An adjustable bed base transforms how you sleep and relax by letting you raise or lower different sections of the mattress at the touch of a button. Whether you're looking to ease back pain, improve circulation, or find a more comfortable position for reading in bed, an adjustable bed offers personalised support that a standard flat base can't match.
In this guide, we'll explain what adjustable beds are, how they work, and help you decide if one is right for you.
What Is an Adjustable Bed and How Do They Work?
An adjustable bed is a bed base with motorised sections that move independently, allowing you to raise the head, feet, or both to create different sleeping and resting positions. Using electric motors to gently lift different sections of the mattress, most designs allow the head and foot areas to move independently and are easy to control via a handheld remote or smartphone app. Many adjustable beds also come with handy extras, such as massage settings, USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, and preset positions designed for activities like reading or watching TV.
Do Adjustable Beds Need to Be Plugged In?
Yes, adjustable beds need a standard UK mains power connection to run their motorised base. Most plug into a regular three-pin socket and only use electricity while adjusting, making them energy-efficient. Many models also power USB charging ports. It’s best to position the bed near a wall socket, keeping cables safely out of the way. Battery-powered options are available but are uncommon in the UK and are usually designed for medical use.
Adjustable Bed Types
Adjustable beds come in different styles to suit various bedroom needs and preferences. Here are the main types available:
Standard Adjustable Beds: Offer simple motorised head and foot adjustment without extra features. They’re great value for improving sleep posture and everyday relaxation.
Adjustable TV Beds: Feature a TV hidden in the foot end that rises at the touch of a button, combining supportive positioning with comfortable, space-saving bedroom entertainment.
Adjustable Ottoman Beds: Pair motorised comfort with generous under-bed storage, lifting to reveal hidden space while still allowing independent head and foot adjustment.
Adjustable Bed Sizes
Adjustable beds are available in most standard UK sizes:
| Size | Dimensions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small Single Adjustable Beds | 75cm x 190cm | Children, teenagers, or single adults who need ergonomic support and compact bedrooms, guest rooms, or care settings where space is limited. |
| Single Adjustable Beds | 90cm x 190cm | Single adults, teenagers, or as a guest bed where individual comfort matters. |
| King Size Adjustable Beds | 150cm x 200cm | Couples who want to control their side independently, or anyone wanting extra room to stretch out. |
| Super King Size Adjustable Beds | 180cm x 200cm | Larger bedrooms where you want a statement bed that offers both space and functionality. Couples who want complete control over their sleeping position without disturbing their partner. |
When choosing a size, measure your bedroom carefully and allow around 60cm of clearance for easy movement. Adjustable beds can extend slightly when raised, so check the dimensions in both flat and adjusted positions. For more help, visit our UK bed sizes guide.
Adjustable Bed Colours and Materials
Adjustable beds are upholstered in soft, durable fabrics designed to complement your bedroom décor while protecting the internal mechanisms. The fabric finish feels comfortable against your skin, and many designs include padded headboards and side panels, with options such as button detailing for a classic upholstered look. Colours range from versatile neutrals like grey, black, beige, and brown to bolder choices including blue, purple, and red. Neutral shades suit most interiors, while richer colours let you add personality and create a stylish focal point in your bedroom.
The Benefits of an Adjustable Bed
- Relieves Back and Joint Pain: Adjustable beds ease pressure on the spine and joints by supporting your body’s natural alignment, helping reduce discomfort from back pain, arthritis, or recovery after surgery.
- Reduces Acid Reflux and Heartburn: Raising your upper body slightly helps prevent stomach acid from travelling upwards, easing night-time reflux and heartburn while promoting more comfortable, uninterrupted sleep.
- Improves Circulation and Reduces Swelling: Elevating the legs encourages healthy blood flow and reduces fluid build-up in the feet and ankles, making adjustable beds ideal for circulation issues or swelling.
- Helps with Snoring and Sleep Apnoea: Sleeping with the head raised can open airways and reduce snoring, and may help manage mild sleep apnoea when used alongside medical treatment.
- Makes Getting In and Out of Bed Easier: Adjustable positioning reduces strain when sitting or standing, offering extra support for people with limited mobility, joint pain, or age-related movement difficulties.
- Enhances Comfort for Reading and Watching TV: An adjustable bed supports your body in a stable, upright position, removing the need for stacked pillows and making reading or watching TV more comfortable.
- Offers Independent Adjustment for Couples: Split adjustable beds allow each sleeper to choose their own position without disturbing their partner, making them ideal for couples with different comfort or health needs.
Which Mattresses Can You Use with an Adjustable Bed?
Not all mattresses are suitable for adjustable bases, as some aren’t designed to flex with the moving frame. Choosing the right mattress is essential for comfort and to avoid damage. Below are the mattress types that work best with adjustable beds.
Memory Foam Mattresses: Memory foam flexes smoothly with adjustable bases, returning to shape without damage while offering excellent pressure relief that enhances the supportive benefits of adjustable positioning.
Latex Mattresses: Latex mattresses bend easily with adjustable frames while staying supportive. Naturally responsive and durable, latex won’t develop permanent creases with regular adjustment.
Hybrid Mattresses: Hybrids with individually pocketed springs work well on adjustable beds, allowing the mattress to flex independently while combining responsive support with cushioned comfort layers.
Pocket-Sprung Mattresses: For king-size and super king-size adjustable beds, each side typically requires its own single mattress. This allows both sleepers to adjust their side independently without affecting the other, ensuring comfort and support for different positions.
Mattress Types That Don't Work with Adjustable Beds
Traditional open coil or continuous spring mattresses aren't suitable for adjustable beds. The interconnected springs resist bending and can damage both the mattress and the base mechanism. Similarly, very thick or rigid orthopaedic mattresses designed for flat surfaces won't flex properly. Most mattresses clearly state whether they are adjustable-bed compatible. When in doubt, check the specifications or contact our team before purchasing.
Need help choosing a mattress for your adjustable bed? Our mattress guide covers all mattress types in detail.
Who Are Adjustable Beds Suited To?
Adjustable beds can be used by anyone looking for added comfort and convenience. However, they are particularly well-suited to:
People with Back or Joint Pain: Adjustable beds help relieve pressure on sore joints and the spine, allowing you to customise your sleeping position for improved comfort and long-term pain relief.
Those with Circulation Problems: Raising the legs improves blood flow and helps reduce swelling, making adjustable beds ideal for circulation issues, varicose veins, or tired, aching legs.
Anyone with Respiratory Issues: Sleeping with the head elevated can open airways and ease breathing, helping manage symptoms of asthma, allergies, COPD, or mild sleep apnoea.
Individuals with Acid Reflux or GERD: Elevating the upper body helps keep stomach acid down, reducing night-time heartburn and reflux for more comfortable, uninterrupted sleep.
Pregnant Women: Adjustable beds support changing sleep needs during pregnancy by easing back pain, reducing swelling, and helping expectant mums find comfortable resting positions.
Older Adults or Those with Limited Mobility: Raising the bed makes sitting and standing easier, reducing strain and supporting independence for people with mobility challenges or age-related movement issues.
What to Consider When Buying an Adjustable Bed
Here are some of the main factors to consider when choosing your adjustable bed:
- 1. Size and Room Space: Some adjustable beds extend slightly beyond the mattress dimensions when fully reclined, so check the full footprint before buying to make sure it will fit properly in your bedroom.
- 2. Number of Motors: Basic adjustable beds have two motors controlling the head and foot sections separately. More advanced models feature three or four motors, adding independent lumbar support or allowing the head and shoulders to adjust separately from the chest area. More motors mean finer control and more positioning options.
- 3. Weight Capacity: Check the maximum weight; most adjustable bases support 200–300 kg, with heavy-duty models accommodating more for durability and smooth use.
- 4. Remote Control Type: Choose from wired, wireless, or app-based remotes, and options with backlit buttons for convenient night-time control
- 5. Additional Features: Consider which extras matter to you, such as massage functions, USB ports, under-bed lighting, preset positions, zero gravity, wall-hugging technology, and emergency battery backup for added convenience and comfort.
How to Set Up an Adjustable Bed Base
Setting up an adjustable bed base is straightforward, though you may need two people for larger sizes due to their weight.
- 1. Unpack carefully - Remove all packaging and identify all components. Check against the instruction manual to ensure everything is included before you start.
- 2. Position the base - Place the adjustable base where you want your bed, ensuring easy access to a power socket. Leave space at the head end for any movement when the base adjusts.
- 3. Attach any legs or supports - If your model includes legs rather than sitting directly on the floor, attach these securely using the provided fixings. Make sure all legs are level.
- 4. Connect the motors - If motors arrive separately, connect them to the control box following the manufacturer's instructions. Double-check all connections are secure.
- 5. Attach the headboard - If using a headboard, attach the mounting brackets to the adjustable base and secure your headboard according to the instructions.
- 6. Plug in and test - Connect the power cable to your mains socket. Before placing the mattress, test all adjustment functions with the remote to ensure everything works correctly.
- 7. Place your mattress - Carefully position your compatible mattress on the base, ensuring it's centred and lies flat when the base is in its lowest position.
- 8. Add retention straps - Use the mattress retention straps or clips (if provided) to stop your mattress sliding when the base adjusts
- 9. Final checks - Test the full range of movement with the mattress in place. Make sure nothing obstructs the base when it moves and that all safety features work properly.
Most adjustable bases arrive largely pre-assembled, making setup relatively quick once you've cleared the space and have help lifting the base into position.
How to Sleep in an Adjustable Bed
Sleeping in an adjustable bed is similar to sleeping in a regular bed, but with the added benefit of finding your perfect position. Start by lying flat if that's comfortable, then experiment with raising the head or feet slightly until you find a position that feels supportive and relaxing.
For back sleepers, slightly raising the head (10–20°) and knees (5–10°) takes pressure off the lumbar region, supporting the spine’s natural curve. The “zero gravity” position, with head and legs roughly level with the heart, distributes weight evenly and reduces pressure points for ultimate comfort.
Side sleepers benefit from a gentle elevation of the upper body to maintain spinal alignment. Placing a pillow between the knees adds extra support, helping reduce hip and lower back strain.
Sleeping on your front is less suited to adjustable beds, as elevation can create an uncomfortable spinal bend. If you prefer this position, keep the base mostly flat or consider whether an adjustable bed is right for you.
Experiment to find your favourite position and save it with preset buttons for effortless comfort each night.
How to Dress an Adjustable Bed
Dressing an adjustable bed is slightly different from a standard flat bed, but it’s simple once you know what works.
Flexibility is key: choose bedding that stretches and moves with the base. Deep, elasticated fitted sheets (at least 30cm) or stretchy fabrics like jersey cotton or bamboo are ideal. Flat sheets and blankets can be used if tucked loosely, but many prefer duvets, which move naturally as the bed adjusts. Choose one slightly larger than your mattress for full coverage.
You’ll likely need fewer pillows than on a standard bed. One or two flat pillows are usually enough to maintain good neck alignment when the head section is raised. Always use a mattress protector designed for adjustable beds; flexible, waterproof options protect without restricting movement. Most bases also include mattress retention straps or brackets to keep the mattress secure when adjusting positions, too.
Ready to experience the benefits of an adjustable bed? Explore our range of adjustable beds to personalise your sleeping experience.