While standard mattresses will fit on an adjustable bed, not all of them are equally compatible. Your mattress needs to be able to bend and flex so you can utilize the bed’s full range of features without damaging the mattress’ structure or compromising on support.
The last thing you want is to set up your new adjustable bed only to discover you can’t fully enjoy it with your current mattress. In this guide, we’ll talk about what makes a mattress suitable for use with adjustable beds and whether you need to buy special sheets.
Can I Use a Regular Mattress on an Adjustable Bed?
You can technically use a regular mattress on an adjustable bed, since standard sizing still applies. Just because the mattress fits on the bed, however, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s compatible. A compatible mattress enables you to utilize all the benefits of your new adjustable bed without causing damage to the mattress, the motor, or the frame.
When it comes to mattress compatibility, here are three key details to keep in mind:
- Memory foam and latex are the best mattress materials for adjustable beds, though some hybrid models with individually pocketed coils may work as well.
- Innerspring mattresses and models with continuous coils may warp or bend when used with an adjustable bed (such use could also damage the bed’s motor).
- Mattresses that are more than 12 to 13 inches thick may be too stiff to bend enough to work with an adjustable bed.
In other words, you don’t necessarily need to buy a special mattress designed specifically for adjustable beds. As long as it meets the above criteria for materials, flexibility, and thickness, you shouldn’t have a problem. Remember, the goal is to avoid overworking the bed’s motor by trying to force your mattress to bend beyond its limits.
The Best Types of Mattress for Adjustable Beds
When it comes to mattresses for adjustable beds, flexibility is key. The whole point of upgrading to an adjustable bed is being able to change the head and foot angle. If your mattress isn’t flexible enough, it will crack or warp instead of bending at the proper head and foot articulation points
The three best mattress designs for adjustable bases are:
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Memory Foam: Because it’s designed to conform to your body, memory foam is a pretty flexible material. It’s also budget-friendly but can be heavy, depending on the thickness of the mattress, so make sure your adjustable bed is rated for the total weight.
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Latex: Similarly flexible to memory foam but with enhanced durability and a bouncy feel, latex is another great choice for adjustable beds. It’s great for temperature regulation due to the open cell structure that makes it less dense than many memory foams.
- Hybrid: These mattresses use a combination of materials, often memory foam or latex over a pocketed coil base. Hybrid models can be quite heavy, so make sure your adjustable bed can handle the weight, and avoid models over 13 inches thick.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure to match your mattress size with your adjustable base as well. This is particularly important if you’re purchasing a split model. If you want to be able to adjust both sides individually, you’ll need to also buy split mattresses. For a split king, you can simply place two twin XL mattresses side-by-side to match the 76-by-80-inch dimensions. However, a split California king requires specialty mattresses to accommodate the 72-by-84-inch dimensions.
How Do I Know If My Mattress Will Work on an Adjustable Bed?
The best way to determine whether your mattress will work with an adjustable bed is to check with the manufacturer. The specifications should indicate whether the mattress is adjustable bed compatible, though in some cases you might need to contact the manufacturer directly for this information.
If your current mattress isn’t compatible with an adjustable bed, you’re better off buying a new one than forcing it. Mattresses are designed to deliver specific levels of comfort and support, depending on the materials and construction. Using a mattress outside the intended specifications could cause it to wear unevenly, may reduce the level of support, or even cause damage to your adjustable bed or the mattress itself.
What Kind of Sheets to Use on an Adjustable Bed
You may not need special sheets for an adjustable bed, as long as the material is stretchy enough. If your sheets fit the mattress too tightly, they might pop off when you adjust the bed. The fitted sheet could also bunch up if the elastic isn’t strong enough to hold it in place.
Here are some factors to consider when buying sheets for an adjustable bed:
- Look for sheets with deep pockets and wide elastic bands or anchor straps so they have room to flex with your bed while staying in place.
- Use two twin XL fitted sheets for a split king adjustable bed so each side can move independently without issue.
- You may need specialized sheets for split-head model beds that are connected at the foot but allow independent adjustments at the head.
As you’re shopping for bedding, don’t forget to consider your mattress cover. A deep pocket design may come in handy here as well, and zippered models may stay in place better than models that rely on elastic. Match the cover to the size of your mattress, especially if you have a split adjustable base.
Final Thoughts
When upgrading to an adjustable bed from a standard frame, it’s crucial to confirm that you have a compatible mattress and suitable bedding. Memory foam and latex mattresses are generally flexible enough for adjustable beds, as are some hybrid models with pocket coils. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer for compatibility questions.
If your current mattress isn’t compatible with adjustable bases, or if it isn’t meeting your needs anyway, we recommend replacement. Forcing it with an incompatible mattress risks damage to your new bed while sleeping on an old or unsupportive mattress may negate some of the benefits of switching to an adjustable base.
Ready to complete your adjustable sleep system with a new mattress? Shop the selection of compatible mattresses on ErgoMotion.