What is an Adjustable Firmness Mattress?
Most mattresses lock you into one feel the day you buy them. If it turns out too soft, too firm, or your partner likes it differently, you are stuck. An adjustable firmness mattress solves that by letting you change the firmness of a mattress whenever you want, with the push of a button.
Short Answer
An adjustable firmness mattress is a bed with built-in air chambers that you inflate or deflate with a remote to make it firmer or softer. Dual air chamber models give each side its own setting, so couples can each choose their ideal firmness on the same mattress.
How Does an Adjustable Firmness Mattress Work?
Inside the mattress are one or two air chambers, topped with comfort layers and a pillow top. A pump connects to the chambers. When you raise the number on the remote, the pump adds air and the bed gets firmer. When you lower it, air is released and the bed gets softer.
How a dual chamber adjustable firmness mattress works.
Single Chamber vs. Dual Firmness Mattress
A single chamber mattress changes the firmness of the whole bed at once, which works well for one sleeper. A dual firmness mattress has two chambers, one per side, so it acts as a mattress with adjustable firmness on each side. This is also called a split firmness mattress.
How to Adjust Firmness: Mattress Remote Settings Explained
The remote shows a firmness number for each side. There is no "right" number. Start in the middle, sleep on it for a few nights, then move up or down in small steps until your hips and shoulders feel supported without pressure.
Adjustable Firmness vs. Traditional Mattresses
| Feature | Adjustable Firmness (Air) | Memory Foam | Innerspring / Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can you change firmness? | Yes, anytime with a remote | No, fixed feel | No, fixed feel |
| Different firmness per side | Yes, with dual chambers | No | No |
| Adapts as your body changes | Yes, just readjust | Softens over time | Can sag over time |
| Best for couples with different needs | Excellent | Fair | Fair |
| Works with adjustable bases | Yes | Usually | Depends on the model |
| Needs power | Only to run the pump | No | No |
Benefits of an Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Couples Stop Compromising
The most common reason people buy a firmness adjustable mattress is a partner who sleeps differently. One person can set a softer side for shoulder relief while the other sets a firmer side for back support. This is why a dual chamber model is often the best adjustable firmness mattress for couples.
Support That Changes With You
Your needs shift with an injury, a change in weight, pregnancy, or simply age. With a traditional bed, that means buying a new mattress. With an adjustable firmness mattress, you just change the setting.
Easier to Find Your Ideal Firmness
Lying on a showroom bed for five minutes rarely tells you how it will feel after a full night. With mattress adjustable firmness, you can test settings at home and take the guesswork out of choosing.
Pairs Well With an Adjustable Base
Air mattresses flex easily, so they work with adjustable bases. Raise the head for reading or snoring, raise the feet for circulation, and still keep your preferred firmness.
Who Should Consider an Adjustable Firmness Mattress?
- Couples who disagree on how firm the bed should be.
- Side sleepers who need a softer surface for shoulders and hips.
- Back and stomach sleepers who need firmer support to keep hips from sinking.
- Combination sleepers who want one setting that works in every position.
- Anyone unsure of what firmness they actually prefer.
Our Adjustable Firmness Mattresses
Beverly Hills Bed offers three adjustable firmness mattresses. Each one lets you adjust firmness on each side with a remote. The difference is the pillow top and thickness, which set the starting feel.
Three comfort choices. Every model includes dual side firmness control.
Plush Feel
14" Air Mattress
A plush pillow top gives a soft, cushioned feel with extra contouring. A great fit for side sleepers and anyone who loves a cloud-like surface.
Medium Feel
12" Air Mattress
Balanced comfort and support for all sleeping positions. The easiest starting point if you are not sure what you prefer.
Firmer Feel
10" Air Mattress
A firm pillow top for enhanced support and spinal alignment. Ideal for back and stomach sleepers who want a more solid surface.
How to Choose the Best Adjustable Firmness Mattress
1. Start With Your Sleep Position
Side sleepers usually do best on the plush 14", back sleepers on the medium 12", and stomach sleepers on the firmer 10". You can still adjust each one from there.
2. Choose Dual Chambers if You Share the Bed
If you sleep with a partner, a mattress with adjustable firmness on each side is the feature that matters most.
3. Think About Your Base
Planning to add an adjustable base now or later? Choose a split king if you and your partner want to raise your sides independently. Your firmness settings stay the same no matter how the base is positioned.
Beverly Hills Bed Tip
When you first set up your mattress, change the number in small steps and give each setting two or three nights. Your body needs a little time to adjust to a new level of support.
Adjustable Firmness Mattress FAQs
How does an adjustable firmness mattress work?
Air chambers inside the mattress are filled or released by a pump. More air makes the bed firmer and less air makes it softer.
Can each side of the mattress have a different firmness?
Yes. Dual chamber models let each sleeper set their own side with a separate remote setting.
Is an adjustable firmness mattress good for back pain?
It can help because you can fine tune back support until your spine feels neutral. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor about the best support level for you.
Does an adjustable firmness mattress work with an adjustable base?
Yes. Air mattresses flex easily, so they work well with adjustable bases, including split king setups.
How do these compare to sleep number mattresses?
Very similar but we are much more affordable. We do a full sleep number comparison here.
Which thickness should I choose?
Pick the 14 inch for a plush feel, the 12 inch for a balanced medium feel, or the 10 inch for a firmer feel. All three still let you adjust firmness with the remote.
Find Your Perfect Firmness
Explore our 14" Plush, 12" Medium, and 10" Firm adjustable firmness mattresses, and dial in your ideal feel on each side of the bed.
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