Best Split King Adjustable Bed
Dr. Jennifer Miller, PT, DPT: Expert Physical Therapist and Pelvic Health Specialist
Dr. Jennifer Miller is a compassionate and skilled outpatient physical therapist with nine years of experience in the field. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Elon University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Minnesota State University-Mankato. Dr. Miller specializes in Neurological, Geriatric, and Vestibular Physical Therapy and serves as […]
- Best Split King Adjustable Bed Overall: Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+
- Best Adjustable Bed for Active Lifestyles: Zoma Adjustable Bed
- Best Mattress Bundle: GhostBed Split King Adjustable Bed
- Best Luxury Adjustable Bed: Saatva Lineal
- Best Value Adjustable Bed: Amerisleep Adjustable Bed
Split king adjustable beds are possibly the best way to share a bed without sharing a bed. They allow you to set your own sleep position and choose your own mattress without impacting your partner.
They can also help alleviate snoring and reduce motion transfer. So if sleeping with your partner means you’re not actually sleeping, read on.
“While it’s important to get regular exercise and consult with a physical therapist when needed, sleep is also extremely important,” says Jennifer Miller, a noted physical therapist. “Many of my patients have back pain and I make sure to inquire about their sleeping position, use of pillows, and mattress type.”
“We spend much of our time sleeping and poor quality mattresses or a snoring spouse can reduce the quality of sleep and overall health. I encourage my patients to look into an adjustable bed when repositioning with pillows isn’t enough, especially when they have sleep apnea or swelling in their legs.”
We’ll talk about some of the best adjustable beds on the market and all the ways they can offer you relief from the complications of sharing a bed with another person.
Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ Overview
Those who want an amazing adjustable bed with tons of great features and fantastic quality at a reasonable price should consider the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+. This adjustable base has it all: convenience features, luxury features, and a competitive price for such a luxe adjustable base to boot.
“As a physical therapist, safety is one of my top priorities,” says Jennifer Miller. “I love that the Amerisleep adjustable bed has a base that follows the wall and stays close to the nightstand, so there’s not a risk of injury or falling out of bed when reaching for the phone or lamp. It also has the ability to allow my patients to elevate the head of the bed to reduce snoring or the feet to improve pain and swelling.”
- Smart Home Compatible
Can be linked with Amazon Alexa or Google Smart Home for voice commands.
- Keep the Nightstand Close
The base moves back to follow the wall.
- Charge Your Devices
Multiple charging USB ports keep smart phones and other devices ready to go.
The Adjustable Bed+ offers one of the top massage features on the market. The rolling wave massage provides a full-body relaxation from head to toe. It also has three intensity settings to let you choose the exact mode of relaxation that’s right for you.
The Adjustable Bed+ also boasts convenient wireless connectivity to allow you to adjust its settings using your mobile app or even voice commands if you connect it to Google Home or Amazon Alexa. So you won’t even have to open your eyes to adjust this bed!
Another great feature of this base is its wall glider. The gliding feature pushes the mattress towards the headboard when you raise it from the flat position. This ensures you stay close to your nightstands and all your devices.
Speaking of devices, the Adjustable Bed+ has convenient USB charging ports on each side of the bed. This means you don’t have to sacrifice a charging outlet to plug your bed into the wall. You can draw power straight from the bed itself!
Zoma Adjustable Bed Overview
If you’re looking to build a bed that provides restorative sleep to help you recover from a long day of training or physical labor, look no further than the Zoma Adjustable Bed. Just like the Zoma Mattress, this adjustable bed was designed with those who live active lifestyles in mind.
“One of my favorite qualities of the Zoma bed is that the height is adjustable, as many of my patients experience falls getting in or out of bed,” says Jennifer Miller. “Zoma’s adjustable height allows people to adjust the bed to a height that is safe for them. The massage feature is also a great way to relax at the end of the day and a nice reward after performing the home exercises I send home with my patients.”
- Adjust with Voice Commands
Can be linked through Google Smart Home or Amazon Alexa for spoken commands.
- Removable Legs and Customizable Height
The base can be used without legs or have the legs set at multiple heights.
- Massagers and One-Touch Presets
Stretch out and relax with a massage or lounge in a favorite position.
This adjustable bed boasts a vibrating dual massage feature that can offer full-body relaxation as well as target your upper or lower body individually. You can also choose from three different intensity settings for the perfect massage depth.
The Zoma Adjustable Bed also sports a backlit, wireless remote with one-touch presets and programmable buttons as well. That means you can choose your own settings and get into your favorite poses with a single touch.
The Zoma also features legs with adjustable height. They come in three-inch increments, and you can start with a profile as low as six inches to one as high as 12. That means your adjustable bed can be up to 15 inches tall on its own.
If you’d like an even higher profile, the Zoma Adjustable Bed is compatible with most standard bed frames. That means you don’t have to give up your bed’s look just to get an adjustable base. It also means you can have a higher or lower profile if you need it.
GhostBed Split King Adjustable Bed Overview
Mattress bundles with adjustable beds are a popular way to upgrade your bed in one go, letting you save further on a new mattress and bed base. We have the GhostBed Split King Adjustable Bed as our top mattress + adjustable bed bundle for the number of features the base offers and the range of mattresses you can pair with it.
The GhostBed Split King Adjustable Bed ships free and comes with a lifetime warranty. Their mattresses come with a 20 or 25-year warranty depending on the model and a 101-night sleep trial. Shoppers can also bundle on a few more accessories, such as sheets and a mattress protector, if needed.
- Five Presets and a Memory Button
Sleepers can press a button for reading, lounging, zero-gravity, anti-snore and a flat surface, while also saving a favorite position.
- Selectable Massage Modes
Set up a massage to target sensitive areas along with a massage timer.
- Easy Nighttime Lighting
The built-in flashlight of the remote and underbed lighting keep sleepers from bumping around in the dark.
One of the features that sets the GhostBed Adjustable Bed apart is the level of customization the remote control offers. Sleepers can set up their half of the mattress with one of five presets—flat, lounge, TV watching, anti-snore, and zero-gravity. Alternatively, sleepers could set up a custom position and use the memory button to return to it over and over again.
The remote button also offers three different settings for the head and foot massagers, along with a massage timer. Other features include a flashlight, underbed lighting, and a child lock feature.
Sleepers will be able to add on one of five GhostBed mattresses before checking out, from the simple GhostBed Classic to one of the more upscale models like the GhostBed® 3D Matrix.
Saatva Lineal Overview
If you want purchasing your adjustable bed to be as easy as it simply appearing in your bedroom, check out the Saatva Lineal Adjustable Bed Base. The Lineal boasts free white-glove delivery. So all you have to do is point to the room you want it in, and voila! You’ve got yourself a brand new adjustable bed.
- Included In-Home Setup
No need to unbox and assemble the adjustable bed yourself.
- Full-Body Massagers
Unwind with a targeted massage or immerse yourself in a full-body massage.
- Long-Lasting Warranty Protection
Saatva guarantees the adjustable bed for 25 years.
The free in-room setup isn’t the only fantastic feature of this bed. It also boasts a massaging feature that offers full-body wave, head, or leg massages that can be set to three different intensities.
The Lineal has tons of convenience features as well. It sports a one-touch remote, underbed lighting, and a wall glider than can keep your mattress next to your night tables even when it’s in the upright position.
Another great feature of this adjustable base is its 25-year warranty. The Lineal has one of the longest-lasting warranties on the market. This attests to the quality of its materials and construction. So you can sleep easy knowing you won’t have to worry about it failing for a long, long time.
Amerisleep Bed Base Overview
Those who care more about their adjustable bed’s price tag than they care about all the bells and whistles should consider the base model adjustable bed by Amerisleep: the Adjustable Bed Base. This adjustable base might not have all the luxury features of the Adjustable Bed+, but it still boasts all the same quality and sturdy construction.
- Zero-Gravity Preset
The weightless comfort of the zero-gravity position relieves pressure.
- Bundle with High-Quality Mattress
Shoppers can choose to add on a discounted Amerisleep mattress.
- Swift and Easy Adjustments
One-tap buttons let you change the bed as you please.
The Adjustable Bed offers an ultra-quiet motor so that you can get into position without disturbing your partner. It also provides full head and foot articulation just like the Adjustable Bed+ – perfect for watching TV or reading in bed.
Also just like the Adjustable Bed+, the Adjustable Bed Base has a zero-clearance design. This means it can work on its own or in just about any bed frame. This means you don’t have to sacrifice your existing bed frame for an adjustable bed.
The backlit wireless remote offers one-click controls day or night. It has flat and zero-gravity presets. But it also comes with programmable buttons so that you can save and get into your personal favorite positions with the touch of a button.
The base model adjustable bed also doesn’t sacrifice quality. It still comes with free shipping, and it’s still backed by Amerisleep’s generous 10-year warranty. That means you can expect a full decade of amazing sleep.
Layla Adjustable Bed Overview
Those who care more about the price of their adjustable bed than anything else should consider the Layla Adjustable Base. This base model adjustable bed comes in at a price that fits many people’s budgets. So if you think you can’t afford the improved sleep of an adjustable bed, check out this one.
- Anti-Skid Deck For Minimal Sliding
The surface of the adjustable bed keeps the mattress from moving out of place.
- Multiple Profile Options
Set the bed low to the ground or higher to set preferences.
- Easy to Assemble
Just unfold the bed, screw on the legs and and plug in the adjustable bed.
The Layla doesn’t just boast an amazing price tag. It still has the basic features you’d expect from a modern-day adjustable base. It comes with a wireless remote control with three one-touch presets to allow you to configure your favorite positions and access them with a single touch of a button.
The two fully articulating twin XL bases each come with their own remote so that each partner can configure their own presets and position the bed exactly the way they like it. These remotes will also feature a one-touch zero-gravity preset to position you for perfect weightlessness.
The Layla also features four USB ports – two on each side – to make sure you don’t lose charging outlets just because you plug in the adjustable base.
Best of all, the Layla is one of the easiest adjustable beds to assemble. Just unfold it, screw on the legs, and plug it in, and you’re ready to reap all the benefits of an adjustable base!
Purple Ascent Overview
If you place a lot of value on your home’s decor, you might think an adjustable bed is too ugly for your bedroom. Not so with the Purple Ascent. This adjustable bed sports sleek and versatile upholstery that allows it to make a statement all its own or match just about any bed frame.
- Espresso Legs and Upholstery
The wooden legs and neutral upholstery let this base stand well on its own.
- Three Remote Presets
Set up anti-snore, sitting, or zero-gravity presets
- Bundle with the Purple Mattress
Shoppers in need of a new bed can choose to add on any Purple mattress.
The Ascent has neutral gray fabric upholstery and stylish tapered wooden legs that make a statement if you decide to use the bed as a standalone piece. The Ascent also features optional headboard brackets so that you can create a beautiful bed without buying an additional bed frame.
If you already have a bed frame you love, the Ascent can work with that too. It fits into most standard-size bed frames. And its neutral gray color will melt right into the frame. So it won’t distract from rustic woods or modern metals.
Don’t think that the Ascent’s unbeatable style means it doesn’t have any features. This adjustable base features fully customizable head and foot sections. It also has a wireless remote with anti-snore, sitting, and zero-gravity presets. And it boasts built-in USB ports for convenient charging.
Brooklyn Bedding Ascension® Luxe Adjustable Power Base Overview
Those looking for a sleep solution designed to relieve pain should consider the Ascension® Luxe Adjustable Power Base by Brooklyn Bedding. The Ascension® has everything you need to relax away pain for a good night’s sleep.
- Ergonomic Extension Seat for Mattresses
This design reduces wear and tear on a sleeper’s mattress.
- Remote-Sync for Split Kings
Shoppers who want to be able to use it as a cohesive king can opt to do so.
- Use with a Phone
A mobile app can be used instead of the remote for easy adjustments.
The massage feature of this base was designed to be a therapeutic experience that helps melt away back pain and reduce tension. It can also help increase circulation and reduce inflammation for improved sleep.
The Ascension’s® ergonomic design can help those with mobility issues as well. The power base can sit you all the way up and tilt your head forward, helping you sit up to get out of bed if you need it. This is also a great position for reading or watching TV in bed.
The Ascension® also features a robust technology package with USB charging ports, a mobile app, and underbed lighting. The Ascension® also has a wireless remote with a remote-sync option, so you have the ability to use the split king as two independent sides or a single unit that moves in unison.
Another great feature of this adjustable base is that it features an ergonomic extension seat to reduce wear and tear on your mattress. So you won’t have to worry about shortening your mattress’s life expectancy with this bed. It’s as easy on your mattress as it is on you.
You have the choice to use the Ascension® on its own or with a standard bed frame as well. Just screw in the six legs if you want the piece to stand alone. Leave the legs off to use the zero-clearance with your existing bed frame.
How to Choose the Right Adjustable Bed for You
You and your partner are probably looking at a split king size mattress and bed because you have divergent sleep needs. The good news is that most adjustable bed bases are equipped to meet almost everyone’s needs. So it shouldn’t be too hard for you and your partner to find a compromise that suits you both.
Bed Articulation
The articulation of an adjustable bed is the number of degrees it can rise up on each end. The zero-gravity position is between 30 and 45 degrees for both your head and feet. So if you want a bed that lets you sleep in this position, you’ll need at least 45 degrees of articulation.
Those who want to sit fully up in bed for reading or watching TV (though this isn’t the best sleep hygiene practice) should make sure they’re getting an adjustable base that can go all the way up to 60 degrees at the head. It’s one of the simpler benefits of an adjustable bed.
Bed Height
Those who want an adjustable base for pain or mobility issues should seriously consider their bed height. You’ll want a bed profile that is around the same height as a couch or chair. That is to say, when you’re sitting on the edge of the bed, your feet comfortably touch the floor.
The good news is most adjustable beds now come with adjustable height. This is usually done using incremental legs. The more leg pieces you stack together, the higher the bed’s height. This is perfect for anyone seeking an adjustable bed for seniors or anyone else who needs to slide out of bed with minimal risk of falling down.
As a reminder, your bed height consists of your frame or foundation, plus your mattress thickness and any thick toppers or pads you have.
Ease of Assembly
If you’re handy, this may not be an issue for you. But for those of us who aren’t so great with the toolbox, a bed’s ease of assembly can be a major factor in the decision-making process. Thankfully, many adjustable beds can now be snapped together with a few quick steps and few to no tools. Even optional steps like attaching a headboard to an adjustable bed can be relatively hassle-free.
If an adjustable bed has easy assembly, that fact is typically prominently displayed. Some beds might offer free in-room setup in lieu of easy assembly. Again, if this is something you’re looking for, manufacturers often advertise it prominently.
Price
It’s no secret adjustable bed frames are not cheap. They’re quite a bit more expensive than standard immobile bed frames, and split king ones are usually the most expensive of the adjustable lineup. So expect to pay well over $1,000 for your setup. You may be paying much more than that, depending on the brand and features of your adjustable bed.
Special Features
Special features are additional features that are not necessary for the operation of the bed but make sleeping on it a more luxurious experience. These include massagers, underbed lighting, USB ports, wireless connectivity, and more.
Keep in mind these features can have a huge impact on the bed’s price. So if you want to keep it affordable, you might consider base models that don’t have the bells and whistles.
Weight Capacity
Your bed’s maximum weight is a big factor to consider, especially if you or your mattress are on the heavier side. When it comes to split kings, each side of the bed will have its own max weight because it’s technically its own separate bed. You’ll need to know your and your mattress’s weight so that you can stay well within the parameters of your adjustable base.
Mattresses Compatible with an Adjustable Base
When it comes to mattresses for adjustable bases, we’ve got bad news and good news. The bad news is that one of the most popular mattress types, traditional innerspring, cannot be used with an adjustable base.
Innerspring mattresses feature a support core of open coils. These coils are wired together in a network that spans the entire bed. This means innerspring mattresses are stiff and cannot bend with an adjustable base.
At worst, they will break the adjustable bed or break themselves when you try to move it out of the flat position. At best, they will “float” above the lower parts of the adjustable bed because they cannot flex with it.
The good news, though, is that (for the most part) every other popular mattress type is compatible with an adjustable bed. So those with an innerspring mattress will need to replace it, but if you have a foam or hybrid mattress, you’re good to go!
Memory Foam
Of all the mattress types on the market, memory foam is the best for adjustable beds. This is because of its combination of comparatively lighter weight, decent durability, and excellent flexibility. A memory foam mattress wants to mold itself to the shape of anything that can exert pressure on it. That means it can flex with an adjustable bed in a way that no other mattress type can.
Memory foam mattresses are also usually lighter than hybrid or latex mattresses. So you will almost never have to worry about the mattress being too heavy for the bed. While memory foam is not as durable as latex, it is still more than durable enough to withstand night after night of being bent and unbent.
The only sleepers who might not like memory foam are hot sleepers and active sleepers. This is because memory foam is not all that great at regulating its temperature, though there are cooling mattresses for hot sleepers. It’s also the least responsive of all the mattress types that can be laid on an adjustable base.
If you have any more questions, read our memory foam mattress buying guide.
Natural Latex
Natural latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree, and it’s a fantastic answer for those who want an all-foam mattress but don’t want to deal with memory foam’s temperature and responsiveness issues. For a thorough comparison of the two materials, see our memory foam vs latex mattress guide.
Latex mattresses are airy and breathable. It’s springy and responsive. And it’s flexible enough to bend with an adjustable base. It’s also the most durable of all mattress types, meaning it can be bent out of shape night after night without wearing out.
Latex’s weight is the main reason it is not quite as good an option for adjustable bases. Natural latex is a very heavy foam. So when you purchase a latex mattress, you’ll need to pay close attention to the weight of the mattress to make sure it can combine with your weight and still remain under the adjustable bed’s maximum capacity.
For more information, read our latex mattress buying guide.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are virtually the only option available to you if you want both springs and an adjustable base. Hybrids have an internal support core made of pocketed coils. These individually wrapped coils are not wired together. So they can flex with an adjustable bed in a way that innerspring coils cannot.
Hybrids are another excellent choice for those who want a lot of bounce and breathability. Their coils allow for tons of air circulation, and they spring back into place without transferring motion the way that innerspring coils do.
Watch out, though. Not all hybrid mattresses are intended for adjustable bases. Most are, but some have internal coils setups that can be rearranged or otherwise harmed by the flexing of the bed. So before you purchase a hybrid for an adjustable base, make sure it is intended to go on one. Most manufacturers will list bases appropriate for their mattresses on their websites.
See also our hybrid mattress buying guide.
Saving on Adjustable Beds
- Presidents Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Sleep Awareness Week
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Black Friday
- Cyber Monday
FAQs
Can I use a single king size mattress on an adjustable split king bed?
You can definitely use a single king mattress on a split king adjustable bed. You’ll just need to make sure whatever split king adjustable base you buy has an autosync feature. Autosync allows the two twin XL adjustable bases in your king bed to move as a single unit.
This is extremely important. If the two sides of your bed move independently underneath a single king mattress, this could destroy it. The support underneath the mattress needs to be even from edge to edge, and the mattress also needs to bend the same way from edge to edge.
Anything else can cause tearing or stretching of the mattress’s internal structure that can lead to sagging and soft spots.
How is the adjustable bed’s weight capacity measured, by one person on one twin XL or two people on the whole split king bed?
When putting a split king bed together, you’ll want to think of each side of the bed as its own entity. For example, if each side of your bed has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds, that means you can put 400 pounds of mattress and sleeper on each side of the bed.
Technically, this means your bed can take 800 pounds altogether. However, that 800 pounds needs to be somewhat evenly distributed across both sides of the bed, and neither side should exceed 400 pounds. The good news is twin XL mattresses are typically not all that heavy and should not exceed your side of the bed’s capacity.
Do I need separate sheets for a split king adjustable bed?
That depends on a couple of different factors. If you’re going to autosync your adjustable split king bed and put a single king size mattress on it, you can just get a set of standard king sheets and be done with it. A king size topper can even hide the gap between the two twin XL mattresses.
If you’re going to do a true split king adjustable bed, things can get more complicated. You’ll definitely need two twin XL fitted sheets, one for each mattress. Depending on your expected adjustable bed settings, you may also need separate flat sheets and blankets.
For instance, if you both are going to sleep in similar positions with only slight variations, you can probably get away with a single flat sheet and comforter. But if you’re going to have highly divergent adjustable base positions, you might need to consider two entirely separate bedding sets.
Will a split king stop my partner’s snoring?
A split king can absolutely help keep your partner quiet at night. When you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax, allowing your soft tissues to rattle around inside your airways. This is the mechanism that causes snoring. Elevating the head can allow gravity to hold the soft tissues in the throat in place. This can reduce or even eliminate snoring entirely.
Keep in mind that an adjustable bed alone may not be sufficient if your partner’s snoring issue is actually caused by obstructive sleep apnea. If the snoring is extremely loud, or if breathing regularly ceases during sleep, it’s best to see a sleep specialist.
Do two twin size mattresses make a split king bed?
No. 38 by 75-inch twin size mattresses are wide enough to make a standard king size bed when you put them side by side, but they’re too short. Twin XL mattresses are the size you need to make a king size bed.
These mattresses are still 38 inches wide, but at 80 inches long, they’re long enough to fit perfectly into a standard king size bed frame. So when you’re shopping for split king mattresses, remember to get a twin XL, not a twin.
Bottom Line
Adjustable split king beds can help you get a great night’s sleep with your partner by your side. They can do everything from reducing snoring to allowing for different sleep positions. That makes them the perfect way to share a bed without sharing a bed!