What you should look for in an adjustable bed

Adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular — and for a good reason. They can make your bedroom an even more comfortable place to be, allowing you to raise and lower the head and foot of your bed to the perfect height for reading, watching TV, and sleeping.

But not all adjustable bases are created equal, so we’re sharing our tips for what you should look for in a base.

Power and compatibility

When you’re shopping for an adjustable base, you want to find one that is powerful. Look for a base with a high weight limit, which will give you a good idea of the power of the motor and the durability of the other components. For example, the adjustable bases we sell have a weight limit of 850 pounds. Weight limits include both the mattress and the sleepers. Our mattresses are made with high-quality materials, so they can be quite heavy.

You also want to make sure the base is compatible with the mattress of your choice, as well as the headboard or bed you’d like to pair it with. Some bases can even be used on a platform bed, like our Style and Style Plus models.

Not all mattresses can be paired with an adjustable base due to the materials used, the way it was built, or the thickness of the mattress. For example, our Orthopedic Ultra Firm (our firmest mattress) cannot be used on a base because the upholstery materials are simply too stiff to bend and flex easily. At the other end of the spectrum, our Orthopedic Hybrid (our softest mattress in that line) is too thick at 15.5 inches to work well on an adjustable base.

And all of our innerspring mattresses have to be specially modified to work on an adjustable base.

Durability and reliable service

A high-quality adjustable base can give you reliable comfort for years to come. You should always look for an adjustable base that:

• Is assembled in the U.S.
• Has sturdy frame construction
• Features individual motors for head and foot articulation
• Comes with a wireless remote (because many entry-level bases come with wired remotes)

While a warranty isn’t the only thing you should consider, it’s important to understand what is covered and for how long.

You’ll also want to find out how the base would be serviced if anything breaks. For example, The Original Mattress Factory is certified to service our bases from Leggett & Platt, so if anything goes wrong, we’ll be the ones to take care of it. You can always contact the nearest factory for adjustable base service.

The features you want and need

Adjustable bases are available with a wide variety of additional features. You’ll just need to decide which features you need and which features might not be worth an additional cost. Some features may include:

• Preset positions
• Programmable positions
• Massage
• Bluetooth for the ability to control your base with an app on your smartphone
• Speakers
• Adjustable leg height

Don’t go for freebies

Many mattress retailers will advertise free adjustable bases to get customers in the door. Not only is the costs of these bases built into the price of the mattress you’re purchasing, but they’re also very low quality. We do not believe these bases are a good option for anyone. 

At The Original Mattress Factory, we offer two models of adjustable bases from Leggett & Platt that pair perfectly with a variety of Original mattresses.

Check out Mattress Shopping 101. 

Ready to start your mattress buying journey? Come to The Original Mattress Factory first. No one knows more than our team about what makes a great mattress great. Whether you buy from us or not, you’ll be better prepared to make a smart mattress buying decision. Find a store near you.