Adjustable base with massage: is it worth it?
Hi, we’re John and Mimi. “Is the massage worth paying more for?” is one of the questions we get most when people compare our adjustable bases. The honest answer: for some people it becomes their favorite part of the bed, and for others it’s a button they never press. Here is what the massage actually does, who tends to love it, who can skip it, and our massage bases at today’s prices.
The short answer
- Get massage if you like to wind down in bed, come home sore or tired from being on your feet, or want the extras that usually come with it: USB charging, an under-bed night light and anti-snore.
- Skip it if you mainly want to sit up, read and sleep in zero gravity. Our e3 (SBKD3) does head and foot lift, zero gravity and memory presets for less.
What the massage on our bases does
On every massage base we sell, the massage is built into the base itself, at the head and at the foot. From the manufacturer’s specs:
- Head and foot zones. Run both together, or just the head or just the foot.
- 3 intensity levels, from gentle to stronger.
- A timer of 10, 20 or 30 minutes, so it shuts off on its own if you fall asleep.
- Works in any position, flat, in zero gravity or sitting up.
Set your expectations right: it’s a soothing vibration you feel through the mattress, not the kneading of a massage chair or a deep-tissue massage. Most people describe it as relaxing rather than therapeutic. A very thick or very soft mattress softens the feel a bit, so if you love a strong massage, a medium-thickness mattress lets more of it through.
Who tends to love it
- People on their feet all day. Foot massage with the legs raised is what nurses, firefighters and retail workers mention most. More in our firefighters and shift workers guide.
- Anyone who has trouble switching off. A 10- or 20-minute session in zero gravity makes a nice bedtime routine instead of scrolling the phone.
- Sore lower backs. Massage plus zero gravity is a popular combo. If back pain is the main reason you’re shopping, the e7 Lumbar adds a separate lumbar lift; see our adjustable base for back pain guide.
- Couples who want different things. With a split king, each side has its own base and remote, so one of you can run the massage while the other stays still.
Who can skip it
- You mostly want to read, watch TV or sleep a little raised for reflux or snoring. Head lift is what matters there, and every base has it.
- You’re on a tight budget. Put the money into a better mattress instead; the bed will feel better every single night.
- Vibration bothers you, or you have a health condition and aren’t sure massage is a good idea. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have circulation problems, ask your doctor before using any massage feature.
What else you get with a massage base
On our lineup, the massage bases are also the better-equipped ones, so the price difference buys more than vibration:
- e4 Premium (SBKDP2): massage, zero gravity, anti-snore, 3 memory presets, USB charging and an LED under-bed light. Zero clearance, with 3", 6", 9" or 12" legs.
- Glide (SBKDG2): everything above, plus a wall-glide motion that keeps your nightstand in reach as the head rises, and voice control through an app.
- e7 Lumbar (SBKDL2): adds a lumbar lift and pillow tilt, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a motion-sensor night light.
- e8 High-Low Lift (SBLB): raises the whole bed up to 10" and tilts forward to make getting in and out easier, with massage, 4 USB ports and voice control. Twin XL, Full and Queen.
Every one of them holds up to 750 lbs including the mattress and sleepers, has a 10-year limited warranty, and ships free by FedEx. See them all side by side on the adjustable base comparison chart.
Our massage bases at today’s prices
The e3 is listed first so you can see exactly what the massage step-up costs in your size.
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Twin XL | Queen | Split king |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e3 (no massage) | Zero gravity, head and foot lift and presets for the lowest price | SBKD3-TXL |
$469 | $519 | $949 |
| e4 Premium | Best-value massage base: head and foot massage, anti-snore, USB, under-bed light | SBKDP2-TL |
$609 | $709 | $1,229 |
| Glide | Massage plus wall glide, so the nightstand stays in reach | SBKDG2-TL |
$729 | $829 | $1,359 |
| e7 Lumbar | Massage plus lumbar lift and pillow tilt for lower backs | SBKDL2-TL |
$849 | $989 | $1,573 |
| e8 High-Low Lift | Massage plus whole-bed lift and forward tilt for easier getting up | SBLB-TL |
$1,269 | $1,399 | — |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
e4 Premium Adjustable Bed Base with Massage, USB Ports, Wireless Remote & Zero Clearance
The massage base we suggest most: all the comfort features people actually use, without paying for motions they don’t need.
- Head and foot massage, 3 levels, 10/20/30-minute timer
- Zero gravity, anti-snore, 3 memory presets
- USB charging and LED under-bed light
- Zero clearance: inside a frame, on a platform or on legs
From $609 (Twin XL) · Queen $709 · See sizes & details
e7 Lumbar Adjustable Bed Base with Massage, Pillow Tilt, Sensor Night Light & USB Charging
For sore lower backs: massage plus a separate lumbar lift that supports the small of your back, and pillow tilt for reading.
- Head and foot massage with timer
- Lumbar lift and pillow tilt
- Motion-sensor night light
- USB-A and USB-C charging
From $849 (Twin XL) · Queen $989 · See sizes & details
Pick a mattress that bends
Any adjustable base needs a mattress that flexes with it. Memory foam and pocket-coil hybrids do; old innerspring mattresses usually don’t. Our best mattress for an adjustable base guide covers thickness and firmness, and our sleep system packages pair a base and a mattress for less.
Questions we hear a lot
What does the massage on an adjustable base feel like?
A soothing vibration at the head and foot that you feel through the mattress. It is relaxing rather than deep-tissue, more like a gentle hum than the kneading of a massage chair. Our massage bases have 3 intensity levels and a 10, 20 or 30-minute timer.
Is an adjustable base with massage worth the extra money?
It is worth it if you like to wind down in bed, come home tired from being on your feet, or want the extras that come with our massage bases: USB charging, an under-bed light and anti-snore. If you mainly want to sit up and sleep in zero gravity, the e3 (SBKD3) does that for less.
Can I run the massage at just the head or just the foot?
Yes. You can run head and foot together or either zone on its own, at 3 intensity levels, and the timer turns it off after 10, 20 or 30 minutes.
Can my partner and I use massage separately?
Yes, with a split king: two Twin XL bases side by side, each with its own remote, so one of you can run the massage or raise your side while the other stays flat.
Which MimiJohn bases have massage?
The e4 Premium (SBKDP2), the Glide (SBKDG2), the e7 Lumbar (SBKDL2) and the e8 High-Low Lift (SBLB). Questions? Text John at 805-617-6878.
Still deciding? Just ask us
Tell John how you sleep, what bothers you at night, and your budget, and he will tell you honestly whether the massage is worth it for you or whether the e3 is all you need. Text or call 805-617-6878, 6 AM to 9 PM Pacific, or use Help me choose. See our Purchase Policy & Warranty for the details.
Written by John & Mimi Venti, MimiJohn. Specs from the manufacturer; prices update automatically. Not medical advice.