The last thing anyone wants is to end up with a mattress that bends their body into uncomfortable positions.
Do you need a special mattress for an adjustable bed? When putting a room together, it’s important to ask this question.
The good thing is that you don’t need a fancy, high-tech mattress to work with your new adjustable bed.
Do You Need a Special Mattress for an Adjustable Bed?
As mentioned, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a mattress specifically designed for adjustable beds.
However, note that not all mattresses are suitable for these bed types, as they don’t have the recommended flexibility.
For example, innerspring mattresses are not recommended because they have the tendency to bounce back when bent.
Fortunately, there are a few different options you can consider if you are interested in switching to an adjustable bed.
From memory foam to latex, you will be able to find different mattress models that can adapt to your specific needs.
The general rule is that it is likely easy to use with an adjustable bed if your mattress has been made within the last five years.
What Are the Best Types of Mattresses for Adjustable Beds?
The main thing to consider when you begin shopping for an adjustable bed mattress is its flexibility.
You will need a style that can be lifted at the top and bottom without springing or bouncing back into its original position.
This reason is why materials such as memory foam are a fantastic option, as they are adjustable on their own.
It is also important to consider durability since you will likely be bending and unbending the mattress continually.
Let’s take a look at three of the best mattress types for adjustable beds.
1. Memory Foam
There’s no doubt that memory foam is one of the best options for adjustable beds.
With a mattress designed for optimal flexibility, you will have the benefit of ample support and cushioning.
Many sleepers find that memory foam also offers optimal weight distribution, helping alleviate aches and pains.
Another considerable advantage of memory foam is that it contours to your body shape throughout the night.
With brands like Tempurpedic, the mattress adapts to your contours as the material absorbs your body heat.
This process ensures your mattress has a customized feel, keeping you supported throughout the night.
There are three main types of memory foam mattresses you can get your hands on, each with an assortment of interesting features.
Open-Cell
You will often find open-cell memory foam used in mattresses from more expensive brands, such as Tempurpedic.
What makes it different from traditional memory foam is how the internal structure is designed.
It offers far more breathability, allowing optimal airflow all throughout for better temperature regulation.
Traditional
If you are on a budget, traditional memory foam mattresses are bound to be beneficial for adjustable beds.
They typically have several layers of different materials that offer plushness and support.
One of the big downfalls of traditional memory foam is that it doesn’t help with heat regulation as effectively as other options.
Gel
Gel memory foam mattresses have boomed in popularity as a middle-ground between cost-effective and expensive options.
By introducing a gel layer or gel beads throughout the mattress, the material helps regulate temperature better.
It was initially designed to assist with the heat issues in standard memory foam mattresses, allowing for a cooler, more comfortable sleep.
In turn, many sleepers find that using gel memory foam helps them feel more refreshed in the morning.
Also, it helps add a little bit of extra structure to the memory foam for better longevity.
2. Hybrid Mattresses
If you are someone who loves the feeling of traditional innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses are a fantastic option for you.
They have the structure of an innerspring with the added comfort of memory foam for a custom sleeping surface.
Also, they are great for adjustable beds because they are far more flexible than standard innerspring mattresses.
With the help of two to three foam layers, you will have the optimal pressure relief you’d get from memory foam.
Also, it will have significantly more flexibility than a regular innerspring mattress.
Do you suffer from back pain? If so, the spring structure in a hybrid mattress is bound to be helpful.
You will notice better spine alignment, allowing for the perfect sleeping posture.
In the morning, you are more likely to feel significantly less achiness, allowing you to be rejuvenated and ready for the day.
The largest disadvantage with hybrid mattresses is that they don’t have the best motion transfer.
If you sleep with a partner, you will be more likely to feel their movements than with memory foam mattresses.
Also, with the combination of a spring system and layers of foam, these mattresses tend to be heavier than expected.
3. Latex Foam
The third recommended option for a mattress that works well with an adjustable bed is latex foam.
Many often consider this material because they like the structure of memory foam without the sinking feeling.
With lower-quality memory foam mattresses, it can feel like your body is being hugged too much.
As a result, it can be challenging to shift positions.
Latex is known to have a bouncier feel, allowing you to get in and out of bed easily.
This reason is also why it is an excellent mattress for seniors.
Moreover, it has a lightweight feel, making it a little easier for maintenance and when assembling your bed.
Instead of focusing on alleviating pain from specific pressure points, this material is best for full-body comfort.
Your weight will be generally compressed throughout, which can be preferred by many sleepers.
Also, you will find that with its bouncier construction, it is slightly more comfortable for stomach sleepers than memory foam.
You are likely to get years of use out of a latex mattress, especially if you are continually adjusting your bed.
However, it is important to note that they are often the more expensive options on the market.
Their prices are higher due to the number of materials used to make the interior layers.
Some models rely on synthetic latex; others use purely natural latex, which can be more costly.
A good solution is finding a mattress that uses a mix of synthetic and natural latex for a comfortable night’s rest.
4. Innerspring
The general recommendation is that avoiding innerspring mattresses on an adjustable bed is your best bet.
The problem is, not everyone can afford the hefty costs of memory foam or latex mattresses.
In these instances, you can find a traditional mattress that’s been manufactured recently.
Innerspring mattresses were designed using metal coils for the spring structure.
However, most manufacturers now use an assortment of materials to create the spring system.
Although they are not as flexible as other mattresses, if you can find springs made from flexible materials, you are good to go.
Also, innerspring mattresses are likely to wear down faster than others when used on adjustable beds.
The more you change the positioning of the mattress, the faster the innerspring system will wear down.
In time, you will find that your mattress doesn’t offer as much support as it initially did.
Final Thoughts
Do you need a special mattress for an adjustable bed? The answer is no, as you can use any mattress you prefer.
Some materials, such as memory foam, are considerably better than others, like innerspring mattresses.
For the most comfortable sleep, you will want to choose an option that offers plenty of durability and flexibility over the years.
