Do Adjustable Beds Damage Mattresses

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. [Read our full health disclaimer]

Updated on February 16, 2023

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.

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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.

Foot on on top of bed

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.

Eyeglasses With Brown Frames on White Textile

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

White linens and pillow on wood frame

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.

Gray Cat Lying on Bed

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

white bed pillow on bed

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

Person in Bed Covered With Blanket

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 

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

  1. Miller, R. (2016, April 8). Considerations Before Buying an Adjustable Bed. https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/considerations-buying-adjustable-bed
  2. 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
  3. Taylor, M. (2023, January 24). Adjustable Bed Sizes and Dimensions Guide. https://amerisleep.com/blog/adjustable-bed-sizes-and-dimensions/
  4. Osmun, R. (2022, December 17). 8 Benefits of an Adjustable Bed. https://amerisleep.com/blog/adjustable-beds-help-support-healthier-living-heres/
  5. 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
Bree Taylor - Lead Editor

Lead Editor

Bree is an interior designer with a passion for helping people improve their sleep quality.

She specializes in creating comfortable and functional bedroom spaces that promote a good night’s rest.

When she’s not testing mattresses or helping people get the best rest possible, Bree loves to travel and explore new cultures.

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