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Can You Use a Regular Mattress with an Adjustable Bed?

Yes, you can use a regular mattress with an adjustable bed depending on the mattress composition.  How well it works is dependent on several factors.  Not only is the material makeup of it an issue, but there are also a few other things to consider.  The thickness of the mattress may affect the comfort of positions.  Contemplate the quality of the mattress in regards to its durability.  Lastly, when using a regular mattress with an adjustable bed, be sure it still has some useful life.  Mattresses last a long time, but occasionally they are use past their intended lifespan.

 

Mattress Types

You can use a regular mattress with an adjustable bed if it is one of many compatible types.  Latex and memory foam mattresses will do.  Hybrid models are popular and most also work well with an adjustable bed.  Innerspring and air mattresses may or may not work. Innerspring mattresses will work if they have independent coil. Most types of mattress will function in an adjustable bed, some just do it better.  A good mattress will provide just the right amount of comfort and support.

  • Latex Mattress
  • Memory Foam Mattress
  • Hybrid Mattress
  • Innerspring Mattress
  • Air Mattress

 

Latex Mattresses

A regular mattress that can be used with an adjustable bed is one made with natural latex.  These mattresses are flexible, durable and long lasting.  Natural latex mattresses also have the added benefit of no chemical smell since they emit no harmful chemicals.  Many people enjoy the light bouncy feel that a latex mattress adds to an adjustable bed. It allows to get out of the bed a little easier.

 

Memory Foam Mattresses

It is important to use a regular mattress with an adjustable bed that will be comfortable.  Chronic back pain is a leading reason one might purchase an adjustable bed.  Memory foam mattresses absorb some of the pressure that would otherwise be put on the spine.  This results in less pressure and pain.  The most durable memory foam mattresses will have a higher density.  These memory foam mattresses work best in an adjustable bed.

 

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses take the best aspects of multiple mattress types and combine them into one awesome mattress.  Most hybrid type models are regular mattresses that can be used in an adjustable bed.  Using this type of mattress with your adjustable base allows for the comfort of one type of mattress and the increased durability of another.

 

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are not always compatible with an adjustable bed.  The reason we don’t recommend this type of mattress for use in adjustable bed bases is that there are many styles of innerspring mattress.  Some of the styles use interlocking coils which would get tangled should they be use in a positioning bed.  Other styles have a border wire and those cannot be used either.  A independent coil mattress will work with an adjustable bed. It is just safer to eliminate the innerspring options that are border wire or interlocking coils than end up ruining a mattress.

Air Mattresses

An air mattress is a cheaper adjustable bed mattress alternative in most cases.  Can this regular mattress be used in an adjustable bed?  Sure, in most cases.  However, these beds lack the support and comfort of other more desirable mattresses unless they are combination of air and memory foam or air and springs.  If you are willing to pay for a good bed base, you might as well get a mattress to top it that is of better quality, but if a air mattress has both air and memory foam or air and spring could be a good option.

 

Mattress Thickness

Mattress thickness is a consideration when asking “Can you use a regular mattress with an adjustable bed?”  Support and thickness are related but you don’t always need the thickest mattress to get adequate support.  Typically mattresses up to about 12 inches thick work well atop an adjustable bed. This allows it to be used in flat position as well as varied head and foot positions. To tall of a mattress will not allow the mattress to bend as much.

 

Mattress Firmness

Any firmness level mattress can be compatible with adjustable bed.  Some types of mattresses offer the ability to change firmness.  soft, medium or firm mattresses or even adjustable firmness mattresses can be chosen to sleep on when using the elevated bases.

 

Durability – Flexibility – Quality

It may be obvious that flexibility and durability would be important in any mattress paired with an adjustable bed.  That’s due to the repeated movement of the mattress as the bed goes through positioning over time.  This is where the quality of your mattress choice is vital.  If the quality is not there, a mattress tends to wear out. Where as good quality mattress tends not wear out since, in most cases, it is made for an adjustable beds

 

Buying a New Mattress or Using the One You Own

You may be able to use the regular mattress you own with an adjustable bed.  This can save you money.  However, do remember that mattresses have a limited lifespan.  If you have had your mattress a while it may be best to replace it.  Also, mattress technology continues to improve so the newer mattresses may be considerably better than the one you already own.  Lastly, some types of mattress work better with an adjustable base than others do.  So if the regular mattress you have is one of the less favorable types, you might choose to upgrade.

 

Jesse Crow
Jesse Crow graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. As a life-long participant in sports and motocross, he suffered considerably from joint and back pain. It wasn’t until he purchased his first quality mattress that he found any relief. After having studied and tested hundreds of sleep products, as well as visiting manufacturers both overseas and in the U.S., Jesse established Rest Right Mattress. His approach is based on assessing the individual needs of each customer, and meeting those needs through expert knowledge of sleep products.