Do You Need A Special Mattress For An Adjustable Bed?

special mattress adjustable bed

You just got your new adjustable base delivered and set up but did not think about whether or not your mattress will work. Or you are ready to upgrade to an adjustable bed but your love your fairly new mattress still. Many people are going through this with the rise in popularity of “adjustables” so we’ll provide the facts so you know exactly what to do.

There’s a lot of confusion about adjustable beds and mattresses. I’m here to help you cut through the confusion and make sense of it all. I’ve done a ton of research on the subject, and I want to teach you how to get the best adjustable bed/mattress combination.

There are no mattresses specifically designed for adjustable bases; however certain characteristics of a mattress will make it suitable for use with an adjustable bed. Mainly the issue is pliability which is solved with materials like memory foam and individually pocketed coils.

(shameless plug: we sell mattresses at 55-80% less than big retail stores every day. OK, back to the content)

As the name suggests, an adjustable bed allows individuals to alter their bed’s position. Adjustable beds are a combination of three-part adjustable bases, which allow these bed types to be independently shifted for a unique resting position.

Buying An Adjustable Base with Zero Gravity Mode

For this reason, these beds have become more appealing to sleepers. An adjustable bed doesn’t just improve your sleep experience, it also poses several health benefits that can improve your well-being overall.

Many people only consider memory foam mattresses as adjustable “friendly” but in reality there are many different styles of mattresses that work with adjustable beds.

the pros and cons of adjustbale beds
do you need a special bed for an adjustable base?

Why Choose an Adjustable Bed?

If you’re considering an adjustable bed, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of reasons why the investment is worth it. For starters, adjustable beds provide better pain relief and comfort. Regular beds, unfortunately, do not provide the back and spine support that is needed for pain relief. However, adjustable beds can actually help with spinal alignment, contributing to a decrease in back pain.

Dog sitting on special mattress for adjustable bed

If you invest in a modern adjustable bed, you will be able to sleep independently of your partner. For instance, you might be ready to go to sleep while your partner wants to stay up and do a little reading. You both can engage in your activity of choice without disturbing one another. 

Another benefit of adjustable beds is that it can alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and arthritis. These kinds of conditions can be impacted by the way you sleep. Having an adjustable bed allows you to adjust it to the appropriate and most comfortable sleeping position in order to improve symptoms. 

Those who invest in an adjustable bed will also improve their posture. Posture is extremely important to overall spine health. With that said, an adjustable bed helps reinforce good posture and can instill good posture habits in the long-run. This is because these types of beds support the natural curvature of the spine. 

Now that you know the benefits of an adjustable bed, let’s discuss mattresses. 

Can Any Mattress Go On An Adjustable Base?

The short answer is no. There are many mattresses that can work with adjustable beds. However, there are some mattresses that won’t be compatible with this bed type. In general, all memory foam, latex, and any other non-innerspring mattresses will work well with adjustable beds. In addition, if you have an innerspring mattress with individual pocketed coils, this could be compatible with your bed as well. Just ensure the mattress isn’t too firm. 

If you use an incompatible mattress on an adjustable base, you may experience some problems, such as:

  • The mattress may not fit properly on the base.
  • The mattress may not move smoothly with the base.
  • The mattress may not provide adequate support in different positions.
  • The mattress may become damaged over time.

Can I use my old mattress on an adjustable base?

It depends on the type of mattress you have. If you have a memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattress, you may be able to use it on an adjustable base. However, if you have an innerspring mattress, you may need to purchase a new mattress that is compatible with an adjustable base.

Woman working comfortably on an adjustable bed mattress

3 Best Mattress Types for Adjustable Beds

Since an adjustable bed is designed to lift the top and bottom of a mattress, the most important thing that consumers should focus on when purchasing a mattress is flexibility and durability.  Mattresses that are flexible and durable will last as it can adhere to the nature of the bed. Here are 3 types of mattresses to consider. 

Memory Foam Mattress

A memory foam mattress is a type of mattress that combines a layer of memory foam with springs or support foam. What’s interesting about memory foam is that it relies on your body’s heat to soften and frame your shape. It is for this reason that memory foam is a great mattress for comfort and support. Along with this, the flexibility of memory foam makes it a perfect pairing for adjustable beds.

Basic memory foam mattresses are made out of polyurethane. This material is commonly found in other items such as sofas, car seats, and spray foam. It’s important to note that there are 3 types of memory foam mattresses you will often find on the market: traditional, open-cell, and gel. 

  • Traditional: Traditional memory foam provides an improved sleep experience due to the fact that it easily adheres to your body’s shape. However, traditional memory foam mattresses have a tendency to retain body heat, making it more uncomfortable as temperatures rise.
  • Open-cell: Open-cell memory foam has a different internal structure than traditional memory foams. In fact, these were designed to address heating issues that traditional memory foams offer. With open-cell memory foam, you can expect a better flow of air in the mattress, which means heat can be transferred away from your body more effectively. 
  • Gel: Gel memory foam is simply memory foam that has been pumped with gel. Like open-cell, gel memory foam was designed to address heating issues present in traditional memory foam. 

Advantages 

  • Spinal support and alignment
  • Isolate motion transfer
  • Durability

Disadvantages 

  • Some people find the sensation of memory foam to be uncomfortable due to its sinking feeling.

Our Memory Foam Mattress Selection

shopping mattress
shopping for mattress and adjustable bed

Latex Foam Mattress

This type of foam has more elasticity when compared to memory foam. This means that latex foam will respond to your body a lot more quickly and will include more bounce. 

Latex foam can be constructed from three different material types. Consumers have the option of all-natural latex, synthetic latex, and a blend of natural and synthetic. Those who want a mattress that feels lighter and doesn’t hug the body as much tend to prefer latex foam to memory foam.Essentially, latex provides a more generalized compression instead of precise body contouring. This minimizes the feeling of being overly enveloped. 

Advantages

  • Latex material is highly durable, which means you can expect your latex mattress to last for a while.
  • Latex mattresses are really great when it comes to relieving pressure points. 
  • You can expect improved motion isolation, making it a great option for those who share a bed.

Disadvantages

  • Some users report that latex mattresses are too firm. 
  • Latex material is generally expensive and can get even more expensive depending on the material used. 

Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress is a multi-layer mattress that combines memory foam, latex, or gel, as well as an innerspring system. This allows sleepers to experience the flexibility and pressure relief of foam layers while also experiencing the sturdiness offered by a regular mattress. 

The coils in a hybrid mattress give your back support and help align your spine correctly. The memory foam conforms to your body to give you a better sleeping experience. 

Advantages

  • Great balance between comfort and support.
  • Variety of options in construction and feel.
  • Temperature regulation and cooling.

Disadvantages

  • Hybrid mattresses can be relatively expensive. 
  • They can be heavy compared to other options.
  • Due to the bounce, the motion transfer can be unfavorable for those who share a bed.

Our Hybrid Mattress Selection

Family sleeping on special mattress for adjustable bed

Wrap it up!

First off, can you put a regular mattress on an adjustable bed base? The answer is yes, but with a caveat. Not all mattresses are created equal. Some, like memory foam mattresses for adjustable beds, are designed to flex and bend, making them perfect companions for adjustable bases.

So, how do you know if your mattress is compatible with an adjustable base? Look for flexibility. Mattresses for adjustable beds need to be able to bend and flex with the movements of the base. If you’re unsure, reach out to the manufacturer or retailer. They’ll be able to give you a clear answer.

What about sheets? Do adjustable beds require special sheets? Not necessarily. Regular sheets can work, but adjustable bed sheets are designed with the movement of the base in mind and often provide a better fit.

Now, who should not use an adjustable bed? While adjustable beds offer numerous benefits, they might not be the best choice for people who sleep on their stomachs. The bending of the base could lead to discomfort for stomach sleepers.

At No Bull Mattress & More, we’re all about helping you find the best mattress for your adjustable bed. We stand by the quality of our products and offer the best adjustable bed base options without any gimmicks. We’re confident you’ll find value in our selection, whether you’re looking for the best mattress for an adjustable bed or the best mattresses for adjustable beds.

Remember, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. So, if you’re wondering, “Can any mattress go on an adjustable base?” or “Do you need a special mattress for an adjustable bed?” don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to provide clear, honest answers. Trust us to guide you to the perfect night’s sleep.

Adjustable beds are certainly a great choice to improve your health and overall sleep experience. If you currently have an adjustable bed or are in the market for one, finding the right mattress is important. Choosing a mattress will ultimately depend on your budget and your sleeping goals. If you need additional help to find the perfect mattress for your needs, contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help.

Be sure to find out how using mediation can assist you with your sleep.

FAQs

Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are generally the best options for use with adjustable bases, as they provide the flexibility and durability needed to perform well with the base’s various adjustments. Traditional innerspring mattresses may not be as compatible due to their rigid construction.
Using an incompatible mattress on an adjustable base could potentially lead to damage over time. The mattress may wear unevenly or become damaged due to the stress of bending and flexing in ways it was not designed for. Additionally, the adjustable base may experience extra strain, potentially shortening its lifespan.
When choosing a mattress for an adjustable base, consider factors such as thickness, firmness, and material. A thinner, more flexible mattress will generally perform better on an adjustable base. Additionally, consider your sleep preferences and needs, such as whether you require pressure relief or extra support for specific areas of the body. It’s also important to ensure that the mattress’s dimensions are compatible with your adjustable base.

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