Best Adjustable Beds for Seniors of 2023 | Sleep Foundation (2023)

Adjustable bases allow sleepers to raise and lower the head or foot of a bed for personalized comfort. For older adults — especially those who live with chronic pain or other health conditions — this feature can make all the difference to sleep quality.

Sleepers can program the settings of most adjustable bases using a remote control. Some models also include smartphone integration, and many manufacturers incorporate additional features, such as underbed lighting or massage functions.

Shoppers may be surprised to learn that adjustable bases can be paired with many types of mattresses, making them an easy addition to the bedroom. We’ll share our picks for the best adjustable beds for seniors and examine how this technology might be useful for older adults.

Product Details

Why It’s Best Overall

The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus features a durable construction, a wide range of motion, and preset options that make it easy to reach your preferred position.

Notable Features

This popular option from Saatva has an upholstered design made to fit most bed frames and slatted platform beds. The head and foot of the bed are independently adjustable to find the best position for your needs. Controlled with a remote, sleepers can save their preferred configuration and access these preset options at the touch of a button.

For those who live with chronic pain, the Lineal Adjustable Bed Base also features a zero-gravity setting and a three-speed massage function that can be programmed to target the legs, head, or full body. An anti-snore preset also allows you to slightly elevate the head to open the airways.

How It Performed

The base contains a quiet motor in a sealed case. Adjustable legs can be set between 13 and 18 inches, and thoughtfully placed underbed lighting helps guide the way during nighttime bathroom trips.

The Adjustable Base Plus can be used with slatted platform beds and most other bed frames. It’s sold in the standard mattress sizes, as well as split king and split California king that allow you to control each side of the bed independently. This makes the base an appealing option for couples with different position preferences. Saatva also sells an upper-flex option with a fixed foot of the bed that’s designed to be used with the upper-flex version of the Saatva Solaire Mattress.

As with other Saatva products, the base is delivered with free White Glove delivery, in which a team sets up the bed for you. Saatva offers a 25-year limited warranty for the frame and a 5-year limited warranty for the electrical components. Because each adjustable base is made to order, returns or exchanges are not possible.

Sleep partners can individually adjust each side of the bed in the split king model from Nectar.

Notable Features

With an individually controlled head and foot of the bed, the Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame offers full control over your sleep position. This model is available in twin XL, full, queen, and split king sizes. The split king is made up of two twin XL beds, so sleep partners can each control their own side.

How It Performed

This adjustable bed frame comes with all the standard features, including three-zone massage and presets such as zero gravity and TV recline. Users can also program their own settings and store them in the memory of the wireless remote control. USB plugs on either side of the bed allow for easy charging.

Nectar offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S. The frame is relatively easy to set up, but shoppers can also pay an additional fee for White Glove delivery.

Unlike most adjustable bed manufacturers, Nectar also offers a 50-night sleep trial. A 3-year limited warranty covers the frame.

The Puffy Adjustable Base offers advanced customization like many other beds on this list, but the settings are relatively easy to toggle thanks to its intuitive controls. For example, people with lower back pain who prefer “zero-G” angling with their legs elevated higher than their head will probably enjoy the one-click preset that automatically adjusts the bed to this position.

Notable Features

The wireless remote allows for two position presets, as well as a one-click “flat” option when you want an even sleep surface. Personalized massage is another perk of the base. Thanks to the dual zoning, you and your partner can each enjoy a massage without disrupting the other person. Three speeds are available.

Another nifty feature is the universal mount that makes the base compatible with virtually any headboard on the market. Each side is equipped with USB ports for charging your portable devices at night. Adjustable legs also let you customize the height between 6.5 and 11.5 inches, which may be beneficial for people with mobility issues who have a difficult time getting in and out of bed. Under-bed lighting also helps you avoid stubbed toes during the night.

How It Performed

The Adjustable Base was popular among our testers for a few reasons. We enjoyed the one-click presets, as well as the quick transition between flat and zero-G using the wireless remote. The base’s massage function is also state of the art. Each speed setting is distinct, and should cater to users with different pain levels.

The Puffy Adjustable Base is available in twin XL, full, queen, and split king sizes. Assembling the bed is a fairly straightforward process and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes from start to finish. Shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. and each purchase is backed by a 101-night sleep trial. Should you decide to keep the base, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects for as long as you retain full ownership.

Don’t be fooled by the Helix Adjustable Base’s slim profile. Built from carbon steel, this bed can bear a lot of weight — up to 750 pounds for larger sizes. This heavy-duty design ensures you, your partner, and your mattress will be adequately supported.

Notable Features

The base’s head and foot can be lifted or lowered to your liking. All adjustments are made using a wireless remote, which also features presets for zero gravity and your three favorite positions. The base also features a built-in massage you can program to three intensity levels, depending on how much pain or pressure relief you need.

Upholstery fabric softens the base’s surface. You can adjust the legs to four different heights, creating up to 12 inches of under-bed clearance for storing your belongings. Twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes are available. The latter two sizes come in “halves,” and you’ll need to purchase both with your order.

How It Performed

Our testing team was quite impressed with the strong build. The base only measures 2 inches thick, but the steel feels exceptionally sturdy and secure. We also recorded a decent range of motion for adjusting the legs and feet, and each massage setting felt distinct. Another strong point was ease of assembly. We were able to completely set up the base in a little more than 10 minutes.

The base is fairly affordable compared to competing adjustable beds and Helix offers free shipping to all 50 states. All sales are final, so you won’t be able to return the bed at any point, but you’ll receive a 20-year warranty with your purchase.

The Emma Powerbase Pro Adjustable Bed is a well-designed model with many attractive features. We recommend the bed for couples who prioritize ease of use and strong customization options.

Notable Features

The Powerbase Pro has a number of features that should appeal to shoppers looking for adjustable beds with all the bells and whistles. You can adjust the head and foot to your desired angles and store up to three preset options. The bed is also equipped with a zero gravity setting that elevates the head and foot to angles that relieve pressure off your back. You can adjust the settings using a wireless remote or through voice command technology.

The bed features a massage setting and dual USB charging ports, so co-sleepers can each charge devices through the night. Under-bed lighting comes in handy for nighttime visits to the bathroom.

How It Performed

Even with its many advanced features, the Powerbase Pro is very user-friendly. The voice command activation makes it easy to choose your settings free of hassle. The bed has adjustable 12-inch legs, so you can use the bed as your primary frame or you can fit it within an existing frame. The sturdy steel construction promotes durability, which is helpful for an adjustable base with moving parts.

Emma offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. The Powerbase Pro is not eligible for returns, but it is backed by a 10-year warranty.

The sleek metal Brooklyn Bedding Electric Adjustable Base offers all the typical features of an adjustable base at a competitive price-point.

Notable Features

Designed to work with most non-slatted bed frames, the Electric Adjustable Base has motors at the head and foot of the bed, offering users independent control of each end via the wired remote.

How It Performed

This bed frame has a sturdy build that is engineered to support up to 650 pounds. Although it’s built to be durable, it also weighs less than many competing bed frames. The Electric Adjustable Base sits 12 inches off the ground, leaving approximately 10 inches of storage space beneath the bed. The base is only available in queen size.

Brooklyn Bedding offers a 2-year limited warranty. The adjustable base ships free to customers in the contiguous U.S. All sales are final.

Most adjustable beds are a good match for couples, but the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame offers a few appealing bonus features for people who normally sleep with someone else. If you and your partner have different angling preferences, the frame is sold in a split king size that allows both of you to adjust independently of the other person.

Notable Features

Couple-friendly elements of the bed include dual-zone massage with different intensity levels, and USB ports on each side for charging your devices at night. You can adjust the head and foot to a wide range of positions, including zero gravity, using a wireless remote or a downloadable smart app. An anti-snore preset automatically elevates the head of the bed.

The frame has a minimalist, modern design with medium-gray upholstery to complement any bedroom decor. Twin XL, full, queen, and split king sizes are available. With a maximum weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, the bed is also highly supportive.

How It Performed

Our testers enjoyed the ease of adjusting the bed. Whether using the remote or app, the platform for changing the angle was intuitive and user-friendly. Assembly was also a quick, straightforward process. We found the dual-zone massage soothing, and the USB ports are a nice touch.

DreamCloud allows you to test out the Adjustable Bed Frame for up to 50 nights. Comparatively, many competing brands offer no sleep trial whatsoever. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S., and each purchase is backed by a 3-year warranty.

The Sealy Easy Power Base’s foldable design makes it extremely easy to set up or move from room to room, provided you have another person to help. Assembly only took us 10 to 15 minutes, even when attaching headboard brackets.

Notable Features

A wireless remote lets you manually program the head of the bed up to a 57-degree angle and the foot of the bed to 46 degrees. The remote also features a zero-gravity preset button that positions your feet above your head. Four stackable legs let you adjust the height of the bed between 3 and 12 inches.

How It Performed

Our testers with lower back pain really enjoyed the zero-gravity preset. This position can help reduce pressure on the lower back, making it a great option for sleepers who frequently experience pain in the area. The adjustable legs were also a popular feature. Seniors and people who have difficulty getting in and out of bed may prefer the lower profile. Meanwhile, people living in smaller homes looking for more storage space may appreciate the higher options.

Six standard sizes are available. You can opt for two twin XL models to create a split king, which allows you to control each side of the bed independently. Sealy offers free White Glove delivery to customers living in the contiguous U.S. The Ease Power Base is backed by a 25-year warranty against structural defects.

With anti-snoring and smart sleep tracker features, the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base from Tempur-Pedic strives to offer an all-in-one sleep solution.

Notable Features

The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUER-Ergo Smart Base has a zoned massage function with three levels of intensity, as well as USB ports, underbed lighting, and a zero-gravity setting. Sleepers can control the functions using a wireless remote. The bed also has a quiet mode.

The TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base is an upgrade to Tempur-Pedic’s TEMPUR-Ergo Power Base. The Smart Base shares all the functionality of the Power Base, but it also includes an app with personalized sleep tips and a smart alarm, as well as an anti-snore function designed to reduce snoring by raising the head of the bed by 12 degrees when needed. It can also be integrated with virtual assistant devices that use Alexa or Google Assistant.

How It Performed

Each leg of the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base has four 3-inch segments that can be added or removed as desired to reach a comfortable bed height. The dimensions of the base are purposely designed a little smaller than the mattress so that it can fit inside another bed frame. The base has a 650-pound weight limit, including the mattress.

Tempur-Pedic offers a full range of sizes, including twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, and split California king. The Ergo Smart Base is sold with free White Glove delivery and optional removal of the existing bed.

The company backs the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base with a 25-year limited warranty, with coverage of both the parts and metal frame during the first 5 years and limited coverage afterward.

Are There Health Benefits to Using an Adjustable Bed?

Not only are adjustable beds convenient, but they may also help alleviate symptoms of certain health conditions that are commonly experienced by older adults.

Sleeping With Your Head Elevated

Research suggests that sleeping with your head elevated may have medical benefits for heartburn and obstructive sleep apnea. That said, an adjustable bed should not be considered a replacement for proper medical attention. If you experience symptoms of these conditions, make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss treatment options before purchasing an adjustable bed.

GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn when lying down. Studies have shown that elevating the head of the bed can reduce these symptoms.

Sleep Apnea: People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience multiple lapses in breathing as they sleep due to physical changes in the airway that occur when lying down. Raising the head of your adjustable bed may help keep the airway open and reduce snoring and OSA symptoms.

Sleeping With Your Legs Elevated

People who live with edema or frequent nighttime urination may find relief by elevating their legs when sleeping. Be sure to consult with your doctor before integrating an adjustable bed into your sleep routine. They can help you decide if an adjustable base is right for you, and work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Edema: When fluid is unable to move freely through the body’s tissues, it can cause swelling. This condition, called edema, occurs most often in the feet and ankles. Adjustable bases that keep the legs elevated may help optimize circulation to reduce swelling.

Nocturia: Nocturia is the medical term for waking up with the urge to urinate. Although many people consider this a normal part of aging, making multiple bathroom trips can cause significant disruptions to your sleep, so it’s important to address the issue if possible. Elevating your legs with an adjustable bed can help balance fluid levels in the body.

Relief From Arthritis and Joint Pain

It’s common for arthritis and joint pain symptoms to flare up at night, especially if pressure points form where the body makes contact with the mattress. Adjustable beds allow users to adjust their position to take pressure off sore areas where arthritis symptoms occur.

Most adjustable bed models offer options for raising and lowering the head or foot of the bed, or both. If your budget allows, you can also purchase models with additional features such as massage and heat functions that may help alleviate arthritis and joint pain symptoms.

How to Choose an Adjustable Bed for Seniors

Due to their more complex design, there are several unique factors to consider when purchasing an adjustable bed as opposed to a standard foundation. You’ll have to make sure it is compatible with your mattress and your existing bed frame, if applicable. It’s also a good idea to note the weight of the frame, ease of assembly, warranty and shipping policies, and extra features such as the ability to move both sides independently.

What to Look For in an Adjustable Bed

Adjustable bases are somewhat of a specialty item, so before you start your search, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you’re looking for.

Mattress Compatibility

Not all mattresses are designed to work with adjustable bed frames. Hybrid and innerspring models, in particular, may become damaged if they are not used with a flat surface. Check with your mattress manufacturer if you’re not sure whether your mattress is compatible with an adjustable base.

Split or Single Base

As they age, sleep partners may have differing needs from an adjustable bed frame. Usually offered in king or California king sizes, a split base offers the ability to adjust each side individually as long as the mattress is also a split model.

Weight

Adjustable beds are quite heavy due to their internal mechanisms and metal frames. Most models weigh between 140 and 200 pounds and are not designed to be moved by a single person. Older individuals who anticipate difficulty moving the bed into the desired position may want to ask for help to avoid injuries.

Assembly

Although most adjustable bed frames are designed to be set up without tools, the assembly process is often complex. Many retailers offer the option of White Glove delivery, in which a delivery team assembles the base for you. This service may come at an additional cost.

Price

The average price for a queen size adjustable bed frame is around $1,500. This price-point is slightly higher than regular bed frames because of the extra machinery. Shoppers can also find more expensive options with additional features, as well as competitively priced models for less than $1,000 that may be appealing if you are retired and living on a fixed income.

Luxury Features

In addition to the standard ability to adjust the head and foot of the bed, some adjustable bases offer preset positions, massage functions, underbed lighting, USB ports, and other specialty features.

Warranty

Most adjustable bases come with a warranty to protect consumers against manufacturing or workmanship defects. The typical warranty length for the frame is 10 years, which may vary from brand to brand. Warranties may also cover replacement or repair of the mechanical and electrical components, but this coverage tends to be limited to just a few years.

Adjustable Beds vs. Hospital Beds

Hospital beds and adjustable beds both offer adjustable heights, but hospital beds are generally more utilitarian and may not offer luxury add-ons like massage functions.

Frequently Asked Questions