A bed with an adjustable base has advantages, especially if it’s automatic. With the press of a button, you can raise the bed to the perfect angle for reading and watching movies. An adjustable bed also has health benefits that include relieving back pain, easing respiratory problems, and improving sleep quality.
You can relieve symptoms associated with sleep apnea, and acid reflux disease and an adjustable bed frame can help you sleep better at night. However, if you have a new mattress, you may be worried the moving parts can shorten its lifespan.
Do adjustable bed frames ruin mattresses? It depends on the type of mattress you’re using. The perfect mattress for adjustable beds is light and flexible, and just the right thickness. Incompatible mattresses will definitely cause mattress damage.
What Is An Adjustable Bed?
Adjustable beds are a great way to improve the comfort of your sleep. They provide an adjustable surface that can be tailored to your individual needs, allowing you to get the best possible rest. Adjustable beds typically have between 1 and 5 different actions that can be used to provide support where it is needed.
The most basic design will adjust the head of the bed, while more advanced models can lift or lower the foot of the bed, provide added spinal support through the middle of the bed, and even allow for knee, hip, and shoulder alignment independent of the rest of the bed. Split designs are also available for dual sleepers who need separate adjustments for each side.
Adjustable beds can be a great investment for those who struggle with sleep surface comfort. With adjustable beds, you can customize your sleeping experience in order to get optimal comfort and support throughout the night.
Whether you’re looking for extra lumbar support or just want to elevate your feet at night, adjustable beds offer a wide range of options that can help you find relief from uncomfortable sleeping positions. Investing in an adjustable bed is a great way to ensure that you’re getting quality rest every night.
Do Adjustable Bases Damage Mattresses?
Adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular for those who want to customize their sleeping experience. But, do adjustable beds damage mattresses? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the adjustable base you choose and the mattress you own.
If you’re worried an adjustable bed base will damage your mattress, you may have a reason for your concerns. Not all mattresses are compatible with an adjustable base. If the base ruins the mattress, it’s usually not covered under the mattress warranty.
To understand if adjustable beds can damage mattresses, it’s important to know how they work. Adjustable bases come in a variety of styles and levels of complexity. Some are simpler than others, but all have the same basic function: to adjust the angle of your bed so that you can sleep in different positions.
However, some mattresses simply don’t play nice with adjustable bases. If your mattress is too soft or too firm, it may be incompatible with an adjustable base and could be damaged by its use. Therefore, before purchasing an adjustable bed, it’s important to make sure that your mattress is compatible with the type of base you want to buy.
Still, if you want to be 100% sure, the best option is to purchase a mattress and adjustable frame together. Top-rated brands like Leesa, Casper, and Zomasleep offer affordable packages that include both the mattress and frame.
What Are The Disadvantages Of An Adjustable Bed?
Adjustable beds are a great way to get the perfect night’s sleep, but they can come with their own set of problems. One of the most common issues is electrical and mechanical failures.
If one element fails, the bed may not be able to adjust or even worse, it may malfunction completely. This can be especially problematic during a power outage when you need to adjust your bed for comfort.
Another issue with adjustable beds is that they tend to be quite large and heavy, making them difficult to move around. This can be an issue if you need to rearrange your bedroom furniture or if you want to take your adjustable bed on vacation with you.
Additionally, if you don’t buy a high-quality adjustable bed and service it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you may experience more problems than necessary.
What to Look For in a Mattress for an Adjustable Bed Base
When it comes to choosing the right mattress for an adjustable bed base, flexibility is key. The mattress should be able to contour to the base as much as possible in order to fit snuggly and provide maximum comfort.
Rigid mattresses are not ideal for adjustable bases since they tend to wear out more quickly when coupled with an adjustable base. It is important to consider the size and weight of the mattress when selecting one that will work best with your adjustable bed base.
In addition, it is important to make sure that your mattress is compatible with your adjustable bed base. Different brands may have different specifications so it is important to check before purchasing. You also want to make sure that your mattress is comfortable and supportive enough for your body type and sleeping position.
A good quality mattress should provide you with adequate support while still being comfortable enough for a restful night’s sleep. With these qualities in mind, you can find the perfect adjustable bed mattress that will give you adequate comfort and support for years.
When you’re ready to switch from a standard bed frame to an adjustable one, here are three factors to look for in a mattress.
1. Weight
Some mattresses weigh more than others, and this usually depends on the fill and support system. The adjustable base has moving parts that will show wear and tear when used with a heavy mattress.
If you’re buying the bed frame and mattress separately, make sure the weight is compatible. You can find the maximum weight supported in the product specs listed for the adjustable bed frame.
2. Thickness
Mattress thickness affects more than your comfort. It also determines how it works with an adjustable bed frame. Thinner mattresses are a better fit. It’s easier for the frame to bend slimmer mattresses into the preset positions.
Industry experts recommend using a mattress that measures between 10 -12 inches. Larger mattresses can damage the frame. You also don’t want to sleep on anything less than 10” thick. Lower back pain, sleep and health problems can intensify on thinner mattresses.
3. Flexibility
Flexibility isn’t something you usually think about in a mattress. It is a crucial consideration when the mattress is going on an adjustable frame. The frame is preset to adjust to various positions, which affects the mattress.
Firmer, more rigid mattresses aren’t designed to bend with the bed frame’s movement. It can shorten the mattress’s lifespan and cause additional wear and tear on the bed frame’s mechanical parts.
Softer mattresses bend more easily, reducing wear and tear. It also lessens strain on the bed frame as it moves the mattress into the preset position. If you’re worried about comfort on a softer mattress, the bed frame is adjustable. You can find a mattress position that’s comfortable and induces a great night’s sleep.
Best Types of Mattresses for an Adjustable Base
There’s no shortage of mattress types, and each one provides some level of comfort. However, some work better than others for an adjustable frame.
Innerspring mattresses are not the best choice to use with an adjustable bed frame. The metal coils provide excellent support but will not bend under pressure. Using an innerspring mattress with a frame that adjusts causes wear and tear that the manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t always cover.
Even though mattresses with inner coils are great for providing support, you can get the same benefits from other types that are compatible with an adjustable bed base.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses contour to your body shape. The foam “remembers” whether you’re a side sleeper or perform dozing on your back. When you lay down the memory foam cells automatically shape to your body, providing the right amount of support exactly where you need it.
Memory foam mattresses are also flexible. The soft material easily bends when the base is adjusted. The lack of steel coils allows the mattress to move without straining the frame’s moveable parts. You get the support you need at night, in the best position, without damaging the mattress or the bed frame.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses aren’t everyone’s favorite. A high-quality 100% natural latex rubber mattress can be too expensive for some budgets. There are also problems with odor, and buoyancy can diminish when the mattress is on an adjustable bed frame.
You can solve the problem with the mattress feeling deflated by choosing a thinner one. If you don’t want to replace your original latex mattress, avoid placing the bed frame in extremely upright positions. Latex is flexible, but not as much as memory foam. Some positions can make the mattress feel bumpy or uneven.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses offer sleepers the best of everything — they have supportive coils and body-contouring layers of foam. You get the right amount of support, along with comfortable softness. Hybrid mattresses also come with an attractive price tag and work well with adjustable bed frames.
Even though hybrid mattresses contain coils similar to innerspring, they still bend and flex well without any resistance. Instead of connected supportive springs, the mattress has pocketed coils in two inches or more of soft foam. So if you’re asking, will an adjustable base damage a hybrid mattress? No, it won’t.
FAQs
Will regular fitted sheets work with an adjustable frame?
Sheets sized to fit the mattress are fine to use with an adjustable bed frame. The frame doesn’t change the mattress dimensions, it only moves it into certain positions. If you’re worried about the fitted sheet sliding off, you have options. Suspends and straps designed for sheets wrap around the mattress and keep everything in place. You can also buy fitted sheets with deep pockets. The extra room gives you more material to tuck in underneath the mattress.
Is it comfortable to side sleep on an adjustable bed?
Side sleepers know that it’s not easy finding a mattress that provides support where they need it. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses help, but you are still in pain in the morning. With an adjustable bed, you can place the frame in an incline position. You get the support you need while comfortably sleeping on your side.
Can an adjustable bed frame help with lower back pain?
Lower back pain can make it difficult to enjoy life. It hurts to move and it’s hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. An adjustable frame can alleviate the pain, and help you sleep better at night. Sleeping on an incline relieves lower back pain while also supporting your spine’s natural curvature.
Do doctors recommend adjustable beds?
Yes, doctors do recommend adjustable bed bases for those that find it difficult to get comfortable in traditional beds. Adjustable mattresses have potential benefits for those with chronic back pain, as the customizable support helps alleviate the associated stress and tension from joints and muscles. In addition, people with chronic respiratory issues can benefit from adjustable beds as the elevated headboards allow for easier breathing during sleep. With the help of an adjustable bed, people can attain a more comfortable sleeping position which may provide increased comfort and better sleep quality overall.
Can you use a normal mattress on an adjustable bed?
Yes, you can use a normal mattress on an adjustable bed. However, if you are going to use your bed often in the adjustable position, it is best to get a mattress designed specifically for this purpose. This is because regular mattresses may not be flexible enough to move with the adjustment and could lead to wear and tear over a period of time. Additionally, some mattresses have extra special features such as coils that move independently of each other or memory foam layers that are better suited for adjustable beds.
What is the life expectancy of an adjustable bed?
The life expectancy of an adjustable bed depends on the brand and quality of the product. Generally, adjustable beds can last for ten years or more with proper care and maintenance. If you are using a top-of-the-line bed with advanced mattress technology such as memory foam, motion isolation or motorized movements, then you can expect your bed to last even longer. With basic care in replacing parts when necessary and performing regular inspections, adjustable beds have a great life expectancy and can last for many years.
How thick should a mattress be for an adjustable bed?
The optimal mattress thickness for an adjustable bed varies depending on your preferences and the type of supporting base. Generally, a good range to consider is 8-14 inches. Thinner mattresses work great if you’re looking for a light, simple setup, particularly for based with split head and foot design, but thicker ones provide added support in more robust frames. Memory foam or gelfoam offers additional comfort and improved motion isolation compared to traditional spring beds. If you’re sharing your bed with another person, be sure to get at least 10-12 inch mattress so that each person has their own level of support and comfort.
Conclusion
An adjustable bed can damage your mattress when it’s not compatible. You want to look for a latex, hybrid, or memory foam mattress. It’s flexible, supportive, and lightweight. You’ll enjoy comfortable nights without worrying about wear and tear and the mattress or bed frame.
With the right mattress and adjustable frame, you can sleep comfortably in any position and watch TV without straining your neck or back.
Article Sources
- Miller, R. (2016, April 8). Considerations Before Buying an Adjustable Bed. https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/considerations-buying-adjustable-bed
- Spary, S. (2022, October 25). How to buy the best adjustable bed. https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/adjustable-beds/article/how-to-buy-the-best-adjustable-bed-asjNZ1J3Zs7I
- Taylor, M. (2023, January 24). Adjustable Bed Sizes and Dimensions Guide. https://amerisleep.com/blog/adjustable-bed-sizes-and-dimensions/
- Osmun, R. (2022, December 17). 8 Benefits of an Adjustable Bed. https://amerisleep.com/blog/adjustable-beds-help-support-healthier-living-heres/
- Werner, M. (2023, Januray 29). 10 Health Benefits of an Adjustable Bed Base. https://www.ghostbed.com/pages/10-health-benefits-of-an-adjustable-bed-base