Zero gravity beds: what they are and who they help
Hi, we’re John and Mimi. “Zero gravity” is the button people ask us about most, and the one our customers end up using every night. Here is what it actually does, who tends to love it, and which of our adjustable bases have it, at today’s prices.
What “zero gravity” means on a bed
The name comes from the reclined position NASA studied for astronauts during launch: head and chest raised a little, knees bent and lifted so your legs sit roughly level with or slightly above your heart. On an adjustable base, the zero gravity button moves the head and foot sections into that shape with one press. Nothing floats; your body weight is simply spread more evenly, so less of it presses on your lower back and hips.
Most people describe it as feeling like a really good recliner, except you’re lying on your own mattress. It’s also a common position for reading, watching TV or just unwinding before you flatten the bed to fall asleep.
Who tends to like it
- Sore lower backs. Lifting the knees flattens the curve of the lower back and takes pressure off it. This is the number one reason our customers use the preset. More in our adjustable base for back pain guide.
- Tired, swollen legs and feet. After a long shift on your feet, raising your legs a little is simply comfortable. Firefighters, nurses, teachers and retail workers tell us this is the button they reach for first.
- Snoring and heartburn. The slightly raised head helps some people. For those two, the dedicated anti-snore setting or a higher head angle usually works better; see our reflux and snoring guide.
- Anyone who reads or watches TV in bed. It supports your back properly instead of a pile of pillows behind your neck.
A sincere note: we’re a family business, not doctors. If you have a back injury, circulation problems, swelling that doesn’t go away, or are pregnant, ask your doctor which positions are right for you. An adjustable base can make rest more comfortable; it is not a medical treatment.
Can you sleep in zero gravity all night?
Many people do, especially back sleepers. Others use it to relax for 20 to 30 minutes and then press flat to sleep on their side. Both are normal. If you sleep on your side, try a gentler version: a little head lift and a little knee lift, saved as a memory position. With a split king, one of you can sleep in zero gravity while the other stays flat.
Zero gravity vs. the other buttons
- Flat: back to a normal bed with one press.
- Zero gravity: head slightly up, knees lifted. For relaxing, lower-back relief and tired legs.
- Anti-snore: only the head rises a few degrees. For snoring.
- TV / lounge: head much higher, for sitting up.
- Memory positions: save your own favorite angle, so you can fine-tune zero gravity to your body.
Our bases with zero gravity
Every head-and-foot base we sell has a zero gravity position. The difference is everything else: massage, lights, wall glide and lumbar support.
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Queen | Split king |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e3 Adjustable Base | Best value: one-touch zero gravity, head and foot lift, 3 memory presets | SBKD3-Q |
$519 | $949 |
| e4 Premium (massage) | Zero gravity plus head and foot massage, anti-snore, USB, under-bed light | SBKDP2-Q |
$709 | $1,229 |
| Glide | Zero gravity plus wall glide, so your nightstand stays in reach | SBKDG2-Q |
$829 | $1,359 |
| e7 Lumbar | Zero gravity plus lumbar lift and pillow tilt, for sore lower backs | SBKDL2-Q |
$989 | $1,573 |
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
If zero gravity is the main thing you want, this is the one. It does it with one press, and you aren’t paying for features you won’t use.
- One-touch zero gravity and flat
- Head and foot lift, 3 memory presets
- Wireless remote
- 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
Zero gravity plus a gentle head and foot massage is the combination our customers rave about after a long day.
- Zero gravity, anti-snore and memory presets
- Head and foot massage with timer
- USB charging and under-bed light
From $609 (Twin XL) · Queen $709 · See sizes & details
The mattress has to bend with it
Zero gravity folds the mattress at the hips and knees, so you need one made for it. Memory foam and pocket-coil hybrids bend well; old innerspring mattresses usually don’t. Our best mattress for an adjustable base guide explains thickness and firmness, and our sleep system packages pair a base and a mattress for less.
Your first week with zero gravity
Press the button, lie back and give it ten minutes. If your lower back feels better, you found your spot. If your legs feel too high or you slide down, lower the foot a little or raise the knees a touch, then save it as a memory position. Most people settle on their favorite within a few nights.
Questions we hear a lot
What is the zero gravity position on an adjustable bed?
It raises your head and chest a little and lifts your knees so your legs sit about level with your heart, a reclined shape based on the position NASA studied for astronauts. On an adjustable base, one press of the zero gravity button moves the bed into it, spreading your weight more evenly so less presses on your lower back and hips.
Is zero gravity good for back pain?
Many people with lower back pain find it more comfortable, because lifting the knees flattens the curve of the lower back and takes pressure off it. It is not a medical treatment, so ask your doctor if you have an injury or ongoing pain.
Can you sleep in the zero gravity position all night?
Yes, many back sleepers do. Others relax in it for a while and then go flat to sleep on their side. Side sleepers often prefer a gentler angle saved as a memory position.
What is the difference between zero gravity and anti-snore?
Zero gravity raises both the head and the knees for relaxing and lower-back relief. Anti-snore raises only the head a few degrees, an angle that helps some back sleepers snore less.
Which MimiJohn bases have zero gravity?
Every head-and-foot base we sell does, starting with the e3 (SBKD3). The e4 (SBKDP2) adds massage, the Glide (SBKDG2) adds wall glide, and the e7 Lumbar (SBKDL2) adds lumbar support. Questions? Text John at 805-617-6878.
Still not sure? Just ask us
Tell John how you sleep and what bothers you, and he will tell you honestly whether the e3 is enough or whether massage or lumbar support is worth it for you. Text or call 805-617-6878, 6 AM to 9 PM Pacific, or use Help me choose. Every order ships free by FedEx; see our Purchase Policy & Warranty for the details.
Written by John & Mimi Venti, MimiJohn. Specs from the manufacturer; prices update automatically. Compare every base on the adjustable base comparison chart.