. Found on the internet at https://hpi.georgetown.edu/backpain Close to 85% of people experience back or neck pain. ^[5]Penn Medicine. Back and Neck Pain: Is It a Normal Part of Getting Older? Found on the internet at https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/neuroscience-blog/2023/february/spine-pain-and-age Sleeping in an adjustable bed in a zero-gravity position can ease back pain since the position mimics weightlessness, reducing pressure on your neck and back while you sleep. ^[6] Mather Hospital. A Simple Guide to Sleeping With Low-Back Pain. Found on the internet at https://www.matherhospital.org/wellness-at-mather/a-simple-guide-to-sleeping-with-low-back-pain/

3. May relieve heartburn

Heartburn, also termed acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach fluid flows backward into the esophagus and causes irritation, coughing, sore throat, or regurgitation. As we age, GERD becomes more common, and GERD often worsens when lying in bed. ^[7]Kurin M, Fass R. Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the Elderly Patient. Drugs Aging. December2019. Found on the internet at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31541359/ The effects of gravity can aggravate GERD symptoms. Sleeping in a zero-gravity position that elevates the head and decreases lower esophageal pressure can help relieve heartburn. ^[8]Chait M. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Important Considerations for the Older Patients. World J Gastrointest Endosc. December 2010. Found on the internet at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3010469/

4. May improve sleep apnea symptoms

Sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder often associated with snoring, causes the muscles in the back of the throat to relax while sleeping, blocking the airway and reducing or stopping airflow to the lungs. Your chances of developing sleep apnea increase with age. Many strategies can reduce sleep apnea symptoms, including changing your sleeping position. Elevating the head of your bed, a feature available in zero-gravity adjustable beds, significantly improved sleep apnea among participants of a recent study. ^[9]Souza FJFB, et al. The Influence of Head-of-Bed Elevation in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Sleep Breath. December 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5700252/

5. May improve mental health

People who don’t get enough sleep—whether because of conditions like back pain, sleep apnea, GERD, or others—risk developing depression. ^[10]Nutt D, et al. Sleep Disorders as Core Symptoms of Depression. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18979946/ While sleeping, our brains are still active, and getting adequate sleep helps our brains sort out emotional information. Insufficient sleep shortens this process, negatively affecting mood, emotional stability, and mental health. ^[11]National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Brian Basics: Understanding Sleep. Found on the internet at https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-understanding-sleep As discussed above, adjustable beds with a zero-gravity feature have demonstrated improved sleep and improvements in conditions associated with interrupted sleep.

Best adjustable beds with zero-gravity presets

The best zero-gravity adjustable bed for you will depend on various factors associated with your personal preferences. Many options exist if you want additional functions besides zero-gravity functionality. Features like the ability to control the bed with an app, lighting, other setting presets, and built-in USB ports vary across manufacturers. Pricing for all adjustable beds varies by such features as well as size and manufacturer. In addition, warranties, delivery, and setup options are other factors that affect overall cost.

After conducting a thorough analysis of the 10 top adjustable beds, our Reviews Team selected the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus as the best zero-gravity bed, primarily because it hugs the wall as it moves into the preset instead of veering further from the wall. This wall-hugging feature keeps a nightstand within arm’s reach while the bed is in the zero-gravity position.

The only downsides observed with this product are the lack of a trial period and a no-return policy on zero-gravity adjustable bed bases. You can learn more about this bed and about the brand overall in our Saatva Adjustable Bed Review.

Saatva

•

Free delivery, setup, and mattress removal

•

Excellent company reviews

•

Discounts available for customers 65+

Visit Site

Cost of zero-gravity beds

Most zero-gravity adjustable beds we reviewed cost about $1,000–$2,500 for a queen-size base. Many factors determine the cost of a zero-gravity adjustable bed, with size serving as the biggest differentiator. For example, Saatva adjustable bed bases start at about $1,000 for a twin XL and increase to $2,598 for a split California king. The number and type of features desired also affect the price, as additional features like massage settings and under-bed lighting add to the price.

Additionally, the length of manufacturers’ warranties, shipping, and assembly, if not included, will contribute to your overall cost. And if you want a headboard for your adjustable base, that’s an extra cost to consider as well.

You’ll want to consider all of these contributing factors when making your purchase. Improved sleep and health benefits may be well worth the investment.

Bottom line

Zero-gravity adjustable beds optimize your sleeping position to help you sleep better and reduce sleep interruptions like sleep apnea, snoring, and GERD. The costs of a zero-gravity adjustable bed vary and are dependent upon extra features, the brand, and the size of the bed. We recommend the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus as the best adjustable bed with a zero-gravity feature.

To choose the best zero-gravity adjustable bed for you, you’ll need to consider both the costs and the benefits—including improved sleep, convenience, physical health, and mental health. Consult your doctor before considering a zero-gravity adjustable bed for a health condition or back pain.

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

Sources

1. Adjustable Bed Survey. 1,000 Respondents. Conducted Using Pollfish. Launched June 26, 2023.
2. Danoff-Burg, et al. Use of an Adjustable Bed Base Improves Sleep Quality and Duration. Sleep. May 25, 2022. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/45/Supplement_1/A154/6592556
3. University of Michigan School of Public Health. Sleep 101: Why Sleep Is So Important to Your Health. March 2, 2020. Found on the internet at https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2020posts/why-sleep-is-so-important-to-your-health.html
4. Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. Chronic Back Pain. Found on the internet at https://hpi.georgetown.edu/backpain
5. Penn Medicine. Back and Neck Pain: Is It a Normal Part of Getting Older? Feb. 3, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/neuroscience-blog/2023/february/spine-pain-and-age
6. Mather Hospital. A Simple Guide to Sleeping With Low-Back Pain. Found on the internet at https://www.matherhospital.org/wellness-at-mather/a-simple-guide-to-sleeping-with-low-back-pain/
7. Kurin M, Fass R. Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the Elderly Patient. Drugs Aging. December 2019. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31541359/
8. Chait M. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Important Considerations for the Older Patients. World J Gastrointest Endosc. Dec. 16, 2010. Found on the internet at https://www.wjgnet.com/1948-5190/full/v2/i12/388.htm
9. Souza FJFB, et al. The Influence of Head-of-Bed Elevation in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Sleep and Breathing. Dec. 16, 2017. Found on the internet at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11325-017-1524-3
10. Nutt D, et al. Sleep Disorders as Core Symptoms of Depression. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. Oct. 3, 2008. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.3/dnutt
11. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Brian Basics: Understanding Sleep. Found on the internet at https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-understanding-sleep

Richard Hamilton Author

Richard Hamilton is a writer with over 20 years of experience in the health care industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University New College in Special Studies with a concentration in Behavioral Sciences.

Elizabeth U. Lyda Medical Reviewer

Elizabeth Lyda, RRT, holds a bachelor of science degree from Empire State College and associate of science degree with a certificate in Respiratory Care from Mansfield State University, and has been a respiratory therapist since 1983. She was named Respiratory Therapist of the Year in 2007 from the University of Rochester and remains licensed in the state of New York.