Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Product Tester
An adjustable frame allows you to raise or lower the foot and head of the mattress to help you find the most comfortable position. It can be a fun luxury, a helpful sleep aid, part of a medical treatment plan—or all three at once.
The best adjustable bed frames are durable and modern, with various positions and technical features. Many have built-in USB ports, massage settings, and presets proven to curb snoring.
If you think your bedroom could benefit from an adjustable base, this roundup is for you. Read on to see our favorite adjustable beds and the reasoning behind our picks.
Our Top Pick for The Best Adjustable Bed Frame
The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus earned our top spot due to its deluxe add-ons, like the wireless remote and white-glove delivery and set up.
The Best Adjustable Bed Frames
- Saatva Adjustable Base Plus – Editor’s Pick
- Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Adjustable Bed for Snoring
- DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Adjustable Bed for Back Pain
- Helix Adjustable Base – Best Budget Adjustable Bed
- Nolah Smart Adjustable Base – Best Adjustable Bed for Seniors
- Brooklyn Bedding Ascension® Ultra Adjustable Power Base – Best Adjustable Bed for Heavy People
Our Video Review of The Best Adjustable Bases
How We Test the Best Adjustable Bases
At Sleep Advisor, our product reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that give us a genuine understanding of how the product feels and performs. We pull our information from a database of over 100 tested mattresses and mattress products.
For this roundup, we prioritized features that are especially important for those looking for adjustable bed frames. We paid special attention to components such as durability, ease of set-up, and remote or tech features.
What We Look for in an Adjustable Base
Tech Features
What makes an adjustable bed worth it is that you’re getting an upgrade from a regular ol’ foundation or frame. So, we made sure to pick out bases that have all the frills. We’re talking sleep tracking, multiple positions, massage, snoring detection… and more!
Ease of Use
Since an adjustable base is meant, among many things, to make sitting, laying, or getting in and out of bed easy, the process for setting one up should be too. Whether it’s actually putting the adjustable base together or how it works after everything’s set up, we tried to find bases that are relatively foolproof. Some, of course, may require some getting used to.
Durability
Even regular frames can start to show sign of wear-and-tear after longtime use. Since adjustable bases have moving parts, it’s important that they’ll hold up. We made sure to find bases that are sure to last—and with the customer service to back it up should something go awry.
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus – Editor’s Pick
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus
The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus has almost every base covered (pun intended) with its array of features, including under-bed lighting, adjustable legs, and more.
Saatva Score
5.00 / 5
Tester Thoughts on the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus
This base from Saatva epitomizes the word “adjustable.” Apart from allowing you to adjust the mattress itself, you can also adjust the legs in half-inch increments, going from 12 to 17 inches.
Once you’ve established the right angles for sleeping, reading, and other activities, you can store them in the remote’s memory and recreate them with one touch in the future. “However”, I think it takes longer than usual to transition from one position to another.
Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Adjustable Bed for Snoring
Nectar Adjustable Base
The Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame has a wireless remote, tool-free assembly, and an anti-snore setting.
Nectar Score
4.70 / 5
Tester Thoughts on the Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame
Snoring can be a huge disruption to your sleep (or your partner’s). Thankfully, sometimes, the fix is a simple matter of positioning. The Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame has a built-in anti-snore setting on its wireless remote. What is it for? It raises your head to keep your airways open, making you less likely to snore.
Its construction is convenient. The base has 3-inch legs, but if you need something a bit higher, you’ll also get 2-inch leg extenders.
DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Adjustable Bed for Back Pain
DreamCloud Adjustable Base
An adjustable base from the DreamCloud brand that could ease snoring and back pain.
DreamCloud Score
4.60 / 5
Tester Thoughts on the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame
Back pain can be tough to deal with, and sometimes, you need a bed that can move with you. If you’re looking for an adjustable bed that will work to mitigate pain, check out the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame.
This adjustable base basically checks all the boxes when it comes to the standard features you see with this type of foundation: head and food adjustability, anti-snore, and zero-gravity.
Helix Adjustable Base – Best Budget Adjustable Bed
Helix Adjustable Base
Offers massage features, zero-gravity settings, and a 20-year limited warranty.
Tester Thoughts on the Helix Adjustable Base
The Helix Adjustable Base takes your mattress to the next level without burning a hole in your budget. A queen-size version of this adjustable frame can often be yours for less than $1,000, and certain promotions during the year only increase potential savings.
The base boasts massage technology at the foot and head for serious stress relief—choose from three different intensity levels to personalize your relaxation.
Nolah Smart Adjustable Base – Best Adjustable Bed for Seniors
Nolah Adjustable Base With Massage
The Nolah Adjustable Base is a highly customizable base with an easy-to-use remote.
Nolah Score
4.90 / 5
Read Full ReviewTester Thoughts on the Nolah Smart Adjustable Base
Seniors looking for an adjustable mattress will appreciate the Nolah Smart Adjustable Base’s ease of use. It can be controlled through the app, the wireless remote, or even voice control—the lattermost of which I was most impressed. I think it should be very helpful for people with mobility issues.
Nolah asserts that this bed offers a “Zero-Gravity” position that keeps the spine aligned and mitigates pressure buildup in sensitive areas. It also has special “glide” technology that keeps you in line with your nightstand while you angle your head up, keeping everything in reach.
Brooklyn Bedding Ascension® Ultra Adjustable Power Base – Best Adjustable Bed for Heavy People
Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Ultra Adjustable Power Base
Features include a no-tool assembly, anti-snoring settings, and an 850-pound weight capacity.
Tester Thoughts on the Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Ultra Adjustable Power Base
The Brooklyn Bedding Ascension® Ultra Adjustable Power Base’s comparatively high weight capacity and ergonomic design make it an attractive choice for larger people. It can hold up to 850 pounds total, including the weight of the mattress. To avoid driving up your energy bill, the base contains a built-in power-down battery box.
The base is well-rounded with a good number of settings, plus built-in tech like the battery and USB ports. It has preset options for anti-snoring, zero gravity, and friction reduction, keeping the mattress from snagging or dragging against its surface.
Pros and Cons of an Adjustable Base
What to Look For in an Adjustable Base
What is an Adjustable Bed?
An adjustable bed is one we pair with an adjustable base to lift the head and foot areas to certain angles. Although most mattresses can work on an adjustable base, this is not set in stone, so it’s worth checking.
Raising the foot and head of the bed creates a more comfortable sleep surface that can help with back and leg pain, snoring, sinuses, and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.1 Even without the health benefits, many people find an adjustable bed far more comfortable for reading, breastfeeding, and watching TV while in bed.
Special Features
Wallhugger Engineering
Generally, higher-end adjustable beds have this feature to solve the issue of people being pushed forward when the head of their bed is lifted. Adjustable beds with wallhugger engineering move back while the bed is coming into the upright position, which prevents the sleeper from moving forward.
Sleep Tracking
Certain adjustable bases are equipped with sleep tracking, a form of smart technology that monitors your sleep habits. In some cases, the bed can respond to these habits to help you get more quality rest. For example, an adjustable bed with sleep tracking could detect if you start snoring and then elevate your upper body to minimize the snoring while you stay soundly asleep.
Massage
Some adjustable beds include a massage feature, which many shoppers report helps them relax before bed.
LED Lighting
Some bases feature LED lights, which should help you avoid hitting the frame if you get in and out of bed at night.
Dual-Sided Controls
Just as there are Split King and Split California King mattresses, there are also split bases. Adjustable beds with a split base are unique because they can offer dual-sided controls for couples. This means that one partner can adjust their side without it affecting the other person’s side.
Presets
Adjustable beds can come with preset features, such as anti-snoring, memory, and zero-gravity. Presets can make it even easier to get into your preferred position and achieve optimal sleep.
Upper and Lower Body Adjustable
Some bases may only allow you to adjust the upper or lower body, while others have the added benefit of letting you adjust both.
Customizable Height
Certain frames let you adjust the legs so that the bed stands at the optimal height for you.
Wider Range of Motion
Some adjustable beds may offer a wider range of motion when adjusting positions, which some shoppers may prefer for added customization and comfort.
Ease of Use
When adjustable beds first hit the marketplace, most had controls wired into the bed’s motor. Nowadays, the majority of models have wireless remotes, with some implementing Bluetooth connectivity and even apps that allow you to control your adjustable base from your phone.
Additionally, check to see if your remote is backlit, as this can make it easier to make adjustments during the night. Other ease-of-use features may include built-in flashlights and a dedicated remote station so you won’t have to search for the remote in the morning.
Mattress Compatibility
Adjustable bases don’t usually come with a mattress, so you’ll need to make sure your mattress is compatible with one. If not, I suggest looking for a new one from our list of the best mattresses for adjustable beds.
A traditional innerspring mattress, for example, is not always ideal because some springs can make it too rigid, and air mattresses are a no-go because they are meant to be kept flat. Memory foam mattresses are often a top option because they can be moved quickly and will flatten just as easily. However, many hybrid and latex beds are also compatible with adjustable bases.
We also advise you to check what the manufacturer recommends you use. If they also sell mattresses, see if you can get a better deal by buying the two together.
Additionally, you’ll want to ensure you have the proper sheets for an adjustable bed since certain types aren’t compatible with shiftable mattresses.
Single or Split Base
Another consideration when choosing your adjustable bed is a single or split base. A single adjustable base has the same configuration across the base. This setup means that the entire bed will have the same adjustments.
However, a split base has two separate sections that can be adjusted independently. It can be a good choice for couples with different preferences. However, you’ll need a split mattress with this base, or it won’t work properly. We suggest a Split King, which is essentially made up of two Twin XL mattresses. If you go this route, make sure your adjustable base also comes in a Split King size.
If you’re interested in this option, we recommend reading our guide, which explains what to know before purchasing a split bed and looking at the best split king mattresses.
Size
Adjustable bases are available in all standard bed sizes. That said, not all manufacturers offer every size; instead, they concentrate on the more popular sizes such as Queen and King. However, if you have a certain size in mind, you should be able to find an adjustable bed that works for you, though it may take a little more digging. Additionally, some manufacturers design adjustable beds of certain sizes so that they will only work with their mattresses.
Support
One feature to check when looking for an adjustable bed is how much total weight it can support. Adjustable beds are likely to have a lower weight capacity than stationary bases. You will need to add the mattress weight, your weight, and, if applicable, your partner’s weight before settling on a base. With this in mind, most adjustable beds have a weight capacity between 600 and 900 pounds.
Noise
Since adjustable beds have motors, you should expect some noise when adjusting your bed. If you’re a light sleeper and have a partner who makes adjustments while you’re sleeping, you may be woken up by the motor noise or your partner’s movements as they settle into a different setting.
Fortunately, many newer models have addressed noise-related issues and have implemented quiet motors that shouldn’t disturb most sleepers. Reading reviews of an adjustable base can help you determine whether noise will be an issue.
Budget
An adjustable bed will be costly; typically, the larger the size and the more features it has, the higher the price. Modern features and customization make these bases worth the price, and the good news is that there’s a range of price points, so you can easily find a budget option like the Helix Adjustable Base we mentioned earlier.
If something breaks, some companies are willing to meet you halfway—you pay for the transport costs, and they will replace the parts. However, as the bed ages, your liability for damages increases.
Sleep Trial & Warranty
This is extremely important to check. Frames are usually meant to last longer than mattresses. However, more can go wrong with all their moving parts and electric components of adjustable bases.
A year-long warranty is great, but in most cases, your frame won’t malfunction in such a short period. It’s better to look for a company offering at least a 10-year guarantee, even if it is a limited one.
The next thing to look at is how the company handles returns—do you have a trial period to get used to it? Can you return it no questions asked within a specified period? Perhaps most importantly, though, who pays for the returns?
Delivery and Assembly
It is also important to consider the delivery and setup for your new adjustable bed. Does the company provide free shipping? In some cases, a brand may provide free shipping to the contiguous U.S. states, but those living in Alaska or Hawaii will have to pay extra for shipping.
Once you get your mattress, you’ll need to know how the setup process works. Maybe you’ve never set up an adjustable base before, and the process seems complicated. In this case, you might prefer a brand that offers an in-home setup deal so that you can leave it to the professionals to assemble the frame for you.
Best Adjustable Bed Frames FAQs
How long will an adjustable bed frame last?
The lifespan of an adjustable bed will depend on the quality of the model, but generally, they should last at least 10 years. The mattress you use on it may have to be replaced sooner, though, as most mattresses last seven to 10 years. However, some high-quality latex models could last longer than this.
What type of mattress is best for an adjustable frame?
Brands usually claim their bases are compatible with most mattresses, and while this isn’t untrue, we’d say to take it with a grain of salt. We’ve spent many years testing mattresses and frames, noticing that innerspring beds don’t work well with this base type.
Similarly, some hybrids, especially tall ones, might not be as good. Bending this type of mattress can damage the coils, and you’ll also likely hear lots of weird noises. For this reason, we’d suggest only foam, memory foam, and latex mattresses.
Learn More: Will an Adjustable Bed Wear Down Your Mattress?
Do doctors recommend adjustable beds?
Many sleepers ask if adjustable beds are good for your back. The answer is yes; some doctors may recommend adjustable beds, such as for those with back pain. Doctors can recommend an adjustable base for hip pain and acid reflux as well.1
Elevating the sleeper helps keep the airways open, which, in turn, may minimize snoring, including snoring caused by sleep apnea.2 Not only could this improve the sleep of the person snoring, but it’s also good news for their partner, who should be able to sleep more soundly.
Want to see more? Visit our full guide to the best mattress for sleep apnea.
Can you use a regular mattress on an adjustable frame?
Yes, many regular mattresses can be used on an adjustable frame, but you should check with the mattress manufacturer before making any purchases as some models aren’t compatible with this type of frame.
How much does an adjustable bed frame cost?
The price of an adjustable bed will vary among brands and sizes, but most tend to fall between 1,000 and 3,000 dollars. Additionally, frames that have advanced features can also cost more.
Can an adjustable bed help with snoring?
Yes, an adjustable bed can help with snoring.
Elevating the sleeper helps keep the airways open, which in turn, should minimize snoring, including snoring caused by sleep apnea. Not only could this improve the sleep of the person snoring, but it’s also good news for their partner, who should be able to sleep more soundly.
Want to see more? Visit our full guide to best mattress for sleep apnea.
Is an adjustable base worth it?
Yes, an adjustable base is worth it if you have a need for one. Whether you have sleep apnea, low back pain, or simply want to be more comfortable when you read in bed, purchasing an adjustable frame could be the right move for you. However, they’re a costly investment, so arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible to get the right one is also important.
What are the best sheets for adjustable beds?
I believe fitted sheets are the best for adjustable beds, but make sure the pockets are deep enough. Trying to fit a super tight sheet over an adjustable bed will result in the sheet popping off the moment you start actually adjusting the bed.
If you need more specifics, check out our guide for the best sheets for adjustable beds.
What not to do with an adjustable bed frame?
First, do not sit at the edge or foot of the bed. Also, do not leave your bed upright when you’re not using it.
Also, stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines. For example, if an adjustable bed frame needs a full range of movement and hence cannot be used with a headboard, don’t try to force a headboard. You won’t be happy with how it performs.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Product Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
- Albarqouni, Loai., et. al. “Head of bed elevation to relieve gastroesophageal reflux symptoms: a systematic review”. National Library of Medicine. 2021.
- Danoff-Burg, Sharon., et. al. “Sleeping in an Inclined Position to Reduce Snoring and Improve Sleep: In-home Product Intervention Study”. National Library of Medicine. 2022.