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Adjustable Bed Sizes

Bedding Guides
Read Time: 8 minutes
FAST FACTS
  • Adjustable beds provide enhanced sleep experiences, improved sleep patterns, and reduced back pain, with various sizes available to suit different preferences and room dimensions.
  • Compatibility with certain mattress types, such as memory foam and latex, is crucial for adjustable beds, whereas spring mattresses may not be suitable due to potential damage from repositioning.
  • Features like wall glide, remote control, battery backup, zero gravity, massage, and customizable height contribute to the benefits of using an adjustable bed, while considering warranty agreements and customer reviews is essential for making informed purchase decisions.

Adjustable beds are some of the hottest beds on the market. Many sleepers have transitioned from purchasing traditional bed frames to adjustable frames for an enhanced sleeping experience. Adjustable beds are known to improve your sleep patterns and posture while reducing back pain.

The ability to easily adjust the position of the mattress, from a comfortable sitting position straight up into a full body contouring position, has made adjustable beds a semi-accessible luxury. Adjustable beds come in all standard sizes and have several features for more comfortable sleep.

Our guide will help you find the right adjustable bed size for you. We’ll also provide you with some tips to help you find the best mattress.

Twin

A twin size mattress measures 38 by 75 inches. Standard twins are the smallest standard size mattress available. They are best suited for small children and teens, but they also provide enough space for the average-sized adult to stretch out and sleep comfortably.

These mattresses are usually best for studio apartments and college dorm rooms. They are also great for siblings who share rooms since they do not take up a lot of space. Some parents may use them as bunk bed mattresses while other may place them side by side on the floor.

Twin XL

Twin XL size mattresses are the same width as standard twin mattresses but at 80 inches in length. These beds are a full five inches longer. Since they are a bit of an upgrade from a standard twin bed, taller teens and adults will have more legroom to sprawl out.

Additionally, these beds are great for guest rooms and young adults with limited bedroom space. If you buy one as a mattress for a teenager and they move out within a few years of using it, you can even repurpose the bed as a guestroom mattress.

Full

Full size mattresses are wider than twin beds and will fit comfortably in a room at least 9 feet by 10 feet. Full beds measure 54 inches by 75 inches. They are another excellent option for single sleepers but will not accommodate more than one person.

Queen

A queen size mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches. Queen mattresses are the most popular since they can accommodate two sleepers or single individuals.

Queen mattresses provide 30 inches by 80 inches of space for each partner, making it an excellent mattress size for couples who don’t have large master bedrooms. Since they have enough width and length, most sleepers will have enough wiggle room to sleep comfortably.

Sometimes queen mattresses are also available in split queen versions for couples to have personal sleeping space. These mattresses are usually rare and may come at a higher cost than a standard queen bed.

King

King beds are the widest standard sizes, measuring 76 inches by 80 inches. Most sleepers will not need a king mattress since it usually takes up too much space for the average sleeper’s bedroom. However, sleepers with room to accommodate will enjoy the luxury of purchasing a king bed.

Couples can sleep independently on a king size mattress since they provide a little more room than a queen bed. Sometimes king beds can even accommodate three sleepers, making sleep a lot more comfortable for families that co-sleep.

Like queen beds, king mattresses come in split sizes, which can be an excellent pairing for an adjustable bed. Sleepers will have the power to adjust their comfort separately from their partners with a split king adjustable bed, finding the best positions and comfort for them without disrupting the other person.

California King

A California king mattress is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. This is the longest of the standard sizes and is not as common as others. For this reason, some manufacturers will not carry them.

Along with this, you may not be able to find sheets, comforters, or foundations for these beds as easily. You may even have to shell out more money for these beds since they are not necessarily in demand.

If you are interested in purchasing a Cal king bed, your bedroom will need ample space. In most cases, a Cal king mattress will round out a bedroom that is at least 12 feet by 12 feet. See our California king vs king mattress guide if you’re uncertain which is the right size for you.

Adjustable Bed Features

It’s common for adjustable beds to come with additional features. Let’s take a look at some of the accessories your adjustable bed might include, as these features establish the benefits of an adjustable bed.

Wall Glide

Adjustable bases that feature a wall-glide or wall-hugging design keep the head close to the nightstand for convenience. With a wall hugger adjustable bed, your mattress will slide backward toward the wall when raised to an upright position.

Remote Control

Adjustable beds will come with a remote control for you to reposition your mattress. Some beds will come with wired remotes, while others will upgrade to a wireless remote.

Wireless remotes are often seen as more desirable since they have tons of wires to get tangled up in your bed. Other sleepers prefer wired controls since they do not include batteries, and you won’t have to worry about losing your remote. Overall, this will give your bed a sleeker aesthetic.

Battery Backup

A backup battery is a feature on adjustable beds that reposition your bed to a flat position when your electricity goes out. This way, your bed will not be stuck in an elevated position in the event of a power failure.

Zero Gravity

Zero gravity is one of the most popular positions for adjustable bed users. In this position, the legs are raised above heart level at an angle that reduces pressure on the spine and encourages deep relaxation.

The zero gravity position virtually eliminates pressure points and provides a sensation of near weightlessness. Most times, this position is already programmed into your adjustable base.

Massage

Massagers are another popular feature of adjustable beds. They work via vibration and are strong enough to be felt through most mattresses to enhance deep sleep and relaxation.

Leg Styles

Some adjustable bases will come with detachable legs. This allows you to customize the height of your bed to accommodate your sleep needs. Some beds may even use flat legs or wheels for the bed as well.

As a reminder, bed height expresses how far the sleeping surface is from the floor. It is the combination of the bed frame, mattress depth, and any mattress toppers.

Customizable height is a helpful feature if you’re looking for an adjustable bed for seniors, as this lets you find the perfect height and minimize the risk of falling.

Why Should You Buy an Adjustable Bed?

Adjustable beds enhance sleep for individuals by providing extensive health benefits. Repositioning the angle you sleep at can reduce pressure on joints and improve circulation while maintaining proper spinal position.

Additionally, sleeping in an elevated position can relieve breathing issues developed by sinus and allergy problems. Some individuals may even experience a reprise from snoring and sleep apnea by offering more air to circulate through their airways. They can also pair the adjustable bed with hypoallergenic mattresses and other bedding.

Consider Your Mattress Size and Type

Usually, the best mattress to use with an adjustable bed is a flexible one. Not every type of mattress is flexible enough to bend with the base. Memory foam, latex, or even futon beds do not resist folding, so they will work better with adjustable beds.

Memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses are suited for adjustable beds as they can conform to the underlying base and the sleeper, impacting the bed’s support. In other words, the foams bend without incurring damage, retaining their shape and comfort.

It’s also a good idea to choose mattresses that are neither too thick nor too thin. The mattress thickness can affect their flexibility; thicker mattresses may also be too heavy to reposition as the base moves.

Pocketed coil mattresses often can work with an adjustable bed, but it’s still smart to double-check with the manufacturer. Using an adjustable base with a traditional spring bed will likely cause the coils to break, damaging the mattress.

Many brands only offer adjustable bed bases in four sizes: twin XL, queen, king or split king, and California king. Twin and full size adjustable beds are slightly less common sizes. One of the best ways to determine what size you need is to look at the product description to pair your base with the correct mattress size.

Many bases are also sized so that the adjustable bed can fit inside a bed frame. They’re slightly smaller than a typical frame but still expansive enough to support the corresponding mattress size.

We suggest reviewing not only your mattress’s dimensions but your bed frame size and dimensions as well. If you plan on pairing your frame with an adjustable bed, this will save you from finding out too late that the two aren’t compatible.

Understand Your Warranty Agreement

Before you solidify your purchase, be sure to look at your warranty. Some mattress manufacturers may exclude additional components or accessories included in your purchase, like electronics. So pay special attention to motor warranties on electronics, so you can replace your products if they malfunction.

Read Consumer Reviews

It’s common for mattress manufacturers to post reputable reviews on their websites by verified users. Often, this helps prevent you from making a costly mistake. Be sure you dive into great detail while looking at reviews, and watch out for testimonials that are too good to be true.

Some reviews might even be hand-picked by the retailer and may not represent most experiences. Looking at what others have to say about the products you’re looking for will help you get a good idea of what you should expect when you receive your product.

FAQs

Are adjustable beds good for your health?

Using an adjustable bed can improve your health. These beds easily elevate your head and legs, which may help improve your circulation and breathing while you sleep. Sleeping in an elevated position has also been proven to reduce acid reflux, improve heart health and lessen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Are adjustable beds expensive?

Shopping for an adjustable base can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000. This, coupled with the price of your mattress, could lead you to spend about $4,000 for your entire bedroom set. This is usually not within the price range for the average shopper.

Adjustable bases are not a necessity for your mattress. Plenty of foundations cost less than an adjustable one and do not hurt your sleep quality. So, look at traditional bases within your budget before considering an adjustable bed.

Who should use an adjustable bed?

Adjustable beds are a bedroom enhancement for all types of sleepers. Older individuals and those with joint pain will find adjustable beds to be exceptionally comfortable since they will aid in assisting you out of your bed.

Additionally, adjustable beds provide relief for allergy sufferers and snorers by offering built-in positions that help sleepers circulate more oxygen through their airway.

Does my adjustable bed frame need a box spring?

Adjustable beds have a solid base. You can place your mattress on these easily and then use the remote control to adjust the height and position of your bed. Most modern-day foundations do not require a box spring, and this is true of adjustable beds as well.

What type of mattress do I need for an adjustable bed?

The best mattresses for adjustable beds are usually made from foam materials. Latex and memory foam beds are typically your best bet since they are flexible enough to be repositioned without becoming damaged. Steer clear of using spring mattresses with adjustable bases since the spring will more than likely become damaged when you move the position in your bed.

Conclusions

If you’re considering shopping for an adjustable bed, you want to ensure your mattress is compatible with the frame. Most mattresses, such as memory foam and latex foam beds, are usually flexible enough to move with your frame without damaging the mattress materials.

Spring beds are not compatible with adjustable bed frames. When you reposition your bed, its springs usually break or lose their spring-like feel. Without the proper mattress for an adjustable bed, it’s highly unlikely that you will sleep comfortably.

Harrison Wall is Sleep Junkie’s business strategist and sleep analyst. He also authors posts on bedding and mattress accessories. Harrison regularly coordinates with new mattress companies and tests their products to determine what really helps you get better rest and have brighter mornings.

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