Sleeping well is no easy feat. But it's an important endeavor, since poor quality sleep may decrease your quality of life. More than a quarter of adults in the U.S. sleep less than seven hours a night, and if you count yourself among those who struggle to achieve a good night's rest, you'll want to consider making a change to your nighttime routine.
For those who struggle with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), acid reflux, restless leg syndrome or even snoring, an adjustable bed frame may help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. These frames allow you to raise the head and foot of the bed for a more personalized sleep position, and can help alleviate any pressure on your airway. Plus, many of our consumer testers reported improved sleep quality and said they appreciated the extra support of an adjustable when reading or watching TV in bed.
What's the best adjustable bed base for most people? Our top overall pick is the Leggett & Platt Prodigy PT. One of the oldest and most popular adjustable bed brands, Leggett & Platt manufactures bed bases for several popular mattress brands. If you prefer full delivery and set-up, we recommend the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus, as long as you have or plan to purchase a compatible mattress. For a lower-cost option, opt for Lucid's L300 Adjustable Bed Base.
In the past few years, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested and evaluated 20 adjustable bed bases, but only eight made our final list of recommendations. In addition to researching popular brands and assessing materials, construction and features, we worked with at-home consumer testers, including those with obstructive sleep apnea, acid reflux and other conditions, in order to gauge each bed's real-world performance for different types of sleepers. We also surveyed our testing panel to get in-depth feedback from real adjustable bed frame users.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Leggett & Platt Prodigy PT
- Best Value: Lucid L300 Adjustable Bed Base
- Best Zero-Gravity: Saatva Adjustable Base Plus
- Best Advanced Features: Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart Base
- Best for Seniors: Sealy Ease Power Base
In-Depth Reviews
Pros
- Holds mattress in place
- Multiple adjustability options
- Full of add-on features like lights and USB ports
Cons
- DIY setup can be cumbersome due to heavy base
| Sizes | Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
|---|---|
| Return Policy | Eligible for return, refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt through Amazon. |
| Warranty | 20-year limited warranty |
Leggett & Platt is one of the oldest and most popular adjustable bed brands available (it also manufactures some of our other top picks). Designed to work with most mattresses, we think the brand's Prodigy PT bed is a top-notch option. It features a MicroHook system (Velcro-like strips) to keep your mattress in place as it changes positions. Other standout features include programmable positions, massage capabilities and under-bed lighting. For effortless position changes, you can use either the wireless remote or a smartphone app that also allows you to set an alarm that triggers the base to slowly move and gently wake you up. If purchasing via Amazon, note that there are separate links for the Twin XL, Full, King and Split King models.
TESTER NOTES: We were impressed by the bed's wall-hugger engineering, which means it doesn’t pull your whole body away from the nightstand as it raises your head. Our panelists also touted the convenience of the eight USB ports for charging phones, tablets and other devices. Plus, one called the massage feature "soothing." Because it's shipped directly to you, you'll need to assemble it on your own, so be prepared, as it can be heavy — especially if you need to take it up a flight of stairs.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Pre-programming capabilities
- Built-in USB ports
Cons
- Not as advanced as other models
| Available Sizes | Twin XL, Full and Queen |
|---|---|
| Return Policy | Eligible for return, refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt through Amazon. |
| Warranty | 10-year limited warranty |
This pick is ideal for anyone who wants an adjustable base but isn't ready to spend top dollar. But don’t let the low price of the Lucid L300 fool you; while it doesn't offer premium features like massage capabilities or under-bed lighting, it still has all the features you need in a classic adjustable bed: It can raise your head and feet and comes with a wireless remote that you can use to pre-program your ideal position. It even has built-in USB ports for charging your phone and other devices. Plus, it’s an Amazon best-seller with thousands of five-star reviews and the convenience of Prime shipping.
TESTER NOTES: The quality is more than worth the price, according to Amazon reviewers who appreciated being able to adjust their bed without too many extra features or controls. The brand claims it takes just five minutes to set up and you can do it on your own, meaning you don't have to deal with scheduling or waiting around for a delivery service to set it up for you. You can also opt to buy this frame with the brand's accompanying mattress as a complete set.
Pros
- Free white glove delivery
- Continuous movement to find your best sleep position
- 850-pound weight capacity
Cons
- May be too tall for some users
| Available Sizes | Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King and Split California King |
|---|---|
| Return Policy | No returns or exchanges |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
Saatva is a popular direct-to-consumer mattress brand that provides free white glove delivery service, meaning a team will come in and set up the adjustable base in the room of your choice and show you how to control the bed. This model is offered in a slew of bed sizes, including a premium upper-flex option for added control that pairs exclusively with Saatva's Solaire Mattress, which has built-in air chambers that inflate to 50 different firmness levels. This base can also support up to 850 pounds, which is higher than most and makes it optimal for pairing with a mattress for heavier people. Plus, Saatva offers payment plans through Affirm for up to 18 months.
TESTER NOTES: Many on our survey panel said they love how easy it is to operate this base and the unlimited number of possible positions, thanks to the continuous controlled movement. The zero-gravity feature stands out, with one user saying it helps both her and her husband "fall asleep pretty quickly." The bed also features under-bed lighting and wall-hugging along with both targeted and full-body massage capabilities. One tester in his 70s, who pairs this bed with Saatva's 11.5-inch Classic Mattress, notes that it's on the taller side, so those with mobility issues may find it difficult to get out of bed unless they pair it with a thinner mattress.
Tech-savvy users will appreciate the advanced features and effortless functionality of this bed. It comes with a variety of pre-programmed positions to choose from as well as the flexibility to create your own using the remote or app. (The app also allows you to measure the room temperature, humidity levels and air quality.) Beyond that, the bed offers adjustable lumbar support plus a vibrating massage with three modes and two zones. It can seamlessly integrating into your smart home and easily connects to any voice assistant.
TESTER NOTES: Our tester found this base to be intuitive and user-friendly from the first night and noted that the base quickly adjusts into your desired position. "I love being able to adjust the lumbar support since my lower back is starting to hurt [from pregnancy], and this gives me the support I need," she said. Other testers appreciated the personalized anti-snore mode, which either automatically raises the head of the base or pulses the bed when it detects snoring. The under-bed lighting was a tester-favorite feature, with one calling it "perfect for when you wake up in the middle of the night and have to go to the bathroom."
For an even more bells and whistles, we recommend checking out Tempur-Pedic's Ergo ProSmart Base, which features built-in speakers.
Pros
- Free white glove delivery
- Easy to use, according to testers
- Height ranges from 4 inches to 20 inches with adjustable legs
Cons
- Not as advanced as other models
| Available sizes | Twin, Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Split California King |
|---|---|
| Return Policy | No returns or exchanges |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
Take it from our older consumer testers: Sometimes, all you want from an adjustable bed base is control over the position of your bed. Everything else, such as advanced features like under-bed lighting or massage modes, is nice, but not a must-have. This model from Sealy is simple to use and does exactly what you'd expect very well: It gives you the ability to raise your head and feet to find your most comfortable sleep position.
TESTER NOTES: Our senior testers were immediately impressed by this base, from the seamless free delivery and setup to the easy-to-use controls and comparatively quiet motor. One tester deemed it "excellent quality," and another shared that "being able to adjust [the head of the bed] was a big help in controlling my coughing due to acid reflux." He also appreciated being able to control the foot portion for his restless leg syndrome.
Pros
- Anti-snore position
- Relaxing massage modes
- Made without polyester or polyurethane
Cons
- Low inventory
| Sizes | Twin XL, Full, King, Split King and Split California King |
|---|---|
| Return Policy | No returns or exchanges |
| Warranty | 20-year limited warranty |
Most adjustable beds on the market use polyester and polyurethane foams on the metal base. Avocado's Eco Adjustable Base stands out for its sustainable wood and certified organic cotton, which is virtually unheard of in the industry. The best part? It's just as functional, if not more attractive than similar models. It also easily slots into your bed frame without the dreary appearance of most bases and moves smoothly from position to position with the touch of a button, including both built-in settings and custom adjustability.
TESTER NOTES: Described as "life-changing" by one tester, this unassuming base is loaded with features. The presets are helpful, including an anti-snore mode (elevated head), a zero gravity position and a flat setting, but you can also independently raise and lower the head, foot or both. "I have sleep apnea and found that the anti-snore feature was extremely helpful," one tester shared. "This bed allows me to sleep on my back, which is my preferred way of sleeping, without having any breathing problems." She also found the massage features relaxing and the under-bed lighting helpful.
Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+
Pros
- Wall-glide feature for easy nightstand access
- Soothing rolling-wave massage
- Free white glove delivery and setup
Cons
- Takes longer than other adjustable bases to arrive
| Available Sizes | Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King and Split King |
|---|---|
| Return Policy | No returns or exchanges |
| Warranty | 10-year limited warranty |
There's nothing more annoying than raising the head of a bed and finding yourself just a hair too far to comfortably reach your nightstand. Luckily, this pick has a wall-glide design, so you'll never stray too far while lounging in bed. It also features head and foot articulation as well as full-body massage, convenient USB ports, under-bed lighting and more. Plus, you have the option to control it with the remote, matching app or even a paired smart voice assistant.
TESTER NOTES: In our evaluations, testers appreciated the easy-to-use controls and thoughtful design, especially the wall-glide feature. One also loved that it provided enough light to see the remote when reaching for it in the dark. She also said it helped her fall asleep in an upright position when advised by her doctor, and noted that "guests who required their legs to be elevated also used this bed and found it very comfortable and helpful for their situation." While some of our testers initially had issues syncing the remote, they found customer service helpful in quickly resolving their problems.
Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Bed with Flexfit Base
Ideal for couples (especially ones who don't agree on firmness), this mattress is filled with adjustable air chambers on both sides for precise firmness control. There are biometric sensors in the mattress, so if you or your partner switch positions, the mattress will automatically adjust to stay at your preferred setting. On top of that, the brand offers two matching adjustable bases; both have head-raising capabilities and under-bed lighting, but the pricier models come with added features like feet elevation and feet warming.
TESTER NOTES: This specific smart mattress is the most popular among our consumer tester panel and has even earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. It's definitely a splurge, but when we tested this mattress and adjustable base combo, users gave it top scores for comfort, support and sleep quality. “I was initially hesitant because of the cost, but as soon as I laid on it, it changed my mind,” said one tester, while another told us, “I wish we would have purchased this brand sooner.”
FAQ
What are the benefits of an adjustable bed?
Jonathan S. Kirschner, M.D., R.M.S.K., a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), recommends adjustable bed bases to those with medical conditions like acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), lung-related breathing issues and poor circulation. Recent studies indicate that healthy individuals may also benefit from using an adjustable bed, with many participants feeling more well-rested upon waking compared to their traditional beds.
Dr. Kirschner emphasizes the importance of personal comfort when shopping for any type of mattress or bed, especially for those with underlying conditions. While elevating the head and feet when sleeping can help take the stress off of some pressure points, it won't completely resolve existing neck or back pain, so it's best to consult with a physician to identify the nature of any recurring pain.
- Head and foot elevation: The main benefit of an adjustable bed is head and foot elevation. Elevating your head can help take pressure off your shoulders while elevating your legs can provide relief to your lower back.
- Elevating your head is helpful in managing acid reflux and GERD and can help reduce pressure on your upper airway in the case of snoring and OSA.
- Elevating your legs can help improve circulation and lower extremity swelling.
- Zero gravity position is a popular pre-set position on many models. In this position, your legs are raised and your head is tilted up to maintain a neutral position for a "weightless" feel. As a result, your knees and head are slightly elevated above your heart and pressure is evenly distributed throughout your body, which can help ease any neck or back pain.
- Reducing snoring: If you snore at night, you're not alone. Up to 45% of adults snore on an occasional basis. But when sharing a bed with a partner, snoring can negatively impact your quality of sleep. It's usually indicative of a partially obstructed airway, which Dr. Kirschner explains that is based on anatomic factors like a bulky throat and neck tissue or nasal congestion. Slight elevation of your head may help alleviate pressure on your upper airway, but it's not a guaranteed fix, especially if you have moderate to severe OSA, so it's best to consult with a medical professional in case of an underlying issue.
Are adjustable beds worth the cost?
It’s a matter of personal preference, but our panelists and testers who own an adjustable bed swear by them, especially those who struggle with OSA or acid reflux. That being said, they don't come cheap: Adjustable beds can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. If you’re willing to splurge on a top-of-the-line mattress with an adjustable base with smart technology, it can cost you well over $3,000, but you can also find a simple, good-quality adjustable base that raises your head and feet for under $1,000.
If you’re looking to invest in an entirely new bed, you may benefit from a full sleep system that has both an adjustable base and an adjustable mattress. However, if you’re just looking to customize your comfort level, you may be better off buying an adjustable mattress that can adjust its firmness, or just an adjustable base that changes your head and foot positioning.
Can I use a regular mattress on an adjustable bed?
Most of the time, yes. The majority are compatible with foam, latex and innerspring mattresses, though foam or latex mattresses tend to work better with adjustable bed frames because the materials are more flexible, allowing for easy transition to different positions. Note that tall mattresses (especially those over 14 inches) often don't work well on bases, so make sure to check any specifications for your top contenders. You'll also want to make sure that any coils in innerspring or hybrid beds are individually pocketed.
Some brands sell the mattress and base together, which is your best bet if you want to make sure you have a compatible mattress for an adjustable bed. Otherwise, it’s best to check with the adjustable base brand before you buy it. Some do have restrictions on the mattress you can use, so it’ll save you a headache if you confirm beforehand. And when it comes to adjustable mattresses with different firmness levels, you don’t need a special base to get the benefits.
What's the difference between an adjustable bed and an adjustable mattress?
- An adjustable bed is a motorized bed base that can move into different positions by raising the head and/or foot of the bed. Some also have other features like built-in massagers and lighting.
- Adjustable mattresses, also called smart mattresses, change in firmness through constructions like air chambers or interchangeable springs. They're perfect if you’re just looking to switch up your firmness levels instead of the bed’s position.
Our Testing Methodology
Our analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab start with thorough research, identifying the most popular bed bases then reviewing materials, specifications, added features and any noteworthy claims for each in addition to vetting the brand to ensure it's trustworthy. When possible, we'll go in-person to the brand's store to view the bases firsthand and access how they operate and what type of user each is best suited for.
Next, we work with at-home consumer testers, including those with various sleep-related disorders such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and OSA or health conditions like acid reflux, to gather feedback on everything from setup to the user experience over time. We also survey our readers and tester panel for additional feedback on mattresses and bed bases they own. In recent years, we've looked at dozens of models and have directly evaluated 20 adjustable bases with testers.
From expert reviews to consumer feedback, here are a few factors on which we evaluate each adjustable bed:
- Ordering and delivery: Users tell us how easy it was to order the base and if it arrived quickly. They also note any potential problems that came up in their experience and how those issues were resolved.
- Set up: Whether DIY or delivery service, survey respondents share their opinion of the process.
- Ease of use: Users judge the adjustable bed on how easy it is to control, from selecting pre-set positions to programming customizable options and utilizing massage capabilities and any other features.
- Practicality: Testers also share which functions they like and actively use and which functions they don't. They also note how loud the motor is when adjusting positions.
- Sleep quality and comfort: Final scores check whether the adjustable base positively affected sleep quality and comfort, both initially and over time. Our respondents also give the base an overall satisfaction score and compare it to any previous beds they've slept on.
- Additional feedback: Reviewers let us know any specific likes, dislikes and any additional thoughts they have about their experiences.
What to Look for When Shopping
It's important to know that most adjustable bed bases on the market are manufactured by Leggett & Platt or Ergomotion, so the main difference among brands and retailers that sell adjustable bases will be the customer service and delivery methods. Beyond that, consider the following:
- Budget: When it comes to bases, most will cost between $1,000 to $2,000 for a Queen-size model, although you can still find excellent models with less features at a lower price and splurge-worthy beds for a higher cost. Note that Split King models will come at a higher price as they need separate motors for each side.
- Features: Sleep tracking, massaging, lights, USB ports and more can be great bonuses. Also, consider if you want to use a remote control or an app on your smartphone to control the bed.
- Head-raising capability: You can program some beds to automatically raise your head when it’s time to wake up, which makes it easier to get out of the bed in the morning. Not only do you get to customize your sleep position, but the head elevation helps if you or your partner snore, experience acid reflux or want to raise your head to read or watch TV. Plus, an adjustable head means you can get into the “zero-gravity” position, meaning you feel weightless because your head and legs are both elevated.
- Warranty: The idea behind a warranty is that if something goes wrong due to the manufacturer — not the consumer — then you should be covered. Make sure to thoroughly document the initial state of your base and check for any defects. Most warranties offer varying degrees of coverage based on the age of your bed; many will fully cover the first few years before offering a prorated rate under limited coverage.
More Adjustable Bed Guides
- Best Split King Adjustable Beds
- Best Adjustable Beds for Seniors
- Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds
- Best Smart Mattresses and Beds
- The Best Headboards for Adjustable Beds
Why You Should Trust Us
Grace Wu most recently updated this article. As a textiles product review analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute, she has overseen all of our recent adjustable base testing and reviews. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
Lexie Sachs, the executive director of strategy and operations in the Good Housekeeping Institute, wrote the original version of this guide. She oversees all of our bedding testing and has been actively researching, analyzing and reporting on mattresses and adjustable bases for over 10 years, extensively reviewing dozens of models by meeting with brands and conducting consumer tests.
This story was medically reviewed by Raj Dasgupta, M.D. for accuracy. Dr. Dasgupta is an ABIM Quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine. He is currently the associate program director of Internal Medicine Residency at Huntington Health in Pasadena, California and an associate professor of clinical medicine for the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine (UCR). He previously practiced at the University of Southern California, where he was an associate professor of clinical medicine, assistant program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, and the associate program director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship. Dr. Dasgupta is an active clinical researcher and has been teaching around the world for more than 20 years.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Raj Dasgupta, M.D. is an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine. He practices at the University of Southern California, where he is an associate professor of clinical medicine, assistant program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program, and the associate program director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship. Dr. Dasgupta is an active clinical researcher and has been teaching around the world for more than 20 years.