Quick Answer: Most mid-range and premium adjustable bed frames now include a zero gravity preset. Major brands offering it in Canada include Tempur-Pedic, Leggett and Platt, Orthex, and several online-only brands. The position raises your head and knees slightly to distribute weight evenly across the mattress.
Brad, Owner since 1987: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1987. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
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What Zero Gravity Actually Means
The name is borrowed from NASA. During rocket launches, astronauts assume a specific body position to distribute the extreme gravitational forces as evenly as possible across their bodies. The position keeps the knees slightly above heart level and the torso at a gentle incline, creating what NASA describes as a neutral body posture where no single point bears disproportionate pressure.
On an adjustable bed, the "zero gravity" preset mimics this positioning. The head section raises roughly 10 to 15 degrees while the foot section elevates your knees to approximately the same height as your chest. Your weight spreads across the mattress surface more evenly than it does when lying flat.
The term is a bit generous. You are not actually weightless. But the reduction in pressure concentration is real and measurable. People who sleep flat concentrate roughly 40 to 50 percent of their body weight through their hips and lower back. In the zero gravity position, that load redistributes across a larger surface area.
The Science Behind the Position
When you lie flat, gravity compresses your spine. The intervertebral discs between your vertebrae bear the load of your upper body, and the muscles in your lower back work to maintain spinal alignment. Elevating the knees reduces this spinal compression by changing the angle of the pelvis. Elevating the head simultaneously takes pressure off the diaphragm and reduces the gravitational pull of stomach acid toward the oesophagus. Research into head-of-bed elevation has shown meaningful reductions in both acid reflux symptoms and obstructive sleep apnea severity, though the degree of improvement varies significantly between individuals.
Who Offers It in Canada
Zero gravity used to be a premium feature reserved for bases costing $2,000 or more. That has changed. Competition in the adjustable bed market has pushed the feature down into mid-range models. Here is an honest overview of what is available:
National and International Brands
Tempur-Pedic offers zero gravity across their TEMPUR-Ergo power base lineup, available through Sleep Country and other major retailers. These are premium bases, typically $1,500 to $3,000+, with the zero gravity preset integrated into a broader feature set including massage, app control, and anti-snore positioning.
Leggett and Platt manufactures the S-Cape and Prodigy lines, which include zero gravity along with Wallhugger technology. Leggett and Platt supplies adjustable base mechanisms to many mattress brands, so their technology appears under various brand names. If a Canadian retailer sells a base with zero gravity and you are not sure who made it, there is a decent chance Leggett and Platt's mechanisms are inside.
Online-only brands like Douglas, Endy, and Polysleep have also introduced adjustable bases with zero gravity presets at lower price points, typically $1,099 to $1,500 for a queen.
What We Carry at Mattress Miracle
Our adjustable base lineup includes zero gravity at multiple price points:
The Deluxe Adjustable Bed at $1,250 is our most affordable base with a dedicated zero gravity button. One press and the head and foot sections move to the pre-programmed position. It also includes 15 massage modes, which pair well with zero gravity for a pre-sleep relaxation routine.
The Sophia 2 by Orthex at $2,199.99 is Canadian-made and offers zero gravity along with premium motor quality and wall hugger design. Available in Twin XL, Queen, and King configurations.
The Sophia 4 by Orthex at $3,689.99 is the medical-grade option with 1,000-pound capacity and zero gravity positioning designed for therapeutic use. Dorothy, our sleep specialist, recommends this model specifically for customers with chronic back conditions or post-surgical recovery needs.
The ErgoSportive at $5,150 includes zero gravity as part of a recovery-focused sleep system aimed at athletes and chronic pain patients.
A Note About Entry-Level Bases
Our SleepBeat SE1005 at $895 and the German Motor base at $1,000 do not include a dedicated zero gravity preset button. However, you can manually position the head and foot sections to approximate the zero gravity angle using the wireless remote. The difference is convenience, not capability. The preset saves you from adjusting both sections manually each night. If zero gravity is a feature you plan to use regularly, the $1,250 Deluxe model with the one-button preset is worth the step up.
What It Does for Your Body
The benefits of zero gravity sleep are real, but they are not universal. Some people feel an immediate difference. Others notice gradual improvements over weeks. And some find the position uncomfortable because they are accustomed to sleeping flat.
Lower back relief. The slight knee elevation changes the angle of the pelvis and reduces compression on the lumbar spine. Customers with degenerative disc conditions, herniated discs, or general lower back stiffness often report noticeable improvement. Brad, with over 38 years in the industry, has seen hundreds of customers return to say zero gravity changed their sleep. He has also seen customers who tried it and preferred flat. There is no way to predict which group you fall into without testing.
Reduced snoring and breathing improvement. The gentle head elevation opens the airway slightly. For mild snoring caused by positional factors, this can help. For clinically significant sleep apnea, an adjustable base is not a substitute for CPAP or medical treatment, though it may be used as a complement. Consult your doctor before relying on zero gravity for any diagnosed sleep disorder.
Circulation. Elevating the legs above heart level encourages venous return, which can reduce swelling in the feet and ankles. This is particularly relevant for people who spend long hours standing, pregnant individuals, or anyone with mild circulatory concerns.
Ontario Winters and Circulation
Our customers in Brantford and across southern Ontario deal with long, cold winters that can exacerbate circulation issues. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, and reduced physical activity during winter months compounds the problem. Zero gravity leg elevation is one small tool that can support better circulation during the months when you are less active. It is not a medical treatment, but many of our customers have found it helpful alongside other health practices.
Who Benefits Most From Zero Gravity Sleep
Based on our experience fitting adjustable bases to customers over the years, zero gravity tends to benefit these groups most noticeably:
People with chronic lower back pain who wake up stiff. The position reduces overnight spinal compression, which can mean less morning stiffness.
People with acid reflux or GERD who experience nighttime symptoms. The head elevation uses gravity to keep stomach acid from travelling up the oesophagus.
Snorers whose snoring is positional rather than structural. If you snore on your back but not on your side, the gentle head elevation may reduce or eliminate the issue.
People with leg swelling from standing all day, pregnancy, or mild circulatory conditions.
It is worth being honest about who may not benefit: stomach sleepers, people who move frequently throughout the night, and people who find any incline uncomfortable for sleep. Zero gravity is a sleeping position, and like all sleeping positions, it does not suit everyone.
Trying It Before Buying
This is one feature where the in-store experience is genuinely valuable. Reading about zero gravity and experiencing it are two different things. The angle feels different than you might imagine, and whether it feels comfortable depends on your body shape, your mattress firmness, and your sleeping habits.
In our Brantford showroom, we have adjustable bases with zero gravity presets set up with Restonic mattresses so you can press the button, lie back, and feel the position with a real mattress beneath you. Try it for at least five minutes. Many customers initially feel slightly unusual and then gradually settle into the position as their muscles release tension.
If you are pairing a zero gravity base with a new mattress, test them together. The ComfortCare Queen at $1,125 with 1,222 pocket coils flexes smoothly into the zero gravity position and provides solid support through the transition. For a more premium feel, the Revive Tiffany Rose at $2,995 with copper Talalay latex conforms beautifully in zero gravity while maintaining its 13-inch profile.
We offer white glove delivery throughout southern Ontario, including Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Toronto, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, London, Barrie, and Oshawa.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Our team has 38 years of experience helping customers find the right sleep solution. Call ahead or walk in any day of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the zero gravity position the same on every adjustable bed brand?
The angles vary slightly between brands. Most position the head at 10 to 15 degrees and the knees at a similar elevation, but the exact preset angles differ by manufacturer. The core principle is the same: distribute weight evenly and reduce spinal compression. Test different brands to find the angle that feels most comfortable for your body.
Can I sleep in zero gravity all night?
Yes, many people sleep in zero gravity as their primary position every night. Others use it to fall asleep and then flatten the base during the night if they shift positions. There is no medical concern with sleeping in zero gravity for extended periods. If you tend to roll onto your side during the night, you may naturally adjust the position or use the remote to flatten the base.
Will zero gravity help with my sciatica?
It may provide some relief. The knee elevation and spinal decompression can reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. However, sciatica has multiple causes, and the effectiveness of zero gravity depends on the specific origin of your symptoms. Use it as one tool alongside medical advice, stretching, and other treatments your healthcare provider recommends.
Do I need a special mattress for zero gravity?
You need a mattress that flexes with the base: memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses with pocket coil systems all work. Traditional innerspring mattresses with interconnected coils are too rigid for the bending required. Mattresses thicker than 14 inches may not flex as smoothly into the position.
What does zero gravity feel like?
Most people describe it as a gentle cradling sensation where no single body part bears excessive pressure. Your legs feel lighter because they are elevated. Your lower back feels less compressed because the pelvis is tilted. It takes a few minutes to settle into the position, especially if you are used to sleeping flat. Some people feel an immediate sense of relief. Others need several nights to adjust.
Related Reading
- Compare Adjustable Bed Frame Features and Models
- Health Benefits of an Adjustable Bed Frame
- Adjustable Bed Frames for Back Pain Relief in Canada
Sources
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Chen Z, Li Y, Liu R. Ergonomic design and evaluation of bedroom furniture systems for improved sleep quality. Appl Ergon. 2020;82:102969. DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102969
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Cary D, Briffa K, McKenna L. Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review. BMJ Open. 2019;9(6):e027633. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027633