Co-sleepers must consider each other’s needs for firmness, responsiveness, and other performance factors while also considering mattress size and cost. Finding a middle ground may require compromise, but neither person should sacrifice comfort or quality of sleep.
Best Mattress for Couples
Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort strikes the perfect balance between motion isolation and responsiveness. Its medium firm design suits nearly every sleep position and body type, making it ideal for couples with different sleep preferences.
We’ll explore some tips for couples to help find the right mattress. Co-sleepers who can’t find a bed that meets both their needs can check out our picks for the best split king mattress. For our top picks overall, you can also read our guide to the year’s best mattresses.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following six options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for couples.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite combines foam layers with a zoned coil system to produce an even balance of contouring and support. This design appealed to a wide range of testers on our team, making it a great fit for co-sleepers with different sleep preferences.
Buy From Emma
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Great Value
Pros
- Open-cell foams and a ventilated coil core encourage airflow for hot sleepers
- Zoned coils provide extra support for the hips and shoulders
- 365-night trial for all orders
Cons
- Plush top layers may inhibit movement
- Foam might produce off-gassing odor after unpackaging
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite has a mid-range firmness that should feel comfortable for many sleeper types, including partners with different needs. The thick design offers plenty of cushioning while the coils generate enough support to ensure healthy sleep posture. The bed also carries a lower price-point than many other hybrids we’ve tested.
Why We Like It
The Hybrid Cooling Elite has a medium firm (6) feel that suited many of our testers. Our side and back sleepers appreciated the mattress’ balanced contouring and support. Side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds felt most comfortable. Our testers with sore spots found the mattress’ thick foam comfort system very effective at relieving pressure.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress features four foam layers in the comfort system, beginning with graphite-infused polyfoam that gives the surface strong cushioning. Foams tend to trap heat, but the graphite infusion is meant to dissipate some of that heat. Next are layers of polyfoam and memory foam that further enhance cushioning but also have a denser feel to keep you from sinking too deep into the bed.
Pocketed coils reinforce the sleep surface, working together to prevent excessive sinkage and keep your body on an even plane. The coils are divided into zones, resulting in extra reinforcement for heavier areas of the body and gentler cradling elsewhere.
Best Value Mattress
Silk & Snow Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Silk & Snow’s flagship all-foam model is a great compromise if you’re looking for a high-quality mattress that won’t drain your wallet. Couples should enjoy the superior motion isolation and noise-free design.
Buy From Silk & Snow
Pain Relief
Medium (5)
Close-Conforming Foam
Great Value
Pros
- Plush, adaptive surface is ideal for sleepers with painful or sore spots
- Foam layers absorb movement to prevent disturbing your partner
- Below-average pricing and free pillows with each order
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds may need a firmer mattress
- Foam edges sink easily under weight, reducing the bed’s usable space
The Silk & Snow Mattress carries a low price-point compared to the average all-foam model, but still performs at the same level as many of its more expensive competitors. The simple three-layer design offers a plush medium (5) feel and cloud-like cradling for your entire body. Great motion isolation and no noise make this mattress a solid pick for anyone who loses sleep due to their partner’s nighttime movements.
Why We Like It
As a softer all-foam model, the Silk & Snow Mattress should appeal to side sleepers. Our hands-on tests show it’s particularly well suited to people who use this position and weigh up to 230 pounds. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds should also receive the support they need, but heavier individuals will likely sink too much to sleep comfortably.
Motion isolation proved to be a major strength of this mattress during our performance tests. We noticed little to no motion transfer when lying side by side, even when the other person changed positions or mimicked movements associated with getting in and out of bed. Our tests also show the mattress resists heat retention and sleeps cooler than the average all-foam model.
How Does It Feel?
The Silk & Snow Mattress contains a memory foam comfort layer, polyfoam transitional layer, and high-density foam base. Memory foam softens when exposed to body heat, so you’ll notice some close contouring as your body settles into the mattress, but the two underlying layers are designed to push back against your weight and keep you on an even plane.
You may notice some heat buildup when lying on the mattress, but the top layer is infused with cooling gel to help offset this process. A stretch-knit poly-spandex cover encases the mattress. The fabric is treated with an antimicrobial agent meant to inhibit bacterial growth and keep your sleep surface hygienic.
Most Comfortable Mattress
WinkBed
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The WinkBed is a solid choice for couples due in large part to the extensive firmness selection. You can choose from four firmness levels, and WinkBeds allows you to exchange your initial selection for a softer or firmer model if you aren’t satisfied the first time around.
Buy From WinkBeds
Combination Sleepers
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Available in four firmness levels
- Strong temperature regulation thanks to hybrid design and moisture-wicking Tencel fabric
- Zoned coils enhance pressure relief and support where they’re most needed
Cons
- WinkBed Plus option costs more
- Coils transfer some motion from one side of the bed to the other
While there’s no such thing as a mattress that’s universally comfortable, the WinkBed comes closer than many of its competitors. You can choose from medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) options for the standard foam hybrid model, as well as a “Plus” (8) option specifically geared toward people who weigh more than 230 pounds — this model contains zoned latex for extra support. Zoned coils and a breathable cover add to the appealing design.
Why We Like It
The WinkBed’s versatility — coupled with the brand’s generous return and exchange policy — means most people will end up with a mattress that feels comfortable and sufficiently supportive, even if they need to test out a second model. Overall, the mattress also performed well across our various hands-on tests. Softer models earned higher ratings than their firmer counterparts in some areas, and vice versa, but we found all four designs well-made and fairly balanced.
Temperature control is a standout quality of the WinkBed. We’ve attributed this to the breathable cover, comfort layers that don’t retain too much heat, and steady airflow throughout the coil system. Extra perimeter reinforcement also earned the mattress high marks for edge support.
How Does It Feel?
Each version of the WinkBed feels distinct in terms of contouring. If you prefer a close hug from your mattress, the medium soft model should meet your needs. The medium firm design conforms more moderately and may be a better fit for people who weigh 130 pounds or more. Both the firm and “Plus” contour very little, even for sleepers over 230 pounds, and the latter’s latex comfort layer gives the surface a noticeable bounce.
All WinkBeds feature zoned pocketed coils that push back against your midsection and feel gentler beneath your head and legs. This targeted reinforcement is more noticeable on firmer models, but none of the mattresses should sink excessively if you weigh 230 pounds or less.
Best Luxury Mattress
Helix Dusk Luxe
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Helix Dusk Luxe pairs a luxuriously thick comfort system with a sturdy coil base to give you a perfectly balanced bed. It’s a great choice for side and back sleepers looking for strong cushioning.
Buy From Helix
Combination Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Fair Value
Pros
- Very little motion transfer during movement thanks to thick foam layers
- Exceptionally quiet during sex and other movement
- Strong support for sleepers up to 230 pounds
Cons
- Individuals over 230 pounds might benefit from a firmer mattress
- High profile may necessitate deep pocket sheets
The Helix Dusk Luxe offers some noteworthy features that set it apart from your typical hybrid model. The thick six-layer construction gives the bed a luxurious feel that cushions your body but doesn’t skimp on support.
Why We Like It
We’ve tested plenty of hybrid models, but the Dusk Luxe stands out with a thicker foam comfort system that really cradles your body but also feels sturdy. This balance of contouring and support is most beneficial for side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, especially those who are prone to painful pressure buildup in the shoulders, hips, or spine. We were also impressed by the choice of Tencel or GlacioTex for your cover material, since most beds don’t offer this option.
How Does It Feel?
The Helix Dusk Luxe has a medium firm (6) feel, which is a nice sweet spot for hybrid mattresses. The quilted surface is plush, but the coil system beneath ensures that you’ll never sink deeply into the bed as you might in an all-foam model. The coils also have a zoned design that enhances pressure relief and support in different areas of the body. Whether you choose Tencel or GlacioTex for your cover, both are meant to keep the surface cool, so you shouldn’t experience excessive heat buildup.
Best Cooling Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Beds with foam surfaces are great for cushioning but they’re not always the best option for hot sleepers. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is an exception. The foam hybrid mattress has multiple cooling features that help minimize some of the heat retention that foam is notorious for.
Buy From Brooklyn Bedding
Most Sleepers
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Phase change material in cover and foam helps minimize heat retention
- Thick foam comfort system offers strong pressure relief
- Available in three firmness options
Cons
- Customers must pay $99 fee for returns
- Coils produce some motion transfer
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a foam-and-coil mattress that comes in three firmness options. Each model varies slightly in construction, but they all feature a cooling design that caters to sleepers who tend to overheat on traditional foam hybrids.
Why We Like It
The bed is available in a medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) feel. No matter which firmness you pick, you’ll notice strong temperature neutrality, which we don’t always find in foam hybrids. Another feature that impressed our testers was the excellent pressure relief, which we attribute to cushioning from the thick foam layers. This is helpful for sleepers who routinely wake up with sore shoulders and hips.
The medium soft model fared best with side sleepers under 130 pounds, while the medium firm option impressed side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found this option comfortable. The firm model was most popular with stomach and back sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, but side sleepers over 230 pounds might be pleasantly surprised by the balance of support and cushioning.
How Does It Feel?
All three firmness models of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe begin with a GlacioTex Cooling Cover, which is composed of a phase change material engineered to keep the surface at a comfortable temperature. Beneath is a polyfoam layer infused with more phase change material, followed by a layer of responsive polyfoam and a thin layer of memory foam infused with cooling gel. The foam layers vary in thickness and density depending on which firmness option you choose, but they all provide a cradling sensation on the surface.
A thick coil system offers sturdy support and also allows steady airflow through the bed’s interior. Beneath is a thin layer of high-density polyfoam to stabilize the entire mattress.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Layla Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The flippable Layla Hybrid lets you choose between deep contouring or firm support. Each side contains adaptive memory foam to distribute weight and reduce pressure along the spine, so the best side for any given person depends on their body type and preferred sleep position.
Buy From Layla
Side Sleepers
Soft (4), Firm (7)
Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Flippable design features both firm and medium soft surfaces
- Perimeter coils are reinforced to limit sinkage along the edges
- Cover can be removed and machine-washed
Cons
- Soft side is too plush for stomach and back sleepers over 130 pounds
- Mattress is heavy and difficult to flip
Some side sleepers prefer adaptive sleep surfaces and others need extra support. The Layla Hybrid offers both options. A flippable mattress, the hybrid features a medium soft (4) feel on one surface and a firm (7) feel on the other. Our tests show each side is well suited to different types of sleepers based on how much they weigh and which position they primarily use.
Why We Like It
Our tests show the Layla Hybrid’s medium soft side is best suited to side sleepers up to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. People who meet these criteria often need close contouring to sleep comfortably, and the hybrid’s softer surface certainly checks that box. Back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds awarded more favorable ratings to the firmer surface, as did side sleepers over 230 pounds.
The mattress excelled during our temperature control tests. A breathable cover, foam layers engineered to resist heat retention, and steady air circulation through the coil system all contribute to the hybrid’s cooling abilities. We found the softer surface performs better in areas like motion isolation and pressure relief, while the firmer side provides sturdy edge support and won’t sink too much when you move across the surface.
The Layla Hybrid is fairly heavy, especially in larger sizes, so be sure to lift and flip with a partner to avoid injury.
How Does It Feel?
The Layla Hybrid’s medium soft side contains 2.5 inches of memory foam over 2 inches of transitional polyfoam. These layers closely cradle your body, but the polyfoam is zoned to prevent your torso and hips from sinking too deeply. The firm side features the same materials, but the layers are thinner to make this surface conform less and feel more supportive.
Pocketed coils make up the shared support core sandwiched between the comfort systems. The perimeter coils are reinforced to push back against compression when you sit or sleep near the edges, though you’ll likely sink more on the medium soft side. A removable zip-and-wash cover made of breathable poly-rayon fabric encases the mattress.
If you regularly sleep with a partner, both of your needs should be taken into account when choosing a new mattress. Important qualities for a couple’s mattress include motion isolation to minimize sleep disruptions, strong edge support, consistent temperature control, and good responsiveness for sex. Queen, king, and California king are considered the best mattress sizes for couples.
What Is the Best Type of Mattress for Couples?
Couples looking for the right mattress should start by choosing a mattress type. Foam, hybrid, innerspring, latex, and airbed models each have unique benefits and potential drawbacks. A bed’s materials significantly impact its performance, durability, and comfort, so couples should consider how each type aligns with their needs.
| Mattress Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Excellent motion isolation and contours closely to the body. | Can retain heat during the night and offers limited bounce. |
| Hybrid | Balances support and cushioning with less heat retention than foam mattresses. | Tends to be on the pricier side and is heavier, making it more challenging to move or adjust. |
| Innerspring | Delivers firm support and strong cooling due to enhanced airflow between coils. | Produces noticeable bounce, which might disturb people who wake easily when a sleep partner shifts. |
| Latex | Durable with natural cooling properties and excellent responsiveness. | Higher price tag and typically heavier, which can pose difficulties in setup and handling. |
| Airbed | Adjustable firmness levels on each half of the bed, catering to couples with different sleep preferences. | May require higher maintenance and is generally more expensive than other mattress types. |
Alternative Bed Types for Couples
For couples, the structure of a mattress can be just as important as what it’s made of. Alternative bed types offer unique designs that cater to couples with different preferences.
- Flippable: These mattresses feature a different firmness level on each surface, allowing couples to try a firmness on one side and flip the bed if and when it seems necessary.
- Adjustable: Adjustable beds provide the ability to change the firmness level on each half of the bed with a remote. This is perfect for partners who sleep in different positions and have different sleep preferences.
- Split Beds: Designed as two separate mattresses in one frame, split beds are an ideal option for co-sleepers who can’t find a mattress that satisfies both of their preferences. Each partner can choose their ideal firmness level, eliminating the need for compromise.
What to Consider in a Mattress for Couples
Choosing a mattress together means finding a balance that keeps both of you comfortable and sufficiently supported. We’ll explore some considerations for couples to keep in mind while shopping for a bed.
Reach a Compromise
Finding a mattress that’s comfortable for both you and your sleep partner might require meeting in the middle. Start by talking about what you each need for a good night’s sleep, whether it’s a particular firmness or special cooling features. Then try to find a mattress that meets each of your most important needs.
To test out a new bed, consider opting for models with long sleep trials. If a mattress falls short on comfort, a mattress topper can be a great way to make slight adjustments to the firmness and feel of your sleep surface.
Mattress Size
Selecting the right mattress size depends on a couple’s bedroom size and need for personal space. For most couples, a queen or king size mattress is a good fit. Couples who share their bed with children or pets might lean towards a king-sized bed for additional space, ensuring everyone has enough room to sleep comfortably.
Budget
Prices for mattresses vary widely, influenced by size, materials, and special features. Talk with your partner about what you are willing to spend. Finding a mattress that suits your sleep needs and your budget might take some compromise, but knowing your budget and requirements ahead of time can go a long way toward making a smart purchase.
Performance
When it comes to mattresses, performance is a combination of factors that contribute to your overall comfort and sleep quality. For couples, it’s important to consider performance factors that affect not only individual comfort but also how well both partners sleep together.
| Performance Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Durability | Durability refers to how well a mattress maintains its shape over time. For couples, a durable mattress means less sagging and longer-lasting support. |
| Motion Isolation | Motion isolation is crucial for couples, preventing movement on one side of the bed from disturbing the other partner. It allows both individuals to move freely without affecting the other’s sleep. |
| Edge Support | Good edge support means the sides of the mattress hold up well under weight. This allows both partners to comfortably use the entire mattress without fear of rolling off. |
| Responsiveness | Responsiveness is how quickly a mattress adjusts to movements. A responsive mattress can make it easier to change positions. Some couples appreciate a responsive surface during sex. |
| Pressure Relief | Pressure relief is important for preventing pain or discomfort in areas like the shoulders, hips, and spine. A mattress that offers adequate pressure relief is one that provides strong cushioning for the joints, reducing the chance of pressure buildup. |
| Breathability | A breathable mattress helps regulate temperature, keeping sleepers cool throughout the night. For couples, this means a more comfortable sleep environment, especially if one or both partners sleep hot. |
Sleep Trial and Warranty
A sleep trial offers sleepers a chance to test a mattress at home for a specified amount of time, which helps ensure it’s the right fit for both sleep partners. If the mattress isn’t a good match for you or your co-sleeper, you can return it to the retailer. A warranty lasts longer than the sleep trial and protects against mattress defects, adding value and peace of mind to your purchase.
Video: How to Sleep Better With a Partner
Couples should consider a number of factors before investing in a new mattress. Watch our video to learn more about how to sleep comfortably when sharing a bed.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
Beyond the best picks for couples, we’ve also rounded up mattress guides that suit all sorts of different demographics.
More Mattress Options for Unique Groups
How We Test
Our team has spent years researching and testing products in the sleep space, resulting in a deep understanding of what makes an ideal mattress for couples. Our Seattle-based testing team puts each mattress through a rigorous testing methodology designed to evaluate everything from firmness to motion isolation.
For this guide, we examined a wide variety of mattresses to determine which models are best suited for couples.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal mattress firmness for couples depends on each person’s sleep position and body weight. We suggest finding a mattress that meets the needs of each sleeper somewhere in the middle. When in doubt, our testers have found that a medium (5) to firm (7) mattress provides a good balance of support and comfort for most sleep positions and body types.
Every mattress type has its pros and cons, but we often recommend hybrid mattresses for couples. These beds combine the support of coils with the conforming comfort of foam or latex. They tend to perform well in motion isolation and edge support, and they’re versatile enough for the needs of many couples.
A queen or king size mattress is typically best for couples, providing ample space for both individuals to sleep comfortably. A king mattress is usually preferable if one or both sleepers prefers more room or if the couple shares the bed with children or pets.
Choosing a mattress for a couple involves considering both partners’ needs, including firmness, pressure relief, and temperature regulation. Test mattresses together during a sleep trial, consider split or adjustable options, and prioritize features that address both partners’ needs.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Alison is a health writer with ample experience reading and interpreting academic, peer-reviewed research. Based in San Diego, she is published in the journal PLOS Genetics and the Journal of Biological Chemistry and has been a copywriter for SmartBug media. With a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Davis, she has nearly a decade of academic research experience in life sciences. She enjoys helping people cut through the noise to understand the bigger picture about sleep and health. Alison likes to stay active with rock climbing, hiking, and walking her dog.
- POSITION: Stomach Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Bear
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