Do You Need a Special Mattress for an Adjustable Bed?
Yes and no – we'll explain.
An adjustable bed frame changes position at the press of a button to help you sleep comfortably. But what mattress can bend and contort with an adjustable bed? Do you need a special mattress? The short answer is no. There are a wide variety of regular mattresses that are suitable for adjustable bed frames. You just have to make sure they're constructed out of the right materials. In this guide, we highlight which types of mattresses pair well with adjustable beds, go over how to know if your current mattress can go on an adjustable bed frame, and highlight some of the top compatible mattresses.
Review What Is an Adjustable Bed? to learn more about how they differ from standard bed frames.
Does an Adjustable Bed Require a Special Mattress?
No, an adjustable bed doesn't need a special mattress. However, there are certain criteria that a regular mattress should meet in order to be compatible with an adjustable frame. The right mattress should be flexible enough to accommodate the moveable base and shouldn't be any thicker than 12" to ensure it can bend/fold easily. It should also be durable enough to withstand being bent or folded for long periods of time.
Which Mattresses Are Compatible With Adjustable Beds?
When shopping for a compatible mattress, look for foam, latex, – and in some cases – hybrid mattress materials. All three of these mattress options are more flexible and easier to shape to your body, which also makes them perfect for adjustable bed frames as they can bend or fold with ease. Explore each type below:
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are perfect for adjustable bed frames because they're specifically designed to mold to the shape of your body, which also makes it easy for them to bend/move along with an adjustable frame. Read What Is Memory Foam? to learn more about this mattress material.
Latex
Latex mattresses are made of latex foam, which is more durable and breathable than memory foam. It doesn't cause your body to sink into the mattress in the same way that memory foam can, which is great if you like a firmer mattress. However, it's still flexible enough that it can bend and move with an adjustable bed frame. Check out What Is a Latex Mattress? for more benefits and info.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are made of a blend of comfort foam, gel, or latex and innerspring coils. This combination makes hybrid mattresses suitable for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers, alike. What Is a Hybrid Mattress? goes more in-depth. Because of their unique construction, hybrid mattresses might not be as bendable or lightweight enough for an adjustable bed frame. That's why it's important to verify if a specific hybrid mattress is adjustable bed–compatible before purchasing.
Other options like innerspring mattresses shouldn't go on an adjustable base because they aren't as flexible. Water beds and air mattresses also shouldn't go with adjustable bed frames as they'll likely collapse, fold, or sag when the base moves.
If you want to use your current mattress with an adjustable bed frame, make sure it fits this simple criteria:
- Made of a type of memory foam, latex, or hybrid materials
- Has a thickness of 12" or less
Can You Put a Firm Mattress on an Adjustable Bed?
Yes, you can put a firm mattress on an adjustable bed frame. Just make sure it's made of foam, latex, or an appropriate hybrid blend, as these materials will add to the mattress's flexibility.
What Size Mattress Goes With an Adjustable Bed Frame?
The good news is that adjustable bed frames come in all the same sizes as standard bed frames, ranging from twin to California king. This means you pick a mattress of the same size, just like with a standard bed. There are even split queen, split king, and split California king adjustable bed frames designed for split mattresses.
Are There Adjustable Beds That Come With Mattresses?
Yes! If you're worried about choosing the right type of mattress or want to ensure a good fit, there are always adjustable beds that come with mattresses! Adjustable bed frame/mattress combos take away the guesswork and make the shopping process easier. Feel free to check out our selection:
Tip!
Take a look at How to Choose an Adjustable Bed to learn more about bed features and considerations.
The Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds
Here are some of the top mattresses that can go with an adjustable base, including a mattress + adjustable base combo:
- Wayfair Sleep 10" Medium Memory Foam Mattress
- Wayfair Sleep 8" Firm Gel Memory Foam Mattress
- Wayfair Sleep 12" Plush Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress
- Marcela 11" Flex Head Latex Foam Mattress and Adjustable Base Bundle
