Is an Adjustable Bed Frame Right for You?
A motorized adjustable bed frame can give you, and your mattress, a lift
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These days, it’s almost impossible to buy a mattress without being asked whether you’d like to purchase an adjustable bed frame with it. With these motorized contraptions, your mattress can bend to raise your head and shoulders and (in some models) your legs and feet. And with a queen- or king-size frame, you might have the option of choosing a “split” model, where each side can be adjusted independently.
You can buy these bases and frames from a mattress store, or directly from the company that made your mattress, as is the case with many mattress-in-a-box brands, like Casper. Adjustable bed frames can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Some of the latest adjustable beds even integrate smart-home technology, such as voice assistance, sleep monitoring, USB ports, programmable lighting, speakers, and more, making your bed more versatile.
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Should You Get an Adjustable Bed Frame?
Adjustable bed frames might be a good choice if you like to sit in bed while watching TV or surfing the web on your laptop. It can also be helpful if you simply feel more comfortable sleeping with your head raised, or you find that the position alleviates acid reflux or snoring. Some people also find that it helps with back pain—something that mattress companies are eager to tout.
But if you’re considering an adjustable bed for health reasons, particularly for a bad back, manage your expectations.
“Adjustable beds may have some benefit for patients with back, neck, and other spine problems but are certainly not necessary,” says Jay Khanna, a vice chair and professor of orthopedic surgery and biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University who specializes in back surgery.
“The vast majority of patients with conditions of the spine will do well and have optimal support from a typical flat mattress,” Khanna says. (He also says they tend to prefer and benefit most from mattresses that are firmer and more supportive than average.)
If you decide to switch to an adjustable bed, it’s easy to find a mattress to work with it—most of the best innerspring, foam, and adjustable air mattresses work with adjustable bed frames.
Keep in mind that some mattresses work only with their own brand’s frames, so check for compatibility before purchasing. Otherwise, the warranty may be voided.
Top Mattresses Compatible With Adjustable Beds
Below, we highlight the best, adjustable air, foam, and innerspring mattresses that work with adjustable bed frames. All excel in our durability tests and have good resilience, so you can shift positions easily without feeling stuck.
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