Split king adjustable base for couples: how it works and which to choose
Hi, we’re John and Mimi, and we’ve shared a bed for a long time, so we understand this one. One of you wants to read sitting up, the other wants to lie flat. One snores and the other is the one who hears it. A split king lets each of you have your own side, your own remote and your own way of sleeping, without giving up a shared bed. Here is how it works, with today’s prices.
What is a split king?
A split king is simply two Twin XL beds side by side. Each Twin XL is 38" wide and 80" long, so together they make a 76" × 80" bed, exactly the size of a regular king. The difference is that each half has its own adjustable base and its own mattress, so each side moves on its own.
A split cal king works the same way with two narrower, longer halves (about 36" × 84" each) to match a California king, which is nice if one of you is tall. You keep your king or cal king bed frame and headboard; most standard king sheets fit too, with a split-king set or two Twin XL fitted sheets underneath.
Why couples love a split base
- Different sleep positions, no compromise. She can raise her head to read while he stays flat, or the other way around.
- Snoring. Raising the snorer’s head a few inches with the anti-snore or head-lift button often quiets things down, and the other person never moves.
- Back pain on one side. The partner with the sore back can use zero gravity all night. Our back pain guide explains why that helps.
- Less motion transfer. With two mattresses, a restless sleeper or an early riser bothers the other person much less.
- Easier to move. Two Twin XL halves go up stairs and around tight corners far more easily than one big king.
Split king adjustable bases
Every base below comes as a split king set (two Twin XL bases, so each side moves on its own). The Twin XL column is the price of one half, if you’d rather start with one side.
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Split king | Twin XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBKDH Adjustable Base | Simple and affordable: head and foot lift on each side | SBKDH-EKS-SET |
$759 | $429 |
| e3 Adjustable Base | Most popular with couples: zero gravity, wireless remotes, memory positions | SBKD3-EKS |
$949 | $469 |
| e4 Premium | Massage on each side, USB ports, under-bed light | SBKDP2-EKS-SET |
$1,229 | $609 |
| e7 Lumbar | When one partner has lower-back pain: lumbar lift and pillow tilt | SBKDL2-EKS-SET |
$1,573 | $849 |
| Glide | Wall-hugging glide keeps each nightstand within reach | SBKDG2-EKS-SET |
$1,359 | $729 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
e3 Adjustable Bed Base with Wireless Remote, Memory Positions & Zero Clearance
The split king most couples end up choosing: each side gets its own zero-gravity button and memory positions, at a friendly price.
- One-touch zero gravity and flat on each side
- Programmable memory positions
- Zero clearance: works on a platform or with legs
From $469 (Twin XL) · Queen $519 · See sizes & details
e4 Premium Adjustable Bed Base with Massage, USB Ports, Wireless Remote & Zero Clearance
If you like to wind down together, the e4 adds massage and USB ports on each side so phones charge right at the bed.
- Massage and zero gravity
- USB charging ports
- Under-bed light for middle-of-the-night trips
From $609 (Twin XL) · Queen $709 · See sizes & details
Mattresses for a split king
For a split king you need two Twin XL mattresses (or a mattress made in a split king size). Memory foam and hybrid mattresses bend nicely with each half of the base. If the two of you like different feels, you can even pick a different mattress for each side. Here are good choices, with today’s prices:
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Twin XL | King |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12" ActiveAlign Copper Zoned | Our favorite for couples with sore backs | 12REACTIVE-TL |
$489 | $709 |
| 12" Copper Gel (medium firm) | Cooling gel, firmer support for back sleepers | 12BNCOPPER-TL |
$409 | $609 |
| 12" iSwitch Flippable | Two feels in one: flip for medium firm or medium soft | 12ISWITCH-TL |
$449 | $689 |
| 14" ActiveAlign Zoned Hybrid | Plush with pocket-coil bounce for side sleepers | 14REACTIVE-TL |
$539 | $839 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
Not sure which feel is right? Our best mattress for an adjustable base guide walks through it, or try the 60-second mattress quiz.
Split king vs. a regular king adjustable base
A regular (one-piece) king base moves the whole bed at once. It costs less and works well if you both like the same position, or if you sleep alone and want a big bed. If you sleep differently from your partner, the split king is worth it. The first time one of you sits up to read while the other sleeps flat, you’ll know why.
A few practical tips
- Sheets: split-top or split king sheet sets keep each side tidy. Our bamboo & cotton sheets come in Twin XL and stay put on an adjustable base.
- Headboard and frame: our bases are zero clearance, so they can sit inside an existing king frame or on a platform, or stand on their own legs.
- Outlets: each half has its own power cord, so plan for two plugs (a power strip under the bed works fine).
Questions we hear a lot
What is a split king adjustable base?
Two Twin XL adjustable bases placed side by side. Together they are 76 by 80 inches, the same size as a king, but each side has its own controls so each person can raise their head or feet independently.
Does a split king fit a regular king bed frame?
Yes. A split king is the same overall size as a standard king, so it fits a king frame and headboard. Our bases are zero clearance, so they can sit inside a frame, on a platform, or on their own legs.
Do I need two mattresses for a split king base?
Yes. Each half of the base needs its own Twin XL mattress (or one half of a split king mattress set) so the two sides can move separately. You can even choose a different feel for each side.
What sheets fit a split king?
Split king sheet sets, or two Twin XL fitted sheets with a king flat sheet. Split-top sheets are made for split king beds.
Can a split king adjustable base help with snoring?
Raising the head a few inches often helps with snoring, and with a split king only the snorer’s side moves. Questions? Text John at 805-617-6878.
Questions? Text John
Tell John how each of you sleeps and he will help you pick the base, the mattresses and the leg height. Text or call 805-617-6878, 6 AM to 9 PM Pacific, or use Help me choose. Every order ships free by FedEx.
Written by John & Mimi Venti, MimiJohn. Prices update automatically. Compare every base on the adjustable base comparison chart.