Nolah Evolution 15
With thick, pressure-relieving foam layers over a zoned coil support core, the Nolah Evolution 15 offers three firmness options to suit most sleeper types. Additional details like a breathable quilted Euro-top and a reinforced perimeter help the mattress stand out against its competitors.
An adjustable bed features moving parts so you can adjust the angle of the head and foot of the bed, which may help ease symptoms of conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, and snoring. Additionally, some sleepers simply find adjustable beds more comfortable.
The best mattresses for adjustable beds must be flexible to bend with the base, but they should also be robust so they don’t lose integrity with repeated movement. We’ll discuss how to choose a compatible mattress and share our favorite models.
If you sleep with a partner, don’t miss our article on the best split king adjustable beds. Looking for a broader range of choices? See our guide to the overall best mattresses.
The Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following four options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for adjustable beds.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Nolah Evolution 15
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nolah Evolution 15 is the quintessential hybrid, with an even balance of cushioning in the thick foam comfort layers and sturdy support in the coil system. Three firmness options makes it suitable for most sleep positions.
Buy from Nolah
Hot Sleepers
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Great
Pros
- Zoned coils provide targeted lumbar support and perimeter reinforcement
- Comes in a choice of three firmness levels
- Aerated foam and a breathable cotton cover help dispel excess body heat
Cons
- Thick mattress profile may require a deep pocket fitted sheet
- $99 fee for returns
- Foam layers emit some off-gassing odors after unboxing
Why we like it
Our testers found the Nolah Evolution 15 conformed closely enough to ease pressure off sensitive areas. Meanwhile the coils balance out the cushioned surface with sturdy support for heavier parts of the body. Side and back sleepers found the balance of cushioning and support most comfortable in the plusher models, while stomach sleepers preferred the firmest model.
How does it feel?
In all firmnesses, the comfort system contains a quilted 2-inch Euro-top followed by three layers of polyfoam that cradled our bodies during testing. The support core is composed of zoned pocketed coils that support your body but also generate some responsiveness. During in-house tests, hot sleepers found the mattress very comfortable. Hybrids tend to sleep fairly cool thanks to airflow through the coil layer, and the bed is designed with several cooling features to further minimize heat retention. The ArcticTex cover and top foam layers are formulated to retain less heat than traditional foam, and a gusset along the perimeter helps ventilate the comfort layers.
Best Value Mattress
Bear Star Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Bear Star Hybrid is a foam-and-coil mattress that runs cooler than other foam hybrids we’ve tested, thanks to the phase change material and Celliant in the cover. The bed earned its highest marks from our side-sleeping testers, who enjoyed the mix of pressure relief and support.
Buy from Bear
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Responsive, Supportive Surface
Great
Pros
- Cool, responsive surface with reliable edges
- Lower price-point than many similarly built hybrids
- Includes Celliant fibers designed to boost muscle recovery
Cons
- Sensitive co-sleepers may be disturbed by their partner’s movements
- Potential for pressure points in side sleepers under 130 pounds
- May allow too much sinkage for heavier stomach sleepers
Why We Like It
The medium firm feel and cooling technologies make the Bear Star Hybrid a good choice for sleepers seeking a responsive yet supportive mattress. Individuals who sleep hot and those on a budget should also find the Bear Star Hybrid meets their needs. The Bear Star Hybrid uses a pocketed coil support system to provide bounce and stability while limiting motion transfer. Beneath the support core, a layer of high-density polyfoam forms the base of the mattress for extra durability.
How Does It Feel?
The five-layer construction starts with a quilted Celliant fiber cover engineered to transform body heat into infrared energy. The cover is also made with phase change material intended to regulate temperature. A layer of copper-infused memory foam contours to the shape of the body and eases tension by promoting good posture as you sleep. A transitional polyfoam layer rounds out the comfort system by providing reinforcement while also preventing the body from sinking too far into the mattress.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Latex Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Some latex beds have a responsive quality that’s not for everyone, but the Saatva Latex Hybrid balances out the bouncy feel with a tufted Euro-top that deeply cushions your body. Meanwhile the latex and coils prevent uncomfortable sinkage and offer excellent support.
Buy from Saatva
Back Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Great
Pros
- Breathable, responsive construction features natural and organic materials
- Supportive hybrid design performs well for sleepers over 130 pounds
- Year-long sleep trial and free White Glove delivery to the lower 48 states
Cons
- Some motion transfer is possible when sharing the bed
- Latex may cause pressure points for side sleepers under 130 pounds
- $99 fee for returns
Why We Like It
Our testing team found the combination of latex and coils offered sleepers an even mix of conforming and pushback. The balance of support and give makes this mattress easy to reposition when used as an adjustable bed. The zoned construction of the coil system also puts stronger coils along the edges and beneath the lumbar region to prevent sagging. The Saatva Latex Hybrid also includes free White Glove delivery for customers in the contiguous U.S, which can be a big help given the weight of the mattress.
How Does It Feel?
Designed to resist heat buildup, the mattress is encased in breathable GOTS-certified organic cotton. The cover is treated with Saatva’s proprietary botanical treatment, Guardin, which is engineered to reduce bacteria and mold. A layer of organic wool batting functions as a fire barrier while also drawing out excess heat. Three inches of zoned Talalay latex offers targeted support, especially for the lumbar region. The latex also has small perforations that encourage airflow, leading to a cooler sleep. The mattress’ support core features individually wrapped coils that reduce motion transfer while still allowing for easy movement.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Puffy Cloud Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Puffy Cloud is quite plush and adaptive, so you get that deep cradling and contouring many people enjoy about memory foam. Using the mattress with an adjustable bed can enhance these qualities and prevent pressure from building in your most sensitive areas.
Buy from Puffy
Couples
Medium (5)
Close-Conforming Foam
Excellent
Pros
- Plush foam layers contour closely to cradle the body and alleviate discomfort
- Excellent motion isolation
- Seven size options including a split king for couples
Cons
- Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights
- Too soft for most back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Foam layers may absorb and trap heat
Why We Like It
The Puffy Cloud’s flexible all-foam construction pairs nicely with any adjustable bed. A medium (5) mattress, the Cloud conforms closely to your body’s unique curves — this creates a pressure-relieving cradle further enhanced by zero-gravity and other customized positions you can achieve with an adjustable base. We also found that the Cloud isolates motion exceptionally well, so couples can get the rest they need without losing sleep due to movement-related disruptions. Our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds awarded the mattress its highest ratings.
How Does It Feel?
The Cloud’s top layer is made of adaptive memory foam, giving the surface an invitingly plush feel. Denser foams in the transitional and support layers provide additional padding, but these materials also push back against your weight to help prevent excessive sinkage. The polyester cover is both stain-resistant and machine-washable, making the mattress relatively easy to keep clean. At 12 inches thick, the Cloud is a high-profile mattress but you shouldn’t need a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
How We Test
The Sleep Doctor team trials hundreds of mattresses in our quest to provide up to date and reliable information. To find the best mattresses for adjustable beds, our sleep testers carried out their usual pressure, motion, and temperature tests, then went a step further and tested how each mattress worked with an adjustable base.
When looking for a mattress that will work well with an adjustable bed frame, you should steer clear of old-school innerspring mattresses and instead seek out either an all-foam or hybrid option. Modern mattresses are able to bend more easily, helping you reap the benefits of your adjustable base without damaging your mattress.
What Is an Adjustable Bed?
An adjustable bed has a bed frame split into moveable sections, allowing you to raise and lower different parts of the bed. Adjustable beds typically come with a remote control or smartphone app to adjust the angles of the bed. Most are designed to work with a regular foam, hybrid, or latex mattress, with the mattress adjusting to the bed’s movements. Some adjustable beds boast special features such as massage functions, underbed lighting, and wall-hugging or zero-gravity positions.
Many, but not all, mattresses are suitable for use with an adjustable base. Notably, many traditional innerspring mattresses may not compress enough to use with an adjustable bed base.
Should You Buy an Adjustable Bed?
Adjustable beds tend to be priced higher than regular bed frames, but they offer potential advantages for conditions such as snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, fluid retention, or acid reflux and heartburn. Talk to your doctor before using an adjustable bed to treat a health condition.
Other benefits of sleeping on an adjustable bed include the freedom to read in bed or watch TV at a more comfortable angle. If you spend a lot of time in bed, an adjustable model may help reduce pressure buildup in sensitive areas.
Adjustable bases are inherently heavier and more difficult to set up compared with regular bed frames, and they may require periodic upkeep or repairs. If you already have a mattress, you’ll need to confirm it’s compatible with an adjustable base.
Pros
- May improve symptoms of certain health conditions
- More comfortable for reading or watching TV in bed
- May relieve pressure for those who spend a lot of time in bed
Cons
- More expensive than the average bed frame
- Require more complex setup and ongoing maintenance
- Incompatible with certain mattresses
What Kind of Mattress Is Best for an Adjustable Bed?
Most foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are suitable for use with an adjustable base.
Classic innerspring mattresses don’t bend as easily and may not be appropriate. Similarly, although some airbeds are suitable for use with an adjustable base, you should check compatibility to ensure the bed’s movement won’t negatively affect the air chambers. Mattresses with profiles thicker than 13 inches may offer resistance when attempting to bend the frame.
Because adjustable bases work in close synergy with the mattress, both of these components need to come in the same size. This means that it may be difficult to find an adjustable base for custom mattress sizes.
When looking for a mattress to use with your adjustable base, you should also consider your comfort preferences. Many adjustable bed owners prefer foam or hybrid mattresses, which tend to offer closer-conforming pressure relief than latex models.
Solid vs. Split Adjustable Beds
Whereas most adjustable beds move as one unit, split adjustable beds allow each side to move independently. This design is ideal for couples with different comfort preferences. Some models are joined at the lower half but split across the upper section, so each user can choose whether to elevate the head of the bed.
What to Look For in an Adjustable Bed
Certain factors such as support, noise, and firmness level may be especially relevant when selecting a mattress to use with your adjustable bed.
Support
Many people who buy adjustable beds have back pain or other conditions that require sturdy support. A supportive mattress offers pushback in key areas to help prevent body sinkage and keep the spine on an even plane.
The bulk of a mattress’ supportive capabilities come from the support core, which is usually composed of coils or high-density polyfoam. Occasionally, a mattress may be reinforced with stronger materials to provide enhanced support to certain areas, such as the lower back.
In the upper portion of the mattress, the comfort system can also influence spinal alignment by contouring more or less closely to the body’s curves. Mattresses with closer contouring often provide improved pressure relief, but they may not be as effective at maintaining proper spinal alignment.
Firmness
Mattress firmness is subjective and depends on body weight and sleeping position. The goal when selecting a mattress is to find a firmness level that relieves pressure points without allowing the heavier parts of your body to sink in too far.
Side sleepers typically require a plusher mattress to ease pressure in the hips and shoulders, whereas stomach sleepers generally need a firm surface that keeps the hips in line with the torso.
A medium firm mattress may feel too firm to a person weighing less than 130 pounds, whereas someone weighing more than 230 pounds exerts more pressure on the mattress and may find it too soft. You may find that an extra-firm mattress isn’t flexible enough to work with an adjustable base.
Mattress Size
It’s important to verify the size and thickness of your adjustable bed before purchasing a mattress. You should also check the weight capacity, as mattresses that are too heavy for the bed frame may damage the frame or cause injury.
Noise Level
There’s a higher chance of creaks and squeaks when using an adjustable base due to the moving parts. If you use a hybrid mattress, you may also hear noises from the coils as the mattress bends along with the frame. If you’re easily bothered by noise, you may want to stick with a nonadjustable base or buy a mattress without coils.
Pricing
The average price of a queen mattress for an adjustable bed ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. This range represents the average price for a mattress in general — excepting innerspring models, which are generally incompatible with adjustable bases. The cost of the mattress must be added to the price of an adjustable base, which run between $500 and $3,000 on average.
Foam mattresses tend to be the most affordable. Mattresses featuring complex designs or those made with premium materials, such as natural latex, tend to be priced higher. Airbeds are typically the most expensive, since they have moving parts.
Split queen, split king, or split California king mattresses may cost more than a standard queen, king, or California king size mattress from the same brand.
Using Insurance to Cover an Adjustable Bed
Regular adjustable beds typically aren’t eligible for insurance coverage. However, Medicare Part B, state Medicaid programs, and private insurance plans may help with the cost of renting or owning a hospital-grade adjustable base if you require it for medical reasons, such as a nervous system injury or heart condition.
To qualify for coverage, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor and you will have to purchase the bed through a participating durable medical equipment provider. The hospital beds offered through DME providers have a more basic design intended to help with mobility and comfort. These beds are unlikely to boast massage, automatic snore response, or other sophisticated functions. Read more: How to Get Financial Assistance for Adjustable Beds.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Online mattress sellers typically offer a sleep trial somewhere in the range of 90 to 365 nights, during which you can sleep on the mattress in your home and return it for a refund if you’re not happy. You can use the sleep trial period to test whether the mattress goes well with your adjustable bed. Just be gentle, as most companies won’t accept returns if the mattress is damaged.
Most mattresses also come with a warranty to protect against defects in materials and workmanship. Mattress warranties can last anywhere from five years to a lifetime.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
Sleep is our specialty, and mattresses are a particular area of expertise for our product testers. Check out our team’s expert picks across a range of niche categories.
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About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
