Adjustable mattresses

Adjustable mattresses are specially designed for adjustable beds. They have flexible fillings and spring arrangements that easily bend and conform upwards.

While you can technically throw any sprung mattress on an adjustable bed, one built to adjust ensures the best compatibility.

There are a few things to consider when shopping for an adjustable mattress:

• Technology (pure foam or sprung)
• Firmness
• Thickness
• Natural or synthetic fillings

We provide more information below.

Why get an adjustable mattress?

Adjustable mattresses have higher prices than standard mattresses because they are manufactured in smaller numbers. They also require special machinery configurations to create the spring arrangements necessary for adjustability.

Despite the extra price, they are worth it if you have an adjustable bed, as they provide the best performance, durability, and compatibility.

The technology

Adjustable mattresses are available in pure foam and sprung types.

Pure foam mattresses like the Recline-A-Bed Gel Flex Ortho have no bounce (perfect if you like a dense, solid feel to your bed) and are firmer than sprung mattresses, making them better for those who prefer a hard sleep surface.

Sprung adjustable mattresses like the Recline-A-Bed Eclipse use pocket springs. These operate independently and react to every orifice of your body for fantastic bounce and breathability. They are topped with foam or fibrous layers for comfort.

It comes down to this:

• Pure foam – no bounce, firm feel, solid
• Sprung – bouncy, medium or medium-firm, more breathable

Firmness

The right adjustable mattress firmness is linked to your body weight.

Unless you adore firm or soft mattresses, you should choose:

• A firm mattress if you weigh more than 220 lbs
• A medium-firm one if you weigh up to 200 lbs
• A medium mattress if you weigh less than 180lbs
• Avoid soft mattresses unless you weigh less than 150 lbs.

Of course, there are flexible rules—feel free to pick the right mattress.

You can also choose an adjustable mattress based on sleep position:

• Side sleeper – medium
• Back sleeper – medium-firm
• Front sleeper – firm
• Multi-position sleeper – medium-firm

Thickness

A thicker adjustable mattress equals a more durable product and better edge support (letting you sleep right up to the edge).

For instance, the Recline-A-Bed Nova is 23 cm thick, while the Recline-A-Bed Gel Flex Pillow Top is 25 cm thick. That extra 2 cm might not sound much, but it gives you a more solid feel at the edge and helps isolate motion better.

The thinnest mattresses are pure foam ones – the Recline-A-Bed Gel Flex Ortho (linked above) is only 20 cm thick, but because it’s pure foam, it can get away with it – thickness matters more for sprung mattress types.

Natural or synthetic fillings

Natural fillings are more eco-friendly than synthetic ones and ensure your mattress contains fewer chemicals. This can help reduce that ‘new mattress smell’ after unboxing; some people with asthma report fewer problems.

The Sleepeezee In Motion Natural combines British wool with polyester fibre layers to create a soft, airy sleep surface for a fantastic night’s sleep.

Synthetic fillings, such as memory gel and memory foam, are an alternative to natural fillings. These offer a squashier sleep surface that many prefer.

The Sleepeezee in Motion Memory is a brilliant example. It combines memory foam with a breathable, moisture-wicking cover for comfort.

Summing up

Adjustable mattresses are designed to complement your adjustable bed's functionality. They easily conform to the various sleep positions created by your bed's arms and pulleys, allowing the motor mechanism to operate optimally.

All the adjustable mattresses in this article are fantastic choices. Still, if we had to choose one, it would be the Sleepeezee In Motion Natural because it represents top value for money. The choice is yours.