Helix Adjustable Base
The Helix adjustable base comes with all the features you expect in an adjustable base, plus more like the 3-intensity massage. And it’s affordable. The biggest con? No returns.
Read Full ReviewBest Adjustable Beds
Written by Loren Bullock, Mattress & Bedding Expert
Adjustable beds are often associated with hospitals and aging populations, but the increasing number of people who use their laptop computers, watch TV, and even eat meals in bed has earned them a place in the bedrooms of every generation. It comes as a surprise to most that the United States is actually late to the party. According to the New York Times, adjustable beds account for 25% of the beds in Sweden and 70% of the beds in the Netherlands.
Whether you’re interested in an adjustable bed to work, relax, or relieve aches and pains, the latest models come with a variety of features like USB ports, massage controls, and smartphone pairing, and they’re available in many sizes and at a range of price points.
Bottom Line: What Is the Best Adjustable Bed?
We think the best adjustable bed is the Helix adjustable base because of its variety of features, generous policies, and affordable price.
Best Adjustable Bases of 2023
- Helix Adjustable Base – Nerd’s Pick
- Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Adjustable Bed for Back Pain
- Saatva Adjustable Base – Best Adjustable Bed for Seniors
- Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Power Base – Best Split King Adjustable Bed
- DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Adjustable Bed for Snoring
Video Review
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
As a mattress and bedding expert, I’ve tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products, including 15 different adjustable bases. I chose five of my favorites based on what features they had to offer, durability, price, and the brand policies.
Nerd’s Pick – Helix Adjustable Base
Pros
Stacked with presets
Long warranty
Affordable price
Cons
No returns or exchanges
Assembly can be complicated
Holds up to 750 lbs, including the mattress
The Helix base features a Zero Gravity preset, massage feature, and three empty memory presets, so you can independently raise the head and feet to your favorite spot, then use one of those presets to save it there.
There is also a USB port built into each side of the base for easy phone charging. One of the best parts is that you can get all this technology for around $800 for a Queen, which is very affordable. Plus, this base ships for free and comes with a 10-year warranty. However, like many adjustable bases, there are no exchanges or returns once you buy, so be aware of that.
Who Might Like the Helix Base
- Budget shoppers: While an adjustable base is a luxury add-on, it’s still hard to find one under $1,000 for a Queen—let alone one with all of the bells and whistles that comes with Helix.
- People with back pain: Helix allows you to easily get to Zero Gravity, which eases pressure off of your back for a floating feel. You can also find your own position that eases pain and save it there with one of three memory presets.
Who Might Not Like the Helix Base
- Heavy people: This base only holds up to 750 pounds, which includes the mattress. If both you and your partner’s combined weight is above this, you’d be better off on a more supportive base.
- Seniors: It was difficult to assemble this base. The boxes were heavy, and it took lots of screwing, lifting, and unrolling that may be difficult for seniors.
Looking for a compatible mattress? We have a full list of the best mattresses for adjustable beds.
Best Adjustable Bed for Back Pain – Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame
Nectar Adjustable Base
The Nectar base allows users to lower and raise the head and foot sections of their mattress for enhanced comfort and functionality, and it also comes with some notable bells and whistles.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.70 / 5
Pros
Available to return
App control
Adjustable legs
Cons
Short warranty
Price
If you’re grabbing an adjustable bed for your back pain—good thinking. You can strategically move the base around to ease pain and pressure. The Nectar mattress features a Zero Gravity preset, which specifically raises both the head and feet portion of the base to take pressure off of the low back and hips, preventing back pain. It gives the mattress a bit of a weightless feel.
If that’s not enough, the Nectar base also has a message feature, so if you’re an athlete or suffer from pain, you can unwind with a little bedtime vibration. This base ships for free, comes with a 3-year warranty, and most surprisingly, you can try it out for 50 nights, and if you don’t like it you can make a return.
Who Might Like the Nectar Base
- Seniors: The Nectar Adjustable bed is relatively easy to assemble and allows seniors full control over body positioning.
- Those that snore: Nectar features an anti-snoring preset that raises your chest and opens your airways.
Who Might Not Like the Nectar Base
- Budget shoppers: This base is around $1,400 for a Queen, which we consider to be a bit pricey.
- Those who care about their warranty: Nectar only offers a 3-year warranty for their adjustable base. The industry standard is about 10 years.
See our full Nectar adjustable bed frame review to learn more. Want a mattress to match? Visit our list of the best mattresses for back pain.
Best Adjustable Bed for Seniors – Saatva Adjustable Base
Saatva Adjustable Base
Overall, we think the Saatva Adjustable Base is a good adjustable base that provides essential features you’d expect, like a solid framework and adjustable head and foot sections for customizable comfort.
Read Full Review
Pros
Long warranty
Backlit remote with a flashlight
Free white glove delivery and setup
Cons
No returns or exchanges
No presets
Price
When most people think “adjustable base” they think about older folks. An adjustable bed frame can help seniors find comfort as it can be increasingly difficult to sleep the older you get. The Saatva Adjustable base comes with free in-home setup, which means a team of professionals will come build the base in your room of choice—ideal for your older loved one with arthritis, bad knees, or mobility issues.
You can independently move the head and feet to find the perfect spot, easing discomfort and pain. Plus, the remote has a built-in flashlight, making it easy to find your way in and out of bed for those midnight bathroom breaks. The legs are adjustable between 13 to 18 inches, so seniors can find the ideal height to make it easy to get in and out of bed. This base ships for free and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Who Might Like the Saatva Base
- People who want a simple base: If you don’t want a busy remote with lots of presets, the Saatva adjustable base is for you. It only raises the head and feet to your liking.
- Those who watch TV or read in bed: The independent head and feet control allows you to sit up in bed comfortably.
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Base
- Those who want presets: You can control the head and feet to put them in any position you want, but there is nothing that memorizes that placement. You’re gonna have to play with it until you find the best setting.
- Budget shoppers: The Saatva base is around $1,300 for a Queen size.
See our full Saatva adjustable base review to learn more. Looking for a compatible mattress? Check out our list of the best mattresses for seniors.
Best Split King Adjustable Bed – Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Base
Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base
The Ascension Luxe Power Base is an affordable adjustable base that comes with most of the social features you expect, like presets, memory settings, USB ports, and more.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Pros
Lots of preset bells and whistles
Affordable
Built-in flashlight
Cons
Short warranty
No returns or exchanges
If you ask me, the best way to sleep with a partner is with a Split King adjustable base. That way, both you and your partner can have whatever setting they want, and it won’t disturb the other person’s sleep. The Brooklyn Bedding Base is the least expensive on our list at about $600 for a Queen. It is also available as a Split King for around $1,200. Considering you get all the same great features like, Zero Gravity, television, anti-aging, and customizable presets, that’s a steal.
The remote is cordless and has a built-in flashlight. But the tech doesn’t stop there, there are also USB ports built in to each side of the base for easy charging. And if you and your partner sleep in sync then there is an option to control both halves of the base simultaneously. The Brooklyn Power Base ships for free and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Who Might Like the Brooklyn Bedding Base
- Couples: Couples benefit the most from a Split King adjustable base. Both you and your partner can find settings that best suit your individual sleep and comfort needs.
- Heavy people: The Ascension Luxe base holds up to 850 pounds of weight, which should comfortably sleep couples of all sizes.
Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Bedding Base
- Those who like to try before they buy: There are no returns or exchanges with this product, so you have to be committed to the final purchase.
- People who want a massage feature: Most folks keep their adjustable bases long past two years, but Brooklyn Bedding only offers a 2-year warranty.
Best Adjustable Bed for Snoring – DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame
DreamCloud Adjustable Base
When comparing the DreamCloud Adjustable Base to other adjustable beds out there, this one lets you try it risk-free, has that coveted massage feature, and the app-control is a nice touch.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.60 / 5
Read Full Review
Pros
Returns are available
Massage feature
App control
Cons
Short warranty
Price
Do you or your sleep partner snore keeping the other one from getting those precious eight hours? Well, an adjustable base can help with that. The DreamCloud bed frame has an anti-snoring preset, which strategically lifts the head up at an angle, which helps to open your airways and stop you from snoring.
But it also has those adjustable base staples: Zero Gravity, massages, USB chargers, and a backlit remote. You can even control the base via app on your phone if you’re like me and tend to misplace remotes. This base ships for free, comes with a 50-night sleep trial period, and is followed by a 3-year warranty.
Who Might Like the DreamCloud Base
- Athletes: The DreamCloud base has a massage feature, which is ideal for athletes and active people who want to unwind.
- People with back pain: The DreamCloud adjustable bed has a zero gravity preset, which helps ease pressure from the low back.
Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Base
- Those who care about their warranty: We usually see 10-year plus warranties but DreamCloud only offers a 3-year warranty.
- People on a tight budget: The DreamCloud base is one of the most expensive on this list, coming in around $1,400 for a Queen.
How to Pick the Best Adjustable Bed for You
The key to finding an adjustable base you’ll love is to choose a product that’s well-made and has features you’ll use every day. This guide reviews some of the most important buying considerations when purchasing an adjustable bed base.
Features and Functionality
It can be easy to get distracted by the “cool” factor of a bed’s features, which may lead you to purchase a bed that looks nice but isn’t comfortable. To get yourself started on the right foot when shopping, first consider your sleeping style. Do you sit in bed and watch TV before sleep? Do you surf your laptop? Do you have health-related reasons for purchasing an adjustable bed, like back pain, neck pain, or snoring issues? You’ll want to keep this top of mind as you shop—whatever bases you narrow down should hone in on functionality that caters to your habits.
By definition, any adjustable bed you explore should be able to be raised or lowered to create different sleeping positions. In recent years, standard adjustable models with limited movement have been replaced with models that have presets and more positions. Additionally, many of the best adjustable beds sold today come with massaging, built-in USB chargers, silent alarms, anti-snore settings, zero-gravity presets, and more.
Another feature you may run into is customizable height; some models can be adjusted at the legs to increase or decrease the overall height of the bed, which can be especially helpful to the disabled and the elderly.
If you’re sleeping with a partner, look for split or dual adjustment beds, which can provide customizable settings for both sides of the bed. A zero gravity preset is another coveted adjustable bed function. In this position, the legs are elevated higher than the head, simulating zero gravity conditions. It’s associated with enhanced pressure relief and can be especially helpful if you have low back issues.
Here are a few other features to keep your eye out for:
- Anti-snore preset: This preset elevates the head slightly to relieve snoring.
- Timed adjustment: A sleep timer will readjust you to an even surface after a certain number of minutes or hours have passed. It’s great for combination sleepers.
- One-touch position memory: Allows you to immediately shift to a favorite, saved position.
- Silent alarm: Wake up to gentle vibrations rather than an alarm clock.
- A/C plugs and USB ports: Charge various devices while you sleep.
- Lighting: Some beds feature under-bed lights that can be turned off using the remote.
- Wireless app: Smartphone integration can be used to adjust the settings and controls.
- Built-in massage: For the full body or just the feet and head.
For an exhaustive list of features, check out our guide on the best adjustable bed settings.
Construction
The bread and butter of an adjustable frame lies in its construction. You’ll want to look beyond the shiny tech features to the basics, like how much the base weighs, how much sleeper weight it can support, and the type of sleeper it’s recommended for.
Be sure to check that the base is compatible with your current mattress or the one you’re planning to purchase, and research how many degrees the bed will incline and decline at the upper and lower areas. A base height can help you determine whether the bed will be easy to get in and out of, and beds with adjustable legs can make this even easier. We also have a guide on how to pick the right bed height for more information.
Furthermore, read reviews about how the bed feels as it moves. Is it smooth? Is it noisy? Here are a few other construction notes to keep in mind:
- How thick or thin is the base?
- Is the base noisy when it moves?
- Does the base move smoothly?
- Is the base sold with brackets for a headboard?
- What materials are used in the base?
- Does the base have retention bars to keep the mattress in place?
- What types of mattresses are the base compatible with?
Price and Buying Experience
While many adjustable bed frames are made by mattress manufacturers known for generous return policies, warranties, and sleep trials, those policies don’t always transfer to the companies’ adjustable bed products. In addition to cost, here are other buying considerations to keep in mind.
It’s rare to see an adjustable base offered with a sleep trial, and most manufacturers prohibit their return. This is likely because an adjustable base is much heavier than a mattress and would result in extensive shipping fees for the manufacturer.
Most bases are offered with a warranty, which will range in length depending on the manufacturer. Adjustable bed frame warranties can be prorated or non-prorated. Non-prorated means that the manufacturer will replace a defective base at no cost to the owner. Prorated warranty coverage means that the owner must pay a percentage of the original product’s cost to have the product repaired or replaced when a defect arises. Prorated charges often increase with every year of ownership.
Adjustable bases also range in price from roughly $600–$3,000 for a Queen size. Cheaper bases tend to have less features, offer worse policies, and aren’t as durable. However, that doesn’t mean you have to drop $3,000 to get a quality adjustable base. We consider bases around the $1,000–$1,500 mark to be the best value you can get for your money without sacrificing quality and features. If you do choose the splurge, you typically enjoy perks like free shipping, in-home setup, and long warranties.
Recap of the Best Adjustable Beds
| Adjustable Bed | Award | Price |
| Helix Adjustable Base | Nerd’s Pick | $ |
| Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame | Best for Back Pain | $$$ |
| Saatva Adjustable Base | Best for Seniors | $$ |
| Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Power Base | Best Split King | $ |
| DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame | Best for Snoring | $$$ |
Conclusion
Choosing the right adjustable base comes down to three major factors: the features you want, the construction that works for you, and the price you’re willing to pay. Our list offers a variety of bases, some with all of the bells and whistles, and some with very basic features. However, each bed on this list is no more expensive than $1,500 for a Queen, so there should be something for everyone’s budget.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of an adjustable bed?
Adjustable beds tend to be an expensive add on to your bedroom—especially if you’re pairing it with a mattress purchase. Also, if you sleep on your stomach, you won’t have much use for the elevation of the head or feet of the base. Plus, if you’re a light sleeper, the mechanical noise the base makes as it moves may easily wake you.
Are adjustable beds bad for side sleepers?
No, adjustable beds are not bad for side sleepers; in fact, using an adjustable base can actually improve your spinal alignment if you sleep on your side. You can incline both the head and feet to your comfort level. This position helps to take pressure off of your hips and shoulders opposed to lying flat where your weight pressures these pressure areas into the mattress.
Do you have to flip a mattress on an adjustable bed?
You do still have to maintain your mattress’s durability by flipping or rotating it every few months. Even though an adjustable bed is a solid, supportive foundation, your body still makes impressions into the mattress over time. To prevent premature sagging, flip or rotate your mattress regularly. Beware: Check that the mattress you own is flippable before flipping.
Is it okay to sleep on your side in the zero gravity position?
Yes, side sleepers can use the zero gravity feature on their adjustable base. Zero gravity works to keep your spine aligned by raising both the head and feet to keep pressure off of the hips and shoulders. You snuggle into the fold and enjoy a straight spine.
Loren Bullock
Mattress & Bedding Expert
About Author
Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd and a Certified Sleep Science Coach, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.
Combination Sleeper
