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 Millenials and younger generations. 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. In this article, we’re sharing our top 10 adjustable bed picks for 2019. Below the top 10, you’ll find a guide to what to consider when shopping for an adjustable bed and how to pick the best adjustable bed for your lifestyle.

Best Adjustable Bases – Our Top Picks

How to Pick the Best Adjustable Bed for You

A motorized frame can give you, and your mattress, a lift, but as adjustable beds and power bases migrate from hospital rooms to residential bedrooms, the market is expanding. The increase in options makes it hard to know which bed is worth your time and money.

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. 

Considerations for Features and Functionality

While the number of adjustable beds is still small relative to the mattress industry, it’s on the rise. As more manufacturers enter the market, the features and functionality offered with these frames expand.

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? Identify your primary reason for purchasing an adjustable frame. You’ll want to keep this top of mind as you shop, as whatever beds you narrow down to 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. 

Considerations for 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. 

Also, 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? 

Considerations for 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. If you are allowed to return the base, expect to pay for shipping or a restocking fee, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

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.