Do Adjustable Beds for Acid Reflux and Sleep Apnea Work?
What the Science (and Sleepers) Are Saying
If you’ve ever propped yourself up at night to breathe easier or stop heartburn, you already understand the idea behind adjustable beds. But do adjustable beds for acid reflux and sleep apnea actually work, or are they just a high-end gimmick?
Research, expert guidance, and years of real-world use say yes: elevated sleep positioning can significantly improve symptoms of both conditions. Let’s explore why that matters—and how Flexabed’s made-to-order features are built to help.
How Adjustable Beds Help With Acid Reflux
Acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can disrupt sleep with symptoms like heartburn, coughing, and throat irritation. The main culprit? Gravity. When you lie flat, stomach acid can travel more easily into the esophagus, especially after eating.
That’s why so many providers recommend head-of-bed elevation as a first step in managing reflux symptoms at night. And it’s not just anecdotal. A 2021 systematic review found that elevating the upper body significantly reduced reflux symptoms and esophageal acid exposure in all five studies reviewed.
Unlike foam wedges or stacks of pillows that shift and compress, an adjustable bed like Flexabed allows for a gentle, consistent incline at the touch of a button. That means your ideal angle for relief can be set—and held—all night long.
What About Sleep Apnea?
While acid reflux is about keeping stomach acid down, sleep apnea is about keeping airways open. In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), soft tissues in the throat relax too much during sleep and cause pauses in breathing. These interruptions can happen dozens of times per hour, and often go unnoticed except for symptoms like daytime fatigue, snoring, or gasping awake.
A 2022 clinical study published in the National Library of Medicine found that even a modest head-of-bed elevation of just 7.5° reduced apnea-hypopnea events by over 30% in patients with mild to moderate OSA.
Adjustable beds like Flexabed make it easy to raise your upper body into a position that reduces airway collapse. The zero gravity position, in particular, has been shown to improve airflow, reduce pressure on the chest, and mitigate snoring and mild apnea symptoms, especially for back sleepers.
Looking for the best adjustable bed for sleep apnea or other conditions? It’s not just about incline—it’s about personalization, consistency, and full-body support.
Custom Comfort, Personalized for You
At Flexabed, every bed is made to order in the USA and built to suit your unique needs—whether you’re managing acid reflux, sleep apnea, or both. Here’s how we make that possible:
Choose the Right Model:
- Premier: Fully customizable with optional massage, ideal for maximum comfort and luxury
- Hi-Low SL: Perfect for aging in place or more advanced medical needs
- Value-Flex: Reliable comfort and head/foot articulation at a more accessible price point
Find the Right Mattress:
Our adjustable mattresses are designed to support each position without bunching or resisting movement:
Sleep Together, Customize Separately:
Flexabed offers split queen and split king options so couples can adjust each side of the bed independently. One partner can elevate for reflux, while the other finds their ideal angle for snoring relief.
Add Accessories That Support Better Rest:
Explore Flexabed’s full accessory lineup, including:
The Bottom Line
So—do adjustable beds for acid reflux and sleep apnea work? Yes.
They won’t replace medication or therapy, but they can make a real difference in nightly comfort and long-term wellness. Elevation is a simple, proven way to ease pressure on the digestive system and promote better airflow—and Flexabed lets you do it your way.
Want to see how a Flexabed can support your sleep? Visit our Where to Buy page to find an authorized dealer near you and explore options for in-home delivery, setup, and personalized guidance.