What Is An Adjustable Bed & How Does It Work?

An adjustable bed lets you move the head and foot of your mattress up and down so you can settle into a better angle. Yup, your bed doesn’t have to stay still!

Most bases run on quiet motors you can control with a remote or app. You can glide into positions for reading, soothe pressure points, or make breathing feel smoother. 

We’ll walk you through how an adjustable bed works along with its benefits and limitations. You’ll learn about its durability, features, mattress pairing, and cost so you can judge whether the extra flexibility is worth it.

How Does An Adjustable Bed Work?

Beneath your mattress is a slim, padded base with built in motors that lift the head and foot panels. You control the movement through a remote or app, so the bed shifts into a comfortable angle without any effort on your part.

Most bases in the market today come with preset angles you can choose from, plus manual controls for finer adjustments. They’re designed to sit inside standard bed frames, giving you movement and support without changing your room’s style.

Now, modern adjustable bed bases work with common bed frames and beds with storage. If you want help checking yours, we have an article that explains which frames can hold an adjustable bed.

Pros of Using an Adjustable Bed

Adjustable beds offer more control over how you rest, which can make a big difference to comfort and support.

Here are some of the main benefits:

1. Support Where You Need It

You can lift the head or foot of the bed to match how your body feels on any given night.

For instance, raising your legs can ease lower back strain, and as Healthline notes, “Elevating your legs can help improve blood flow in your lower extremities.”

Being able to adjust your position makes it easier to get comfortable without stacking pillows or twisting into awkward angles.

2. Easier Breathing & Less Snoring

Sleeping a little more upright can help keep your airways more open.

Research on bed inclination showed that “snoring stopped more frequently when interventions of the type big angle (20°) were provided compared to… small angle (10°).”A slight incline helps keep your airways more open, which can be helpful for people who deal with snoring, asthma, or sleep apnoea.

3. Help with Reflux & Digestion

If you struggle with digestion, lying flat can sometimes make it worse.

Gently raising your upper body can help keep stomach acid where it belongs and may ease that burning feeling at night.

Some people also find this position more comfortable after a late meal or during pregnancy.

4. Better Circulation & Reduced Swelling

Raising your legs can support healthier blood flow, especially if you feel heavy or swollen after a long day.

In the journal Nursing: Research and Reviews, researchers noted that “elevating lower limbs at or above heart level has been shown to improve venous circulation, even in healthy subjects.”

With an adjustable bed, you can do this with a quick tap on the remote, helping your legs feel lighter and more comfortable without piling up pillows or shifting around.

5. Easier Getting In and Out of Bed

For older adults, people with limited mobility, or anyone recovering from injury, lying completely flat is not always the easiest position to move from.

An adjustable bed can bring the head section up, which helps you sit, pivot, and stand with less strain. It can also make everyday things like reading, watching something, or scrolling on your phone feel more comfortable and supported.

Cons of Using an Adjustable Bed

Adjustable beds come with plenty of perks, but they are not perfect for everyone.

Here are a few drawbacks to keep in mind:

1. Higher Upfront Cost

An adjustable bed usually costs more than a standard bed frame.

You are paying for the motors, remote, and moving parts as well as a mattress that can flex safely. For some people, that extra spend is worth it. For others, a simple fixed base still does the job.

2. More Parts To Look After

Because an adjustable bed has motors and joints, there is more that can wear out over time. They also need power to move, so if there is an outage, the base will stay in its last position until power comes back.

Most models come with a warranty, and our ErgoLift Adjustable Bed includes a 5 year warranty for extra peace of mind. Outside of that window, you may need repairs or replacement parts depending on how often you use the lifting features.

3. Mattress & Frame Compatibility

Not every mattress can sit on an adjustable base. Very rigid or heavily wired designs may not bend well and could wear down faster.

If you’re unsure which materials work best, we’ve written an article on the best mattress types for adjustable beds to help you narrow it down. You may also need to check whether your current bed frame can house an adjustable base or whether your setup needs a small update.

Common Features in an Adjustable Bed Frame

Most adjustable bed frames share a few core features that make them easier and more comfortable to use.

Here are some you will often see:

Head & Foot Elevation

This is the main feature. You can lift the head, the legs, or both to different heights. It lets you move from lying flat to a gentle incline or a more upright position with a quick tap on the remote.

Wireless Remote or App Control

Most modern bases come with a handheld remote, and some also offer app control. You can shift positions, save favourites, and adjust settings without getting out of bed or reaching for awkward switches.

Preset Positions

Many frames include preset angles, such as a reading position or a reclined, “weightless” style position that raises both the head and legs. Presets make it easy to return to a spot that feels good without guessing the angles every night.

Split Base Options

In larger sizes, some adjustable beds have split bases, so each side can move on its own. This lets one person sit up to read while the other lies flat, which is helpful if you and your partner like very different positions.

Massage or Vibration Settings

Some adjustable frames include gentle massage or vibration functions in the head or foot area. These are usually low level, soothing settings that can help some people relax or unwind before sleep.

Extra Convenience Features

You may also see handy add ons like:

• USB ports
• underbed lighting
• “return to flat” button

These small touches can make it easier to charge devices, move safely at night, and reset the bed with a single tap.

Do Adjustable Beds Need a Specific Mattress Type?

You don’t always need a new mattress for an adjustable bed, but it must be flexible, the right size, and within the weight limit of the base.

Thick or very rigid mattresses can struggle to bend and may wear out sooner.

Most flexible foam styles work well. Here’s a quick look at the common types:

• Memory foam: Soft, flexible, and able to bend smoothly with the base. Good for pressure relief.
• Latex: Supportive and bouncy while still flexible enough to move with the bed.
• Hybrid: A mix of springs and foam or latex. Works on an adjustable bed if it’s not too firm or too tall.

Traditional innerspring mattresses or extra thick designs may not bend as easily and are less suitable to use with an adjustable bed.

If you’re unsure what you have, check the mattress label or the brand’s website for compatibility.

What Is The Average Cost of an Adjustable Bed?

The average adjustable bed in Australia usually costs between $1,100 and $7,500, depending on size and features.

Prices climb with split models, extra functions, or premium additions.

If your current mattress isn’t compatible with an adjustable bed, a new one can add another $1,000 to $5,000 to the total cost. Optional upgrades like massage settings, lighting, or added support functions can increase the final price too.

Sales periods can bring prices down, so waiting for a promotion can be worthwhile. If you want help timing your purchase, we also have a guide on the best time to buy bedroom furniture that walks through the most reliable sale periods.

Tips for Buying an Adjustable Bed

Choosing an adjustable bed is easier when you know what to look for.

Here are a few practical things to check before bringing one home:

• Check your space and setup
  Measure your bedroom and think about where the base will sit, how it plugs in, and whether it needs to fit inside an existing frame.
• Test the movement
  Try the controls in store if you can. Move the bed base’s head and foot up and down, change positions, and see how smooth and quiet the motors feel.
• Look at mattress compatibility
  Make sure the base suits the mattress type you plan to use and that it falls within the weight limit, especially if two people will sleep on it.
• Focus on useful features
  Prioritise head and foot elevation, simple presets, and a clear remote. Extras like massage or lighting are nice but should not distract from comfort and support.
• Review the warranty and support
  Pay attention to the warranty on the motors and electrical parts. A solid warranty and customer support make a real difference if something needs fixing later on.

Is an Adjustable Bed Right for You?

Yes, an adjustable bed can make sense if you often sit up in bed, deal with snoring or reflux, or feel more comfortable with your legs slightly raised.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is always best to speak with a health professional before deciding, as they can help you understand whether the added movement will support your needs.

Now that you understand what is an adjustable bed base and how it works, the next step is finding a setup that suits your home.

Our ErgoLift Adjustable Bed is built to pair with selected Ecosa bed frames & bed bases and a range of compatible mattresses in memory foam, latex, and hybrid feels, so you can choose the support that matches how you sleep!

FAQs

1. What is an adjustable base for a bed?

It is a motor powered frame that allows the head and foot of your mattress to move up or down. This gives you more flexibility in how you sit, rest, or sleep.

At Ecosa, we offer the ErgoLift Adjustable Base, which gives you the flexibility to sit, rest, or sleep in positions that feel better for your body.

2. What is the life expectancy of an adjustable bed?

Most adjustable beds last around 7 to 15 years, depending on how often you use the motors and the quality of the base. A good warranty on the electrical parts can also extend peace of mind.

The Ecosa ErgoLift Adjustable Base comes with a 5 year limited warranty, giving you added confidence as you use it over time.

3. Can a regular mattress work on an adjustable bed?

Some can, but not all. Flexible foam, latex, and many hybrid mattresses bend safely with the base, while very firm or thick innerspring designs may not move well.

Always check your mattress label or the brand’s compatibility guide.

References (3):

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/elevating-legs
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41606-020-00050-2
3. https://doi.org/10.2147/NRR.S345076