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Best Adjustable Beds for Seniors
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.
The Best Adjustable Beds for Seniors
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Best Overall
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus
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Best Value
Nectar Adjustable Bundle
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Easiest to Use
Puffy Adjustable Base
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Best Support
Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base
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Best for Snoring
Helix Adjustable Base
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Best for Back Pain
Sealy Ease Power Base
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Best Luxury
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base
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In-Depth Reviews
Price
$1,499
Sizes
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
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.
Best Value
Nectar Adjustable Bundle
Up to 50% off mattresses + save $100 when you spend $1,000 or more
$1,398 at Nectar
Price
$1,398
Sizes
Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King
A new adjustable bed can be a significant financial investment, especially if you’re in the market for a split-style model. With the Nectar Adjustable Bundle, you’ll receive not only an adjustable bed frame but also a new mattress, sheet set, pillows, and a protector — all at a highly accessible sticker price.
Notable Features
The Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame allows you to elevate or lower the head and feet for a wide range of positions, including zero-gravity. A vibrating massage function also targets the upper and lower body with three intensity levels. You can program your two favorite positions as memory presets on the remote, which also features one-touch buttons for zero-gravity, anti-snoring response, and watching television. USB ports on each side enable you to charge devices overnight.
The feet are adjustable to heights of 6, 9 or 12 inches. This may come in handy if your bedroom has limited storage space. In addition to the adjustable bed, you can choose from one of Nectar’s six mattresses, including three all-foam models and three hybrids. You’ll also receive a full sheet set, two memory foam pillows, and a mattress protector.
How It Performed
The Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame is user-friendly and relatively quiet. The transitions are smooth when you change positions, and the one-touch presets all performed without any issues. Our team also enjoyed the two-zone vibrating massage. Nectar’s all-foam mattresses excel at pressure relief and motion isolation, while the hybrids perform better at edge support and temperature control.
The bundle’s total cost depends on which size and mattress model you select, but the sticker price for all of these items is on par with the amount you’ll spend on an adjustable bed alone from most competing brands. Ground shipping is also free for customers in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a generous 50-night sleep trial. Warranty coverage varies by product, with the adjustable bed backed by a 3-year warranty against various defects.
Price
$1,399
Sizes
Twin XL, Full, Queen, Split King
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 all 50 states 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.
Best Support
Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base
30% off sitewide with code: BFRIDAY30
$899 at Brooklyn Bedding
Price
$899
Sizes
Twin XL, Queen, Split King
By elevating the head and opening up your breathing passages, an adjustable bed can minimize snoring and help you get the sleep you and your partner need. The Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base from Brooklyn Bedding takes anti-snoring technology one step further with a one-touch button on the remote that lifts the head only. You can press the button for yourself before falling asleep, or for your partner if they begin snoring in the middle of the night.
Notable Features
In addition to the anti-snoring function, your wireless remote includes two memory presets that adjust the bed to your favorite positions. Other presets convert your bed to the zero-gravity position, and elevate the upper body for watching TV or reading in bed. Both sides of the bed feature USB ports for charging your devices overnight, and a handy under-bed light helps you navigate your bedroom when the lights are off. The Ascension Luxe is available in twin XL, queen, and split king sizes.
How It Performed
One thing we noticed about the Ascension Luxe was its remarkably sturdy design. The base can support up to 850 pounds, and the steel frame feels quite robust. For added stability, you may extend the legs and adjust them to your preferred height. The presets worked well during our tests, and the transitions between positions were seamless.
The Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base is competitively priced and Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Returns are not accepted, so all sales are considered final, but your purchase comes with a 2-year limited parts warranty.
Best for Snoring
Helix Adjustable Base
27% off sitewide + 3 FREE products with Luxe or Elite purchase. Use code: SF27
$937 at Helix
Price
$937
Sizes
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
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. A wide range of positions and preset options also ensures you can elevate your head to the right angle and reduce, if not outright prevent, snoring
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.
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 throughout the contiguous U.S. All sales are final, so you won’t be able to return the bed at any point, but you’ll receive a 10-year warranty with your purchase.
Price
$1,014
Sizes
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
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.
Best Luxury
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Tempur-Pedic mattresses
$1,999 at Tempur-Pedic
Price
$1,999
Sizes
Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
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.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team has many years of experience testing and reviewing sleep products to help readers make informed choices.
Our recommendations for the best adjustable beds for seniors take into account durability, special features, and how each base performs during our testing process. With a view to tailoring our recommendations to older adults, we also consider factors such as bed height and pressure-relieving settings.
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.
Elevating your head can also reduce snoring. Based on data from 160,000 individual Sleep Foundation profiles, roughly 20% of people claim to frequently snore and about two-thirds snore at least some of the time. A feature in many newer adjustable beds is “automatic anti-snore response,” which uses built-in sensors to monitor your breathing patterns. If snoring is detected, the head of the bed elevates while you sleep — this props your head forward and expands your airway, which in turn can reduce snoring.
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.
| Bed Type | Adjustable Bed | Hospital Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Adjustable beds tend to offer more features, such as massage functions, preset positions, and underbed lighting. | Hospital beds have functional designs that are intended for easy cleaning. |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Adjustable bases offer many benefits for older adults. The ability to raise the head or foot of the bed can be crucial for preventing pressure points from forming or relieving symptoms of chronic health conditions.
Although sleep experts recommend against spending time in bed while you are not sleeping, sometimes this is unavoidable for people recovering from injuries or those who live with chronic pain. Adjustable beds can help you be more comfortable while you read, watch TV, or visit with family while in bed.
Mattress choice is highly personal, and the best mattress for you depends on your body type, your preferred sleep position, and your needs and preferences. Older adults with chronic pain might prefer a pressure-relieving memory foam mattress, whereas those with limited mobility might prefer a hybrid model with reinforced edge support.
Be sure to check if your existing mattress is compatible with an adjustable base before purchasing a new base or mattress.
Hospital beds, as well as certain accessories like bedside rails, qualify for Medicare Part B coverage as durable medical equipment for people who meet certain requirements. Medicare covers 80% of the cost to buy or rent the bed, and you are responsible for the remaining 20% and for meeting your deductible.
To obtain partial coverage for a hospital bed, your doctor must confirm you have a medical condition or severe chronic pain that requires you to adopt certain positions or frequently change positions.
You, your doctor, and the company that provides the bed must all be Medicare participants. Commercial adjustable bases may not be considered durable medical equipment.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Jackson leads editorial product recommendations at Sleep Foundation, transforming the data from our sleep product test lab into real world takeaways for consumers. He has spent over half a decade developing protocol to evaluate and measure the impacts of products on sleep quality. As a cited sleep product expert, Jackson helps guide millions of shoppers to find personalized recommendations for everything from pillows to bedding to mattresses.