Chances are you’ve scrolled past the zero-gravity sleeping position while mattress shopping and thought it sounded a bit space-age.
It’s actually a clever way to help your body relax in a lighter, more natural posture.
Key Takeaways
- The zero gravity bed position gently raises your upper body and legs to create a weightless, pressure-free posture that can ease back tension, support smoother breathing, improve circulation, and help digestion settle at night.
- This position works best with an adjustable bed and a flexible mattress, and it can be customised to suit your sleep habits, health needs, and comfort preferences.
- You can enjoy zero gravity on a range of setups, including memory foam, latex, hybrid, and pocket spring mattresses, all compatible with adjustable beds so you can build a supportive, personalised sleep routine.
Today, we’re looking at how the zero gravity position works, why people enjoy it, and how it might help with comfort or relaxation.
We’ll make it easy to follow so you can decide if it has a place in your sleep setup. Let’s get started!
What Does Zero Gravity Mean On An Adjustable Bed?
Zero gravity, often called zero-g, is a position that helps your body feel as close to weightless as you can get on Earth.
NASA observed that astronauts naturally settle into this posture in space, with their knees slightly bent and their upper body gently raised. In this angle, the load on your joints and muscles spreads out more evenly, so nothing feels overworked.
The idea is simple: help your body relax more deeply by taking unnecessary pressure out of the picture.
On adjustable beds, this posture translates into a sleeping position that can ease back strain and help you drift off without tossing and turning.
How The Zero Gravity Bed Position Works
Think of the zero gravity bed position as a gentle curve rather than a sharp bend. Your bed uses its motors to lift your upper body and legs into that curve so your spine, hips, and knees can all relax at once.
On most adjustable beds, it looks roughly like this:
- Your upper body is reclined so your torso is at about a 120 degree angle from your thighs
- Your knees are bent, with your legs lifted to around 30 to 45 degrees
- Your feet sit just a little higher than your hips
In this shape, your weight spreads out more evenly, instead of dumping into your lower back or shoulders. Blood flow can move more freely, and your chest feels more open, which often makes breathing feel easier too.
Your bed base here does most of the work, but the mattress matters too. A flexible, supportive mattress bends smoothly with the bed base, helping you settle into the curve without awkward pressure.
You can read our article about the best mattress types for adjustable beds if you want a deeper guide.
Video transcript
00:00
Hi, I’m Amber, one of the Sleep Experts here at GhostBed. If you’re in the market for an adjustable base, you’ve probably heard the term “zero gravity.”
00:04
We love zero gravity so much here at GhostBed that we even added a preset button on our adjustable base, so you can get into the position even faster. It has so many great benefits and, honestly, it just feels incredibly relaxing.
00:10
But what exactly is zero gravity?
00:12
I’m glad you asked.
00:14
We all know what gravity is. It’s the invisible force that pulls objects toward each other. It’s what keeps water at the bottom of a glass instead of floating away.
00:19
Zero gravity, or zero-G, is the opposite. It’s a state of weightlessness, like that moment on a roller coaster when you hit a loop and feel completely weightless. It’s similar to what astronauts experience while floating in space.
00:27
You might not be on a roller coaster or in space when you press the zero-G button on your adjustable base, but you’ll get a similar sensation.
00:32
In this position, your head is raised slightly above your heart, your knees are bent and level with your heart, and your torso and thighs are positioned at about a 120-degree angle.
00:40
This posture helps distribute your body weight evenly from head to toe, easing pressure on the heaviest parts of your body.
00:45
You can use this position to relax after a long day, or even sleep in it. Trust me, you’ll wake up feeling amazing.
00:50
I hope this helps. If you have any questions about zero gravity or the GhostBed Adjustable Base, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to chat with you more.
Benefits Of A Zero Gravity Bed
So what can a zero gravity bed actually do for your sleep and body, beyond looking clever on the remote?
Here are some of the main perks:
1. Reduces Back And Neck Discomfort
Sleeping flat can push your lower back and neck into awkward pressure, especially if you already deal with stiffness.
A 2013 review found that “sleep impairments reliably predict new incidents and exacerbations of chronic pain,” so the way you position your body at night matters more than most people realise.
In the zero gravity position, your spine follows a gentler curve. Your torso is slightly raised, your knees are bent, and your legs are lifted, so your weight spreads more evenly rather than pressing into one spot.
For many people, that means less strain through the lower back and less tightness around the shoulders and neck. And if back pain is something you’re already trying to get on top of, we have a blog post that explores the best mattress options for back pain.
2. Helps You Breathe And Snore Less
You might be surprised by how common snoring actually is.
The Sleep Health Foundation notes that “about 40% of men and 30% of women have at least mild snoring, on at least some nights,” which makes disrupted sleep a shared problem in many households.
In a zero gravity position, your upper body rests at a gentle 30 to 45 degree angle that gives your airway more room. Your throat stays wider, so air can move quietly in and out.
And if snoring is something you deal with often, we also have a blog post that shares the best mattress options for snoring, all of which work well on adjustable bed bases.
3. Supports Circulation & Reduces Swelling
Long days sitting or standing can leave your legs feeling heavy by the time you climb into bed. Healthdirect Australia notes that doctors often suggest “putting your feet up when you can” to help ease fluid build up.
The zero gravity position lifts your legs closer to heart level, which helps blood and fluid move back up the body instead of settling around your ankles.
This gentle incline can soften mild swelling and lighten that end-of-day “concrete legs” feeling. And if you need an extra boost, our cooling leg elevation pillow can help keep your legs comfortably raised, even outside of bed.
4. Can Soothe Heartburn And Digestion
Heartburn often flares when you lie completely flat, especially after a late meal. A small incline can help calm that burning feeling before it has a chance to climb up your chest.
According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, “elevating the head of the bed… can improve GERD symptoms.”
The zero gravity position naturally recreates this gentle rise by lifting your torso slightly higher than your stomach. With gravity now helping instead of working against you, acid is less likely to move upward while you rest.
If you want extra support outside of your adjustable bed setup, our cooling wedge pillow offers a steady, breathable incline that works on any mattress.
5. Helps Your Body Ease Into Rest
Winding down isn’t always as easy as closing your eyes.
In a zero gravity curve, your muscles can switch off and your joints feel lighter, which means you’re not fighting the mattress or shuffling around as much. Before you know it, you’re drifting off instead of trying to get comfortable.
Side sleepers can still enjoy all of this. Adjustable beds work well for that sleeping style too, and we have a helpful blog post on the best mattresses for side sleepers if you want to explore that next.
Finding The Right Zero Gravity Bed For You
Choosing a zero gravity bed isn’t about grabbing the fanciest frame you can find. It’s about matching the bed to how you sleep, what your body needs, and the kind of comfort you want at the end of a long day.
Here are a few things worth keeping in mind:
Think about your sleep style
How you sleep shapes what will feel comfortable. Back sleepers, side sleepers, and combination sleepers all need slightly different support, and an adjustable bed should work with those habits, not against them.
Consider any health needs you have
If you’re managing a medical condition, it’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor before changing your sleep setup.
If you deal with swelling, snoring, reflux, or back tension, look for a bed that lets you save your favourite positions so you can get into them quickly each night.
Check the range of adjustability
The more flexibility your bed has, the easier it is to fine-tune the angle of your head, torso, and legs until it feels just right.
Our Ecosa ErgoLift Adjustable Bed makes this simple with four health-promoting preset buttons: Reading, Anti Snore, the NASA-inspired Zero Gravity, and a Memory mode where you can save your own favourite position.
Pair it with a mattress that moves well
Some mattresses flex more smoothly than others. Memory foam and hybrid designs often adapt best to the gentle curves of an adjustable base.
Go for user-friendly controls
A clear remote or app makes it easy to shift into the zero gravity position without fussing around.
Where To Buy An Adjustable Bed?
You can buy adjustable beds from many bedding retailers, but it helps to choose one that works smoothly with your current setup.
At Ecosa, our adjustable beds are available online and pair well with our compatible bed frames and bed bases for a seamless zero gravity experience.
If you are searching for a mattress that bends and supports comfortably on an adjustable bed, our range includes:
You can explore our adjustable beds, matching frames, and mattress options on the Ecosa website to build a setup that feels calm, supported, and ready for zero gravity. And if you’re in Australia, you can also visit our stores to test our mattress and bed range in person.
FAQs
What is the best position to sleep in with an adjustable bed?
It depends on your body and sleep style. Some people love the zero gravity angle, while others prefer a softer incline for reading or easing back tension. The right position is the one that feels comfortable, supported, and easy to stay in through the night.
Can you sleep on your side in zero gravity position on an adjustable bed?
Yes. You can adjust the angles to suit side sleeping, and many people find the slight lift under the legs and upper body helps ease pressure on the hips and shoulders.
Is it good to sleep in the zero gravity position?
For many sleepers, yes. The gentle curve can reduce pressure on the spine, support easier breathing, and help your body relax into a more comfortable posture at night.