What Is a Zero Gravity Bed? 6 Key Benefits

Key Takeaways

• The zero gravity sleep position is a body position that elevates the head and feet to evenly distribute weight and minimize spinal pressure, mimicking a weightless sensation.
• A zero gravity bed is an adjustable bed that can be configured to achieve the zero gravity position, often with a pre-set button.
• Benefits of zero gravity sleep position can include reduced back pain, improved circulation, and relief from acid reflux by minimizing spinal stress and optimizing body alignment.

Getting a good night's sleep is more than just closing your eyes. Your sleep position and bed setup are key to how well you rest. Poor posture during sleep can lead to back pain and discomfort and can even affect your overall health.¹ Keeping your spine aligned is crucial for minimizing pain and maximizing the restorative benefits of sleep, and proper spine alignment reduces musculoskeletal pain. 

This is where a zero gravity bed comes in. These beds rely on an adjustable base to allow you to elevate your head and feet. This position is designed to distribute your weight evenly, reducing pressure on your spine and improving blood circulation.

Keep reading to learn more about what a zero gravity bed is and how it can impact your sleep quality.

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What Is a Zero Gravity Sleep Position?

A zero gravity sleep position refers to a specific body position designed to minimize stress on the spine and improve circulation. This position involves raising both the head and feet slightly, creating a feeling of weightlessness. This alignment distributes body weight evenly to help reduce pressure in the body. An adjustable base is required, which allows you to customize the angle of your bed.

While adjustable bases provide the mechanism, you’ll also need a mattress that can flex and conform to the base's movements. Therefore, a special mattress for an adjustable bed is important. Not all mattresses are designed for this purpose, so choose one that is compatible with adjustable bases. Flexible and supportive, the Purple Essential collection pairs perfectly with an adjustable base. 

Zero Gravity Bed Benefits

While the concept of a zero gravity bed position offers many potential advantages, it's important to consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks. Some might have zero gravity bed complaints related to the initial adjustment period or the feeling of the position itself. However, for many, the advantages far outweigh any concerns. We explore the potential benefits of sleeping in this unique position below. 

Promotes Relaxation

The zero gravity position can naturally promote relaxation by evenly distributing your weight and reducing pressure points. When your body is supported in a neutral posture, muscles are less strained, and tension can dissipate.² This can lead to a greater sense of calm, making it easier to fall asleep.

May Relieve Pressure Points

Pairing a zero gravity bed with mattresses like the Purple Restore® Hybrid can provide the added benefit of pressure point relief. This mattress evenly distributes your body weight across the surface, which typically helps reduce pressure in heavier areas like the hips, shoulders, and heels.

May Reduce Snoring

For some, the zero gravity setting on adjustable beds may help reduce snoring. When lying flat, gravity can cause the soft tissues in the throat to relax and obstruct the airway, leading to snoring.³ 

By elevating the head and upper body, gravity works to keep the airways more open, helping to reduce snoring.⁴ While a zero gravity bed doesn't guarantee the elimination of snoring, the elevated position it provides can help improve airflow during sleep.

May Improve Circulation

Zero gravity beds can potentially enhance blood circulation throughout the body. Elevating both the legs and the upper body helps to counteract the effects of gravity, which can sometimes hinder venous return (blood flow back to the heart) when lying flat.⁵

May Relieve Acid Reflux Symptoms

Sleeping on a zero gravity adjustable bed may provide relief from acid reflux symptoms, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Elevating the upper body during sleep helps to keep stomach acid down due to gravity.⁶  By maintaining a semi-upright posture, a zero gravity bed may help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. 

May Help Reduce Swelling

Elevating the legs in a zero gravity bed may help reduce swelling, particularly in the lower extremities. When lying flat, gravity can impede fluid drainage from the legs and feet, leading to swelling or edema. By raising the legs above the level of the heart, a zero gravity bed encourages fluid to flow back towards the core.⁷ 

Is Zero Gravity Right for Your Sleep Position?

The comfort of a zero gravity bed can vary depending on your preferred sleep style. While often promoted for back sleepers due to its spinal alignment benefits, side sleepers may also find these beds comfortable by adjusting the bed to a gentler incline. Stomach sleepers may find the elevated position less comfortable. 

Here's a quick look at how different sleep positions might interact with a zero gravity bed:

• Side sleepers: Side sleepers may find comfort with a slight incline that still supports spinal alignment while reducing pressure on the hips and shoulders.
• Back sleepers: Back sleepers typically experience the most immediate benefits from the zero gravity bed position, as it naturally aligns the spine and distributes weight evenly.² 
• Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers may find the elevated position uncomfortable and may want to consider alternative sleeping positions to fully enjoy the benefits of a zero gravity bed.
• Combination sleepers: Combination sleepers can adjust the bed to find comfortable positions for both their back and side sleeping preferences. 

Who Should Consider a Zero Gravity Bed Frame?

A zero gravity bed frame can be a valuable investment if you’re looking to enhance your comfort and gain some potential therapeutic benefits while you sleep. Consider a zero gravity bed if:

• You have chronic back pain or are looking for the best mattress for back pain in combination with adjustable positioning
• You have acid reflux or heartburn that is exacerbated when you lay flat at night
• You have circulation issues or swelling in your legs and feet
• You snore or have mild sleep apnea
• You simply want a more comfortable and customizable sleep experience

Before you pull the trigger, be sure to consider factors like the zero gravity bed price, the compatibility of your current or desired mattress (ensuring it's a zero gravity mattress base option), and what features, like a wireless remote or other functionalities, are important to you. 

How To Get Zero Gravity Position on an Adjustable Bed

With most modern adjustable bases, achieving a zero-gravity position on an adjustable bed is straightforward. Many models come with a pre-programmed "Zero Gravity" or "Zero-G" button on their remote control. Simply pressing this button will automatically adjust the head and foot sections of the bed.

If your remote doesn't have a dedicated button, you can manually raise the head of the bed to a slight incline (around 10-30 degrees) and elevate your legs so that your knees are slightly above your heart level.

If you’re wondering how to set up your Purple Smart Base, both the Purple Premium and Purple Premium Plus adjustable bases feature a one-touch Zero-G preset on the remote, instantly placing you in the optimal zero gravity position. 

How To Achieve a Zero Gravity Sleep Position With Pillows

While not a perfect substitute for an adjustable base, you can use pillows to create something similar to the zero gravity position. To elevate your upper body, try using a wedge pillow or stacking a couple of firmer pillows to create a gentle incline from your mid-back up to your head. To elevate your legs, place one or two pillows under your knees.  

Keep in mind that this method offers less precise and consistent support compared to an adjustable bed. It's also important to consider how many pillows you should sleep with to maintain proper spinal alignment in your neck. Experiment with different pillow placements and thicknesses to find a comfortable and supportive position.

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Best Mattress for Zero Gravity Bed

The best zero gravity mattress can bend and conform to the contours of the adjustable base without compromising support or comfort. Look for mattresses that utilize flexible materials like foam or individually wrapped coils, as these tend to work best with the articulating movements of an adjustable frame. 

Purple offers a range of mattresses that are specifically designed to be compatible with adjustable bases: 

• RestorePremier® Hybrid: This mattress provides targeted support with its GelFlex Grid® Plus and premium CoolFlex Coils™ and adapts perfectly to the angles of an adjustable base. It’s also the best option for hot sleepers. 
• RestorePlus® Hybrid: Featuring the original GelFlex Grid® and responsive support coils, this mattress delivers enhanced pressure relief and durability. Its design ensures flexibility and comfort when used with an adjustable base.
• Restore® Hybrid: This mattress combines the GelFlex Grid® with a responsive coil core to provide pressure relief where you need it and support where it counts. Designed for adaptability, this mattress bends easily on an adjustable base.
• PurplePlus® Mattress: This mattress elevates all-foam comfort with an extra layer of the GelFlex Grid®, offering enhanced pressure relief and a supremely cushioning feel. Its all-foam construction ensures maximum flexibility, making it a perfect partner for adjustable bases.
• The Purple Mattress®: The original Purple Mattress uses the GelFlex Grid® to deliver a unique combination of pressure relief and support that adapts instantly to your body. Its hyper-elastic polymer material is incredibly flexible, allowing it to conform seamlessly to the contours of an adjustable base.
• PurpleFlex™ Mattress: This mattress features the GelFlex Grid® and comfort foam layers to maximize the benefits of the Grid. Its design prioritizes both responsiveness and flexibility, ensuring it works harmoniously with an adjustable base.

Is a Zero Gravity Bed Worth it?

If you experience back pain, acid reflux, circulation issues, or simply want more comfort and relaxation during sleep, the benefits of a zero gravity bed could be significant. 

When exploring your options, be sure to also look at the best adjustable bed frames on the market, focusing on features that align with your specific needs. Purple’s Premium Smart Base is engineered for seamless adjustability and pairs perfectly with the pressure-relieving comfort of a Purple mattress.

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