Comparison
Founder of GoodBed, Leading Mattress Expert
Note: This is not a review. This is our plain-English explanation and overview of the Motion Essentials and Motion Perfect adjustable bed frames from Serta.
If you’d prefer to watch rather than read, watch our Serta Adjustable Base Overview video
Here at GoodBed, we're asked more and more frequently about adjustable bases, which got their start as a home version of an adjustable hospital bed. Now, of course, they look nothing like a piece of clinical equipment.
An adjustable base is an easy way to add functionality and comfort to an existing mattress. For more on adjustable bases in general, check out our Adjustable Base Buyer's Guide.
Serta has two adjustable base units: the more basic Motion Essentials and the more full-featured Motion Perfect.
Serta Motion Essentials
The Motion Essentials has basic features you'll find on most adjustable bases, including the ability to raise both the head and the foot independently. There's also a "flat" button that returns the base to its regular position.
A massage feature is included for the head, and there are three speeds settings in addition to on/off.
The base is available in twin XL, full/double, queen, king, and split king sizes (where both sides of the bed can be adjusted independently with its own remote control).
There are two USB ports tucked away under the top corner of the frame, handy for recharging electronics. On queen size and higher, both top corners have USB ports.
The Nectar Adjustable Base has a total weight capacity of 650 pounds, which would include the weight of your mattress.
The included wireless remote is simply laid out: Head/foot up/down, flat, and the single massage button and that's about it -- nice and simple.
| Motion Essentials | Avg Price (varies by retailer) |
| Twin XL | $800 |
| Full/Double | $850 |
| Queen | $850 |
| King | $1,250 |
| Split King | $1,500 |
Below: Motion Essentials remote
Serta Motion Perfect
The more full-featured Motion Perfect base has both head and foot adjustments, which can be operated separately or together. There is a "flat" button that returns the bed to the original position. But the Motion Perfect has unique position features beyond that.
The Motion Perfect has a higher weight limit of 850 lbs compared to 650 for the Essential.
Seat Extend
This is a neat feature that prevents what we call the "taco" effect. When a base is in its fully raised position, a person can feel like they're being bent in half, like two sides of a taco shell. The Motion Perfect has a neat 'seat extend' feature to prevent this. As you can see in the photo below, when fully raised, the lowest part of the base splits and separates to create more space in the middle for your hips and sit bones.
In addition, if you note the very top of the head of the frame, you'll see there's a small section that bends forward a bit more so you don't need to stick a pillow behind your head when sitting fully upright.
Anti-Snore
This is a preset that raises the head of the bed just a bit. It's intended to help a person stop snoring.
Zero-G
This preset raises both head and foot a small amount, meant to be a position that takes the most pressure off of any one part of the body. The idea is to feel as if you are floating.
Two custom settings
Two buttons on the remote are reserved for your own custom settings. Simply raise and lower the head and foot to your liking, then save the setting. Then with the push of a button, you can return to that setting anytime.
Wireless Remote
The remote for the Motion Perfect includes more options than for the Essential.
The Serta Motion Perfect has more massage features. It includes both head and foot massage functions, each with 6 speeds. And you get a timer for 10, 20, or 30 minutes, after which time the massage feature shuts off.
Another button turns on and off the underbed lighting, another feature upgrade that works as a handy nightlight, allowing you to see your way without turning on a larger light.
| Motion Perfect | Avg Price |
| Twin XL | $1,400 |
| Full/Double | $1,500 |
| Queen | $1,500 |
| King | $2,100 |
| Split King | $2,800 |
Assembly and Furniture
In-home setup will depend on where you purchase the base, and the retailer may or may not charge for assembly. Be sure to check.
Both units have adjustable leg heights; you can choose from between three heights when the bed is assembled. Both frames are made to drop right into the middle of an existing sleigh bed or four-poster -- really any furniture that has side rails and an empty center section.
If you want to use just a headboard, the Motion Perfect comes with adapter hardware (which may or may not work for you depending on your particular headboard). The Essential does not come with that hardware, but it can be ordered separately.
Delivery & Warranty
- Delivery depends on retailer
The Serta adjustable bed frames are sold in mattress and furniture stores, on and offline, so any delivery charges or setup fees will vary depending on the retailer, so be sure to ask.
- 20-year limited warranty
Serta includes what is calls a 20-year warranty, but only the first 2 years are what we would call a 'bumper-to-bumper' warranty that includes all parts, labor, and shipping. Years 3-5 provide parts, but owners must pay any associated labor or shipping costs. The remainder of the warranty excludes the electronics and cover entirely, along with some other specific parts, and the owner will be responsible for both a portion of the parts cost, as well as all associated labor and shipping.
