by Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ is our first adjustable-base recommendation. Saatva Adjustable Base Plus remains a secondary comparison option.
Beds are an essential part of our lives. Whether sleeping, lounging, or watching TV, we spend a lot of time in our beds. Sometimes, you need a specific bed because you suffer from health issues.
To counter it all, there is a specific type of adjustable bed. Doctors often suggest raising the head or legs for specific conditions, and an adjustable bed makes that easy.
Adjustable bed frames compared
This Adjustable bed Base Meets the needs of a wide range of sleepers
With the Saatva adjustable base, you get comfort and full-body support. The elevation at both ends lets you find your optimum sleeping position. The wireless remote makes it easier to control and change positions.
With a quiet motor, the adjustment does not affect the sleeper if you sleep with a partner. It operates discreetly without the hassle of any disturbing mechanical noises.
You can have an anti-snore position for yourself or your partner. Head raising benefits acid reflux complaints. Besides alternate elevations, both ends raise together to provide a zero gravity effect. This position is more relaxing with adequate lumbar support and pressure release.
The added features include massaging options with different settings and speeds. It can be localized or general, depending on your preference. Enjoy the chic under-bed lighting and preset memory options for one-touch adjustment.
Saatva's mattresses, including the Zenhaven and Solaire, are designed to work on the base; check frame compatibility with Saatva before ordering.
What are Adjustable Beds?
🔗 Deeper reading: Best adjustable beds 2026 our full 2026 roundup with detailed picks, firmness guidance, and current pricing.
An adjustable bed is a combination of a base and a mattress. Both can bend up to a certain angle on either end. The base has a motor that can be operated even via remote. The motor controls the adjustment of the bed as it is directed.
Adjustable beds resemble the convenience provided by hospital beds. Additionally, they support further and provide various comfortable positions. The various adjustments may make sleep more supportive and restful and let you carry out various activities on the bed. Reading, watching TV, and eating have become convenient on an adjustable bed.
These beds are now available with a classy exterior to blend with your furnishings. They are not only effective for medical conditions but are overall a great bed to sleep on.
Do I Need an Adjustable Bed Frame or a Hospital Bed?
The type of bed you need will depend on your specific needs. There are distinct differences between an adjustable bed and a hospital bed.
A hospital bed will be beneficial if:
- A lot of movement is required.
- You are medically advised to use one.
- You have a severe disability or very limited mobility.
- You don't need any other amenities within the bed.
- You cannot afford an adjustable one.
Most adjustable beds are more of a luxury and not a need. However, it does have a few benefits similar to the hospital bed. It allows you to raise the head or the feet, making it easier for anyone to get on and off the bed.
Overall, with its good looks and the added amenities, it's pure luxury and convenience. With features such as a built-in massager, an adjustable bed can make daily life easier. It has a standard design that can stand alone or fit over a regular foundation.
The Health Benefits of Using an Adjustable Bed
Improves Accessibility
An adjustable bed can improve accessibility by allowing a person to sit in bed more easily. This position is helpful if eating, reading, and watching television have to be done while lying on the bed.
The elevated position aids in making it easier to get on or off. You can easily climb off the bed because of an injury, chronic pain, or aging issues. You may require some or no assistance, even while climbing back onto it. Your self-care becomes more independent with an adjustable bed.
Most importantly, an adjustable bed is convenient to sleep on whether or not any medical condition is involved. From Zero Gravity to improved lumbar support, all can be easily achieved. For serious medical needs, such as a spinal cord injury, ask your care team whether a hospital bed or an adjustable base is the right fit.
Helps to Reduce Swelling
Adjustable beds allow you to raise your knees and legs at multiple angles. Talk to your doctor about swelling before choosing a position; keeping your legs raised may feel comfortable when your clinician considers elevation appropriate.
Your doctor can advise whether to raise your legs and which position suits your body. Do not assume elevation is appropriate for unexplained swelling or recovery after surgery.
Talk to your doctor or surgeon before using leg elevation for any of the following:
- Varicose veins: ask your doctor whether elevation is suitable.
- Leg fractures and injuries: follow your treating clinician's positioning advice.
- Abdominal surgery: follow your surgeon's recovery and positioning instructions.
- Unexplained swelling: seek medical advice rather than assuming elevation is appropriate.
- Cellulitis: ask your doctor about treatment and suitable positioning.
Reduces Arthritic Pains
Stiffness of the joints and pain are common in arthritic patients. Lying flat can put pressure on sore joints. An adjustable bed lets you raise the head or knees into a position that feels less painful.
You can arrange the bed, so it's convenient to stand up from it. Usually, the knee joint is most affected by arthritis, and standing from a sitting position is intensely painful.
Alleviates Chronic Back Pain
Whether it's the back, neck, shoulders, or legs, a simple change in position can make a big difference. With the adjustable bed, you can switch to various elevation angles to suit your need and help you relax better.
It can help you find a position that supports your spine more comfortably. It lets you sleep in the most comfortable posture that your body needs. Also, it is mentioned in the URMC's Health Encyclopedia that good posture is important for your back.
Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+
It includes position presets and wireless controls for a customizable sleep setup.
Is it Worth it to Get an Adjustable Bed?
An adjustable bed is a great option if you're looking for a way to improve your sleep and health. Head elevation has good evidence for reflux and snoring; for other conditions the benefit is mostly comfort. It may help if you live with gastric reflux, snoring, mild sleep apnea (alongside your prescribed treatment) or back pain.
Conclusion
Doctors often suggest elevating the head or legs for specific conditions, which an adjustable bed makes easy. They give various sleeping positions that help you with chronic pains and swellings. It helps accessibility and is best for the period when you are recovering. Ask your doctor which positions suit your condition.
Resources:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4460
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34139138/
How to Choose the Right Mattress
With thousands of mattress options available, cutting through the noise requires focusing on what actually matters for your sleep quality and budget.
The Three Things That Matter Most
- Support and alignment. Your mattress should keep your spine in a neutral position regardless of sleep position. If you wake up with aches or stiffness, your mattress is failing at its primary job.
- Temperature regulation. Sleeping hot disrupts deep sleep cycles. Coil systems promote airflow, and open-cell foams such as Amerisleep's Bio-Pur also limit heat build-up.
- Purchase protection. A generous trial period (100+ nights), strong warranty, and hassle-free returns protect you from an expensive mistake. Never buy a mattress you cannot return.
Do Doctors Recommend Adjustable Beds? Medical Evidence Review
Physicians often suggest elevating the head or legs for specific conditions. Here is how strong the evidence is.
Conditions Where Doctors Recommend Elevation
| Condition | Recommended Position | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Acid reflux (GERD) | Head elevated 6–8 inches | Strong clinical evidence |
| Sleep apnea | Talk to your doctor about suitable sleep positioning | Positioning does not replace prescribed sleep-apnea treatment |
| Edema (leg swelling) | Feet elevated above heart | Strong clinical evidence |
| Post-surgical recovery | Varies by surgery type | Surgeon-specific |
| Chronic back pain | Zero-gravity position | Limited evidence (comfort varies) |
| Congestive heart failure | Head raised, as your cardiologist advises | Commonly advised |
Medicare Coverage
Medicare may cover adjustable beds (hospital beds) with a physician's prescription for qualifying conditions. Standard consumer adjustable bases are NOT covered - only medical-grade hospital beds. See: Medicare coverage details.
For adjustable bases: best adjustable bases | are they worth it.
Related Guides
Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+
The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ offers independent head and foot articulation.