5 Best Split King Adjustable Beds for Couples, Back Pain, and Snoring

During our search for the best split king adjustable beds, we considered many options. Here are my thoughts on standout styles that didn't make our list:

• Mattress Firm's Sleepy's Elite Adjustable Base: While our experts and testers have been impressed with this base so far (especially its fluid movement), we're holding off on recommending it until we've collected enough data. It had a Wi-Fi–enabled touchscreen tablet remote that some older testers are divided on, but you can also use voice commands or the phone app to control it.
• Leggett & Platt Prodigy PT: You can buy Leggett & Platt directly from Amazon, but it can be tough to transport and set up given its hefty weight. Unlike other options, this base uses Velcro rather than a retainer bar for a cleaner look.
• We've also tested bases from Ergomotion (the manufacturer that makes Tempur-Pedic's and Sealy's bases) that we like, but the brand has been revamping its offerings, and many styles are sold out or on final sale.
• Avocado Eco Adjustable Base: This base sets itself apart from most with its unique materials, like wood and organic cotton, and simple appearance. It easily slots into a bed frame, but you can't put it directly on the frame's slatted or solid base, so you're limited to a height of 4 to 12 inches with 4-inch increments.
• Sleep Number FlexFit Base: These bases are specifically designed for Sleep Number mattresses, but we've had some issues with the recent iteration of the FlexFit 2.
• Helix Adjustable Base: We like that you can program multiple positions (up to three) on this base, but our testers didn't use them, as they preferred the built-in presets for anti-snore and zero-gravity options. They also had mixed feedback about the massage features.
• We previously tested and recommended Casper's 2023 iteration of its Adjustable Base Max but the prices have gone up considerably since, so we no longer recommend it, though its newer model looks impressive and is on our list to test next.
• Amerisleep's Adjustable Bed+: This base has wall-hugging technology, so you won't be too far from your nightstand when you elevate the head. It performed well in our tests but doesn’t stand out significantly from our other top picks.
• Nectar's Premier Adjustable Bed Frame: While undeniably popular, we didn’t include this base in our recommendations due to its shorter three-year warranty (unless extended for an additional cost) and mixed feedback from our survey respondents regarding customer service.
• Dawn House Bed: This adjustable bed is one of the most thoughtfully designed options on the market, but it comes with a steep price tag. Unlike other bases, it allows you to raise and lower the entire bed height at the touch of a button. Still, it's not for everyone: Many users may find the extra features unnecessary.

To find the best adjustable beds on the market, our team of expert scientists and engineers have:

✔️ Researched and compared models each year, diving deep into the details around design, features, brand reputation, customer service, and online reviews for both new innovations and top-tested classics.

✔️ Surveyed more than 10,000 readers on our GH survey panel and analyzed over 170,000 answers to questions about the beds they own, including feedback on both mattresses and bases.

✔️ Sent 25 bases to dozens of consumer testers to try out at home, both short and long term, over the past five years. Recent at-home testers included those with sleep disorders like insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as health conditions like acid reflux or chronic back pain. They provided feedback on everything from setup to long-term experience.

✔️ Reviewed company-provided data and firsthand user experiences from our own surveying. We also assessed any claims made to see whether any brands may be overpromising on performance.

✔️ Leveraged our backgrounds in fiber science, materials engineering, and consumer science to review everything from materials and mechanics to brand reputation.

✔️ Interviewed dozens of medical professionals and kept up with relevant sleep studies for added insight. We also noted any conflicts of interest, including brand-sponsored research.

✔️ Visited dozens of showrooms to evaluate the bases firsthand and assess functionality. We reviewed how easy it is to operate split models compared to standard Queen-size options and note which users each model is best suited to.

Here's we consider when evaluating split king adjustable bed bases:

• Budget: Split king adjustable bases are an expensive investment because they require two motors (one for each side of the bed) as opposed to a regular king or queen base, but they offer incredible personalized comfort. While you might be able to find some at a lower price point, most come at a steep cost if you want additional features beyond basic head and feet positioning. Consider waiting until a holiday weekend, like President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, or Thanksgiving (i.e., Black Friday and Cyber Monday) for extra savings.
• Features: While all adjustable beds offer standard head and feet positioning and the coveted pressure-relieving zero-gravity position, some will include additional features like sleep tracking, massaging, lights, USB ports, and more, so it's important to think about which features you want and which you could live without. Also, decide whether you want to use a remote control, voice control, or an app on your phone to adjust the base.
• Head-raising capability: Adjustable beds have various types of head-raising capabilities. Some beds can be programmed to raise your head gradually to wake you, while others have an anti-snore mode with slight elevation to relieve pressure on your airway. Others offer a TV-watching or book-reading mode for additional back support plus the popular zero-gravity position, allowing you to feel weightless with both your head and legs elevated.
• Setup: Some brands offer white-glove delivery, while others will ship the base directly to you for self-assembly. Delivery services may require a longer wait period but may be worth it for those who don't want to assemble or lift such a heavy bed base.

They're best for anyone who needs to elevate the upper body while sleeping, including users with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Karena Wu, P.T., D.P.T., an orthopedic physical therapist, says they're also helpful for those who have chronic back and neck pain, respiratory issues like snoring or asthma, digestive issues like gastric reflux, and circulatory issues.

Adjustable beds are very popular for their anti-snore presets, which are said to slightly elevate the head to relieve pressure on the airway. This is because it takes gravity out of the equation and helps move the tongue forward. That being said, you may need to experiment to find the best angle of elevation for your body.

They're also helpful for elevating the upper body while sleeping, which is often needed to treat GERD or acid reflux.

RELATED: The Best Pillows for Snoring

For new users, it can take time to adjust to sleeping on a non-flat surface. When it comes to figuring out the right settings, it largely depends on personal preference. The medical professionals we've spoken to agree that there isn’t necessarily a “wrong” level of incline or leg elevation and recommend experimenting to see what supports your sleep the best.

That being said, if you suffer from lower-back pain, Wu recommends a 120-degree angle between the thighs and torso, which translates to the popular zero-gravity position. “The resting position of the knee [should be] 20 degrees, which can be beneficial for knee joint issues,” she adds.

If you suffer from neck pain, Wu recommends sleeping on the side where the neck pain is occurring, which she says most people find helpful. As for shoulder pain, she recommends sleeping on the opposite shoulder to unload the affected shoulder.

In our experience, while premium features like massage, sleep tracking, or under-bed lighting are nice, your usage can vary: Some of our testers swore by them while others barely used anything outside of basic head and foot elevation.

Nitin Bhatia, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon at UCI Health, recommends focusing on what your body needs and shopping accordingly. Consider the following examples:

• If you have GERD or sleep apnea, Dr. Bhatia says to focus on adjustable beds with upper body elevation.
• If you have swelling and pain in your legs, Wu says an adjustable bed with leg elevation can help.
• If you have lower back pain, look for an adjustable bed with leg elevation, which helps by taking pressure off the pelvis. A bed with zero-gravity positioning may also be beneficial, according to Wu, because it takes pressure off the backbone.
• If you’re dealing with stress or insomnia, you may want a bed with a massage feature. Wu says, “Massage helps to reduce pain, improve circulation, and relax the system.”

Yes! Split king adjustable beds require two Twin XL mattresses instead of one King-size mattress, but you can find compatible mattresses at any firmness level or price point in most common mattress materials.

Some types, such as adjustable air, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses, may be more ideal due to how flexible and durable their materials are, but many innerspring mattresses can also be a good fit, as long as they have individually pocketed coils.

For bed frames, it strongly depends on the design: We recommend checking with the manufacturer when possible. Certain beds, like those without removable slats or those with curved footboards or side rails, can obstruct movement. It's also best to check to see if the height of the base works with your specific frame.

It depends. Several couples who tested split king bases were primarily concerned about snoring and liked that they could adjust their partner's side (manually or automatically) for a bit of relief without having to wake the other up. But if your primary concern is mattress firmness or feel, we'd recommend sticking with a Split King mattress on a King-size bed frame.

Adjustable bases can range widely in price, and split king models tend to be the most expensive because you'll need two different motors. If you’re investing in a new bed, a full sleep system with an adjustable base and mattress may be worth considering. But evaluate your needs before committing; it might be best to stick to a basic model.

Our testers say no. While they're not completely silent, many are able to operate them without waking up their partners. There will be some mechanical noises when adjusting position, but this doesn't last too long.

“Individuals with spinal fusion and osteoporosis should not use an adjustable bed because it can worsen or cause other issues,” Wu says. This is because if an adjustable bed isn’t used properly, it can make these conditions worse, as changing bed positions isn’t always safe.

Wu adds that anyone with heart or respiratory issues should consult a doctor before using an adjustable bed because certain angles may impact breathing or circulation.

Beyond that, while our experts agreed there aren’t any unsafe bed configurations for the average person, they recommend that users avoid sleeping on their stomachs. This, Wu says, can strain the neck and back.