If you suffer from back pain or neck pain, then you know how challenging it can be to get a good night’s sleep.
Maybe you’ve tried everything: applying ice packs and warm compresses, getting into different sleeping positions. Maybe you’ve spent countless hours researching the best pillow for your stiff neck.
There’s one thing you may not have tried yet but that could make a difference: a zero-gravity bed.
If it sounds too futuristic, rest assured: This type of bed can make a real difference in sleep quality not only for people with back pain but also for those with other health conditions. It could even improve the sleep quality of completely healthy individuals.
Keep reading to learn more about zero-gravity beds and their benefits to see if they’re right for you.
What is a zero-gravity bed?
A zero-gravity bed is any adjustable bed that can help your body achieve a so-called “zero-gravity” position. This term is derived from the position astronauts assume during liftoff to minimize stress on their bodies.
The zero-gravity position is achieved by slightly raising the legs and elevating the head. Many adjustable beds have a zero-gravity preset on their remote controls.
Pressing it will adjust your bed so that your torso and thighs are angled equally from the hip, your upper body is raised to a 120-degree angle positioning your head above your heart, your legs are elevated at 45 degrees, and your knees slightly bent.
This position helps distribute the body’s weight evenly, significantly reducing pressure on the spine and alleviating back and neck issues.
The zero-gravity position is achieved by slightly raising the legs and elevating the head. Many adjustable beds have a zero-gravity preset on their remote controls.
Benefits of a zero-gravity bed
The benefits of a zero-gravity bed extend well beyond helping to alleviate back pain. This position can help with a host of other health issues and generally improve your overall comfort and well-being.
- Reduces back and pain: When you sleep on a regular bed, gravity adds pressure to your spine, which can cause neck and back pain or exacerbate any existing issues. The zero-gravity position helps to distribute body weight evenly, reducing pressure on the spine and helping alleviate neck and back pain.
- Improves circulation: Elevating the legs above the heart level in the zero-gravity position can help to improve blood circulation throughout the body, reducing the risk of blood clots and heart-related diseases. This can be particularly beneficial for people who experience swelling in the legs or have circulation issues, such as those with diabetes or varicose veins.
- Decreases snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea: Snoring doesn’t just impact sleep quality—that of the snorer and anyone around them—but it can also be a sign of a more serious disorder known as sleep apnea. The zero-gravity position elevates the head, which can help open the airways and reduce or eliminate snoring.
- Provides relief from acid reflux: A zero-gravity position can help provide relief for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent heartburn. That’s because elevating the head of the bed helps keep stomach acid from traveling back up the esophagus, preventing acid reflux and heartburn.
- Minimizes symptoms of respiratory illnesses: If you suffer from asthma or allergies, then you know that not breathing properly can significantly interfere with your sleep quality. By elevating your torso, a zero-gravity bed can help reduce the pressure on your lungs and airways, opening up your nasal passages and helping you breathe more easily.
- Improves sleep quality: The main benefit of zero-gravity beds is their ability to help you achieve deeper, higher-quality sleep. A recent study confirms that people who slept in a zero-gravity position experienced improved sleep quality.
The best sleep position for a zero-gravity bed
Sleeping on your back is usually best for a zero-gravity bed as it guarantees that you can benefit from the optimal spinal alignment that the zero-gravity bed provides. All the problems typically associated with sleeping on your back are solved in this position without the need for a ton of extra pillows.
If you’re a side sleeper, you can try sleeping on your side on a zero-gravity bed and see if you feel comfortable. It’s not recommended to sleep on your stomach in this type of bed as it would contort your spine and may result in serious back and neck issues.
The best mattress for a zero-gravity bed
To enjoy all the benefits of a zero-gravity bed, you need to get the right mattress. The main requirement is that the mattress needs to be flexible enough to bend with the bed.
Most foam mattresses work well as do hybrid mattresses. A spring mattress might work as well but only if it’s a pocket coil mattress as other types of innerspring mattresses don’t offer enough flexibility.
Note that some thicker mattresses aren’t compatible with zero-gravity beds. Always check with the manufacturer first to see if your mattress will work with a zero-gravity bed.
Enjoy zero-gravity sleep with our adjustable base and mattresses
Adjustable Base Plus
With weightless, Zero Gravity support, the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus allows you to set your ideal position for sleeping—and living—with one touch of the remote.
Enjoy zero-gravity sleep with our adjustable base and mattresses
Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
Enjoy zero-gravity sleep with our adjustable base and mattresses
Latex Hybrid Mattress
This hybrid mattress combines the pressure-free support of natural latex with the classic innerspring feel. Handcrafted with pure materials for the ultimate in cool and healthy sleep.
Enjoy zero-gravity sleep with our adjustable base and mattresses
Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
This memory foam hybrid mattress features the perfect balance of body-contouring and responsive feel. Enjoy the innovative cooling system, which prevents overheating.
Enjoy zero-gravity sleep with our adjustable base and mattresses
Zenhaven Latex Mattress
Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It’s naturally hypoallergenic too.)
Enjoy zero-gravity sleep with our adjustable base and mattresses
Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Featuring precise 50 firmness settings on each side of the bed for personal customization. Natural latex and gel-infused memory foam layers provide luxurious comfort and support.
Enjoy zero-gravity sleep with our adjustable base and mattresses
Saatva Rx Mattress
Specially designed to give maximum support and pressure relief that can help alleviate discomfort associated with serious and chronic back and joint conditions like sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc, and scoliosis.
FAQs
Is it OK to sleep in a zero-gravity position?
A zero-gravity position can offer a lot of potential benefits, such as alleviating back and neck pain, reducing snoring and any respiratory issues, improving circulation and heart health, and generally improving sleep quality.
Do you use a pillow with a zero-gravity bed?
You don’t need to use a pillow with a zero-gravity bed as in this position your head is already elevated. However, if you want to use a pillow you can. Just make sure to use a slightly flatter one so it doesn’t interfere with the spinal alignment afforded by this position.
Is a zero-gravity bed good for lower back pain?
A zero-gravity position is one of the best ways to manage back pain. This position eliminates pressure on your spine, helping to reduce symptoms of conditions such as sciatica, a herniated disk, or other types of lower back issues.
What does sleeping in zero gravity feel like?
A zero-gravity position elevates your upper body and slightly raises your legs. In this position, the sleeper’s weight is evenly distributed, relieving pressure on their spine and giving them a feeling very close to weightlessness.
Find the best zero-gravity bed for you at Saatva
Ready to experience the benefits of sleeping in zero gravity? Our
Our deluxe adjustable base with even more customized comfort options
has a zero-gravity preset that instantly adjusts for perfectly balanced, weightless support at the touch of a button.
Other features include an anti-snore preset that elevates the head 7° to open up airways and reduce snoring, full-body wave, head, and leg massage with three speed options, and under-bed lighting plus a built-in remote flashlight that lights your path at night.
Our zero-gravity bed is compatible with most Saatva mattresses, including our
America’s best-selling online luxury innerspring
(11.5-inch option),
Our hand-tufted, organic natural latex hybrid innerspring for buoyant, cooling comfort
,
Our dual-sided organic natural latex mattress for buoyant, pressure-relieving comfort
,
Our luxurious customizable mattress with 50 precise firmness options
,
Our innovative memory foam & innerspring hybrid for cooler sleep
, and
The first luxury mattress specially designed for sleepers with chronic back & joint conditions
, as well as most Saatva bed frames.
