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When our Reviews Team surveyed 1,000 adjustable bed users, 62% of respondents over age 54 told us they decided to purchase an adjustable bed once they noticed joint pain and mobility issues. [1]NCOA Adviser Adjustable Beds Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched June 2023. Finding the best adjustable bed for your unique needs isn’t an easy task. When you look past all the features and frills, which adjustable base will truly ease your pain and help you sleep better and age in place successfully?
We consulted with Amanda Weeks, an occupational therapist specializing in older adults at B. Well Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to fully understand common issues that affect older adults and how adjustable beds may be of benefit to them. “Conditions affecting muscles, joints, or the brain can have a significant impact on both mobility and sleep,” said Weeks. She said she frequently encounters patients with breathing problems, chronic pain conditions, and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, and that many of these patients may find adjustable bases helpful.
If you’re considering an adjustable bed, we hope our reviews of these eight brands will help you to make an informed decision.
| Trial period | 50 | No | 101 | No | 30 | No | No | No |
| Warranty | 3 | 25 | Lifetime | 25 | 10 | 25 | 15 | 20 |
| Cost of queen | $1,499.00 | $1,599.00 | $1,399.00 | $999.00 | $2,495.00 | $2,499.00 | $2,399.00 | $2,299.00 |
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus offers mobility-friendly features that help you move safely and—for those with arthritis—with less pain. At $1,599 for a queen, this base comes with free white-glove delivery, so you don’t have to worry about assembling your adjustable base or hiring someone to do it. Saatva is also one of the few brands that will remove your old mattress and base at no cost. If you’re over age 65, a teacher, or a military veteran, you can also get $225 off purchases of more than $1,000.
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus legs are adjustable up to 18 inches, one of the highest in the industry (rivaling the 18.25-inch adjustable legs on the Sleep Number FlexFit 3 Smart Base). Higher bed frames can help taller individuals stand up from bed with less effort, but this feature is an advantage even if you’re not tall. If standing from a seated position is painful for your knees, hips, or lower back due to conditions like arthritis, a taller surface can help reduce stress and pain in those areas as you sit or stand up from your bed. Excessively tall surfaces relative to your height may also be difficult to navigate, though, so consider testing different bed heights at a Saatva location or during the in-home setup before committing to the highest setting.
This adjustable base also helps you to reach your nightstand more easily with its wall-hugging design, keeping the head of the bed against the wall even as it is adjusted to a different position. Beds without this function will move away from the wall and your nightstand as you adjust the bed to sit up, but a wall-hugging bed keeps you in place so you don’t have to reach behind you for your bedside items.
According to research, environmental modifications like decluttering the floor and removing potential tripping hazards like large furniture are one of the most effective ways to reduce falls risk. [2] Saatva offers its adjustable base in one of the smallest sizes available, standard twin, which is 38 inches wide by 75 inches long and costs $1,249 without the mattress. Twin-size adjustable beds are a valuable consideration for solo sleepers who want to create more walkable floor space in the bedroom. If you use a cane or a walker, it’s even more important to free up walkways in your home. The under-bed lighting and remote with built-in flashlight may also help reduce the risk of falls.
For more information about Saatva features, like its full-body massage to promote relaxation, read our full review on Saatva adjustable bases.
Reach Saatva customer service via:
You can reach a live agent on the chat feature by selecting “Chat with a Live Sleep Guide,” and you should be in touch with someone quickly.
Saatva had an impressive reputation on review websites when this article was written. BBB gives this brand an A+ score, with a 4.75 out of 5 star rating from more than 1,600 reviews. On Trustpilot, it has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating with more than 1,000 reviews.
Customers describe Saatva as accommodating and high-quality, and they report positive interactions with customer service. Negative reviewers are few and far between, but the few one-star comments report its products aren’t durable and wear out over time.
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo ProSmart Base is one of the best-equipped adjustable bed frames for those who have chronic pain, particularly in the lower back, which is why we named it “Best for Back Pain.” Although adjustable bases and mattresses should never be the first line of defense when addressing pain, they can help when used alongside proper treatment under clinical guidance.
Aside from basic adjustability and preset positions, Tempur-Pedic is one of the few bases that offers adjustable lumbar support. The base comes with a built-in bar that can be raised up to six inches to support your lower back.
The TEMPUR-Ergo ProSmart Base also offers three unique features to help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night—features that are especially important if your body is recovering from injury or illness. Seven to eight hours of quality sleep in older adults is associated with lower body inflammation (like arthritis), which research has shown can help reduce pain levels. [3]
It’s important to note Tempur-Pedic does not offer a trial period for its adjustable bases. You can test a Tempur-Pedic adjustable base model at one of its stores, but once your bed frame has been delivered and set up, the sale will be final, with no option for return or refund. Before purchasing any product to address pain, be sure to consult with your doctor or a physical or occupational therapist to determine the best treatment plan.
Learn more in our Tempur-Pedic adjustable bed review.
If you need to contact Tempur-Pedic, you can do so using one of these methods:
Type “Talk to Live Agent” into the online chat box, and you will be given an option to connect with a real person.
Tempur-Pedic has an A+ grade and a 1.03 out of 5 star rating with 155 customer reviews on BBB. Similarly, the company has a Trustpilot score of 1.2 out of 5 stars with 116 customer reviews.
Many customers across both review sites report negative experiences interacting with customer service and trouble getting the full repair coverage promised in the warranty. Note the warranty covers full parts and labor for the first three years, then removes labor coverage for the rest of the 25-year term. Some comments reference dissatisfaction with the strict no-returns policy on Tempur-Pedic bases, so be sure to read all terms and conditions before you buy.
Although an adjustable bed allows you to customize your position, it doesn’t offer as many medical benefits as a hospital bed.
Occupational therapist Amanda Weeks told us hospital beds may be more appropriate for those with specific conditions like bed sores. This is especially true if you have sensory impairments or mobility challenges that make it difficult for you to detect and manage new or worsening pressure injuries.
According to Weeks, hospital beds have other key differences from adjustable beds that may be more appropriate if you’re receiving regular care:
“Something else I see when someone is choosing between a hospital or adjustable bed is adjustable beds are available in different sizes, while a hospital bed is typically just a twin size,” said Weeks. “If you want to sleep next to your loved one, this can be a big deciding factor.”
If you need help adjusting your position in bed, but have not been prescribed a hospital bed, consider making different adjustments, such as investing in a better mattress. But consider carefully the firmness of the mattress before settling on one. “Although plush mattresses are commonly associated with comfort, they can be challenging to move on when you have [muscle] weakness,” said Weeks. She recommends a firmer mattress that doesn’t sink as you try to get out of bed. You can also equip your bed with support rails, similar to those on hospital beds. But be aware that adult portable bed rails carry some safety concerns.
Both older adults and health professionals alike sing the praises of adjustable beds due to the overall health benefits that contribute to improved sleep quality.
Although it varies among individuals, Kadlecek said adjustable beds can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux, snoring, and sleep apnea by raising the head higher than the rest of the body.
Adjustable beds can also help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs and feet by elevating the legs.
According to our survey of adjustable bed users, more than 46% of respondents above age 54 reported having back pain before their purchase. [1]NCOA Adviser Adjustable Beds Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched June, 2023. Although Kadlecek agreed adjustable beds could lessen back pain by allowing for different sleeping positions, he also warned some users may not feel a difference in pain levels at all. “It’s important to consult with a health care provider about whether an adjustable bed might benefit specific health conditions,” he said.
The same survey also showed over 44% of respondents in the same age group used the adjustability function to improve their ability to get out of bed. One respondent told our Reviews Team that raising the head of the bed made sitting up and getting out of bed much easier. [1]NCOA Adviser Adjustable Beds Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched June 2023.
Getting out of bed safely isn’t just important in the morning. Weeks added she often sees cases where older adults must urinate frequently due to prostate conditions or an overactive bladder. Nighttime trips to the bathroom pose a serious risk of injury if you’re not able to move through the dark confidently, she explained.
“Home safety factors like low lighting or clutter on the floor, coupled with sleep grogginess and the urgency to use the bathroom, significantly increases falls risk when getting out of bed,” said Weeks. Adjustable bases with under-bed lighting and a built-in flashlight in the remote control can help you get to the bathroom safely when it’s dark. And if you sleep alone, choosing a twin-size adjustable frame can free up walkable space in compact bedrooms, making the path to your bathroom easier to navigate.
To check your falls risk score and find resources for preventing falls, visit our Falls Free CheckUp.
Buying an adjustable bed can be a big investment and may also require some significant physical adjustments. Make sure to consider your needs before making a purchase. Think about your health and sleep quality, lifestyle habits, and bedroom setup, to start. And when doing brand comparisons, consider whether each brand offers a sleep trial and how long it is, how long the warranty is and what it covers, any additional shipping costs or fees, and whether white glove delivery and setup is included.
Here are additional factors to consider.
Make sure to research and confirm whether your existing mattress will be compatible with an adjustable bed frame. Certain materials and styles, like innerspring and hybrid, are not recommended with an adjustable base because they are designed to lay on flat bed frames and platforms and may not be flexible enough for an adjustable base. If you need a new mattress, speak with your adjustable bed company’s customer care representative for recommendations.
The price of an adjustable bed can be significantly higher than a standard bed frame, and keep in mind that more advanced features typically increase the price tag even more. Additionally, if your current mattress is not compatible with the adjustable bed you want to buy, a new mattress will also need to be factored into your budget.
Are you comfortable with the bare basics or do you prefer an upgraded adjustable bed experience? Luxury features like under-bed lighting, USB ports, dual massage, more adjustability options, and smartphone app compatibility can enhance your sleep experience compared to a basic model that is limited to just a few preset adjustment settings.
Some manufacturers, like Nectar, only offer a few years for adjustable bed warranties, while others, like Puffy, offer lifetime warranties. Most adjustable bed frames come with warranties that protect you from factory or workmanship defects, but coverage on mechanical and electrical components is usually limited. For your own peace of mind, review the fine print on all warranty policies before you buy.
Based on our expert consultations and research, we determined the following factors to be important for our readers when shopping for an adjustable bed:
We had all of our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for NCOA readers’ needs.
Adjustable beds come with a range of features that can help you age in place safely. For some, they can have life-changing effects on sleep quality and pain relief, but only when used in conjunction with proper clinical guidance. “Regular physical activity, tailored to individual capabilities, can significantly improve sleep, mobility, and overall health,” Kadlecek said.
If you or a care recipient are looking into purchasing an adjustable bed base to address pain, low mobility, or a medical condition, consult with a health care professional first. Ask your doctor for a referral to a sleep specialist to assess your sleep patterns, or to a physical or occupational therapist who can evaluate you and your home to determine a treatment plan. And if an adjustable bed seems like an appropriate purchase for you, these professionals can help guide you toward the right one.
Our picks for the best adjustable bed for seniors are Saatva, Sealy, Puffy, Casper, Tempur-Pedic, Sleep Number, and Reverie. But what’s best for you may not be best for others, which is why this review covers seven brands that are appropriate for different needs among older adults.
Medicare Part B (original Medicare) covers certain adjustable beds that are classified as pressure-reducing support surfaces and hospital beds. You will need a prescription from a doctor to purchase a Medicare-covered adjustable bed from an authorized supplier. [8]Medicare.gov. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage
The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus offers the most features for older adults with low mobility. These features include wall-hugging adjustability to easily reach your nightstand and under-bed lighting to improve safety. The bed also has a high leg height and massage features.
You can ask your doctor to give you a prescription for an adjustable bed, but your health insurance is still not likely to cover the expense because these types of beds don’t qualify as durable medical equipment.
Unlike adjustable beds, hospital beds offer:
No. Innerspring mattresses are typically incompatible with adjustable bases since they are not made to change position, but most foam and hybrid mattresses are OK to use. If you’re purchasing an adjustable base, check the brand’s mattress selection for compatible products. And if you’re planning to use a mattress you already own, contact the adjustable bed manufacturer to ensure it will be compatible with your new base.
The best height for an adjustable bed for seniors depends on individual preferences and needs. Generally, the bed should be proportionate to your height and allow easy entry and exit without excessive bending or strain. It’s essential to consider factors such as mobility limitations, comfort, and safety when determining the right height for you.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
