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Finding the right mattress as a couple can be challenging, since preferences concerning comfort and support make this purchase a highly individual and personal choice. And many couples who don’t sleep well may notice a strain in their relationships, experiencing greater feelings of anger and lower perceptions of relationship quality. If you can relate, don’t fret—about 50 percent of participants in our mattress survey reported reduced stress, and 65.2 percent reported better overall mental health finding the best mattress for their needs, and we’re here to help.
From our focus group
“My partner and I have mild anxiety that worsened when we were trying to sleep. We would wake up cranky and fighting. That completely switched after getting a better mattress because we were getting better, fuller, longer sleep.”
Our team selected the best mattresses for couples based on our research and testing. We highlighted some of the top considerations, like motion isolation, sex compatibility, adaptability to different types of sleepers, and edge support .Edge support is the bed’s strength and stability around the perimeter. . We hope this helps you and your partner think about what’s most important in your next mattress, and most importantly, pick the right one.
Best mattress for couples overall
The Helix Midnight is our pick for best mattress for couples overall because of how well the hybrid style of this mattress accommodates a variety of body types and sleep positions. During testing, we noted this mattress balances motion isolation to avoid sleep disturbances while offering enough responsiveness and bounce for natural movement during sex. The Helix Midnight is a firm mattress, with an innerspring core supportive enough to help back and stomach sleepers maintain spine alignment and memory foam to provide the pressure relief and contour most side sleepers need for comfortable sleep.
What you need to know about the best mattresses for couples
Our picks for the best mattresses for couples
- Helix Midnight: Best overall mattress for couples
- Saatva Classic: Best mattress for sex
- Nectar Premier Copper: Best luxury mattress for couples
- WinkBeds: Best hybrid mattress for couples
- Helix Sunset: Best soft mattress for couples
- Titan Plus: Best mattress for plus-size couples
- Nolah Signature 12″: Best for motion isolation
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best value mattress for couples
HelpGuide Handbook’s mattress testing methodology
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress. For example, we record:
- Firmness score and whether the mattress is best for back, side, or stomach sleepers.
- Starting temperature of the mattress and how much it heats up after two testers lie on the mattress for five minutes.
- How many times a 10-pound ball bounces on the mattress after dropping from a height of two feet in order to arrive at a mattress bounce score.
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This includes price, features, and the set-up process. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress, as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
In addition to surveys, we consult sleep experts, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists to understand what mattresses offer that make an overwhelmingly positive impact on couples sharing a bed.
In order to focus on the mattresses themselves, we structure our test designs to objectively rank each one based on a range of criteria. For example, we test things like edge support (the sturdiness of your mattress edge), so you and your partner can stretch out without worrying about rolling out of bed. We look at cooling capabilities, with temperature management being a challenge many couples face because of varying preferences and comfort levels. We also look at how well a mattress isolates movement, since one sleep partner moving can disrupt the sleep of lighter sleepers. Lastly, we look at bounce, to see how responsive a mattress is to movement during sex. We test all of these things the same way on each mattress and compare the results. Our methodology allows us to accurately compare each mattress’s score in an unbiased way while also sharing our subjective point of view as mattress testers and experts.
Lastly, we compare warranty lengths, trial periods, and white glove delivery (in-home delivery and setup) options. While most brands offer warranties, not all are comprehensive. And many brands on the market don’t have free white glove delivery. This could be a deal-breaker if you’re nervous to invest in a new mattress because you’re worried the bed won’t get set up properly or offer what you and your sleep partner need.
From our tester
“During our research, we realized that the brand’s firmness scale and perceived firmness aren’t always the same. With couples, this can present an extra challenge as firmness needs are highly individual. We decided to report how firm we thought the mattress felt so that you can gain a different perspective, but more importantly, feel confident about what you’re purchasing.”
Ultimately, all of our research is directed at taking the stress out of finding the highest-quality products that can support your sleep health—and in turn, your overall mental well-being.
For more information, see how we test and review sleep products.
Compare best mattresses for couples
Price | $936–$1,748.80 | $1,295–$2,790 | $1,499–$3,298 | $1,149–$2,049 | $936.30–$1,748.80 | $699–$1,598 | $1,299–$2,798 | $665–$1,599 |
Firmness | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | 5.5/10 | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
Warranty | 15 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | Lifetime | 10 years |
Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 days | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
Best for | All sleepers | Back sleepers* | Back and side sleepers | Back and side sleepers* | Back and side sleepers | Back, stomach, and side sleepers ** | Back and stomach sleepers | All sleepers* |
*Based on the specific firmness tested.
**Over 250 pounds.
The best mattress for couples reviews
Best mattress for couples overall: Helix Midnight
The hybrid Helix Midnight earns our pick as the best overall mattress for couples because it accommodates most sleep positions and body types, so you and your partner don’t have to compromise. It scores above average for motion isolation to help minimize sleep disturbance from a restless partner, yet offers enough responsiveness and bounce for easy movement (like sex).
Our final verdict on the Helix Midnight
Our testing team loves the Helix Midnight mattress for couples because of its balance between motion isolation, responsiveness, support, and pressure relief. We also love how the company’s frequent promotions drop a queen-sized mattress’s price below $1,000.
This mattress scored above average when we tested its motion isolation The containment of movement on one area of a mattress so it doesn’t impact other areas. , which is a good result for a hybrid, so most sleepers won’t feel their partner lightly toss at night. It also has good responsiveness, which means you won’t feel stuck in the pillowtop and foam layers when you’re changing positions or having sex. And when we tested the Helix Midnight’s pressure relief, we found that it did a good job dissipating force away from joints (despite feeling slightly firmer Brands rate their mattresses’ firmness on a scale from one to 10, with 10 being the firmest. than medium) while still feeling supportive at the midsection and lower back.
Our team also appreciates how the Helix Midnight accommodates most sleep positions and body types, so you and your partner are likely to agree on this mattress. Average weight (between 130–250 pounds) and higher weight (above 250 pounds) sleepers will find most positions comfortable. However, lighter-weight (below 250 pounds) people may prefer a softer mattress to cushion sharp pressure points, like the shoulders and hips.
From our tester
“I felt more ‘on’ this mattress, but I also felt gently cradled by the top layer. I wish I had a bit more pressure relief on my side, but generally, I felt good on this mattress.”
Thankfully, for those who need a softer mattress, Helix offers another version of this mattress with added layers of support and pressure relief. Upgrading to the Midnight Luxe (about $1,000 more for a queen) will add a pillow top for extra cushion. You also get targeted lumbar support, which research says is ideal for maintaining a neutral spine A position that allows for the spine to maintain its natural curves at the neck (cervical), middle (thoracic), and lower (lumbar) regions. when lying on your side. But you might have to sacrifice some motion isolation when you upgrade. According to our testing results, the Midnight Luxe had a bit more motion transference The degree of movement felt on one side of the mattress when a sleeping partner moves on the other side of the bed. than the Midnight.
Best mattress for sex: Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic (luxury firm) is one of our top-scoring mattresses for sex because of its bouncy coil layer and protective edge support, so you can move around the bed easily without feeling like you’re going to fall off. We also like that it has plenty of airflow for cooling thanks to the innerspring composition.
Our final verdict on the Saatva Classic
When we tested the Saatva Classic, we were impressed with the zoned lumbar support and pressure relief it offered for back sleepers (and some side sleepers), which is why we awarded it “Best for Back Sleepers” in our Best Mattresses roundup. But this mattress also ranked highly in our sex subscore, which combined the scores for bounce (50 percent), edge support (30 percent), and cooling (20 percent).
Our team also did our own qualitative test to see if it’s difficult to consistently bounce on the mattress. We kneeled on the surface and tried to keep a bouncing rhythm. It was easy for us to bounce on the Saatva Classic, but we found that bouncing on foam-dominant mattresses was much more effortful, with a good amount of sinkage around our knees. Unfortunately, the tradeoff for a bouncy mattress is poor motion isolation. If that’s important to you, you might want to consider a foam mattress instead, like the Nolah Signature 12″.
We included edge support in our sex subscore to gauge how safe the mattress feels while moving around. And the better the edge support in a mattress, the more real estate you and your partner have for intimacy. The Saatva Classic excelled in edge support, which further bolstered the sex subscore.
From our tester
“I think the Saatva Classic’s edge support is the gold standard. Not only did I feel safe from falling when lying close to the edge, but the edge support pushed me back toward the center… it was protective.”
We also included mattress cooling capabilities in the subscore because sex is a physical activity that increases body heat, so you’ll want a mattress that dissipates your heat well. The Saatva Classic’s innerspring mattress design tends to cool well because it allows more airflow, and this was evident during our testing.
First, we used a temperature gun to get the temperature of the mattress surface. Then, two testers lay side by side on the mattress for five minutes. Once time was up, we measured the surface temperature again to see how much body heat it had absorbed. We were pleased to see that the Saatva Classic only absorbed four degrees, which is an excellent result.
To learn more, read our Saatva mattress review.
Best luxury mattress for couples: Nectar Premier Copper
If you and your partner like a luxurious medium-firm mattress, the Nectar Premier Copper is a great choice. We love that it offers top-tier pressure relief for back and side sleepers through its dense foam and copper-infused quilted cooling cover, yet it doesn’t sag and provides a surprising amount of support.
Our final verdict on the Nectar Premier Copper
The Nectar Premier Copper is the brand’s most luxurious mattress. Although it comes in both hybrid and memory foam versions, we recommend the memory foam mattress for couples who prioritize motion isolation because it scored better than the hybrid. And despite not having a coil layer to promote airflow, it remained surprisingly cool during our temperature testing.
Our team found that this mattress runs on the firm side—at a 7 out of 10 firmness—but still did a great job relieving pressure. It was also more supportive than expected. Soft memory foam tends to sag under our body weight, but this foam felt dense and filled in our curves to support our spine in most positions. Stomach sleepers might like this mattress, too, but our hips sank into the foam a noticeable amount while lying in this position, which could get uncomfortable after a while.
From our tester
The Nectar Premier Copper has plenty of contouring under my body, but it’s not as responsive as hybrids or innersprings; it’s slow to reform after position changes. Some couples might not like this because it makes sex more difficult. If you’re worried about easy bed mobility, the hybrid might be the better choice, although you’ll lose some motion isolation
Heat-trapping is a major concern in all-foam mattresses, especially when there are two people in the bed. We like that this mattress includes a copper-infused cooling cover with phase-changing material (PCM) A substance that changes its phase (or matter state) depending on its temperature. It will store or release heat to keep a constant temperature. designed to dispel heat and keep you cool. Throughout our testing, we’ve noticed that mattresses with PCM tend to be one of the better choices for hot sleepers, so we weren’t surprised that the Nectar scored well in its cooling capabilities.
To learn more about Nectar, read our Nectar review.
Best hybrid mattress for couples: WinkBed
The luxury firm WinkBed was one of the best hybrid mattresses we tested, especially for couples who like some bounce but also want good motion isolation. It also ranked highly in our family subscore, which means it’s supportive enough for morning cuddles with your kids or pets.
Our final verdict on the WinkBed
Our testers loved how comfortable the WinkBed felt. Pressure mapping revealed good pressure relief throughout the body thanks to the top layers of foam, and the thick coil layer provides a great amount of support through the foam to reinforce the spine’s neutral position. The material also responds well to movement, allows for airflow, and accommodates most sleep positions, so it’s likely that you and your partner will feel good on this mattress. And even though the coils provide some bounce, the pocketed design isolates motion surprisingly well.
From our tester
I was surprised to see how well this bed isolates motion despite its coils. I could barely feel the movement when my testing partner dropped and rolled a 10-pound ball across the surface. If my pet jumped on the foot of my bed during the night, I don’t think I’d wake up.
We also think this hybrid mattress is appropriate for families that allow their toddlers and pets to jump on the bed. Its high scores in motion isolation, cooling, surface support, and edge support add up to a high family subscore. That tells us that the WinkBed will comfortably hold multiple beings without sagging toward the center or tilting toward the edges.
If you and your partner are unsure of which firmness to choose, WinkBeds has a unique exchange program that lets you try two different mattresses. If your first mattress choice isn’t a good fit, you can request to try the softer, firmer, or plus (designed for higher-weight people) versions for $49. The brand will send you the new mattress and let you keep the old one for up to 60 days while you make a decision to keep one or return both. To our knowledge, this is the only mattress brand that offers this type of program.
Best soft mattress for couples: Helix Sunset
If you love feeling hugged by a soft mattress, we believe the Helix Sunset is for you. It offers three soft memory foam layers that cradle the body and disperse pressure, which is especially important for side sleepers who feel pressure under the shoulder and hip.
Our final verdict on the Helix Sunset
The Helix Sunset is an excellent option for those who want a soft, conforming mattress. Based on our pressure map testing, side sleepers will like this soft mattress the most because of its exceptional ability to contour the body and provide pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. We also appreciate how the coils reinforced our midsection to prevent uncomfortable sagging. However, we didn’t think there is enough reinforcement for stomach sleepers or people who weigh more than 250 pounds.
From our tester
The mattress conforms around my body, but because it’s responsive, moving around felt easier than expected. Combination sleepers might like this mattress, but if you move around quite a bit, a more responsive surface with better motion isolation would be better.
We were also surprised to see that the Helix Sunset was quite responsive to our movements despite its three soft memory foam layers topping the coils. Some responsiveness and bounce is important for sexual activities, but unfortunately, this took a toll on the motion isolation score. The Helix Sunset has an average amount of motion transfer side to side, and upgrading to the Luxe only helps slightly (a half-point better on our scale). You may not feel your partner toss at night, but you’ll definitely feel them get out of bed. If motion isolation is a priority, try the WinkBed or Nolah Signature 12″ instead.
Best mattress for plus-size couples: Titan Plus
We like the Titan Plus for partners who weigh more than 250 pounds each because it’s comfortable in every position and provides above-average motion isolation despite having a thick layer of bouncy coils. We also appreciate how it has a good amount of edge support, so you and your partner have plenty of space without feeling unsafe toward the edge.
Our final verdict on the Titan Plus
The Titan Plus is our best mattress for higher-weight couples because its firm feel and hybrid composition offer a good balance of durable support and pressure relief for each sleeping position. And if your partner falls into the average weight category (130–250 pounds), you can upgrade to the Luxe version ($200 extra), which adds an extra layer of contouring foam for their comfort while still adequately supporting your body.
During our testing, we noticed that firm mattresses designed for higher weights tend to be bouncier and less motion-isolating. The Titan Plus has individually wrapped coils, so it transfers less movement. We didn’t feel much from small movements, but sudden movements, like flipping or bouncing on the surface, were more noticeable. We also noticed that the mattress’s edges don’t collapse while lying near them, so we felt safe repositioning on either end. And if you’re looking for a larger sleeping area, the king size mattress and California king size mattress are priced reasonably around $1,500 (or around $1,000 if you catch a sale).
From our tester
“This mattress holds its shape well, but still offers some contour through the upper foam layers. I think most sleep positions will be comfortable, but combination sleepers may not like the contouring because it makes it slightly more difficult to move around. That’s something to keep in mind if you or your partner want to upgrade to the softer Luxe version.”
The only negative about this mattress is its cooling capabilities. It has a layer of steel coil, which encourages airflow, but our testers noted that the quilted top is not cool to the touch and felt like it got warmer while they were lying on it, so hot sleepers may prefer a mattress that sleeps cooler, like the Saatva HD.
Keep in mind that your bedsheets can influence heat absorption too. If a mattress checks off everything on your list, but you’re nervous about heat-trapping, cooling covers should help. Our team has found that bamboo, TENCEL, and phase-changing materials are the best options for sheet material.
Best mattress for motion isolation: Nolah Signature 12″
The Nolah Signature 12-inch mattress is one of the best motion-isolating surfaces we’ve tested. You’ll barely feel your partner toss or get out of bed, and consistent movement across the mattress (like a pet finding the most comfortable spot to lie) isn’t noticeable.
Our final verdict on the Nolah Signature 12″
Light sleepers will enjoy the all-foam Nolah Signature 12″ because it dampens movement exceedingly well. We tested this by having one tester lie on the mattress while another rolled a 10-pound ball across the surface, crawled around on the bed, and jumped onto the opposite side. Small movements were barely noticeable, and larger sudden movements were “more noticeable, but not too disturbing,” according to one of our testers. So if you have a restless sleeping partner or a pet that jumps on the bed in the middle of the night, the Nolah Signature 12″ is a good choice.
Unfortunately, many beds with excellent motion isolation have poor bounce. Some couples might miss the bounciness of more responsive material, like spring coil, for intimacy. But our testers noted that it was easy to reposition and move around on this bed without feeling stuck, which is helpful.
From our tester
“I like this mattress’s edge support. I feel stable towards the edge with the same support as the mattress's center. There’s a lot of room to move without feeling like you’re going to fall off.”
We felt that the Nolah Signature 12″ errs on the firmer side (7.5 out of 10). It offers some contour for pressure relief and good support, which makes it a great choice for back sleepers. We think stomach sleepers might also like it because its firmness prevents the lower back from dipping into the surface. We don’t think lighter and average-weight side sleepers would like this mattress, though, because it doesn’t offer enough pressure relief at sharper pressure points, like the shoulders and hips.
Best value for couples: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
We like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid if you’re looking for a quality, comfortable mattress on a budget. A regular-priced queen mattress can exceed $1,000, but frequent promotions drop the price below $1,000. You also get a 10-year warranty and a 120-night trial period with your purchase.
Our final verdict on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
According to our survey of 600 recent mattress customers, 41.8 percent budgeted $1,000 or less for a new mattress. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s queen size mattress is regularly listed around $1,300, but you can buy it for under $1,000 when you catch one of the brand’s frequent sales. Your purchase also includes a 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty.
Our team loves the medium version of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid for people on a budget because it has a good amount of pressure relief and decent support. We felt comfortable in every sleeping position, which makes it perfect for couples who sleep differently. But we also like that this mattress comes in softer and firmer options. Partners who sleep only on their side may need a softer surface, while stomach sleepers may want something firmer.
From our tester
“I definitely can’t sleep too close to the edge, but there is a lip that seems to protect me. I still wouldn’t feel totally safe if I migrated there during the night. I’d say it performed about average compared to other mattresses we tested.”
Most hybrids we’ve tested score about average for motion isolation due to their coil layer, and this affordable mattress is no different. Testers noticed that small movements, like rolling a 10-pound weighted ball on the mattress or changing positions, aren’t too noticeable. But larger movements, like a pet jumping on the bed or a partner getting out of bed, might disturb your sleep. If you want a hybrid with better motion isolation, we recommend the WinkBed, although it’s more expensive.
How to choose the best mattress for couples
When you’re shopping for a mattress as a couple, there are considerations specific to sharing a bed to keep in mind to guarantee you’re both getting a restful night’s sleep. Edge support, bounce, cooling capabilities, and motion isolation are all factors that can impact the sleep health of couples.
- Edge support: With two people in a bed, there is less space to stretch out. Good edge support allows both partners to take up the space they need without worrying about falling off the bed because the edge of the mattress is collapsing.
- Bounce: A responsive mattress with adequate bounce allows for natural movement during sex. Bounce is assumed to be a given in innerspring mattresses, but we’ve found that many hybrids and memory foam mattresses offer plenty of bounce without sacrificing motion isolation as well.
- Cooling capabilities: When two people share a bed, temperature regulation can make or break their sleep. Whether you both run hot or one person is more sensitive to heat than the other, a mattress with cooling capabilities can help you stay comfortable. Innerspring mattresses or hybrids with a coil core tend to allow for the most air movement.
- Motion isolation: A mattress with good motion isolation helps prevent movement on one part of the bed from affecting the rest of the mattress. If you or your partner find yourself restless during the night or tossing and turning in your sleep, a mattress with good motion isolation will help prevent this movement from interrupting each other’s sleep. Memory foam mattresses tend to have the best movement isolation and hybrid beds with foam surrounding inner coils are a close second.
Frequently asked questions
The best mattress for couples is one that can accommodate both partners’ individual preferences and comfort needs. We have found that many memory foam and hybrid mattresses provide both motion isolation, to avoid being disturbed by each other’s movement, and bounce that is responsive to movement during sex. While innerspring mattresses tend to provide the best air movement for temperature regulation, many foam and hybrid mattresses have adequate cooling capabilities as well.
Our survey of 600 people who recently purchased a mattress showed that a queen size was the most popular. However, some couples prefer to spread out on a king or California king mattress. Your ideal size depends on your needs, your bedroom size, and your budget.
Memory foam mattresses are often best for lessening motion transfer between partners, which limits sleep disturbance. But foam isn’t as bouncy as coil, which could make it harder to change positions or move around during sex.
Most mattresses have weight limits that range between 500–1,000 pounds. You can reach out to the mattress brand’s customer service for the weight limit if it’s not listed on the company website’s specific product page.
Mattresses last seven to 15 years, depending on the quality and material. If your mattress experiences extensive wear and tear or damage due to relocation, you may have to replace it sooner.
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