asl search
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages
guides
products
Filter by Categories
Anti-Snoring Reviews
Bedding
Bedding Information
Bedding Reviews
Best Bed Frames
Best Comforters
Best Mattress
Best Mattress Pads
Best Mattress Protectors
Best Mattress Toppers
Best Pillowcases
Best Pillows
Best Sheets
Interviews
Mattress Accessories
Mattress Comparisons
Mattress Coupons
Mattress Information
Mattress Reviews
Mattress Sales
Mattress Sizes
Mattress Topper Reviews
Pillow Reviews
Sheet Reviews
Sleep
Sleep Environment
Sleep Products
Sleep Tracker Reviews
Uncategorized
Weighted Blanket Reviews
Our editors test & choose the products we write about. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn More.

The Best Mattresses for Couples – Top Picks and Buying Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

When selecting a mattress, couples have several factors to consider. Arguably the most important concern is mutual comfort; those with different firmness preferences may feel most comfortable on a mattress with dual firmness (or different firmness ratings on each side of the bed). Many couples also awaken easily due to noise or movement. In these cases, a mattress that isolates motion well and produces little to no noise will likely be the best option. Finally, most couples agree that responsive mattresses tend to be the best for sex.

It takes two to tango, and to buy a mattress. Finding a mattress that appeals to both partners’ preferences is more complicated than buying one just for yourself, but it’s very doable with the wide range of mattresses available today. Below we review today’s best mattress options for couples, all selected based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis. Then, in our Buyer’s Guide, we share everything couples need to know about buying a new mattress.

Best Mattresses for Couples
First Time Buying a Mattress?

Hop down to our Buyer’s Guide for a crash course on finding the best mattress for couples.

 

The Best Mattresses for Couples – Reviewed

Best OverallHelix

Best Overall – Helix

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options (3.5, 5.5, 7.5)
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Innovative, customizable construction
  • Good motion isolation
Read Our Full Review
Get $100 off + 2 free pillows with code: TUCK100
Claim Discount

Best OverallHelix

helixsleep.com

Shop Now

Helix Sleep offers a wide selection of hybrid mattresses with varying firmness and thickness settings. All beds feature a pocketed coil core to provide support, reinforced with a high-density foam base for durability. The composition of the comfort layers varies depending on the selected model, with different combinations of memory foam, synthetic latex and polyfoam.

Couples can choose from one of six standard hybrids based on their weight and preferred sleep position. The ‘Sunset’ and ‘Moonlight’ are ‘Soft’ (3.5) and best suited for lighter people and side sleepers; the ‘Midnight’ and ‘Dusk’ are ‘Medium’ (5.5), making them good options for people in the average weight group who use any sleep position; and the ‘Twilight’ and ‘Dawn’ are ‘Firm’ (7.5), and should be ideal for heavier people and back/stomach sleepers. All six of these models also come in Luxe designs, which are 4″ thicker and provide more support for those who prefer high-profile beds.

Additionally, the ‘Nightfall’ is a hybrid specifically designed for larger, heavier people. All Helix Sleep hybrids offer exceptional temperature neutrality and better-than-average motion isolation. The beds are also fairly quiet, making them suitable for couples who awaken easily due to noise.

Helix Sleep hybrids have lower-than-average price-points, and the company ships for free to all 50 states. The beds are backed by 100-night sleep trials, and come with warranties ranging from 10 to 15 years in length.

The Bottom Line.

Helix Sleep offers a varied lineup of mattresses, with an option for just about every couple. Overall, the mattresses are all designed to meet the baseline needs of most couples, including good temperature neutrality, responsiveness for sex, and motion isolation. From there, it’s simply a matter of choosing the best model for your specific comfort preferences.

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination). Helix Sleep offers multiple models for each sleep position: the ‘Sunset’ and ‘Moonlight’ for side sleepers; the ‘Midnight’ and ‘Dusk’ for combination sleepers; and the ‘Twilight’ and ‘Dawn’ for back and stomach sleepers.
  • Sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy). Again, Helix has an option for everyone: the softer ‘Sunset’ and ‘Moonlight’ models are recommended for lightweight sleepers; the medium ‘Midnight’ and ‘Dusk’ are good for people in the average weight group; and the firm ‘Twilight’, ‘Dawn’, and ‘Nightfall’ are ideal for heavyweight sleepers.
  • Back pain sufferers. With their dense pocketed coil support cores and multiple comfort layers, hybrid mattresses offer the ideal combination of stabilizing support and comfortable contour for sleepers seeking pain relief.
  • Value seekers. All Helix Sleep mattresses boast a lower price-point than comparable models, and include free shipping, 100-night sleep trials, and warranties lasting 10 years or more.

Not Recommended for:

  • Those who need to move their mattress quickly. The Helix Sleep mattresses feature a heavy construction that can be difficult to maneuver.
  • Shoppers who want to return their mattress quickly if they don’t like it. All Helix Sleep trials require a 30-night break-in period.

Best ValueNectar Mattress

Best Value – Nectar Mattress

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Isolates motion transfer for couples
  • Above-average temperature neutrality
Read Our Full Review
Get $399 worth of free accessories with every Nectar mattress purchase.
Claim Discount

Best ValueNectar Mattress

nectarsleep.com

Shop Now

The Nectar Mattress is a premium memory foam bed constructed with pressure-relieving comfort layers and sturdy base materials. The Nectar Mattress has a price-point that is much lower than that of the average memory foam mattress, but it offers the same levels of comfort and support as many of its more expensive competitors.

The Nectar Mattress has a top layer of gel-infused memory foam. This component – combined with the bed’s breathable cotton-lyocell cover – allows the bed to sleep noticeably cooler than most all-foam models. The comfort layers also absorb and isolate motion transfer, making the bed ideal for couples who experience movement-related sleep disruptions. The bed is virtually silent when bearing weight, as well.

The Nectar Mattress comes in a ‘Medium Firm’, a popular firmness setting that should feel comfortable and supportive for most sleepers, so long as both partners are of average weight or more.

Nectar offers free shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. The bed is backed by a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are significantly longer than average.

The Bottom Line.

With the Nectar Mattress, value-seeking couples can enjoy the best of both worlds. They get contouring, comfortable relief on a mattress that sleeps quiet and cool, with all the perks they could ask for: a low price-point, free shipping, a year-long sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty.

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination). With a ‘Medium Firm’ rating and all-foam construction, the Nectar Mattress provides just the right amount of contour and support for all sleep positions, allowing enough give without too much sinkage.
  • Sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. The ‘Medium Firm’ rating is ideal for sleepers of average or heavy weight.
  • Hot sleepers. The Nectar Mattress sleeps cooler than other all-foam beds, thanks to the infusion of gel in its top comfort layer and its cotton-lyocell cover.
  • People with chronic aches and pains. Memory foam beds, like the Nectar Mattress, are perennially popular among people with chronic pain because of their conforming pressure relief.

Not Recommended for:

  • Lightweight sleepers. The ‘Medium Firm’ feel of the Nectar Mattress may feel too firm for sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
  • Those who don’t like the “hug” of memory foam. The Nectar Mattress conforms closely to the body, creating the feeling of sleeping “in” as opposed to “on” a mattress.

Best Memory FoamLoom & Leaf

Best Memory Foam – Loom & Leaf

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options (5.5, 8)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Sleeps cooler than other foam beds
  • Free White Glove delivery
Read Our Full Review
Our readers get $200 off the Loom & Leaf Mattress.
Claim Discount

Best Memory FoamLoom & Leaf

saatva.com

Shop Now

The Loom & Leaf by Saatva is a memory foam mattress that is available in two firmness options, ‘Medium’ (5.5) and ‘Firm’ (8). Gel memory foam and standard memory foam comfort layers offer very close conforming in both settings, and pain and pressure relief is above-average. The mattress also sleeps fairly cool, due in part to its organic cotton cover, which can be beneficial for couples who typically sleep hot.

A common complaint among memory foam mattress owners is that their bed is not responsive enough for sex. As a result, they often experience excessive sinking that has been likened to ‘fighting with the mattress.’ The Loom & Leaf is more responsive than most – especially in the ‘Firm’ setting – and is bouncy enough for sex.

The mattress is also more supportive than other foam models thanks to its dual-layer polyfoam support core. Other highlights of the Loom & Leaf include great motion isolation and virtually no noise when the mattress is bearing weight.

Because it is manufactured by Saatva, the Loom & Leaf qualifies for free White Glove delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. This service includes in-home mattress assembly and old mattress removal; most competing brands will charge customers an additional fee of at least $100 for White Glove delivery. The Loom & Leaf is also backed by a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

We chose the Loom & Leaf as our best memory foam mattress for couples not only because it’s a top-of-the-line foam mattress, but because it’s a foam mattress that’s managed to resolve most of the problems couples may encounter with a lesser foam bed. The bed sleeps fairly cool, while still offering conforming pressure relief, and it’s even responsive enough for sex.

  • Side and back sleepers. The Loom & Leaf should be comfortable enough for most sleep positions, but its performs best among side and back sleepers.
  • Sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups. The ‘Medium’ firmness is recommended for average weight sleepers, and the ‘Firm’ is better for heavier body types.
  • Back pain sufferers. The Loom & Leaf mattress conforms closely to the body, ensuring proper spinal alignment and maximum pressure relief.
  • Those who wake easily from noise or movement. The Loom & Leaf absorbs motion extremely well, so couples are less likely to be disturbed by their partner shifting positions or moving during the night.

Not Recommended for:

  • Those looking for strong edge support. As is common with memory foam beds, those who sit or sleep too close to the edge of the bed may experience some sinkage.
  • Very lightweight sleepers. Either of the Loom & Leaf firmness options may feel too firm for sleepers in these weight groups.

Best LatexZenhaven

Best Latex – Zenhaven

Highlights

  • Flippable with dual firmness (4, 7)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Great motion isolation and conforming
  • Sleeps cool for most
Read Our Full Review
Our readers get $200 off the Zenhaven Mattress.
See Lowest Price

Best LatexZenhaven

saatva.com

Shop Now

The Zenhaven by Saatva is actually two latex mattresses in one. This mattress has a flippable design. One side is ‘Medium Soft’ (4) and the other is ‘Firm’ (7), making it a good option for couples whose firmness preferences vary night to night.

The Zenhaven is also eco-friendly. Both comfort layers and the shared support core are made from natural Dunlop latex, a pliable, body-conforming material that aligns the sleeper’s spine and alleviates pressure points throughout the body. The cover is made of organic cotton, another green material that helps the mattress sleep exceptionally cool.

The Zenhaven offers above-average motion isolation and produces no noise, both of which can cut down on nighttime sleep disruptions for couples. The mattress also has a long lifespan due to its latex components. Its 10″ profile makes it easy for most people to get in and out of bed, as well.

As a Saatva brand mattress (like the Loom & Leaf), the Zenhaven qualifies for free White Glove delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The bed is backed by a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

For couples interested in a latex mattress, the Zenhaven offers what they’re looking for: a cool sleep surface that has just the right amount of bounce for sex, and enough contour and support to make sleep comfortable. Plus, it features a flippable design so they don’t have to buy a new mattress if their firmness needs change.

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination). The latex construction of the Zenhaven offers varying amounts of contour and support that makes sleep comfortable for most positions.
  • Sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy). The Zenhaven is made from natural latex and other organic materials, so the bed should stay reliably supportive for most body types much longer than the average mattress.
  • Couples with fluctuating firmness preferences. Firmness needs can change, whether due to injury, weight loss or gain, or personal comfort. The dual firmness of the Zenhaven allows couples to keep their mattress even if their firmness needs change.
  • Eco-friendly couples. The organic construction of the Zenhaven is friendlier on the environment. It also reduces the bed’s long-term environmental impact, since natural materials tend to last longer.

Not Recommended for:

  • Those looking for strong edge support. Like most latex beds, it’s common to experience sinkage at the edges of the Zenhaven mattress.
  • Those who need to move their mattress frequently. The Zenhaven features a dense construction and is heavier than the average mattress.

Best HybridAvocado Green Mattress

Best Hybrid – Avocado Green Mattress

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options (5.5, 6.5)
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 20-year warranty
  • Durable, long-lasting design
  • Zoned coils provide strong edge support
Read Our Full Review
Save $150 on your Avocado mattress. Use code: TUCKAVO.
Get Discount

Best HybridAvocado Green Mattress

avocadogreenmattress.com

Shop Now

Hybrids are known for their above-average support. The Avocado Green outpaces many competitors with its pocketed coil support core, which is constructed with higher-gauge (thinner) coils around the perimeter and a mix of higher- and lower-gauge coils throughout the center. This zoned configuration helps reinforce the mattress and provides extra support to areas of the body where sleepers carry the most weight. Multiple firmness choices also give couples more options for finding the right mattress feel.

The Avocado Green is a good option for eco-friendly couples. With aerated Dunlop latex and organic wool comfort layers, an organic cotton cover, and an additional latex layer resting above the coils, the bed is primarily comprised of sustainable material. These components also allow the bed to sleep fairly cool – and because latex is so durable, the Avocado Green has a lengthy lifespan compared to other hybrids. The bed isolates more motion and produces less noise than other hybrids, as well.

Avocado ships this mattress to customers in the contiguous U.S. at no extra charge, and White Glove delivery is available for an additional fee. The Avocado Green comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a longer-than-average 20-year warranty.

The Bottom Line.

Hybrid mattresses are popular among couples as their unique design offers a mix of contour and support that accommodates most sleep preferences. The Avocado Green is no different, with additional features that make it attractive to couples, like a long lifespan, quiet sleep surface, and superior temperature regulation.

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination). As a latex hybrid, the Avocado Green offers appropriate levels of responsiveness and support for all sleep positions.
  • Sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups. Durable construction and two firmness settings make the Avocado Green particularly supportive for sleepers in these weight groups.
  • Back pain sufferers. The zoned design of the support core gives extra support to heavier parts of the body, preventing sinkage and supporting healthy spinal alignment.
  • Eco-friendly couples. The Avocado Green is made from all-natural materials, so the bed has a low environmental impact and sleeps cooler (and longer) as a result.

Not Recommended for:

  • Lightweight sleepers. Either of the two firmness ratings may feel too firm for these sleepers.
  • Side sleepers with hip or shoulder pain. Some individuals, especially those of lighter body weight, may find the mattress creates pressure points when sleeping on their side.

Best InnerspringLuxury Firm WinkBed

Best Innerspring – Luxury Firm WinkBed

Highlights

  • Medium firm (6.5) feel
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Above-average responsiveness
  • Good pain and pressure relief
Read Our Full Review
Get $300 off a WinkBed mattress as a Tuck reader. Use code: TUCK300
Get Discount

Best InnerspringLuxury Firm WinkBed

winkbeds.com

Shop Now

Innerspring mattresses have long held the title of being the best beds for sex. These mattresses offer an excellent amount of bounce and responsiveness that many couples appreciate. However, innerspring beds are not without their complaints. These include below-average conforming, minimal pressure relief and motion isolation, and short lifespans.

The Luxury Firm WinkBed is a notable exception to all of these variables. Its thick comfort system begins with a Euro-top quilted with gel-infused polyfoam that contours the body closely, followed by a layer of SupportCell polyfoam that promotes contouring but also has a firmer, more supportive feel than traditional polyfoam. These layers isolate motion transfer to a noticeable extent.

The WinkBed is available in four firmness settings: Softer (4.5), Luxury Firm (6.5), and Firmer (7.5), as well as The WinkBed Plus, an ultra-firm option that substitutes latex for the foam layers; this model is specifically designed for heavier individuals. The Luxury Firm is the most well-balanced model. Good air circulation throughout the support core allows the bed to sleep cool, and the mattress also produces less noise than most other innersprings.

The WinkBed’s price-point is much lower than that of the average hybrid. Customers anywhere in the U.S. qualify for free shipping, and the mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The Luxury Firm WinkBed offers couples everything they love about innerspring mattresses, with very little of the things they don’t. Specially chosen materials enhance the conforming and motion isolation of the comfort system, with a support core that’s just as bouncy as ever.

  • Back and side sleepers. These sleep positions will greatly benefit from the Luxury Firm WinkBed’s balance of pressure relief and support.
  • Sleepers up to 230 pounds. People in this weight category should find the bed cushioned enough to feel comfortable, but supportive enough to keep their bodies from sinking excessively.
  • Back and hip pain sufferers. The polyfoam layers relieve pressure points, while the zoned support core provides additional, targeted support for heavier parts of the body.
  • Couples who tend to sleep hot. Innerspring mattresses sleep very cool thanks to free-flowing air in the support core.

Not Recommended for:

  • Shoppers who want to return their mattress quickly if they don’t like it. While WinkBeds offers a generous 120-night trial for all of their mattresses, it comes with a mandatory 30-night break-in period.
  • Sleepers over 230 pounds. Our testing showed that sleepers in this weight category sink further into the mattress and are thus more likely to experience bad sleep posture.

Best FlippableLayla Hybrid

Best Flippable – Layla Hybrid

Highlights

  • Flippable with dual firmness (5, 7)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Flippability suits a variety of sleepers
  • Great motion isolation and pressure-relief
Read Our Full Review
Get $210 off a Layla Hybrid Mattress + 2 free memory foam pillows!

Use code TUCK at checkout

Best FlippableLayla Hybrid

laylasleep.com

Shop Now

The Layla Hybrid is a flippable, hybrid bed that has a medium (5) feel on one side, with a firm (7) feel on the other.

Each side of the mattress has a comfort system built of a layer of memory foam over a layer of polyfoam, with different thicknesses of each foam on both sides of the mattress. The memory foam is infused with copper to help absorb excess heat and dissipate it before it builds up in the foam. Each side of the Hybrid rests on a 6-inch core of pocketed coils, along with the other side’s comfort layers.

The flippability of the Layla Hybrid makes it well-suited to a variety of different kinds of sleepers. The memory foam and pocketed coils in its construction lend themselves toward great motion isolation, which will help prevent one sleeper’s movements from waking the other. The bed bounces back faster than a traditional memory foam bed, making it easier to move around on without sinking in. This, combined with its good edge support make it a suitable surface for intimate activities.

The Layla Hybrid ships for free to the contiguous U.S., with paid shipping available to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial period as well as a 10-year warranty.

The Bottom Line.

When it comes to couples, the Layla Hybrid is a standout option for a few reasons. The memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers provide great degrees of motion isolation and pressure relief, without trapping too much heat and sleeping hot. The coil support core provides a great degree of bounce, ease of movement, and edge support for both sleeping and sex. The flippability of the mattress makes it well-suited to a number of different kinds of sleepers and versatile when change is needed.

  • Sleepers of any size and sleeping position. The flippable nature of the mattress along with the rather different firmnesses of each size means that the Layla Hybrid can suit the needs of most sleepers.
  • People with shifting firmness preferences. If your firmness needs from a mattress change often, or you are unsure what kind of firmness you like, then the bed’s flippability gives you the ability to change its feel as often as you wish.
  • Couples. The Layla Hybrid’s versatility makes it a viable option for two sleepers with different sleep needs. The bed isolates motion well enough to prevent nighttime disturbances.
  • Hot sleepers. The Layla Hybrid tends to perform rather well on temperature regulation, despite its memory foam layers. The coil support system lends a bit of room for airflow to help keep the bed sleeping cool through the night.

Not Recommended for:

  • Shoppers with a tighter budget. Hybrids tend to be a bit more expensive than innersprings or all-foam beds, and the Layla Hybrid comes at an average hybrid price-point. If you are looking for a flippable bed, the non-hybrid Layla may be a better option.
  • Those looking for the “hug” of foam. The memory foam contours somewhat closely and relieves pressure well. That being said, the Layla Hybrid does not have the deep, sleeping “in” the mattress feeling that you may experience with an all-foam model.

Mattress Buying Guide for Couples

If you share your bed with someone, then you likely already know there are many factors to consider when shopping for a new mattress — and striking a balance between mattress preferences and couples’ needs can be quite tricky. Will the mattress provide adequate firmness and support for both sleepers? Does it cut down on noise and minimize motion transfer? Is the mattress responsive enough for sex? Will it sleep hot?

Our Buyer’s Guide explores these and other considerations. We also compare different mattress types in terms of their suitability for couples. Get ready to learn everything you need to know when buying a mattress as a couple!

How to Choose the Best Mattress for Couples

From heat retention to suitability for sex, couples have several things to consider when selecting a new mattress. Review the following list of mattress qualities to determine what’s important to you as a couple and get started finding your perfect mattress.

Click a feature to jump to that section:

Motion Transfer and Isolation

When you shift sleep positions or get out of/into bed, your body creates motion that may disrupt your sleep partner. This can be a major disadvantage to sleeping with someone.

Some mattresses — including most memory foam and latex models — are engineered to absorb and isolate that motion to specific areas of the mattress. Other mattress types, such as innersprings, do little (if anything) to minimize motion transfer. Thicker mattresses tend to absorb and isolate motion more effectively than thinner ones. We recommend models that are at least 11 to 12 inches thick.

It’s important to note the inverse relationship between motion isolation and responsiveness, which is used to evaluate mattresses for sex. Mattresses that offer good motion isolation tend to be less responsive, and thus not as good for sex, whereas those with poor motion isolation are often highly responsive.

Noise

Noise control is linked to motion transfer and isolation, since mattresses that offer one typically offer the other as well. Mattresses made of foam or latex are often virtually silent when bearing weight. This can cut down on nighttime disruptions if your partner moves often during the night, and also ensure discreet sex.

Innersprings and hybrids tend to be noisier, largely due to their metal springs, while airbeds may produce loud noises due to air pumps and other electrical components.

Mattress Firmness and Feel

Firmness refers to how soft or firm the mattress feels beneath different sleepers. Most manufacturers rate firmness on a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being the least firm and 10 being the firmest, but the vast majority of mattresses sold today fall between a 3 (Soft) and an 8 (Firm).

Firmness preferences sharply vary from sleeper to sleeper, and often depend on factors like height, body weight and sleep position. Someone who weighs 250 pounds and sleeps on their side, for instance, will usually feel most comfortable on a mattress rated 6 (Medium Firm) to 8 (Firm); anything with a lower firmness rating may lead to uncomfortable sinking. On the other hand, someone who weighs 100 pounds and sleeps on their back may need a less-firm mattress in order to sink into the sleep surface and alleviate pressure points.

Some couples compromise in terms of mattress firmness. However, if you and your sleep partner have significantly different firmness preferences, then a ‘split’ or ‘dual-firmness’ mattress might be the best option. These models — typically Queen and King sizes — feature different firmness ratings on either side to accommodate couples with different needs.

It’s also important to note that many airbeds sold today offer adjustable firmness settings, including dual-firmness settings for couples.

Related to firmness, feel refers to mattress properties like conforming and contouring. Some people prefer mattresses that conform closely to align the spine and alleviate pressure, while others prefer firmer surfaces that do not conform very much. When browsing for mattress models, be sure to discuss firmness and feel preferences with your sleep partner.

Suitability for Sex

If you sleep with a romantic partner, then sex is a major mattress consideration. Sex is linked to responsiveness. Mattresses that respond quickly to sleeper’s bodies tend to be bouncier and better for sex. Those with slow responsiveness are less bouncy, and they may create an uncomfortable sinking sensation; some couples liken this to ‘fighting the mattress.’

In addition to responsiveness, other mattress factors can be used to assess if it’s good for sex. These include:

  • Ease of movement: Mattresses that conform closely to a sleeper’s body do not maintain a flat, even surface, and this can make moving around difficult.
  • Noise: Mattresses that produce squeaks and other loud noises cannot ensure discreet sex the same way that silent models can.
  • Cushioning: Mattresses should be thick enough to withstand the various motions that sex requires and provide sufficient cushioning without bottoming out.
  • Durability: Most mattresses are designed to perform for six to seven years, but some may degrade faster due to sexual activity.
  • Edge support: Some mattresses are reinforced with foam or other materials at the edges; this can prevent sinkage in places where people tend to sit. Other mattresses offer little to no edge support. Strong edge support means the entire mattress is suitable for sex.

Two of our favorite mattresses for couples, The WinkBed and the Loom & Leaf, have also been selected as the best mattresses for sex.

Support

When discussing mattresses, ‘support’ refers to the bed’s ability to maintain a flat, even surface; this helps sleepers align their spine and alleviate pressure, regardless of their position. Both a lack of firmness and excessive firmness can negatively affect the supportive properties of a mattress. Unsupportive mattresses often sag in places, and this can exacerbate pain and pressure in the neck, shoulders, back and hips.

When more than one person uses a mattress, this creates greater amounts of compression, and more support is required. For this reason, Queen-, King-, or California King-size mattresses are usually the best option; smaller sizes may not offer enough support for both people.

Temperature Neutrality

All mattresses absorb body heat from sleepers. Some retain minimal body heat and tend to sleep cool. Others can be body heat traps that sleep uncomfortably warm or hot. Sleeping hot can lead to restless sleep and feelings of tiredness the next day.

Generally speaking, innersprings sleep the coolest while memory foam and memory foam hybrid mattresses sleep the warmest. Latex and airbeds may also sleep hot, but these mattresses tend to receive fewer complaints.

In addition to mattress type, there are other factors that impact how hot a mattress sleeps. These include mattress firmness, comfort layer materials, and sleeper body type.

Weight Limit

Most mattresses sold today come with a ‘weight limit’, typically 600 pounds or more for a Queen- or King-size model. When choosing a mattress, couples need to consider their combined weight as a couple in regards to this weight limit.

Exceeding the weight limit can cause damage to the mattress, and may reduce its overall lifespan. Weight limits often vary by brand, model, and size, so mattress shoppers should inquire about this when comparing different options.

The Best Mattress Types for Couples

Now that you know what you’re looking for in a mattress, it’s helpful to understand the different types of mattresses you have to choose from, and to what extent they meet your requirements as a couple. Below we provide an overview of the most common mattress types you’ll encounter today, and evaluate their suitability for couples.

Best Innerspring Mattresses for Couples

Mattress Reviews
WinkBeds Mattress Reviews

Innerspring Mattresses

Construction: Innerspring mattresses use steel coils in their support core, above a base layer of polyfoam. The composition of the comfort layers can vary, but usually include at least one layer of foam, memory foam, latex foams, or minicoils.

Suitability for Couples: Innerspring beds are desirable for couples because of their characteristic bounce. The coil support core gives these beds a springiness that’s great for sex. However, that coil core also makes these beds noisier than others, which can be awkward if you want to have sex discreetly, or frustrating if you wake easily from your partner moving during the night.

Average Lifespan and Price: Innerspring mattresses are less durable than other mattress types, lasting about 5 to 6 years, but they are typically the most affordable, ranging from $800 to $1,100 for a Queen.

Best Foam Mattresses for Couples

Mattress Reviews
Nectar Mattress Review
Mattress Reviews
Loom & Leaf Mattress Review

Foam Mattresses

Construction: Foam mattresses use high-density polyfoam in their support layer, and polyfoam or memory foam in their comfort layers.

Suitability for Couples: Foam mattresses have a pressure-relieving hug that makes them popular among those with chronic pain or anyone who wants to feel cradled by their mattress. This high conforming ability can interfere with the bed’s responsiveness during sex, however, creating the feeling of “fighting” the mattress. This sensation can be reduced with firmer models.

Regardless, foam mattresses offer other benefits to couples. These beds have the best motion isolation of all mattress types, with a quiet sleep surface that absorbs motion and noise — and minimizes disruptions from moving sleep partners. That quiet surface maintains its silence during amorous activity, so these beds can be a good option for parents or couples who want to enjoy sex discreetly. Finally, many foam mattress manufacturers offer dual firmness settings.

Average Lifespan and Price: Foam mattresses are average when it comes to lifespan and price, lasting around 6 to 7 years, and costing between $1,000 to $1500 for a Queen.

Best Latex Mattresses for Couples

Mattress Reviews
Zenhaven Mattress Review

Latex Mattresses

Construction: Latex mattresses may be made entirely of latex, with latex in both the support core and comfort layers. Alternately, they may use high-density polyfoam in the support layer and have additional comfort layers of memory foam or polyfoam. Ultimately, a latex mattress is so-called if it has at least one layer of latex in the comfort layer.

The latex used in a latex mattress may be organic, synthetic, or a blend of the two. All-latex (natural) models last longer and are less likely to break down than those that use synthetic latex foams.

Suitability for Couples: Latex mattresses absorb noise and movement very well, so these mattresses are as ideal for couples who wake easily from each other’s movements as they are for those who want to enjoy discreet sex. They tend to sleep cool, especially if they have a high proportion of natural latex in their construction. Latex mattresses provide a much more responsive surface than all-foam beds; however, some may find the bed isn’t quite bouncy enough for sex.

Average Lifespan and Price: Latex mattresses are significantly more durable than other mattress types, usually lasting 8 years or longer. They’re also more expensive, at $1,500 to $2,000 for a Queen.

Best Hybrid Mattresses for Couples

Mattress Reviews
Helix Mattress Review
Mattress Reviews
Avocado Mattress Review

Hybrid Mattresses

Construction: Hybrid mattresses combine the structural features of foam and innerspring beds. The support core consists of a layer of individually pocketed coils, above a base layer of polyfoam. Comfort layers include at least two inches of memory foam or latex, with optional, additional layers of polyfoam or microcoils.

Suitability for Couples: Hybrid mattresses resolve many of the issues couples have with either foam or innerspring beds. The use of pocketed coils in the support core allows the bed to sleep cooler than all-foam beds, while still being responsive enough for sex. Thicker comfort layers facilitate better motion isolation, so the beds sleep quieter than innerspring beds and offer more contour, as well. Dual firmness options are somewhat common among hybrid mattresses, too.

Average Lifespan and Price: Hybrid mattresses run on the expensive side, with a Queen costing anywhere between $1,500 to $2,000. They should last 6 to 7 years on average.

Airbed Mattresses

Construction: Airbeds use air in their support core, with individual air chambers the sleeper can adjust either manually or by using a remote. The comfort layers consist of one or two layers of polyfoam or memory foam.

Suitability for Couples: Airbeds offer the most customizable firmness of all mattresses, allowing couples to hone in on their desired firmness level. These beds are also ideal for couples with different firmness preferences, since either side of the bed can be adjusted with many models. However, airbeds are less ideal for light sleepers and those hoping to have discreet sex, as they tend to be a bit noisy.

Average Lifespan and Price: Airbeds are one of the most expensive mattress types, running anywhere between $2,000 to $2,400 for a Queen. Fortunately, that investment pays off: these beds can last 8 years or longer if you replace their parts regularly.

The chart below recaps the various features of these different mattress types.

Mattress Type Innerspring Memory Foam Latex Hybrid Airbed
Comfort Layer At least 1 layer of foam At least 1 layer of polyfoam or memory foam At least 1 layer of latex
May have memory foam or polyfoam layers
At least two inches of memory foam and/or latex
May have polyfoam and/or microcoil layers
Some models have one to two polyfoam or memory foam layers
Support Core Steel coils
Base polyfoam layer
High-density polyfoam May be latex or high-density polyfoam Pocketed Coils
Base polyfoam layer
Individual, adjustable air chambers
Average Thickness 9″ to 15″ 7″ to 14″ 7″ to 13″ 10″ to 16″ 8″ to 15″
Average Firmness Medium Firm to Firm Medium Soft to Medium Firm Medium Soft to Medium Firm Medium to Medium Firm Varies
Most airbeds have adjustable firmness
Motion Isolation Poor to Fair Very Good to Excellent Very Good to Excellent Good to Very Good Fair to Good
Noise Poor to Fair Very Good to Excellent Very Good to Excellent Fair to Good Poor to Fair
Dual Firmness Options Not usually available Somewhat common Available from select manufacturers Somewhat common Adjustable firmness for most models
Responsiveness/Good for Sex Very Good Poor to Fair Fair to Good Very Good Fair to Good
Ease of Movement Very Good Poor Fair to Good Fair Good to Very Good
Discreet Sex Poor to Fair Very Good to Excellent Very Good Fair Poor to Fair
Cushioning During Sex Good to Very Good Good Fair to Good Good to Very Good Fair
Average Lifespan 5 to 6 years 6 to 7 years 8 years or longer 6 to 7 years 8 years or longer if properly maintained
Edge Support Very Good Poor Poor to Fair Good to Very Good Fair to Good
Heat Retention/Sleeping Hot Good to Very Good Poor to Fair Fair to Good Fair to Good Fair to Good
Average Price Point $800 to $1,100 $1,000 to $1,500 $1,500 to $2,000 $1,500 to $2,000 $2,000 to $2,400

Mattress Buying Tips for Couples

Finally, there are just a few more things to consider when buying a mattress as a couple, including the sleep trial, mattress warranty, and whether you’ll need any additional sleep products or accessories.

  • How Long Is the Sleep Trial?

    A large number of mattress manufacturers offer sleep trials, which allow purchasers to test out their mattress for a set length of time, typically 90 to 120 consecutive nights. If the customer is not satisfied with their mattress before the sleep trial ends, then the company will normally issue a full or partial product refund; they may also arrange for the mattress to be shipped or picked up.

    All of the mattresses we recommend for couples have sleep trials lasting 100 nights or more, but the Nectar Mattress sleep trial is the longest of all, at a full 365 nights.

    Sleep trials can be a great way to ensure a mattress will satisfy the needs of you and your sleep partner without committing to a full purchase. In some cases, purchasers must test out the mattress for a certain length of time (30 nights in most cases) before they will be eligible for a refund. Both WinkBeds and Helix Sleep have a mandatory 30-night break-in period with their sleep trials.

  • What’s Covered by the Mattress Warranty?

    The mattress warranty is another important factor for couples, specifically sagging defects. Sagging occurs over time, and excessive sagging can undermine how comfortable and supportive the mattress feels.

    Most mattress warranties specify a ‘sagging depth’ that qualifies as a mattress defect, rather than just standard wear and tear. In most cases, sagging depth will range from 1″ to 1 1/2″; according to mattress owners, these depths are most closely associated with increased pain and pressure. Some warranties will cover sagging that measures as little as 1/2″, while — in some rare cases — the warranty may not cover sagging at all.

    Assuming the warranty covers sagging depth, you should also ask about owner costs related to repairing or replacing the mattress. These costs vary from brand to brand. Some manufacturers will cover shipping and handling fees, but most require owners to pay these. Additionally, some manufacturers impose additional charges for repairs and/or replacements.

    Another consideration is nonprorated coverage, which refers to warranties that agree to repair or replace defective mattresses at no cost to the owner except for shipping and handling costs. Some mattresses are completely nonprorated. Others are divided into nonprorated and prorated coverage periods.

    During prorated coverage, the owner pays a certain percentage of the original product price; this percentage increases for each year they own the mattress. If you have owned your mattress for more than 10 years and the prorated coverage period has begun, expect to pay anywhere from 50% to 95% of the original price-point. Some warranties are primarily prorated, with only two to three years of nonprorated coverage.

  • Do You Need New Pillows or Bedding?

    It’s often a good idea to refresh your pillows and bedding at the same time you buy a new mattress. Pillows are due for replacing every few years, and sheets can show wear and tear long before your mattress does. At a minimum, it’s fun to celebrate your new bed with a new sheet set.

    When purchasing new pillows, couples should take care to choose their individual pillow wisely. Either of you may have had to compromise on one thing or another when you selected your new mattress, but your pillow is just for you. Make sure to choose the right pillow loft for your body type and sleep style, made from materials you find comfortable. You can learn more in our buyer’s guide to finding the best pillows.

    Couples may also want to look into mattress toppers. These are essentially standalone comfort layers you can use to make a mattress feel softer or cooler. They’re made from a variety of materials, including memory foam, latex, wool, and more. Mattress toppers can help bridge the gap for couples with different temperature or firmness needs, enabling them to enjoy sleeping on the same mattress.

Mattress Shopping Checklist for Couples

To recap, here is a mattress buying checklist for couples:

  • Does the mattress absorb and isolate motion, or will there be motion transfer?
  • How much noise (if any) does the mattress make when bearing weight, particularly if one of the sleepers shifts positions or gets up?
  • What is the firmness of the mattress?
  • Does the mattress offer ‘dual-firmness’?
  • How closely does the mattress conform?
  • Is the mattress responsive enough for sex?
  • Is the mattress easy to move on, particularly during sex?
  • Does the mattress ensure discreet sex?
  • Will the mattress provide ample cushioning during sex, or is there a risk of bottoming-out?
  • Is the mattress designed for edge support?
  • What is the expected lifespan of the mattress?
  • Does the mattress retain minimal body heat and sleep cool, or is there potential for sleeping hot?
  • What is the weight limit of the mattress?
  • How long is the mattress sleep trial?
  • What is the ‘sagging depth’ covered under the warranty?
  • Are there any extra fees or costs for owners who need to have their mattress repaired or replaced due to sagging defects?
  • How long are the warranty’s nonprorated and prorated coverage periods?
Table of Contents