How to choose an adjustable base: a 10-step buying checklist
Hi, we’re John and Mimi. Once you’ve decided you want an adjustable base, the next question is which one, and what to check so it fits your room, your bed frame and your mattress. This is the checklist we walk customers through by text, one step at a time, with links to our deeper guides when you want more detail. Every feature and weight limit below comes from the manufacturer’s product details, and the prices are today’s: same factory models, lower price than other online retailers.
The short answer: your checklist
- Size: match your mattress size. For a king where each side moves on its own, choose a split king (two Twin XL bases).
- What it sits on: its own legs, inside your bed frame, or on a platform. Never on a box spring.
- Headboard: keep it on your frame, add brackets, or pick a base with a headboard included.
- Bed height: leg height + base + mattress. Measure your bed today.
- Nightstand reach: if you sit up a lot, a wall-glide base keeps you close to it.
- Motions: head only, head and foot, zero gravity, anti-snore, lumbar, pillow tilt, or whole-bed lift.
- Extras: massage, under-bed light, USB charging, memory buttons, remote or voice control.
- Weight limit: add the mattress and everyone on the bed.
- Mattress: memory foam or a hybrid with wrapped coils that bends.
- Delivery and setup: how it ships, how long it takes, and an outlet near the bed.
Still deciding whether you need one at all? Start with our honest guide, is an adjustable bed worth it?, then come back here.
Step 1: Pick the right size (and when to go split king)
The base should be the same size as the mattress on top of it. Our bases come in these sizes:
- Twin XL, Full and Queen: every base we sell (stock varies by size).
- Split king and split cal king: the SBKDH, e3, e4 Premium, Glide and e7 Lumbar. A split king is two Twin XL bases (38" × 80" each) side by side, the same 76" × 80" footprint as a king, with two Twin XL mattresses. Each side has its own motors and remote.
- One-piece king: the e3 and e4 Premium, for couples who like the same position or one person who wants a big bed.
- Twin, king and cal king: our headboard bases (Sam, Alex and Taylor) also come in these.
- The e8 High-Low Lift comes in Twin XL, Full and Queen only.
Sharing a bed with someone who sleeps differently? Our split king guide explains sheets, sync cables and the seam in the middle, and the mattress size chart has every measurement.
Step 2: Decide what it will sit on (no box spring)
An adjustable base replaces your box spring, so the mattress goes right on top of the base. Then choose one of three setups:
- On its own legs, as a standalone bed. The e3 and e4 Premium take screw-in legs in 3", 6", 9" or 12" heights, the SBKDH comes with 12" legs, the e8 uses 3", 6" or 9" legs, and the headboard bases stand on six mid-century style legs.
- Inside your existing bed frame, where the box spring used to go. Our bases are listed as fitting inside most bed frames. The e3, e4 Premium, Glide and e7 Lumbar are zero clearance (the e3 and e7 list use inside a frame with or without slats) and come with hook-and-loop safety straps for zero-clearance setups. Measure the inside of your frame first.
- On a platform bed. Zero clearance also means those four bases can sit flat on a platform with no legs at all.
Don’t stack the base on top of a box spring. Our do you need a box spring? guide explains why and what to do with the old one.
Step 3: Plan for your headboard
- Base inside your frame: the headboard stays attached to the frame, just as it is now.
- Base on its own legs: the e3 and e4 Premium list head- and footboard brackets as an available add-on, so a headboard can attach to the base. Text John before you order and he’ll confirm what fits.
- Want it all in one? The Sam, Alex and Taylor bases come with an upholstered headboard included.
Step 4: Check the finished bed height
Add three numbers: the legs (or your frame or platform), the base itself, and the mattress. A thicker mattress or taller legs make a taller bed. The easiest way to get it right is to measure from the floor to the top of the mattress you have now and tell us that number. For the e8 High-Low Lift, the manufacturer lists a base height of about 12.4" to 18.4" without the lift, depending on the 3", 6" or 9" legs, and the lift raises the whole bed up to 10" more and tilts it forward up to 10 degrees to make getting in and out easier. If getting up from bed is the main concern, our adjustable bed vs. hospital bed guide covers it.
Step 5: Keep your nightstand in reach (wall glide)
On a standard base, the head section tilts up in place, so when you sit up you can end up farther from the wall and your nightstand. The Glide (SBKDG2) is our wall-hugging base: it glides toward the wall as it inclines, keeping you closer to the wall or nightstand. If you read, work or watch TV sitting up every night, this step is worth a thought.
Step 6: Choose the motions you’ll actually use
- Head lift only (SBKDH): the budget way to sit up and read.
- Head and foot lift with one-touch zero gravity: every base except the SBKDH. Zero gravity raises the head and knees together; our zero gravity guide explains it.
- Anti-snore preset, a slight head raise: the e4 Premium, Glide and e7 Lumbar. See our reflux and snoring guide.
- Lumbar lift and pillow tilt: the e7 Lumbar only. More in our adjustable base for back pain guide.
- Whole-bed lift and forward tilt: the e8 High-Low Lift.
We’re a family business, not doctors. If you’re shopping because of a health condition, ask your doctor which positions are right for you.
Step 7: Pick your extras and controls
| Feature | Which of our bases list it |
|---|---|
| Massage (head and foot, 3 intensities, 10/20/30-minute timer) | e4 Premium, Glide, e7 Lumbar, e8 High-Low Lift |
| Under-bed or night light | e4 Premium (LED under-bed), Glide, e7 Lumbar (motion sensor), e8 (LED under-bed), Sam, Alex and Taylor |
| USB charging | e4 Premium (4 ports on Twin XL and Queen, 8 on split sets), Glide, e7 Lumbar (USB-A and USB-C), e8 (2 on each side), Sam, Alex and Taylor |
| Memory buttons | 3 on the e3, e4 Premium, Glide and headboard bases; 2 on the e8; the e7 lists a memory button |
| Remote | Wired 2-button on the SBKDH; wireless on all others (9 buttons on the e3, 14 on the e4 Premium, 19 on the e8) |
| Voice control | Glide (built-in microphone, app download required) and e8 (built-in microphone, say “Hello Base”) |
| Emergency battery backup | e3, e4 Premium, Glide, e7 Lumbar, e8, Sam, Alex and Taylor |
Not sure massage is worth paying for? Our adjustable base with massage guide is honest about who uses it. Every feature for every base is on the adjustable base comparison chart.
Step 8: Check the weight limit
The listed limit is the total on the base: the mattress plus everyone on the bed. The e3, e4 Premium, Glide, e7 Lumbar, e8 and our headboard bases list 750 lbs; the head-only SBKDH lists 700 lbs. With a split king, each person sits on their own Twin XL base. The full details are in our adjustable bed weight capacity guide.
Step 9: Make sure your mattress will bend
Memory foam and hybrids with individually wrapped pocket coils flex with an adjustable base. Old innerspring mattresses with a stiff border wire usually don’t. Every base has a foot or mattress retainer bar that keeps the mattress from sliding down when the head goes up. Our best mattress for an adjustable base guide covers thickness and firmness, and our sleep system packages pair a base and a mattress.
Step 10: Delivery, setup and power
- Shipping is free. Most of our bases list delivery within 3 to 5 business days. The e8 High-Low Lift ships white glove and takes about 2 to 4 weeks.
- Small-parcel boxes. The SBKDH, e3 and e4 Premium fold in half for small-parcel shipping and list no tools required; the headboard bases ship in 2 boxes.
- Plan on two people. A steel base with motors is heavy to carry and to set in place.
- An outlet near the bed. The motors are electric, and a split king has two bases, so plan for two plugs.
- Warranty: every base has a 10-year limited warranty, with full coverage in year 1.
Our adjustable bases at today’s prices
The Split king column is the price of the full set of two Twin XL bases. A dash means that size isn’t available right now (the e8 has no split king).
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Twin XL | Queen | Split king |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBKDH | Head lift only, wired remote, 12" legs, 700 lbs listed | SBKDH-TL |
$429 | $469 | $759 |
| e3 (SBKD3) | Most people: head and foot, zero gravity, 3 memory buttons, legs or zero clearance | SBKD3-TXL |
$469 | $519 | $949 |
| e4 Premium | Adds massage, anti-snore, USB charging and LED under-bed light | SBKDP2-TL |
$609 | $709 | $1,229 |
| Glide | Wall glide keeps the nightstand in reach; massage and voice control | SBKDG2-TL |
$729 | $829 | $1,359 |
| e7 Lumbar | Adds lumbar lift and pillow tilt, USB-A and USB-C | SBKDL2-TL |
$849 | $989 | $1,573 |
| e8 High-Low Lift | Raises the whole bed up to 10" and tilts forward | SBLB-TL |
$1,269 | $1,399 | — |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
Prefer a headboard built in? See the Sam, Alex and Taylor in our adjustable bases.
e3 Adjustable Bed Base with Wireless Remote, Memory Positions & Zero Clearance
Where most people should start: it checks the boxes that matter for the most setups, without paying for extras you may not use.
- Head and foot lift, one-touch flat and zero gravity
- 3 programmable memory positions on a wireless 9-button remote
- Zero clearance, or screw-in legs at 3", 6", 9" or 12"
- Head- and footboard brackets available as an add-on
- Weight limit 750 lbs, including the mattress and users
From $469 (Twin XL) · Queen $519 · See sizes & details
Glide Adjustable Base - SBKDG2
For people who sit up in bed every night: it glides toward the wall as it rises, so your nightstand stays within reach.
- Wall glide when inclined
- Zero gravity, anti-snore and 3 memory buttons
- Head and foot massage with 3 intensities and a timer
- Night light, USB charging and voice control (app download required)
From $729 (Twin XL) · Queen $829 · See sizes & details
Shop this guide
For most checklists, the e3 is the answer. Step up to the e4 for massage and USB, and pair either with a mattress that bends.
- e3 Adjustable Bed Base with Wireless Remote, Memory Positions & Zero Clearance, from $469. Head and foot, zero gravity, memory presets, legs or zero clearance.
- e4 Premium Adjustable Bed Base with Massage, USB Ports, Wireless Remote & Zero Clearance, from $609. Everything in the e3 plus massage, anti-snore, USB and an under-bed light.
- 12" Copper Gel Infused Cooling Memory Foam Mattress - Medium Firm, Back & Side Sleepers, from $409. A customer favorite: a medium feel with copper-infused memory foam on top, and it bends well on any adjustable base.
Questions we hear a lot
What size adjustable base do I need?
The same size as your mattress. Our bases come in Twin XL, Full and Queen, most also come as a split king or split cal king, and the e3 and e4 Premium also come as a one-piece king. A split king is two Twin XL bases side by side with two Twin XL mattresses, so each side moves on its own.
Can an adjustable base go inside my existing bed frame?
Usually, yes. Our bases are listed as fitting inside most bed frames, and the e3, e4 Premium, Glide and e7 Lumbar are zero clearance, so they can also sit on a platform or stand on their own legs. Measure the inside of your frame first, and don’t put the base on top of a box spring.
Can I keep my headboard with an adjustable base?
Yes. If the base sits inside your bed frame, the headboard stays attached to the frame. If the base stands on its own legs, the e3 and e4 Premium list head- and footboard brackets as an add-on. The Sam, Alex and Taylor bases come with an upholstered headboard included.
How much weight can an adjustable base hold?
Most of our bases list a 750 lb limit, and the head-only SBKDH lists 700 lbs. The limit includes the mattress and everyone on the bed, so add both together and stay comfortably under it.
How long does delivery take, and is setup hard?
Shipping is free, and most of our bases list delivery within 3 to 5 business days; the e8 High-Low Lift ships white glove in about 2 to 4 weeks. The SBKDH, e3 and e4 Premium fold in half for shipping and list no tools required. Plan on two people to lift it into place. Questions? Text John at 805-617-6878.
Want John to check your list?
Send John your mattress size, a photo of your bed frame and headboard, your current bed height, and the features you care about, and he’ll tell you honestly which base fits, even if it’s the simplest one. 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. Features, sizes and weight limits from the manufacturer’s product details; prices update automatically. Not medical advice: if you have a health condition, ask your doctor what sleep setup is right for you.