8 Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds, Tested by Experts
Let's make sure you're all set to find the most comfortable sleep position yet.
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If you’re planning to use an adjustable bed, I'd recommend choosing a mattress that can flex with the base for the full benefit of head and foot elevation. Foam and hybrid models are typically the best options, but it’s just as important to choose one that feels comfortable for your sleep style.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate mattresses using survey analysis, at-home consumer testing, and hands-on expert assessments. In recent years, we've surveyed over 10,000 mattress owners and tested more than 250 models with hundreds of at-home consumer testers. For this story, I selected top-performing mattresses from our tests that worked especially well with adjustable bases.
Note: Be sure to check your adjustable base’s specifications for any limitations on compatibility before purchasing.
Our top picks:
- Best Foam: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud
- Best Adjustable Firmness: Saatva Solaire
- Best Hybrid:Bear Elite Hybrid
Best Deal
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are the most flexible of the bunch, so they'll work best on an adjustable bed. You’re able to maximize head and foot elevation—for a variety of positions—and enjoy weightless pressure-relief in the zero gravity position (elevated head and foot). They're also typically more lightweight but often lack the edge support of a traditional coil mattress.
Pros
- Tempur-Pedic foam at a lower price
- Adapts to your body shape
- Excellent motion isolation, according to testers
Cons
- Only one firmness level
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side sleepers who struggle to find a mattress with enough give for their hips but not too much for their shoulders
Tempur-Pedic makes some of the best memory foam mattresses on the market. Its pressure relief is unbeatable: The proprietary foam slowly adapts and contours perfectly to your body for precise support unlike any other material. And while the brand often comes at a premium, this boxed model ships directly to your home at a more affordable price point.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Pressure relief: I was shocked by just how comfortable this mattress felt when I first tried it. It seamlessly adapted to my body in every position, and the foam instantly felt luxurious and dream-worthy. As our most recent tester said, "You really feel hugged by the mattress."
✔️ Precise support: The bed itself can feel a tad firm when you first lay down on the bed, but our testers noted that it gradually adapted to their bodies with extra give or support exactly where it's needed. One shared, “I feel like my entire body is supported in a very gentle way.” Still, while the foam contours well and the Medium firmness proves versatile, we wish there were more firmness levels to choose from.
✔️ Motion isolation: Testers consistently highlighted the motion isolation. Several reported improved, uninterrupted sleep and one called the bed “game-changing.”
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud
| Mattress type | Foam |
| Height | 10 in. |
| Firmness levels | Medium |
| Trial period | 90 days |
Pros
- Top scores for comfort and support
- Pressure-relieving memory foam
- High praise from testers with joint pain
Cons
- On the shorter side
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WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Back pain sufferers looking for pressure relief with responsive support
This mattress from Nolah received top praise from testers and panelists with back pain, who swore it notably eased their discomfort. We like that the Medium firmness level and balanced feel help promote spinal alignment for a variety of sleep styles. For those with mobility issues, this mattress may be on the shorter side at 10 inches, depending on the height of your adjustable base.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Responsive foam: What sets this mattress apart from other all-foam models is the brand’s unique, proprietary foam. It’s injected with air at a microscopic level for added breathability and slight bounce. Our testers liked how easy it was to change positions without fully sinking into the bed and found it worked well on an adjustable base.
✔️ Pressure relief: One tester praised its comfortable, contouring feel, noting that the mattress "offers back support while still cradling pressure points." I have to agree: The first time I tried this mattress, I could feel a literal weight being lifted off my shoulders.
✔️ Standout feedback from testers with chronic pain: It sounds too good to be true since there's no one solution to back pain, but our tester feedback for this model is consistently positive year over year. Our most recent tester was initially skeptical but later shared, "My back feels supported, I’m sleeping better, and I’m overall waking up in a better mood. This is my favorite mattress I've ever slept on."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Nolah Original Mattress
| Mattress type | Foam |
| Height | 10 in. |
| Firmness levels | Medium |
| Trial period | 120 days |
Pros
- Excellent breathability, according to testers
- Elastic grid is squishy yet supportive
- Good motion isolation
Cons
- Heavier than other foam mattresses and hard to maneuver
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Hot sleepers in search of a more breathable mattress with precise pressure relief
Purple stands out for its unique GelFlex Grid, an elastic top layer that feels squishy yet surprisingly firm. It provides targeted support and relief, plus excellent motion isolation and breathability. Unlike other foam mattresses, this one doesn't sink in completely under your weight, but it still cradles your pressure points.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Unique feel: Purple loyalists on our panel describe this model as "the perfect combination of soft and firm." One told us, "It's springy and conforms to my body while still being supportive." Other survey respondents remarked that they feel like they're "sleeping on air" and "floating in every sleeping position."
✔️ Amplified precise comfort and support: The grid itself is already designed to provide targeted support while cradling your body (purely based on its structure), but on an adjustable base, that’s amplified even further. In zero gravity position, I found the weightless sensation and lumbar support more notable than on other mattresses.
✔️ Temperature regulation: Several hot sleepers (both testers and panelists) highlighted the breathability: One said, "I appreciate the cool feel of the mattress, as it allows air to circulate beneath me while I sleep." Another even called it "too cold" in the winter.
✔️ Setup: Most testers reported no issues with DIY setup, but some survey respondents told us that the dense grid made the mattress feel heavier and difficult to maneuver.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Purple Mattress
| Mattress type | Foam (with elastic grid) |
| Height | 9.25 in. |
| Firmness levels | Medium Firm |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Smart Mattresses
You can control how soft or firm a smart mattress feels. This is especially great for couples with different firmness preferences, but it's also helpful if you're unsure what firmness level is best for you.
Pros
- Still feels like a traditional mattress
- 50 adjustable firmness levels
- Free white-glove delivery
Cons
- No sleep tracking
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Good Housekeeping readers can take 20% off all Saatva mattress purchases of $1,000 or more now through Memorial Day when shopping through our links.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Couples with different firmness preferences and anyone who's unsure about their ideal firmness level
Saatva's Solaire mattress is truly innovative: It has built-in air chambers for firmness control but still feels like a traditional mattress, thanks to its foam, latex, and pillow-top layers. While the price is high, you can pick between 50 firmness levels, plus you get free white-glove delivery and mattress removal.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️Adjustable firmness: Our panelists and consumer testers loved the flexibility to adjust each side of the bed to their preferred firmness for sleeping or lounging, especially with the help of an adjustable base for optimal relaxation.
✔️ Familiar feel: Few mattresses on the market offer adjustable firmness levels with the construction of a traditional mattress. On top of the air chambers, the Solaire has a flippable comfort layer (with both foam and latex) and a pillow-top, so you get the comfort and support of a traditional mattress. One recent tester appreciated being able to choose between contouring foam or responsive latex.
✔️ Comfort and support: Our testers were impressed with the pressure relief. One said, “For the first time, [my husband] fell asleep on his back and slept peacefully through the night without moving or rolling around.”
✔️ Lacks smart features: The drawback is that there’s no sleep tracking, which you’d expect at the price point.
| Mattress type | Adjustable |
| Height | 13 in. |
| Firmness levels | Adjustable |
| Trial period | 365 days (minus a $99 return pick-up fee) |
Hybrid & Innerspring Mattresses
Hybrid and innerspring mattresses both use layers of foam over coils. Hybrids are known for their balance of comfort and support whereas innersprings stand out for their breathability and support.
Because both mattresses use a coil base, they won't be as malleable as all-foam mattresses. I recommend those with individually pocketed coils; they're slightly more flexible.
Pros
- Multiple firmness options
- High praise from consumer testers for comfort and support
- Zoned sections for ergonomic relief
Cons
- Testers noticed pilling on the outer cover after two years
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Good Housekeeping readers can take 42% off their Bear Elite Hybrid orders through Memorial Day with code GH42.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side and back sleepers, back pain sufferers, or anyone who has struggled to find a truly comfortable mattress
Bear’s Elite Hybrid has been a favorite amongst our experts for its premium zoned support and pillow-y top. It stands at a notable 14-inch height but still fared well when used on an adjustable base, thanks to its hybrid build (foam over coils).
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Comfort & sleep quality: All of our consumer testers were impressed with its comfort. All reported better sleep, and one said, “This is undoubtedly the best mattress we’ve ever owned. We’ve traveled all over and have never had the sleep experience we now enjoy every night.”
✔️ Zoned support: This model has an ergonomic design with zoned support, which means there’s extra give or support in five key areas to help promote spinal alignment. Several testers with back pain were impressed by how they immediately felt comfortable and supported on the bed.
✔️ Durability: This model first launched in 2022 and has held up well in our evaluations so far, though we noticed some pilling on the outer cover—the non-Celliant option—after the two-year point.
Note: I'd skip the Celliant cover upgrade. Bear makes some claims on the product listing that we weren't able to verify, including how the fibers convert body heat into energy to promote recovery.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Bear Elite Hybrid
Features at a Glance
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 14 in. |
| Firmness levels | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Trial period | 120 days |
Pros
- Memory foam cradles pressure points
- Good balance of coils and foam
- Higher scores than pricier models
Cons
- Less edge support than our other picks
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Price-conscious shoppers who prefer to spend under $500 without sacrificing comfort
This hybrid mattress from Allswell surprised our testers with its luxe, hotel-like comfort and budget-friendly cost. The hybrid construction combines cushy foam to cradle pressure points with individually wrapped coils for added support, yet it's still malleable enough to move effortlessly with an adjustable base.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Pillow-y comfort: When lying on this mattress for the first time, I immediately noticed how comfortable and pillowy it felt. Out of 60 survey respondents, 58 liked its cozy feel and how well it molded to their bodies (and adjustable bases). One even called it, "a real, plush hotel mattress, but at a fraction of the price."
✔️ Exceptional value: Beyond receiving high scores for comfort, this mattress has a price point that's especially impressive when the average cost of a Queen-size hybrid mattress just two years ago was $2,050. And despite the consistent price increases we’ve seen throughout the industry, this model has stayed at a consistent cost.
✔️ Versatile firmness: Allswell describes the firmness level as “Medium.” Though some of our testers found it leaned a tad softer, it still earned praise from side sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers alike.
✔️ Edge support: The caveat is it has less edge support than our other picks.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Allswell Luxe Hybrid
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 12 in. |
| Firmness levels | Medium |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Pros
- Top-rated by long-term users
- Good edge support
- Free white-glove delivery
Cons
- 14.5" version is not compatible with adjustable bed bases
- Runs firm
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Good Housekeeping readers can take 20% off all Saatva mattress purchases of $1,000 or more now through Memorial Day when shopping through our links.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Shoppers who want the support of a traditional innerspring mattress on an adjustable bed
If you prefer the feel of a traditional mattress and want one for your adjustable bed, this innerspring model from Saatva is one of the best mattresses you can buy. It fared well in consumer tests, easily moving with the head and foot of an adjustable bed. Note that only the 11.5-inch version is compatible with an adjustable base.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Top-notch support: This model consistently gets top scores and glowing reviews among our panelists for its supportive feel. Compared to other innerspring mattresses I’ve tried, the edge support on this one is phenomenal. I’d recommend this if you prefer solid, firm support over the cushy feel of memory foam. Though if you like a plusher feel, I’d avoid it: It tends to run firm in our evaluations.
✔️ Breathable design: Innerspring mattresses are known for their breathable design, but the Saatva Classic goes a step further with two layers of coils for extra ventilation.
✔️ Excellent customer service: Survey respondents highlighted Saatva’s customer service and praised how easy it was to address issues during delivery or for any questions during the purchasing process. I also like that Saatva offers a 365-day trial, minus a $99 pick-up fee, plus free setup and delivery.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Saatva Classic Mattress
| Mattress type | Innerspring |
| Height | 11.5 in. |
| Firmness levels | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Trial period | 365 days (with a $99 return pickup fee) |
Pros
- GOTS and GOLS certified organic
- Comfortable and firm support
- Ergonomic design promotes spinal alignment
Cons
- Price varies for different firmness levels
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Eco-conscious consumers who favor organic materials over memory foam or those looking for a mattress that won't sink in under their weight
The Avocado Green Mattress is made with quality materials and uses production processes certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Constructed with pocketed coils and layers of latex and wool, this mattress is perfect for anyone who prefers to avoid memory foam and synthetic materials.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Responsive feel: I find that latex hybrids are a great option for those who like to feel like they’re sleeping “on top of” their mattresses rather than “in” them. Unlike foam, latex has a springy texture that “bounces back” to provide support. This means it won’t sink in under your weight and tends to feel firmer than foam.
✔️ Comfortable and firm support: "It is unbelievably comfortable," said one user. "I like that it is supportive, and I don't wake up in pain as I have with other mattresses." Others appreciated how it evenly distributed their body weight, resulting in a weightless, floating feel that’s further amplified when on an adjustable base.
✔️ Commitment to sustainability: Many brands promise to be sustainable, but Avocado stands out for its commitment to carbon neutrality and its many organic certifications.
✔️ Drawbacks: While this model is available in three firmness levels, you'll need to pay more for the Medium or Plush options. Latex is also less flexible than foam, so you may not be able to maximize the incline of your head or feet.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado Green Mattress
| Mattress type | Latex hybrid |
| Height | 11 in., 11.5 in. or 13 in. |
| Firmness levels | Firm, Medium, Plush |
| Trial period | 365 nights |
Other mattresses we’ve tested
Casper’s Original Mattress was previously one of our top recommendations because of its zoned support (rare for an all-foam model) and pressure relief. The brand has since discontinued this model, but you can still find it at select retailers, like Amazon, while stock lasts. We are currently testing its replacement, The One, which skips the zoned support (but also costs a few hundred less).
Sleep Number’s p6 Smart Bed was previously our pick for the best adjustable mattress and bed combo. The mattress received great feedback from hundreds of users on our panel, but Sleep Number’s newest iteration of smart bases have been hit or miss with some technical errors in our tests. Since you need to pair the p6 with one of the brand’s FlexFit bases, we’re not confident in recommending it at this time.
The Puffy Lux Hybrid is one of our favorite soft mattresses and a favorite amongst side sleepers and back sleepers in our tests. It’s a solid pick for someone who likes a soft, foam-y feel but it doesn’t stand out for use on an adjustable bed.
Helix’s Midnight Luxe (and its Luxe collection in general) is one of the most popular hybrids on the market, having a versatile medium feel, but we think its 13.5-inch height is concerning. We’ll see how it performs in upcoming consumer testing.
How we test mattresses for adjustable beds
Because mattresses are used routinely for years, we focus on real-world performance over short-term Lab tests. To evaluate mattresses, we rely on large-scale consumer data, at-home testing, and scientific analysis of materials and construction.
Here's what goes into our recommendations:
✔️ Large-scale, comprehensive survey data: We've surveyed over 10,000 readers on our panel, which includes analyzing over 170,000 answers to questions about the mattresses each panelist owns.
✔️ At-home consumer testing: We match and send mattresses to real users to try out at home for direct feedback, both short-term and long-term, which helps us understand how each mattress holds up over time. In the past six years, we've tested more than 250 mattresses with hundreds of consumer testers. For this story, we made sure to test each style on an adjustable bed.
✔️ Materials and build review: Our analysts research hundreds of new models each year. We leverage their scientific backgrounds in materials engineering to assess materials, construction, claims, and certifications. We also look for consumer complaints: Brands with consistent red flags for quality or customer service are eliminated from our recommendations.
✔️ Expert insight: We review new sleep studies, consult medical professionals, and visit manufacturing facilities to better understand design and performance claims. As GH's resident mattress expert, I've also tried out dozens of mattresses firsthand, whether personally in my home or in showrooms.
What we consider
Here are some of the most important factors we consider when choosing the best mattresses for adjustable beds:
✔️ Ordering & delivery: Users tell us how easy the mattress was to order and how long it took to arrive. They also reveal any problems with ordering or unexpected delays that occurred.
✔️ Setup: Our panelists and testers share their setup experiences, whether self-setup or white-glove delivery, and report whether the mattress took proper shape in a reasonable amount of time.
✔️ Compatibility: Testers also provide feedback on how well the mattress fared on an adjustable base and if there were any relevant setup issues. When we assess adjustable-base compatibility, we look for feedback on whether the mattress bends smoothly at the hinge points, stays in place when elevated, and still feels supportive in common positions like head elevation and zero gravity.
✔️ Firmness level: Testers rate the firmness of the mattress. This is important because sometimes the brand's reported rating doesn't align with what users feel in real use.
✔️ Edge support: Testers will sit on the edge of the bed and note how the mattress holds up to additional pressure.
✔️ Comfort and support: Our testers score the mattresses for comfort and support. They also rate how much they liked sleeping on it initially versus over an extended period.
✔️ Temperature regulation: Regardless of any cooling claims, we ask everyone (including hot sleepers) to rate how comfortable their body temperature remained while sleeping on the mattress.
✔️ Sleep quality: We also ask users how the mattress impacted their overall sleep quality and whether or not they woke up feeling sore. Our respondents also rate the mattress on their overall experience and then compare the mattress to other beds they've previously slept on.
✔️ Additional feedback: Testers and panelists let us know any specific likes or dislikes as well as any other comments they have about their user experience.
What to look for when shopping for a mattress for an adjustable beds
Choosing a new mattress is a tough decision, especially one that works with an adjustable base. Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop:
✔️ Sleep position: The goal is to keep your spine in neutral alignment, so factoring in how you sleep can help narrow down your search.
- Stomach sleepers should choose a firmer mattress.
- Side sleepers are best suited to a softer surface to avoid stress on any pressure points, including your shoulders, hips, and knees.
- Back sleepers and combination sleepers fall somewhere in between and should opt for Medium firmness.
✔️ Body type: Heavy people need a firmer bed for optimal support, while those with lightweight frames should opt for a softer mattress. When deciding on the right firmness level, make sure to take into account both your weight and sleep position.
✔️ Back pain: Opt for a pressure-relieving mattress with all foam or a hybrid of foam and coils if you suffer from any type of back pain. Medical experts also recommend mattresses with Medium firmness for a good balance of cushioning and support.
✔️ Temperature: Hot sleepers or anyone who suffers from night sweats can benefit from a mattress with cooling properties. Memory foam tends to retain heat or sleep hot, so opt for a mattress with coils for increased breathability or additional cooling technology like copper particles, gel, or phase change material (PCM) incorporated in the foam.
✔️ Trial period: It's difficult to know if a mattress is a good fit for you without sleeping on it. Luckily, most mattress companies offer trial periods. But before you buy, make sure you're aware of any return fees and the return process just in case.
✔️ Compatibility: Look for any information that explains whether the mattress is compatible with an adjustable base. Often, mattress brands with adjustable bases will list compatible mattresses under the base listing as well as any restrictions on mattress height. Otherwise, most mattresses made of memory foam, latex, and individually pocketed coils will be a good fit, but be sure to check with the brand if no information is listed.
✔️ Materials: While memory foam and innerspring mattresses are the most common options available on the market, there are a variety of materials used in mattresses.
- Memory foam mattresses adapt to your body shape so it feels like your pressure points are being cradled.
- Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam, but latex is made from rubber trees and may be used in organic mattresses.
- Innerspring mattresses are usually firmer and have more bounce.
- Hybrid mattresses use a combination of memory foam (or latex) with innersprings so you don't have to pick just one.
- Adjustable mattresses have air chambers that allow you to control the mattress's firmness level.
✔️ Certifications: You might see a variety of emblems when you shop for mattresses. Here are a few of the most common certifications you'll see and what they mean:
- CertiPUR-US: This certifies whether any foam in the mattress has been made without certain harmful chemicals and tested for low VOC emissions.
- OEKO-TEX: The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex shows whether any fabric component of the mattress has been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals.
- GOTS: The Global Organic Textile Standard shows that the entire production process of the mattress follows strict standards. This is the gold standard for any organic mattress made of natural materials. Just be aware that GOTS only certifies entire products. This certification is commonly misused by brands who claim that only some components (e.g., an organic cotton outer cover) are certified, so you can always check the GOTS public database to be sure.
- GOLS: The Global Organic Latex Standard is similar to GOTS, but for latex. These two organic certifications are often used together in organic mattresses and pillows.
- GREENGUARD: An indoor air quality certification that indicates that the mattress meets chemical emission standards. There's also a GREENGUARD Gold certification, which requires products to have lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels.
What type of mattress is best for adjustable bed?
You don't need a special mattress to pair with an adjustable base. You can find compatible mattresses at every firmness level and price for most materials. While adjustable air, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are ideal because of the flexibility and durability of their materials, innerspring mattresses can also work well, as long as they have individually pocketed coils.
Still, it’s important to check if there are any height limitations for your adjustable bed base. Some bed bases will work with mattresses up to 16 inches, while others require models below 14 inches. We find that thinner mattresses (especially those 12 inches or below) work best in our tests.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She regularly evaluates mattresses and adjustable beds, oversees consumer testing, and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. Prior to joining GH, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
