Adjustable Bed Mattress Buying Guide

An adjustable bed lets you find your perfect sleeping position pretty quickly, but finding the best mattress for an adjustable bed could take a little longer. This guide will take you through the kinds of mattresses available and their features, to help you find the one that’s right for you.

What features are you looking for when buying an adjustable mattress?

Flexibility

Because your bed adjusts to different positions, the mattress needs to be flexible enough to move with the bed base. When buying from a supplier or retailer it’s important to know what’s inside the mattress. For example, some use springs which can reduce flexibility.

Durability

An adjustable bed can be adjusted to hundreds of positions at the touch of a button, so it’s important they’re built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. When buying a mattress, look for one that bends with the bed but also returns easily to the normal flat position – these are perfect for an adjustable bed.

Comfort and support

It may seem obvious, but comfort and support are key features of a good mattress. A comfortable mattress will help provide a good night’s sleep while offering additional support to your body weight and reduced pressure from pain points.

What different types of mattress are available for adjustable beds?

Knowing what the best mattress for an adjustable bed is depends on which bed you pair it with. You can choose from the following mattresses:

  • Memory Foam mattress
  • Latex Foam mattress
  • Coilspring mattress

Each of these has their pros and cons, but which is the best mattress for an adjustable bed?

Memory foam mattress

Our memory foam mattresses are topped with a layer of Visco Elastic foam. Your body heat softens the Visco Elastic foam, moulding to your body shape. This eliminates the common pressure points providing comfort and support. As its name suggests, memory foam returns to its normal position once the pressure is released.

Although memory foam contours easily with the base of an adjustable bed, it might not be the best choice for everyone.

Memory foam mattresses retain body heat which can be uncomfortable in warm weather. When they’re new, memory foam mattresses can produce an odd smell. This is called off-gassing. Although the effect is only temporary, this is one of the biggest complaints from memory foam mattress owners.

Latex mattresses

Latex mattresses are flexible but in contrast to memory foam, latex can return to its original position much quicker and instead of using body heat to soften, Latex uses body weight to mould to your body shape and relive pressure points.

If used with an adjustable bed, latex mattresses are flexible enough to contour to the base of the bed but as Latex mattresses are more rigid, a thinner mattress is more appropriate for adjustable beds.

Coilspring mattresses

Developed in the 1900s, coilspring mattresses use steel springs in their support system. Because of their construction, the springs in the mattress can create pressure points which make them unsuitable for adjustable beds. They are also less flexible and need replacement more often.

Can you use a regular mattress with an adjustable bed?

A regular mattress can function with an adjustable bed so long as it’s a compatible type. However we recommend using a specialist mattress, such as the SleepID or AirFlow® mattresses we provide with our adjustable beds.

What is the best adjustable bed and mattress combo?

The best mattress for an adjustable bed shouldn’t be too thick as this can affect its flexibility and durability. While some companies recommend a thickness of 10 to 12 inches for an adjustable bed, there are no industry standards. The user’s weight is an important factor too. For example, an 18 stone person would need a thicker mattress than a 13 stone person.

Because of its flexibility and durability, memory foam arguably makes the best mattress for an adjustable bed. However, traditional memory foam can retain body heat, making it uncomfortable in the summer. To solve this problem, we created the pioneering AirFlow® mattress, whose unique construction allows the air to circulate, preventing overheating while providing the same luxury and comfort as memory foam.

An adjustable mattress being used with an adjustable bed.
The adjustable mattress being used with the Autovariable adjustable bed.

How to buy a mattress for an adjustable bed

A good-quality mattress is a long-term investment, but cheaper options often only last a couple of years and are poor value for money. This means it’s important to look for a reputable seller whether you’re purchasing directly from the manufacturer, a high street retailer or online.

Good suppliers are easy to identify via approval schemes, such as National Bed Federation (NBF) and BackCare. These ensure that companies comply with a code of practice and meet stringent standards.

Look out for these logos to identify reputable companies:

Logos for the National Bed Federation, Back Care, British Furniture Manufacturers and Made in Britain

Should you buy an adjustable mattress in a high street shop?

Buying from a high street retailer means you can try out your adjustable mattress first! This will give you the opportunity to see if the mattress is suitable for your adjustable bed and ensure it has all the key features you need. At Adjustamatic, we can provide a home visit to test your mattress. Alternatively, visit us at our store in Southampton, or our factory store in Denbigh, North Wales.

Buying a mattress for your adjustable bed online

We don’t tend to recommend buying online as you won’t be able to get a true feel for your mattress. We recommend you do thorough research about the product and also about the company. This will ensure that you’re buying a quality product.

One of the important considerations when buying a mattress for your adjustable bed online is the return policy. If the product is not suitable for you or your adjustable bed, it’s important to know you can return it without any hassle.

It’s also worth looking into whether the seller has any aftercare service built into your purchase of the product. Having this in place can be incredibly valuable should your needs change or you have a problem with the mattress further down the line.

Why you should buy your adjustable mattress from a specialist manufacturer

Buying a mattress for an adjustable bed from a specialist manufacturer will give you the confidence of knowing your mattress has all the features and comfort you expect.

At Adjustamatic, all our mattresses meet National Bed Federation standards and are made to order, offering you a custom fit and features to complement your adjustable bed. Our AirFlow® orthopaedic mattress combine the benefits of memory foam with next-generation pump technology that helps air to circulate while you sleep – eliminating overheating and disrupted sleep.

What makes the AirFlow® Mattress uniquely suited to adjustable beds?

Our specialist AirFlow® mattress blend pocket spring technology with ‘Space Age’ foam to create an exceptionally pressure-relieving mattress. The mattress utilises visco elastic foam (Reflexion®), originally developed by the U.S. space programme. This foam has a unique energy-absorbing capability that accepts pressure without creating upward force, which dramatically reduces the pressure on the sleeper’s joints.

Close up of AirFlow® orthopaedic mattress
Our AirFlow® orthopaedic mattress

The AirFlow® mattress also has an insulating layer between the pocket spring and the supporting foam to provide extra flexibility. Compact pocket springs in a barrel shaped profile also help the mattress flex while offering additional support. The density of springs enhances these body moulding properties and further reduces pressure on the joints, cushioning vulnerable shoulders, pelvis, hips, ankles and heels. 

Financial considerations when buying an adjustable mattress

Although not as costly as an adjustable bed, buying a mattress is still a big investment. However, there are finance options available to help make the cost more manageable. Depending on your circumstances, you could be eligible for VAT exemption on your adjustable bed or mattress.

Any questions about buying a mattress?

If you’re buying a new mattress and would like more information from Adjustamatic, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and professional team. Simply give us a call on 0800 689 9823 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri), or drop us a message. We can organise a home visit for you to trial any mattress, as well as give you professional and reliable advice.