Split head adjustable base: what “Queen Split Head” and split-top mean
Hi, we’re John and Mimi. A lot of couples want their own head position, one sitting up to read or watch TV while the other sleeps flat, but don’t have room for a king or don’t want two separate mattresses. That’s what a split head (also called split-top) bed is for. Here’s how it works, how it differs from a split king, exactly what mattress it needs, and today’s prices.
The short answer
- A split head base is one bed whose head section is split down the middle, so each side’s head can rise on its own while the foot section stays one piece.
- It needs a split head mattress: one mattress that is split from the head part of the way down to match. A regular one-piece mattress can’t lift on one side only.
- A split king is different: two Twin XL bases and two Twin XL mattresses side by side, so each whole side moves on its own.
- What we carry: the e4 Premium base in Queen Split Head, and the 12" Copper Gel mattress in Queen, King and Cal King Split Head.
What is a split head (split-top) adjustable base?
Picture a regular queen or king bed. Now split the top part of it, where your heads and shoulders go, into two halves. Each half raises on its own, so one of you can sit up while the other stays flat. Lower down, the bed is still one piece, so the foot section moves for both of you together.
“Split head” and “split-top” are two names stores use for the same idea. On our site you’ll see it as Queen Split Head on the e4 Premium base (model code SBKDP2-QSH) and as Queen Split Head, King Split Head and Cal King Split Head on the 12" Copper Gel mattress.
Who a split head bed is good for
- Couples who sit up at different times. One reads or watches TV with the head raised while the other sleeps flat. Our reading and TV guide covers the positions.
- Couples who want to stay in a queen. A queen is 60" wide; a split king needs a king-size spot, 76" wide. If a king won’t fit your bedroom, the Queen Split Head is how you get a separate head lift for each of you.
- Couples who don’t want a gap the whole length of the bed. With a split king there are two mattresses side by side from head to foot. With a split head the lower part is one mattress, so there’s no seam where your legs are.
- A partner who snores. Raising just that person’s head, or using the e4’s anti-snore preset on their side, doesn’t move the other person.
It’s not the best fit if you each want your own foot lift, your own leg position for zero gravity, or a different mattress feel on each side. That’s what a split king is for.
Split head vs split king vs a one-piece base
| Setup | What moves on its own | Mattress it needs | e4 base + 12" Copper today |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-piece queen base | The whole bed moves together | Any regular queen mattress that works on an adjustable base | $1,168 |
| Queen Split Head | Each side’s head; the foot section is shared | A queen split head mattress (one mattress, split at the head) | $1,788 |
| Split king | Each whole side, head and foot | Two Twin XL mattresses (or a split king set) | $2,308 |
Today’s prices for the e4 Premium base plus the 12" Copper Gel mattress in each size, read live from our catalog, free FedEx shipping included. The split king row uses the e4 split king set and the 12" Copper King Split.
Want the full picture on two-Twin-XL setups, with every base we sell? Our split king adjustable base guide covers that side.
The base: e4 Premium in Queen Split Head
The e4 Premium is the base we carry in Queen Split Head. Per its listing, the e4 has:
- Head and foot up/down, plus one-touch Flat and pre-programmed Zero Gravity and Anti-Snore positions
- 3 programmable one-touch memory positions and a wireless 14-button remote
- Dual massage at the head and foot with 3 intensity levels and 10, 20 or 30 minute timers
- LED under-bed lighting, USB charging ports and a back-up battery strip
- Zero clearance capability, or screw-in legs at 3", 6", 9" or 12"
- 750 lbs weight capacity including the mattress and users, and a 10-year limited warranty
| e4 Premium size | Model code | Today |
|---|---|---|
| Queen (one piece) | SBKDP2-Q | $649 |
| Queen Split Head | SBKDP2-QSH | $1,039 |
Ask John before ordering if you want a split-top king or cal king base. Our king adjustable setups are sold as split king sets (two Twin XL halves), and he’ll confirm exactly which base goes with a split head king mattress before you buy.
The mattress: it has to be split head too
A split head base only works with a mattress cut to match. A regular one-piece mattress can’t bend up on one side while the other stays flat. The split head mattress is one mattress with a split from the head part of the way down, so each half follows its side of the base.
Our 12" Copper Gel Infused Cooling Memory Foam mattress (medium firm, for back and side sleepers) is the one we carry in split head sizes. Its listing lists 2" copper memory foam, 1" memory foam, edge support, 2" support foam and a 7" Air Grid base foam, a zip-off machine-washable cover, and setup on a solid surface, an adjustable base, or slats no more than 2" apart.
| 12" Copper Gel size | Model code | Goes with | Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen | 12BNCOPPER-Q | A one-piece queen base | $519 |
| Queen Split Head | 12BNCOPPER-QSH | e4 Premium Queen Split Head | $749 |
| King | 12BNCOPPER-EK | A one-piece king base | $629 |
| King Split Head | 12BNCOPPER-EKSH | A king split head base; text John first | $829 |
| Cal King Split Head | 12BNCOPPER-CKSH | A cal king split head base; text John first | $829 |
| King Split | 12BNCOPPER-EKS-SET | A split king (two Twin XL bases) | $919 |
The model code is the easy way to double-check: QSH is Queen Split Head, EKSH and CKSH are King and Cal King Split Head, and EKS is a split king. Choosing a mattress for any adjustable base? See best mattress for an adjustable base.
Sheets and protector for a split head bed
Regular fitted sheets stretch across the split, so they pull when one side rises. A split head bed needs bedding made for that shape:
- Protector: our Premium Bamboo mattress protector comes in King Split Head and Cal King Split Head ($80 and $109 today). It fits mattresses up to 16" thick and is waterproof with 5-sided spill protection.
- Sheets: our bamboo & cotton sheet set comes in a King Split-Top version by email order (sales@mimijohn.com). Our best sheets for an adjustable bed guide compares every split option.
- Queen Split Head: we don’t list a queen split head protector or sheet set right now. Text John before you order and he’ll help you sort out bedding that fits.
Before you order: a quick checklist
- Base and mattress match. A split head base needs a split head mattress in the same size (QSH with QSH).
- You’re fine sharing the foot lift. If one of you wants feet up and the other doesn’t, choose a split king instead.
- Measure the room and frame. A queen is 60" × 80"; a king or split king is 76" × 80". See our mattress size chart.
- Plan the bedding. Split head sheets and protector (see above).
- Setup. The e4 needs no tools; our how to set up an adjustable base guide walks through it.
e4 Premium Adjustable Bed Base with Massage, USB Ports, Wireless Remote & Zero Clearance
The base we carry in Queen Split Head: each side’s head rises on its own, with massage, USB ports and under-bed lighting.
- Queen Split Head model SBKDP2-QSH
- Zero Gravity, Anti-Snore and Flat presets, 3 memory positions
- Dual head and foot massage, 3 intensities
- Zero clearance or legs at 3", 6", 9" or 12"
- 750 lbs capacity; 10-year limited warranty
From $599 (Twin XL) · Queen $649 · See sizes & details
12" Copper Gel Infused Cooling Memory Foam Mattress - Medium Firm, Back & Side Sleepers
The mattress we carry in split head sizes, so it matches a split head base: medium firm copper-gel memory foam.
- Queen, King and Cal King Split Head sizes
- 2" copper memory foam over 1" memory foam and 2" support foam
- 7" Air Grid base foam; edge support
- Zip-off machine-washable cover
- 10-year limited warranty
From $369 (Twin XL) · Queen $519 · See sizes & details
Shop this guide
For a Queen Split Head bed, pair the base and mattress in the same split head size.
- e4 Premium Adjustable Bed Base with Massage, USB Ports, Wireless Remote & Zero Clearance, from $599. Choose Queen Split Head (SBKDP2-QSH) for a separate head lift on each side.
- 12" Copper Gel Infused Cooling Memory Foam Mattress - Medium Firm, Back & Side Sleepers, from $369. Choose the matching Queen Split Head (12BNCOPPER-QSH), or King or Cal King Split Head.
- Premium Bamboo Viscose Mattress Protector - Waterproof & Hypoallergenic, from $60. King and Cal King Split Head versions; fits up to 16".
Questions we hear a lot
What is a split head adjustable base?
A split head (also called split-top) adjustable base is one bed whose head section is split down the middle, so each side’s head can rise on its own while the foot section stays one piece and moves for both sleepers together. One partner can sit up to read or watch TV while the other stays flat.
What is the difference between a split head and a split king?
A split king is two Twin XL bases with two Twin XL mattresses side by side (76 by 80 inches together), so each whole side, head and foot, moves on its own. A split head is one bed with only the head section split, so the foot lift is shared. A Queen Split Head keeps a 60-inch-wide queen footprint, which helps when a king will not fit the room.
What mattress do I need for a split head base?
A split head mattress in the same size: one mattress split from the head part of the way down, so each half follows its side of the base. A regular one-piece mattress cannot rise on one side only. Our 12-inch Copper Gel memory foam mattress comes in Queen Split Head, King Split Head and Cal King Split Head.
Which adjustable base comes in Queen Split Head?
At MimiJohn it is the e4 Premium base, model SBKDP2-QSH. It has head and foot lift, Zero Gravity, Anti-Snore and Flat presets, 3 programmable memory positions, dual massage, under-bed lighting, USB ports and a 750 lb capacity including the mattress and users. For a split-top king or cal king, text John before ordering so he can confirm the right base.
What sheets and protector fit a split head bed?
Bedding made for the split shape, so a fitted sheet does not pull when one side rises. Our Premium Bamboo protector comes in King Split Head and Cal King Split Head, and our bamboo and cotton sheets come in King Split-Top by email order. We do not list queen split head bedding right now, so text John before ordering a Queen Split Head bed.
Questions? Text John
Split head, split king or one piece? Tell John how the two of you sleep and the size of your room, and he’ll tell you which setup fits. Text or call 818-924-3744, 6 AM to 9 PM Pacific, or use Help me choose. Every order ships free by FedEx. Compare every base on the adjustable base comparison chart.
Written by John & Mimi Venti, MimiJohn. Specs, sizes and model codes are from the product listings; prices are read live from our catalog and update automatically. General comfort and shopping information, not medical advice: if you have a health condition, ask your doctor what sleep setup is right for you.