- The best adjustable bed for seniors depends heavily on individual needs and preferences. Overall, we recommend the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus for its mobility-friendly features, affordable price range, and white glove delivery options.
- Older adults seeking an adjustable base should prioritize features like easy-to-use adjustments, preset positions, varying leg heights, and lumbar support.
- Adjustable beds typically cost between $300–$7,000, depending on the brand, size, and features. The adjustable beds we reviewed range from $899–$3,596.
Most of us don’t require less sleep as we age, yet up to 34 percent of adults older than 60 have difficulty falling and staying asleep. Research says multiple factors influence our sleep, but medical conditions and decreased activity levels are among the most common with age. Many of these factors are within our control, like exercising during the daytime to regulate our circadian rhythm or changing our sleep position to alleviate pain or snoring. Simple changes can improve your sleep, and in turn, improve your physical and mental health. That’s because sleep plays an essential role in regulating pain, improving mood, and even reducing the risk for neurologic diseases (like dementia).
“Establishing healthy sleep habits to support our mental well-being is critical,” says Rachel Ragsdale, founder and owner of Braincode Centers and board-certified in neurofeedback. “This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, practicing a relaxing bedtime routine, and creating a sleep-friendly environment.” For some, creating a better sleep environment could involve changing your sleeping surface with a new mattress, pillow, or adjustable base.
Our Handbook Team surveyed 600 adjustable bed owners and found that more than 90 percent of older adults slept better after purchasing an adjustable bed, regardless of their health status. After exploring what makes an adjustable bed beneficial, we listed our top five picks to help you sleep and feel better: Saatva is our “Best Overall”, but we recommend four other brands that may work for you.
Which best adjustable bed for older adults is right for you?
- Saatva: Best overall for features and cost
- Nectar: Most desired presets
- Puffy: Best trial period
- Sealy: Most affordable
- Tempur-Pedic: Best for chronic medical conditions
What you need to know about our adjustable bed research and testing
Here are the five most important things to know about adjustable beds for older adults.
The best adjustable bed brand for older adults is Saatva.
Easy adjustments, pre-programmed and custom presets, varying leg heights, and built-in lighting are the most important features.
Warranty, white glove delivery, and trial periods set brands apart.
Talk to your doctor before purchasing an adjustable bed for a medical condition.
Our testing experience
The Handbook Team mystery shopped in showrooms and third-party retailers, testing each adjustable bed’s features and interacting with in-store clerks. We evaluated brands and models by recording our findings on a 36-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our shopping experience. For example, we recorded:
- Adjustment speed, noise, and feel.
- Massage modes, intensities, and quality.
- Customer service experience and general satisfaction.
We paid close attention to specific considerations that older adults seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 adjustable bed owners. This included price, features, and discounts. We also interviewed real people to better understand what makes an adjustable bed a worthwhile investment.
According to our survey
According to our survey, about 93 percent of all respondents age 54 and older reported they sleep better with their adjustable base, and 55 percent noticed improved mental health.
As our testers evaluated each brand and its features, we considered why many older adults choose an adjustable bed in the first place. While about 47 percent shopped for an adjustable bed for general comfort, 53 percent required one for a specific medical issue. The most common were chronic pain, snoring, insomnia, and acid reflux. Remarkably, almost all adjustable bed owners with one of these conditions experienced improved sleep after purchase. We consulted sleep experts, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists to understand what adjustable beds offer that make an overwhelmingly positive impact.
In order to focus on the adjustable bases themselves, we structured our test designs so they isolated the bases and judged them on criteria independent of the mattress. For example, we tested the capabilities of the adjustable bases, such as positioning options, that are the same no matter what mattress you use. It’s important to note that certain criteria like mattress firmness will have an impact on your comfort, but we strategically organized our test designs to focus on the comfort of the adjustable base regardless of what mattress you have.
Lastly, we compared warranty lengths, trial periods, and white glove delivery (in-home delivery and setup) options. While most brands offer warranties, not all are comprehensive. And many brands on the market don’t have trial periods or free white glove delivery. This could be a deal-breaker if you’re nervous to invest in a healthier sleeping environment because you’re worried the bed won’t get set up properly or offer what you need.
Research adjustable beds online.
Interact with online customer service.
Browse flagship and partner retailers as mystery shoppers.
Test each model, remote, and feature.
Discuss models and services with in-store representatives.
Evaluate online and in-store experiences.
Compare models, features, and customer service.
From our tester
“During our testing, we realized that a brand’s warranty, trial period, and white glove delivery options really show how devoted it is to the customer.”
Learn more about our adjustable bed review methodology.
Compare the best adjustable beds for seniors of 2024
| Price range | $1,045–$2,598 | $1,399–$2,798 | $1,199–$2,099 | $899–$1,798 | $899–$4,798 |
| Warranty (years) | 15–25 | 3 | Lifetime | 25 | 25 |
| Trial period? (nights) | No | 50 | 101 | No | No |
| White glove delivery? | Yes, free | Yes, $199** | No | Yes, free | Yes, free |
*Some sizes are not available in certain models
**The white glove delivery offer frequently changes, so check with customer service to make sure it’s available for your order
The best adjustable beds for older adults
1. Saatva: Best overall
- Price range: $1,045–$2,598
- Trial period: No.
- Warranty: One-year full warranty followed by a nine-year limited warranty for the Adjustable Base, five-year full warranty followed by a 20-year limited for the Adjustable Base Plus.
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king, upper-flex queen, upper-flex king.
- Weight capacity: 850 pounds.
- Standout: Offers a diverse range of sizes, styles, and features that assist bed mobility and address common sleep-impacting issues, like acid reflux or snoring.
- Adjustable Base: Head and foot adjustability, wireless remote with a built-in flashlight, removable legs, adjustable leg heights between 13–18 inches.
- Adjustable Base Plus: Additional massage features, wall-aligning design, custom and pre-programmed presets, upper-flex options, under-bed lighting.
Saatva earned our “Best Overall” pick in our best adjustable beds roundup, and the result is the same for older adults. No other brand we’ve tested consistently meets consumers’ needs, offering adjustable beds at a below-average price and at a significant discount for people 65 and older.
This brand doesn’t skimp on sought-after features and services, like free white glove delivery.
According to our survey
According to our survey, most seniors consider price (budgeting between $1,500–$1,999), white glove delivery, discounts, brand reputation, and features. Saatva is the only brand that covers each one.
When we tested both Saatva models, the Adjustable Base Plus stood out as having the most practical features, especially for older adults with mobility issues. Here’s what we thought of each one:
- Quiet head elevation: We could elevate the head of the bed to a fully seated position, which helped us pivot out of bed easily. The Plus’s whisper-quiet motor was barely noticeable during the adjustment, so if you’re sleeping with a partner, you won’t wake them when you need to get up.
- Wall alignment: This advanced feature shifts the head of the bed closer to the wall as it elevates to improve nightstand accessibility. Beds without this feature positioned us farther away from the nightstand, which made it harder to reach bedside items. While the wall alignment allowed us to grab items on the nightstand with less effort, our shorter testers still had to reach behind them. It’ll only make a difference for people with a longer reach.
- Adjustable leg height: Both Saatva models offer 13- to 18-inch leg heights to accommodate people who feel safer standing and sitting from a particular height. Many people with painful joints or leg weakness find it easier to stand from a higher surface, so we like that Saatva offers one of the tallest leg heights in the industry.
- Built-in lighting: Our testers thought the under-bed lighting was bright enough to illuminate the bed’s immediate surroundings and reveal tripping hazards but dim enough not to wake a sleeping partner. If you get up throughout the night, we recommend you purchase movement-activated night lights along your walkway to maximize safety or take advantage of the remote’s built-in flashlight. And if you decide to place your adjustable base in a decorative bed frame, choose a thinner one that doesn’t block the bed’s lighting.
The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus can elevate the head to a near-seated position.
Many people in our survey didn’t have any particular issues to address when they bought their adjustable base. They were just looking for a comfortable bed that promotes better sleep, prioritizing presets to conveniently change positions as needed. The Plus model offers one customizable preset button and four preprogrammed positions (zero gravity, anti-snore, flat, and head up), but if you’re looking for more, you should check out Nectar.
From our tester
“I liked that the remote has backlit buttons, so you can see what you’re pressing at night. You can actually see what you’re doing.”
Our final verdict on Saatva
The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus is the most reputable choice for seniors because it offers the most important considerations identified by our survey respondents, including price, white glove delivery, available discounts, and mobility-friendly features. Saatva offers a comprehensive selection of features and sizes designed to enhance bed mobility and address sleep issues like acid reflux and snoring.
2. Nectar: Most desired presets
Our final verdict on Nectar Premier
The Nectar Premier has the most presets of any model, making it a convenient choice for people who spend time reading and lounging in bed. We also love that you can save custom positions for one-touch positioning without having to adjust pillows.
3. Puffy: Best trial period
- Price range: $1,199–$2,099
- Trial period: 101 nights.
- Warranty: Limited lifetime.
- Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, split king.
- Weight capacity: 800 pounds.
- Standout: Offers a generous 101-night trial period.
- Puffy Serenity Adjustable Base: Head and foot adjustability, two-zone massage, 10–20 minute massage timer, zero-gravity preset, USB-A charging, under-bed lighting, built-in remote flashlight, removable legs, adjustable leg height between 5.75–15 inches.
The Puffy Serenity Adjustable Base stood out to our team because the brand lets you try your adjustable bed at home for 101 nights while many other brands we’ve tested don’t offer a trial period at all. We also liked that most sizes fell within the $1,500–$1,999 budget of many older adults in our survey, and frequent promotions lower costs by up to $300.
Many focus group participants expressed how it took several months to commit to an adjustable bed—despite doctor recommendations and ongoing medical issues—because they were nervous about the cost and adapting to the change. Finding an affordable adjustable base with financing options, a long trial period, and a money-back guarantee could have encouraged them to make the purchase sooner. Waiting so long to commit to a new bed was a regret across the board.
Our team spotlights brands with trial periods because it’s important to address poor sleep patterns as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can result in worsening physical and mental health. Long-term sleep deprivation can increase inflammation, leaving you more vulnerable to age-related conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, or dementia.
As you search for solutions like adjustable beds, start addressing other factors that are within your control now. Sean Ormond, an interventional pain management doctor at Atlas Pain Specialists, recommends sticking to a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, creating a cool and dark sleeping environment, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and getting regular exercise during the day.
Sleep is crucial for cognitive function and emotional well-being, and chronic disruptions can have profound impacts. For example, over the long term, untreated sleep apnea has been linked to a higher risk of dementia, depression, and anxiety.
Geoffrey B. Trenkle, an otolaryngologist and CEO at the Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergies
Puffy’s long trial period and low price aren’t the brand’s only appealing factors. Our testers liked that this base offers two custom preset buttons on the clearly labeled remote to set more of your favorite positions versus some other brands offering just one custom preset or none at all. We also noticed that Puffy has one of the quietest motors of all the adjustable bases tested, including Saatva, which is important for smooth adjustments that don’t wake your partner.
Despite lacking a TV/reading mode, Puffy can adjust to a near-seated position, similar to Nectar and Saatva.
But we don’t like that Puffy doesn’t offer white glove delivery. Unless you or a friend are comfortable lifting Puffy’s heavy platform (135 pounds for a queen), you’ll need to hire someone else to do the job.
If that’s a deal-breaker, you can consider Nectar’s 50-night trial period and white glove delivery. Unfortunately, Nectar’s white glove delivery options change often, so you’ll need to confirm the service at checkout.
From our tester
“One of the customer representatives highly recommended I hire someone to move the base into my home and set it up for me. The base looked really bulky in person.”
Our final verdict on Puffy
Puffy offers a 101-night trial period, while many other brands we’ve tested are final sale, making this base the least risky option for those who are nervous to commit. You can preset two of your favorite positions on the remote for one-touch positioning. Plus, it hits a sweet spot with its price range, often featuring promotions that make it even more affordable—a great deal for anyone looking to invest in a quality adjustable bed without breaking the bank.
4. Sealy: Most affordable
- Price range: $899–$1,798
- Trial period: None.
- Warranty: 25-year limited.
- Sizes: Twin, twin long, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king.
- Weight capacity: 650 pounds.
- Standout: Queen sizes (and smaller) cost under $1,000, which is well below most people’s budget of $1,500–$1,999.
- Sealy Ease: Head and foot adjustment, wireless remotes, zero-gravity preset, removable legs, adjustable leg height between 3–12 inches.
We chose Sealy as the most affordable adjustable bed because it starts at $899, which is about $150–$500 below the other beds on our list. This brand also includes in-home setup while many other brands charge for this service or don’t include it at all, like Puffy. According to seniors in our survey, not having white glove delivery could be a deal-breaker because adjustable bases are heavy to carry.
The Tempur-Pedic Ease model is the exact same model as the Sealy Ease starting at $899, but rebranded.
Our team likes how Sealy’s base offers no-nonsense features and an uncomplicated remote. The Ease was one of the easiest adjustable bases to test because of its user-friendly controls, large buttons, and smooth adjustments.
The Ease’s hand-size remote has easy-to-use buttons, featuring head and foot adjustability, a one-touch flat button, and zero-gravity mode.
This base is best for people who just require basic head and foot adjustability to get comfortable or address a specific medical issue, like acid reflux, snoring, or low back pain.
We noticed that the head of the bed doesn’t rise to a near-seated position like Nectar, but you still get up to 57 degrees of head adjustability, which is more than enough to ease breathing and alleviate snoring or heartburn.
First, I bought a foam wedge pillow to see if it would help with the reflux. I really loved it, so I decided to just go with the adjustable bed because some nights I wanted to be propped up more or less.
Focus group participant
One of our focus group participants said that simple adjustable bases are important to consider but often hard to find, stating that the “bells and whistles” are attractive at first but don’t always address the primary reason you need an adjustable bed. They shared that finding a simple bed within their budget and with free white glove delivery was extremely challenging, taking up to nine months to finally find and commit to the right option. If you can relate, Sealy may be your best choice
From our tester
“This base only has basic features, but they all work as expected. It’s a simple base, but it’s sturdy and good quality. And the 25-year warranty tells me that the brand stands behind its product.”
Our final verdict on Sealy
The Sealy Ease adjustable bed is the most budget-friendly option for people who need free in-home setup and simple adjustability without extra features that increase the price. It’s also equipped with straightforward controls and essential adjustment features, making it incredibly user-friendly for anyone needing basic comfort enhancements without the complexity of additional features.
5. Tempur-Pedic: Best for chronic conditions
- Price range: $899–$4,798
- Trial period: No.
- Warranty: 25-year limited.
- Sizes: Twin long (XL), queen, king, split king, California king, split California king.
- Weight capacity: 650–850 pounds.
- Standout: Lumbar support provides additional adjustability at the lower back, and sleep tracking helps identify settings or daily factors that impact sleep quality over time.
- Ease Power Base: Head and foot adjustment, wireless remotes, zero-gravity preset, removable legs, adjustable leg height between 3–12 inches. Same model as Sealy.
- TEMPUR-Ergo Power Base: Additional lumbar support adjustment, QuietMode anti-snore position, massage, under-bed lighting, USB-A and USB-C ports.
- TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base: All of the above plus Snore Response, sleep coaching, and smart alarm.
- TEMPUR-Ergo ProSmart Base: Additional SoundScape Mode and WindDown Programs.
More than 80 percent of older adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease, like cardiovascular issues, respiratory conditions, and dementia. While chronic diseases negatively affect sleep, poor sleep quality can also accelerate their progression, creating a vicious cycle. If you have a chronic condition, it’s important to work with your doctor and find a way to prevent the onset or worsening of certain medical issues. Sometimes, a new sleeping surface can help, like a Tempur-Pedic adjustable bed.
Of the seniors with chronic medical issues in our survey (including pain and sleep apnea), 100 percent agreed that they slept better after purchasing an adjustable bed, and Tempur-Pedic was the most popular choice. Our team recommends the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base because it’s the best-equipped adjustable bed to accommodate chronic medical conditions, like low back pain, and improve sleep quality over time.
Medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, sleep apnea, and even congestive heart failure can make it extremely uncomfortable to sleep flat. Elevating the head or legs can offer some sort of support and comfort for individuals, but each need is different.
John Gallucci, physical therapist and CEO at JAG Physical Therapy
Survey respondents with chronic conditions identified the following features as most important: Adjustable lumbar support, preset positions, adjustable leg height, custom presets, and low noise level during use. The TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base checks off each one, and here’s what our testers documented:
- Adjustable lumbar support: This base has an adjustable bar situated toward the upper third of the platform, which raises up to 6 inches for extra reinforcement at the low back. This is ideal for people with low back pain who feel relief when the spine’s natural curvature is supported. But you don’t have to elevate it fully to feel the support. One of our testers has a smaller build and felt most comfortable when the bar was set lower, but larger builds may need higher settings to feel a difference.
- Preset positions: Rivalling Nectar’s preset selection, the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base offers zero-gravity, anti-snore, TV, and flat positions. Transitions between adjustments felt smooth, and we liked that full head elevation took less than 20 seconds. This is conveniently quick for those who use head elevation as a mobility aid while getting out of bed. We also like the Partner Snore feature, which activates your or your partner’s anti-snore preset when the bed’s sensors detect snore-related vibrations.
- Adjustable leg height: When you set up your Tempur-Pedic bed, you can choose between 3–12 inch leg heights or completely remove them to place the base on an existing frame. While we appreciate the range of heights, it can still be hard for taller individuals who have difficulty standing from low surfaces.
- Custom presets: Similar to Puffy, the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base has two custom preset buttons to assign your most comfortable positions. We like that this base has two custom buttons for chronic conditions, because 59 percent of survey respondents frequently use custom preset positions to find relief. Our testers used preset positions as a starting point, but the most comfortable positions were the ones we set ourselves.
- Noise level: If you’re getting an adjustable bed to help you sleep and feel better, you don’t want your partner’s adjustments to wake you as you slumber. Our team barely detected this base’s motor during testing.
Our team noticed that Tempur-Pedic’s under-bed lighting was bright, which can help you walk safely through your room at night.
We think one of the most valuable features Tempur-Pedic’s smart base has to offer is its sleep-tracking system. This base has built-in sensors that detect your heart rate, breathing rate, snoring frequency, and movement throughout the night. You can see all your sleep data on the Sleeptracker-AI app, which displays your patterns in a dashboard on your mobile phone. We appreciated the level of detail the app provided, although the amount of information felt overwhelming at first.
This advanced feature can also be a tool for you and your doctor. “Sleep tracking helps understand sleep patterns, identify potential disruptions, and gauge the effectiveness of interventions,” says Dr. Trenkle. But don’t forget to keep an eye on daytime patterns and behaviors, like your mood or what you eat, to see if there are correlations to how you sleep and feel the next day.
From our tester
The Sleep Coaching section of the app is easy to overlook, but it’s a cool feature. The customer representative showed me how the app detects patterns from sleep data and suggests ways to improve it. It doesn’t beat a doctor’s recommendation but is a great jumping-off point.
We don’t like that Tempur-Pedic doesn’t offer a trial period, so purchasing this base can feel risky. If you’re unsure if it’ll help, our team recommends testing different positions at home first. Elevate your head or feet with pillows or wedges, or mimic the lumbar support by using a small rolled towel under your back. If you notice relief and an adjustable base fits in your doctor’s treatment plan, it’s likely a safe investment.
Our final verdict on the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base
The TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base offers more features to address pain, snoring, and overall sleep quality than any other adjustable bed on the market. But this model comes at a higher price range than other brands ($1,899–$3,798). We’re impressed with the specialized lumbar support that caters to those with chronic back pain and the incorporated sleep-tracking technology that allows users to monitor and improve their sleep quality over time. These features make it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to enhance their sleep environment and manage chronic health issues effectively.
Handbook Team Tip #1
You can find many adjustable bases at third-party retailers, like Mattress Firm, but we discovered that these retailers replace warranties and trial periods with their own. For example, if you purchase a Tempur-Pedic base at a Mattress Firm, your 25-year warranty is replaced with the retailer’s five- to 10-year warranty. It’s better to shop from the brand directly.
Pros and cons of adjustable beds for older adults
What we like
- Plenty of options to address your needs: The adjustable bed industry offers many brands and models with a plethora of features that improve sleep, mobility, brain health, and emotional wellness. Many brands offer different sizes of adjustable beds to best fit your needs, from twin to split king.
- Customers truly benefit: Regardless of health status, about 93 percent of seniors in our survey reported improved sleep after purchasing an adjustable base. More than half reported improved mental health as a result.
What we don’t like
- It’s an overwhelming industry: Focus group participants agreed that shopping for an adjustable bed is confusing and frustrating because there are too many options. Which features do you actually need? Who can you trust to give you the best answer? The Handbook Team is here to help, but your doctor can provide more specific recommendations when you’re unsure what to look for.
- Few brands offer trial periods: Other than price, fear is a big obstacle when considering an adjustable bed. It’s usually a final-sale purchase, which means you can’t return it if you’re not benefitting from your thousand-dollar investment. Our team includes many brands with trial periods in our reviews because we believe beds are a big commitment, and you should feel confident in a life-changing purchase.
Cost of adjustable beds
Handbook Team Tip #2
Unfortunately, insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of an adjustable bed. Medicare Part B might cover an adjustable bed if it’s medically necessary as deemed by your doctor, but it needs to qualify as a pressure-reducing surface or hospital bed.
Adjustable beds cost between $300–$7,000 depending on the brand, size, and features. This review recommends brands with models that start below $2,000 to fit most people’s budgets.
Saatva is the only brand that discounts adults 65 and older, but don’t forget to look into other savings opportunities. If you’re a military veteran, you qualify for discounts with Saatva and Nectar. And if you’re not yet retired, first responder, health care professional, and educator discounts are also available. The best place to look for discounts on a brand’s website is by scrolling all the way to the bottom.
Also, remember that online prices fluctuate. Brands have frequent promotions, especially around holidays, that reduce costs by a few hundred dollars.
Most brands offer at least one financing option. Sometimes, it’s through a third-party lender, like Klarna or Affirm. You can prequalify on most brands’ online product pages or wait to qualify at checkout. Be aware that third-party lenders can charge up to 35 percent interest based on your credit history.
Hospital bed vs adjustable bed
Seniors debating between hospital beds and adjustable beds may find one or the other meets their needs more effectively. Adjustable beds make it easy to customize a sleep position, but hospital beds are likely a better option for older adults who are receiving regular care. Hosptial beds offer additional features, such as handrails and specialized mattresses designed to evenly distribute pressure to minimize the potential for bedsores.
Hospital beds also have wheels, which make them easier to move around. They qualify as durable medical equipment, so they may be eligible for insurance coverage. One drawback to hospital beds is the limited size options. While adjustable beds come in a range of sizes, hospital beds are generally only available in a twin.
Key features to look for in adjustable beds
Below are the most important features to consider when looking for an adjustable bed. These are based on survey results, focus group responses, tester insights, and expert recommendations.
We acknowledge that not all older adults have the same needs, so we encourage you to create your own list based on these suggestions and your unique circumstances.
Easy-to-use adjustments
Our team found that the best adjustable beds do basic functions well. Always prioritize:
- Straightforward remote controls that are clearly labeled.
- Smooth adjustments with a one- to two-second response lag to avoid jerking movements.
- Whisper-quiet motors that won’t wake a partner in the middle of the night.
- Quick adjustment times that only take 20–30 seconds to reach maximum elevations.
Preset positions
Presets are factory-set remote buttons that adjust your position in one press. These are the most popular features among seniors in our survey because they’re convenient, especially for people with dexterity issues or arthritis of the hand and fingers. The most common presets include:
- Flat: Returns you to a flat sleeping position.
- Zero gravity: Elevates the head and legs so the legs are above the heart, placing your body in a cradled position that can help relieve pressure and that some may find relaxing.
- Anti-snore: Elevates the head of the bed around 10–20 degrees (depending on the brand) to alleviate snoring by opening the airway and offloading gravity’s pressure on the chest, particularly for those with sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Reading or TV: Raises the head of the bed 60 degrees or higher to a near-sitting position.
Handbook Team Tip #3
According to Dr. Trenkle, you can also alleviate snoring or mild sleep apnea by sleeping on your side, losing weight, or avoiding alcohol before bed. However, those with obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to better alleviate symptoms, so it’s important to consult your doctor. Untreated breathing-related sleep disorders can affect how you think and function, leading to serious conditions like dementia.
Varying leg heights
Most beds offer different leg heights, but you need to select the height during setup. Selecting the right leg height is especially important for older adults with leg weakness, joint pain, or balance issues. Some people need:
- Higher leg heights to reduce effort when getting out of bed.
- Lower leg heights to reduce the risk of falls from a tall surface.
Don’t forget to account for the mattress height and base thickness when you’re setting up your base. You may want to try standing from different surfaces around the house to see what feels most comfortable before committing to a height setting.
Custom presets
Custom or memory presets are unprogrammed buttons that you can set to your favorite positions. Our team noticed that the most comfortable positions were the ones we set ourselves since everyone has unique preferences. Many older adults in our survey agreed, listing it as the fourth-most important feature to consider.
Under-bed lighting and built-in remote flashlight
Most people don’t think of built-in lighting when shopping for an adjustable bed, but it’s critical when it comes to safe nighttime mobility. Research shows that most falls resulting in an emergency room visit occur in the bedroom, but you can prevent this by improving bedroom lighting and decluttering your space.
The Handbook Team highly recommends older adults prioritize beds with under-bed lighting and a flashlight function in the remote to illuminate obstacles in your bedroom. If the bed’s lighting isn’t enough, you may also want to buy motion-activated night lights along your walkways.
Handbook Team Tip #4
Our team found that thick bed frames can block under-bed lighting almost completely. Opt for a thinner build if you’d like to use a decorative bed frame with your adjustable base.
If you find yourself visiting the bathroom frequently through the night, we recommend talking to your doctor. Overactive bladders and prostate issues are more common with age, but they’re treatable, so you can sleep soundly and reduce your nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Optional features to look for in adjustable beds
Lumbar support
Many older adults in our survey identified lumbar support as a primary feature, opting for Tempur-Pedic or Sleep Number beds with adjustable components to reinforce the lower back. While adjustable lumbar support could be a great feature for people with chronic back pain, it also comes at a premium of at least a few hundred dollars. Our testers learned that this support should primarily come from your mattress instead.
Wall alignment
The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus offers wall alignment, which shifts the bed towards the wall as the head elevates. This keeps you close to your nightstand so you don’t have to reach as far, but our team found that this feature doesn’t make a difference for people with smaller builds. It’s a good feature to support safer mobility for people who can’t reach far without feeling unstable, but it’s not a groundbreaking innovation that helps everyone the same.
Skip the massage feature
Most adjustable beds offer massage settings that can help some people relax and unwind. However, older adults didn’t list massage as one of the most important features in our survey.
Our testers understand why. Rather than a kneading massage you’d expect from a massage chair, adjustable bed massages feel more like vibrations at different frequencies, which can sound loud and feel annoying.
Beds with lower massage frequencies and intensities were more enjoyable for us, like some BedTech and Mattress Firm models, but our testers agreed we would’ve skipped the feature if we were shopping for ourselves.
Sleep Number store representatives told our team they removed massage from their models completely because customers simply don’t use it.
Brand-specific services to consider
If you’re stuck choosing between multiple brands that offer the features you need, compare each brand’s warranty, trial period, and white glove delivery options.
- Warranty: Most adjustable bed brands offer limited warranties ranging from three years to a lifetime. If you want a long warranty, consider brands with at least 20 years of coverage, like Saatva or Puffy. But if you want a comprehensive warranty that covers accidental damage from pets or movers, purchasing Nectar’s extended 10-year warranty is your only option.
- White glove delivery: Also known as in-home setup, white glove delivery is the second-most important consideration when purchasing an adjustable bed. These heavy products are hard to haul into your bedroom and set up properly on your own. We love that Saatva and Tempur-Pedic offer this as a complimentary service, but other brands like Sleep Number charge up to $249.
- Trial period: Our team favors brands with trial periods because an adjustable bed is a life-changing purchase, and you should feel confident that you’re investing well in your health. Unfortunately, the industry standard is to exclude trial periods. But some brands go above and beyond, allowing you to test your bed at home for up to 120 nights.
Our final verdict
Our team agrees that Saatva is the best overall for older adults, providing an impressive lineup of features and free in-home setup to all customers. We think Nectar is a top-runner because it offers the most desired presets and a trial period, but its white glove delivery is inconsistently offered and costs an extra $199. If you’re uncertain about purchasing an adjustable bed, our team recommends Puffy to try at home for 101 nights. And if you’d prefer something more affordable, Sealy is a high-quality option starting below $1,000.
Tempur-Pedic is the best-equipped adjustable bed brand for chronic conditions, like low back pain and sleep apnea, but make sure to consult your doctor. Adjustable beds help many people sleep better, but it’s not the first line of treatment for every condition. Talk to a health care professional who can provide tailored recommendations unique to your circumstances so you can best protect your physical, cognitive, and mental health.
Frequently asked questions
Medicare Part B may cover an adjustable bed if it’s medically necessary as deemed by your doctor, but it needs to qualify as a pressure-reducing surface or hospital bed.
Our survey found that more than 90 percent of older adults who bought an adjustable bed reported improved sleep. While results depend on the person, we feel confident that adjustable beds meet most older adults’ needs.
If you’re an older adult who finds it difficult or painful to stand from low surfaces, Saatva offers 18-inch leg heights that raise the surface to make standing easier. However, there are instances where lower surfaces are safer. Some older adults with mobility issues are at risk for falls when getting out of bed, so a lower surface can protect them better than a high surface.
Adjustable beds are costly, and many brands don’t offer trial periods. While rare, people who don’t benefit from the adjustability might regret the extra expense over a regular bed.
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