8 Health Reasons an Adjustable Bed is Worth It

Adjustable beds (more accurately: adjustable bases) let you raise your head and/or feet, and some models add Zero Gravity presets, anti-snore positioning, lumbar support, massage, and app/voice controls. If you’re wondering whether those features are worth the typical $500–$2,000+ upgrade over a flat foundation, this guide breaks down which adjustable bed features matter most for common health and comfort issues—and which Reverie bases include them.

Quick Definitions

  • Adjustable base vs. “adjustable bed”: The base is the motorized foundation under your mattress; the mattress is separate.
  • Zero Gravity: A preset position that elevates head and legs to reduce pressure on the lower back and promote a “weightless” feel.
  • Anti-snore: A gentle head/upper-body elevation preset designed to support airflow and reduce snoring for some sleepers.
  • Lumbar support: A built-in lift that fills the natural curve of your lower back while you’re lying down.
  • Tilt (traction-like support): A feature that changes the angle of the whole sleep surface (not just bending at the waist), which can feel more “floating” in Zero Gravity.

Feature

What It’s Good For

IRL 

Head Elevation

Acid reflux, snoring support, reading

Sleep with the head elevated 12 degrees to ease congestion when you have a cold. 

Zero Gravity

Back pain relief, recovery

Find lower back relief after standing all day at a trade show / youth sports event / gardening. 

Lumbar

Targeted low back support

Fill in the gap between your mattress and back when you’re lying down. 

Massage with Timer

Relaxation, falling back asleep

When the worries (or hot flashes) get you at 2 am, a light and soothing massage can calm your nervous system back to sleep.

Programmable Memory

Repeatable comfort

Automate your bedtime routine. Set your remote app to put you in reading position at 9:30 pm and go to anti-snore with the massage for 30 minutes at 10 pm. 

Tilt

Elevated head and feet without bending the bed

Sleep on your side with your head or feet elevated without an awkward kink in your back. 

App / Voice Control

9 commands to adjust the base using Alexa or Google Home

Adjust your bed using voice commands when you are unable to use the remote.

1) Back pain

Key takeaway: For many sleepers, Zero Gravity is the most “worth paying for” preset for back comfort, and lumbar support can add fine-tuned relief. dir="ltr">Why it can help: Back pain is common, and sleeping posture plus pressure points can aggravate symptoms—especially when partners compromise on comfort.

Features worth paying for:

  • Zero Gravity: Reduces pressure on the lower back and can feel more supportive than lying flat.
  • Adjustable lumbar: Fills the gap between your lower back curve and the mattress surface, reducing strain without needing a dramatic incline.

Reverie pick: Reverie R550 (includes lumbar support) for targeted lower-back support.

2) Snoring / obstructive sleep apnea (positional support)

Key takeaway: Anti-snore (head elevation) is the most relevant adjustable feature for snoring and “congested” breathing.

Why it can help: “Positional therapy” refers to using sleep posture to support airflow. Research suggests upper-body elevation can reduce upper airway collapse in some people with obstructive sleep apnea (see Source 1).

Features worth paying for:

  • Head elevation (even slight): Many people find a small incline helps with airflow and seasonal congestion.
  • Anti-snore preset: A one-touch way to reach a consistent, repeatable angle.
  • App control: Helpful if you want to adjust position without fully waking up (or if a partner snores).

Reverie pick: Reverie R650, R550, R410, R310T (anti-snore preset). Also compatible with the Reverie Nightstand app.

Note: An adjustable base is not a replacement for medical diagnosis/treatment for sleep apnea. It can be a comfort/positioning tool.

3) Acid reflux / GERD

Key takeaway: If you deal with reflux, head-up elevation is often the single most valuable adjustable feature.

Why it can help: Studies suggest head-of-bed elevation can improve reflux symptoms for some people, often alongside diet/medication (see Source 2).

Features worth paying for:

  • Precise head elevation: The ability to dial in a comfortable incline (rather than stacking pillows).
  • Programmable memory positions: Makes it easy to return to your preferred reflux angle nightly.

Reverie pick: Reverie R650, R550, R410, R310T (programmable positions).

4) General pain (injury recovery, arthritis, post-surgery comfort)

Key takeaway: The “worth it” feature here is infinite head/foot adjustability plus one-touch memory so you can change pressure points without getting out of bed.

Why it can help: Pain can disrupt sleep and increase tossing/turning. Being able to change angles can reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

Features worth paying for:

  • Independent head + foot elevation: Lets you experiment with pressure relief.
  • Programmable memory + app control: Quick adjustments when pain flares.

Reverie pick: Reverie R650, R550, R410, R310T (programmable positions + app control).

5) Pregnancy and postpartum comfort

Key takeaway: For pregnancy and postpartum, the most valuable features are head/foot adjustability (for getting in/out of bed and supported rest) plus hands-free controls.

Why it can help: Pregnancy and postpartum recovery can involve back/hip discomfort, swelling, and mobility challenges (especially after C-section). Feeding can also be more comfortable with stable back support.

Features worth paying for:

  • Head + foot adjustability: Easier positioning for rest, feeding, and getting in/out of bed.
  • Gentle massage (optional): Some people find it relaxing.
  • Voice control (Alexa/Google Home): Helpful when your hands are full.

Reverie pick: Reverie R410 (feature-rich at a more accessible price point). *Voice activation not available with this model. 

6) Perimenopause and menopause sleep disruptions

Key takeaway: If stress and middle-of-the-night wakeups are the issue, massage and one-touch presets can be the most “worth it” features.

Why it can help: Hormonal changes can affect sleep quality. Some research suggests massage can support relaxation and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) activity (see Source 3).

Features worth paying for:

  • Massage with timer: Helps you relax without leaving it running all night.
  • Multiple zones/intensities: Lets you tailor it to what feels calming.

Reverie pick: Reverie R650, R550, R410 (includes Reverie’s patented 3D Wave massage, which has been shown in a university study to help people fall asleep faster and stay more alert the following day).

7) Recovery after long days on your feet, physical labor, or workouts

Key takeaway: Zero Gravity is the most relevant recovery preset; tilt can make it feel even more “weightless.”

Why it can help: Long periods of standing and training can leave you feeling compressed and sore. Elevating legs can feel restorative for some sleepers.

Features worth paying for:

  • Zero Gravity: Reduces lower-back pressure and elevates feet.
  • Head elevation: Supports neck comfort while reclining.
  • Tilt: Changes the overall angle for a traction-like feel.

Reverie pick: Reverie R650 (includes a patented Tilt motor).

8) Comfort and intimacy (ergonomic positioning)

Key takeaway: Adjustable positioning can make intimacy more comfortable—especially for people managing back pain or limited mobility.

Why it can help: Certain angles can reduce strain on hips, knees, and lower back (see Source 4 for back-pain-friendly positioning ideas).

Features worth paying for:

  • Independent head/foot adjustability: More options for comfortable positioning.

Reverie pick: Any Reverie adjustable base (head/foot adjustability).

Adjustable Bed Features Worth Paying for (Quick Buyer Guide)

If you only pay for a few upgrades, prioritize these:

  1. Head elevation (reflux, snoring support, reading)
  2. Zero Gravity preset (back comfort, recovery)
  3. Programmable memory positions (repeatable comfort)
  4. Lumbar support (targeted back support)
  5. Massage with timer (relaxation, falling back asleep)
  6. App/voice control (convenience, partner adjustments)
  7. Tilt (premium “weightless/traction-like” feel)

FAQs

Are adjustable beds worth it for back pain?

They can be, especially if you use Zero Gravity and/or lumbar support to reduce lower-back pressure and fine-tune posture.

Is an adjustable bed worth it for acid reflux/GERD?

Often yes—head-of-bed elevation is a common non-invasive comfort strategy that may reduce nighttime reflux symptoms for some people (see Source 2).

Do adjustable beds help with snoring?

They can. Slight head elevation and anti-snore presets may improve airflow and reduce snoring for some sleepers, though results vary and sleep apnea should be evaluated medically (see Source 1).

What adjustable bed features are actually useful (vs. gimmicks)?

Most people get the most value from head elevation, Zero Gravity, and memory presets. Massage, app/voice, and tilt are “nice-to-have” upgrades depending on your needs.

Can you use any mattress on an adjustable base?

Many modern foam and hybrid mattresses are adjustable-base compatible, but always confirm with the mattress manufacturer.

Sources 

  1. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/19/5620
  2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12875-021-01369-0 
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8562790/
  4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/sex-positions-when-one-or-both-partners-have-back-pain-297254