An adjustable bed is a type of bed base that can raise or lower your head and legs. Split king adjustable beds connect two twin XL mattresses on a dual base. This allows couples to share a bed while customizing their sleep experience with a personalized mattress and sleep position.
Split kings are an excellent choice for couples with different sleep preferences. Adjustable beds are also ideal for sleepers with certain health conditions like acid reflux and frequent snoring. Many models also come equipped with extras like USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, and massage settings.
We’ll help you decide whether an adjustable split king is right for you by discussing our top picks from among those currently on the market. We’ll cover both the benefits and the drawbacks of this kind of bed so you can choose the best adjustable bed for your needs.
The Best Split King Adjustable Beds
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Adjustable Bed
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
$1,599
25 Year, limited 5 years for electrical parts
Highlights
- Equipped with three-zone massage
- 850 pounds of total weight capacity
- Comes with free White Glove delivery
Ideal For
- Sleepers looking for a well-built adjustable bed with premium features
- Shoppers who need a particularly quiet adjustable base
- Anyone who wants in-room setup included with their purchase
Why We Like It
The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus is packed with features, including zoned massage settings and under-bed lighting. It uses a sturdy, compact design that’s compatible with most bed frames and can support up to 850 pounds. The bed comes with a wireless remote that allows you to customize the height of your upper and lower body or choose from preset positions like zero gravity.
The Adjustable Base Plus is made with high-quality, durable materials. Our testing team found the motor on this model to be very quiet, allowing you to make adjustments to your sleeping position without waking up your partner. We were also pleased with the range of motion, which offers plenty of height for the upper and lower body. The base comes with free White Glove delivery for shoppers in the contiguous U.S. The bed is protected by a 25-year limited warranty, and the electrical components have a separate five-year warranty. The Adjustable Base Plus does not come with a sleep trial, and all sales are final. Overall, the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus offers a great balance between price, quality, and premium features. This adjustable bed carries a slightly above-average price tag but offers a good mix of popular premium features, along with a durable construction.
Adjustable Bed
Twin Long, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
$1,799
25 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Wide range of smart functions
- Snore response feature to detect and prevent snoring
- Free White Glove delivery
Ideal For
- Couples looking for an adjustable bed with excellent range of motion
- Anyone with a sleep partner who snores
- Shoppers who want more high-end features
Why We Like It
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base is a luxury split king model that comes with a comprehensive suite of premium features. In addition to head and foot adjustments, this bed includes a wireless remote, under-bed lighting, USB ports, four-zone massage, and a preset zero-gravity option. The bed is also designed to automatically detect and prevent snoring by adjusting the head of the bed as you sleep.
The TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base stands out when it comes to smart features. The bed base can connect to your smartphone and track your sleep. The TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base is also compatible with home smart devices like Alexa for voice control. In addition to the array of features, our testers were impressed by the solid construction of the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base. The bed felt sturdy and durable, but it’s important to note that its maximum weight capacity of 650 pounds is slightly less than some of the other models we tested. Our testers found the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base’s motor to be incredibly quiet. We also found that the TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base had a larger range of motion than other less expensive models. The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base comes with free White Glove delivery, which includes free shipping and in-room setup. The base is protected by a 25-year limited warranty. However, there is no sleep trial available. The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base is equipped with a variety of premium features. The price tag is higher than most of the beds we reviewed, but the number of features and level of smartphone integration may be worth the cost for some couples.
Adjustable Bed
Twin XL, Full, Queen, Split King
$1,399
Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Features headboard attachment points
- Comes with a 101-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty
- Easy assembly and durable construction
Ideal For
- Couples looking for the best balance between premium features and price
- Value-seekers
- Anyone who wants an adjustable base with free returns
Why We Like It
The Puffy Adjustable Base is a reasonably priced split king option that comes with an abundance of premium features. The bed offers fully customizable head and foot adjustments with a wireless remote, as well as a zero gravity setting and adjustable bed height. You can save your favorite bed positions with two programmable memory buttons. Zoned massage can target the upper body or legs with three speed options. The base also features dual USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, and a remote flashlight.
When we made adjustments to the bed’s position, the Puffy Adjustable Base was fairly quiet, though slightly noisier than some of the other models we tested. Our testers also found that the Puffy Adjustable Base offers a good range of motion at both the head and foot of the bed. Assembly is required, but the modular design helped ease the setup process. Once assembled, the base felt sturdy and highly durable. The Puffy Adjustable Base ships for free to customers in all 50 states. The bed also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, as well as a 101-night sleep trial. The Puffy Adjustable Base provides an excellent mix of features for the price. Combined with above-average customer service policies, this bed represents a great value for couples who want lots of customizable options.
Foam
Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King
$1,428
3 Year, limited
Highlights
- Bundle includes adjustable bed, choice of mattress, and bedding
- Adjustable frame offers range of positions to promote healthy sleep posture
- Mattress options include all-foam or hybrid models
Ideal For
- Couples who enjoy foam beds
- Shoppers on a budget
- Sleepers with back pain
Why We Like It
The Nectar Adjustable Bundle caters to couples who would like to purchase their split king mattress and adjustable base in one fell swoop. It’s a good choice if you and your co-sleeper love foam beds but differ when it comes to firmness. The bundle includes a Nectar Adjustable Bed Frame with head and foot positioning that you can control with a wireless remote. You may program your own preset positions or use the zero-gravity setting, which elevates your head and feet in a position meant to reduce pressure on your back. The bed frame is also equipped with massage settings, USB ports, and under-bed lighting. The height is adjustable. In addition to the adjustable bed frame, you can also pick from six Nectar mattresses to include in the bundle. Three models are all-foam, offering excellent contouring and pressure relief. The other three models are foam hybrids, so you’ll receive additional support in addition to cushioning from the foam surface. All models excel at motion isolation. The Nectar Adjustable Bundle is reasonably priced, and to further sweeten the deal it also includes a bedding bundle with a cooling pillow, sheet set, and mattress protector.
Adjustable Bed
Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King
$1,600
20 Year, limited 10 years for parts and labor
Highlights
- Wide range of motion for head, lower body, and independent neck tilt
- Lumbar bar supports the lower back when the head is elevated
- Wall-hugging feature keeps the bed close to your nightstand at all times
Ideal For
- People with chronic or frequent back pain
- Those who enjoy reading or watching television in bed
- Shoppers who are also in the market for a new mattress
Why We Like It
If you want a split king adjustable bed with a lot of bells and whistles, the DM9000S Series Adjustable Bed — Dynasty’s most advanced model — is a luxurious option boasting an array of impressive features. Even the base’s mechanics are first rate. You can elevate the head up to 60 degrees and the legs up to 45 degrees, and also tilt the neck forward up to 15 degrees. This extensive range of motion allows you to choose from hundreds of unique positions, including zero-gravity, and you can program your favorites as presets on the remote.
Unique to the DM9000s Series is a lumbar pad that rises when the bed elevates, so you’ll receive lower back support when using upright positions. A dual-zone massage function targets the upper and lower body with gentle vibrations for 10, 20, or 30 minutes. With the split king, you and your partner can enjoy the massage without disturbing the other person. Another nice feature is the wall-hugging technology. This allows you to elevate or lower the bed as needed while keeping your nightstand in easy reach. Each side of the bed features USB ports for charging your belongings at night. Under-bed lighting helps you navigate your bedroom when the lights are out. The legs are adjustable with a clearance of 6 to 10 inches in 1-inch increments. Alternatively, you can remove the legs and use the base on a platform, sleigh, or storage bed. If you also need a mattress, Dynasty lets you bundle the DM9000S with one of the brand’s five models at a discounted rate. Customers in the contiguous U.S. can choose between free ground delivery or White Glove service for an extra charge. The bed comes with a warranty that covers all parts and labor for up to 10 years. The Dynasty DM9000s checks a lot of boxes for anyone seeking an adjustable bed loaded with features. Wide range of motion for head and foot positions, wall-hugging technology, and enhanced lumbar support help this bed stand out from many competitors at the same price-point.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our goal is to help people discover evidence-based strategies for improving their sleep. Our diverse team of sleep experts tested dozens of split king adjustable beds to bring you our top picks on the market today. These beds offer the best balance between cost, features, and customer service policies.
What Is a Split King Adjustable Bed?
A split king adjustable bed is made up of two twin XL mattresses sitting side by side on two connected adjustable bed bases. This kind of bed base keeps your bed raised off the floor and provides crucial support to your mattress. Adjustable beds are unique because they allow you to raise or lower the head and foot of the bed to customize your sleeping position.
While a standard king adjustable bed contains a single king mattress on an adjustable base, the two twin XL mattresses that make up a split king adjustable bed offer an even greater level of customizable comfort at the same size. Combined with a dual adjustable base, this design allows two sleepers to independently adjust their side of the bed.
Each sleeper can also choose a mattress with a different firmness level, which can be helpful if you and your sleep partner have different needs or preferences. Split king adjustable beds also often include premium features such as massage settings, under-bed lighting, and charging ports.
Split King Adjustable Bases
A split king adjustable base allows you to change the position of your upper or lower body. While adjustable bases originated in health care settings, a number of sleep brands now offer models designed to increase your comfort when sleeping at home. Adjustable beds can be purchased in-stores or online.
Split king adjustable bases are usually made from two connected twin XL adjustable bases. This can make split king adjustable beds easier to assemble and move because you can disconnect the two halves of the bed.
Some brands use a split king base for both their split king and regular king adjustable bed options. If this is the case, the regular king may have a sync cable or a specially programmed remote that connects to both sides of the bed and allows both bases to move together.
California split king adjustable beds are also available, though the options depend on the brand. California king beds are slightly longer and narrower than traditional king beds.
Benefits for Couples
Split king adjustable beds can be a good choice for couples because of their many features, which are designed to help each partner sleep comfortably and without disturbing the other.
- Accommodates different sleep preferences: Split king adjustable beds are made up of two twin XL mattresses. Each person can choose their own mattress style, firmness, and support based on their personal comfort preferences.
- Independence for bedtime habits: With independently adjusting sides, you can stick to your preferred bedtime routine without worrying about disturbing your partner. One person can keep their side of the bed inclined to read or watch TV while the other person lies flat.
- Motion isolation: The split king adjustable base design creates two separate sleep surfaces that sit side by side. This allows for excellent motion isolation, as each mattress transfers very little motion to the other. You should be able to get in and out of bed or change sleep positions without waking up your partner.
- Plenty of sleeping space: The king size sleep area provides each sleeper with ample room to stretch out during the night.
Are Adjustable Beds Worth It?
An adjustable bed comes with a variety of benefits that may help make up for the slightly higher price tag.
Adjustable beds provide a wide range of customizable sleep and lounging positions. Each person using the bed can choose the position that’s most comfortable for them. This may help relieve joint aches and pains as well as snoring without the need to compromise on comfort. It can also make it easier to get in and out of bed.
Adjustable beds often come with a number of premium features. These include wireless remote or smartphone controls, massage settings, under-bed lighting, programmable memory positions, and other features to make your time in bed as comfortable as possible. You may also be able to receive Medicare or other health insurance coverage for part of the bed’s cost if it’s part of a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor.
Benefits of an Adjustable Bed
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Angled Sleep Positions | These positions elevate your upper or lower body, allowing you to choose from many different sleep positions beyond just lying flat. |
Reclining Position for Lounging | The reclining position raises the head of your bed so you can sit comfortably while watching TV, reading, working, or relaxing with your partner. |
Pain Relief | Elevating parts of your body or using preset positions like zero gravity may help promote neutral spinal alignment and reduce common pain points, such as the lower back. |
Reduce Snoring | Sleeping in an incline position or an anti-snore preset position may help reduce snoring. |
Assist Movement | For people experiencing reduced mobility, an adjustable bed can make getting in and out of bed much easier. |
Relief from Health Conditions | Changing your sleep position can help with certain health conditions, including acid reflux, snoring, and frequent nighttime urination. |
Health Insurance May Cover Cost | Your health insurance may cover part of the cost for an adjustable bed if it’s prescribed by your doctor to treat a health condition. |
Premium Features
Premium Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Massage | Many high-end adjustable beds come equipped with a built-in massager. This can include multiple speeds and custom options for head, legs, or full body. |
Zero-Gravity and Anti-Snore Preset Positions | Adjustable bases often come with pre-programmed bed positions. Zero gravity keeps your body in a neutral, low-impact position, while anti-snore helps open the airway to prevent snoring. |
Programmable Memory Positions | This feature lets you save your favorite positions for different activities like sleeping or reading and switch between them with the click of a button. |
USB Charging Ports | Some models feature USB ports, so you don’t have to rely on a wall outlet for charging devices like smartphones, e-readers, and tablets. |
Under-Bed Lighting | Built-in under-bed lighting makes it easy to see where you’re going in the middle of the night without waking your partner. |
Wireless Remote and App Controls | A wireless remote allows you to easily control your bed’s features without getting up. Some models also let you control your bed from your phone. |
Smart Functions | Smart functions go beyond normal smartphone control. This can include Alexa compatibility, voice control, and sleep tracking. |
Choosing an Adjustable Split King Bed
There are a variety of factors to keep in mind when deciding whether to purchase a split king adjustable bed.
Do You Need a Special Mattress for an Adjustable Bed?
The best mattresses for an adjustable bed are memory foam, latex, or hybrid. These styles are flexible enough that they can bend with the moving base. Traditional innerspring mattresses without pocketed coils are not recommended due to their more rigid design.
Keep in mind that a split king adjustable bed requires two twin XL mattresses. This allows couples to get the most benefit from the split design, including independent adjustments and different mattresses to suit each person’s comfort preferences.
What to Consider in a Split King Adjustable Bed
- Premium features: When comparing different adjustable split king bed models, think about any premium features that you want your bed base to include. These features may increase the price of the bed, but it’s important to remember that you’ll probably use and enjoy this bed for a very long time.
- Weight capacity: Consider both your weight and your partner’s. Higher-end models are likely to be more sturdy and have a higher weight capacity.
- Bed height: Make sure to take into account your desired bed height. This includes the height of the adjustable base as well as the mattress. Higher beds can be easier to get in and out of, especially for sleepers with reduced mobility. Keep in mind that some models may allow you to adjust the height of the bed, while others are fixed.
- Size and appearance: Choose an adjustable bed that fits with your current bedroom decor. Remember that adjustable bases don’t usually require a separate bed frame or other foundation. However, you may be able to combine your new adjustable split king with your current headboard if their sizes match.
- Price and financing: The typical cost for a split king adjustable bed can range from $1,000 to $3,000. Adjustable beds cost more than standard bed bases due to their more complex construction and luxury features. Many retailers offer financing options to help shoppers fund their purchase.
- Warranty and sleep trials: A sleep trial allows you to try a product at home and return it within a certain time frame if you’re not happy with how it performs. Not all adjustable beds come with a sleep trial, but most come with a limited warranty. Make sure to check whether the manufacturer includes the electronic parts of the adjustable bed base in their warranty or if they’re covered by a separate policy.
- Assembly and delivery: Adjustable bases can be bulky. Some models may require assembly, while others arrive in one piece. If you think you’ll need help setting your bed up, look for brands that offer services like White Glove delivery. This service includes delivery and assembly, sometimes for an added fee.
Common Problems with a Split King Adjustable Bed
Adjustable split king beds have many benefits, especially for couples. But, like any purchase, they also come with several drawbacks, including cost, size, and certain design features.
Gap and Seam
There may be a noticeable gap in the middle of your split king adjustable bed. Some mattresses may also have a seam on the outer edge. This can be bothersome when it comes to things like cuddling and sex.
There are several ways to minimize this issue. Make sure that the two twin XL mattresses you order with your split king are the same height, and try to find models with smooth top covers and strong edge support. This will make sitting in the middle of your split king more comfortable.
Split King Sheets and Compatible Bed Frames
Even if you already own a king mattress, your current sheets and bed frame may not be compatible with your new split king adjustable bed. Because split kings are made up of two twin XL mattresses placed side by side, it’s best to use two sets of twin XL sheets. This makes it easier to adjust each side of the bed independently.
Adjustable beds usually don’t require a bed frame. However, some brands design their adjustable beds to be compatible with a variety of bed frames. Some models also have mounts for attaching a headboard.
Noise
Adjustable bases rely on a motor to move the head and foot of the bed. Some models make noticeable noise when adjusting the bed position. Those who find the noise disruptive should make sure to choose a model with a quiet motor.
Adjustable Frame Weight
Adjustable frames tend to be heavier than standard bed bases of similar size due to their motor and electronic components. Typical adjustable beds weigh around 200 pounds, while split king adjustable beds can weigh closer to 300 pounds, depending on the model.
This can make moving adjustable beds very difficult. Additionally, the combined weight of the adjustable bed base and mattress can place a great deal of stress on the flooring in older homes. However, split adjustable beds are often modular. Being able to separate each half of the bed makes a split king adjustable bed slightly easier to move than a regular king adjustable bed.
Total Cost
A split king adjustable bed will likely be significantly more expensive than a standard king bed, due to its complex construction and added features. You’re also more likely to spend on extras like a new mattress set, sheet set, and headboard. However, the high upfront cost may be worth the investment for some couples. A high-quality, durable model will probably last many years while also providing numerous benefits.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Alison is a health writer with ample experience reading and interpreting academic, peer-reviewed research. Based in San Diego, she is published in the journal PLOS Genetics and the Journal of Biological Chemistry and has been a copywriter for SmartBug media. With a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Davis, she has nearly a decade of academic research experience in life sciences. She enjoys helping people cut through the noise to understand the bigger picture about sleep and health. Alison likes to stay active with rock climbing, hiking, and walking her dog.
- POSITION: Stomach Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Bear
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