Adjustable Bed Lab

How to Keep a Split King Bed Together: 7 Proven Methods

Love your split king adjustable bed but hate the gap? You're not alone. Here are 7 proven solutions to keep the two halves from drifting apart — ranked from most to least effective.

By The ABL Team|Last Updated: February 13, 2026|8 min read

Why Does Your Split King Keep Separating?

Before we fix it, let's understand why it happens. A split king bed is essentially two Twin XL adjustable bases placed side by side. Each base has its own motor. When one motor lifts the head or feet, it creates lateral force that can push the bases apart.

Common causes of separation:

  • Motor movement — The biggest culprit. Each adjustment pushes the bases slightly apart.
  • Getting in/out of bed — Putting weight on one edge pushes that base away.
  • Smooth floors — Hardwood and tile let bases slide freely. Carpet provides natural friction.
  • No containment — Without a frame or headboard, there's nothing stopping lateral drift.

7 Ways to Keep Your Split King Together

1

Use a King Bed Frame with Side Rails

Most Effective

A standard king bed frame acts as a container, keeping both bases within a defined boundary. The side rails prevent lateral drift, and the headboard and footboard add additional stability.

Best for: New purchases — buy the frame at the same time as your adjustable bases.

Cost: $200-$600 for a platform-style king frame.

2

Non-Slip Pads Under Each Base

Best Quick Fix

Place rubber non-slip pads (like furniture gripper pads) under each leg or along the bottom of each base. This creates friction against the floor and prevents the bases from sliding when the motors activate.

Best for: Hardwood and tile floors where sliding is worst.

Cost: $10-$25 for a pack of furniture gripper pads.

3

Bed Bridge / Gap Filler

A bed bridge is a foam wedge that sits between or on top of the two mattresses, creating a smooth surface across the gap. While it doesn't prevent separation by itself, it eliminates the uncomfortable crack you feel when sleeping in the middle. Use this in combination with other methods.

Best for: Couples who sleep close together and feel the center gap.

Cost: $20-$40 on Amazon.

4

Metal Connector Bars or Straps

Metal connector bars bolt to both bases, physically locking them together. Some brands sell proprietary connector kits, and universal options are available on Amazon. Velcro straps are a less rigid alternative that allows slight movement while preventing full separation.

Best for: People who want a permanent, secure connection.

Cost: $15-$50.

5

Push Bases Against a Wall

If your bed is against a wall, push the non-wall side tight against the wall. Only one base can drift (away from the wall), which cuts the problem in half. Combine with non-slip pads on the outer base for a simple, free solution.

Best for: Bedrooms where the bed is in a corner or against a wall.

Cost: Free.

6

King-Size Mattress Topper

Place a king-size mattress topper across both Twin XL mattresses. The topper covers the gap and adds weight that holds both sides together. A 3-inch memory foam topper works best — it's heavy enough to resist shifting while adding comfort.

Best for: Couples who don't use the adjustable feature every night.

Cost: $80-$200 for a quality king topper.

Note: The topper may bunch up when bases are adjusted, so remove it before adjusting.

7

DIY Pool Noodle Bumper

Cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise and place it between the two mattresses at the base level. It acts as a soft bumper that prevents the bases from drifting apart. It's not the most elegant solution, but it works surprisingly well for the price.

Best for: Budget-friendly temporary fix.

Cost: $2-$5.

Our Recommended Combo

For the best results, use a three-part approach:

  1. King bed frame (containment) — prevents lateral drift entirely
  2. Non-slip pads (friction) — stops bases from sliding within the frame
  3. Bed bridge (comfort) — eliminates the center gap for sleeping comfort

Total cost: $230-$665 for all three. This combination addresses both the mechanical separation problem and the comfort issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ABL Team

Sleep Health Researchers

Our team spends hundreds of hours testing adjustable beds, analyzing specifications, and comparing real-world performance so you can make an informed decision.

Last Updated: February 13, 2026

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