Beds should be reserved for sleep and sex, but even people planning to use their bed for sex often overlook a bed’s suitability for that purpose when buying a new mattress.
A bed’s suitability for sex is generally based on a wide range of factors, including its responsiveness, edge support, temperature neutrality, and ease of movement. A bed that excels in each of these categories is likely to work well for most people. Of course, these factors must also be balanced against your sleep preferences and needs.
Choosing a new mattress can be a difficult process, and the various factors that go into determining a bed’s suitability for sex can complicate matters further. We’ve streamlined the process by analyzing the results of our rigorous testing process and putting together a list of the best mattresses for sex, as well as a guide to understanding what makes a bed suitable for sex.
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 five options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for sex.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
WinkBed
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The WinkBed’s wide firmness selection makes it a great choice for sex, whether you and your partner prefer deep cushioning or a responsive, bouncy surface. Zoned coils help ensure minimal sinkage, and the Tencel cover has cooling and moisture-wicking properties.
Buy From WinkBeds
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Full Surface
Easy to Switch Positions
Great Value
Pros
- Luxe Euro-top cover cushioned with adaptive, pressure-relieving materials
- Available in four different firmness levels
- Zoned coils provide targeted support for your midsection
Cons
- Limited options for people who prefer exceptionally soft mattresses
- Models with foam layers may emit strong initial off-gassing odor
Why We Like It
Our hands-on tests show the Softer WinkBed is a good match for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. The foam layers contour closely to alleviate pressure and sore spots, but the coils prevent excessive sinkage for these sleepers. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, the Firmer or Plus models should provide adequate support and resist deep compression. The Luxury Firm WinkBed is ideal for those who need a balance of cushioning and reinforcement.
All versions of the WinkBed earned favorable ratings during our temperature control tests. The Softer model performed well in the motion isolation and pressure relief categories, whereas the three firmer mattresses received high marks for ease of movement and edge support.
How Does It Feel?
The Softer WinkBed is medium soft, or a 4 on our 10-point firmness scale. This model contains two layers of adaptive polyfoam, so you should expect close cushioning and conforming from this model. Luxury Firm (6) and Firmer (7) models also contour evenly, but to a lesser extent and feel more supportive as a result. If you want more bounce during sex, we recommend the WinkBed Plus (8). This model swaps out the second polyfoam layer for 2.5 inches of zoned latex, creating a very springy surface.
All WinkBed mattresses contain pocketed coil support cores divided into three firmness zones. This creates more pushback around the midsection and gentler cradling for the head and legs, which can be beneficial for both sleep and sex. A cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel fabric encases the mattress.
Best Value Mattress
Cocoon Chill Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Mattresses with thick foam layers tend to trap heat and sink excessively during sex, but the Cocoon Chill Hybrid avoids both issues thanks to a medium firm feel and cooling phase change cover. Balanced construction helps ensure you’ll sleep comfortably on the mattress, as well.
Buy From Sealy
Medium Firm (6)
Full Surface
Some Difficulty Moving
Good Value
Pros
- Adaptive memory foam contours evenly to relieve pain and pressure points
- Phase change cover dissipates heat on contact
- Below-average pricing for a hybrid model
Cons
- Off-gassing odor is strong for the first 48 hours
- Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may sink too much
Why We Like It
The Chill Hybrid earned its highest ratings from our side sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. That said, our team’s response was generally favorable across different body types and sleep positions, but most of our back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds didn’t receive enough support from the mattress.
In addition to its consistent temperature control, the Chill Hybrid performed well during our motion isolation tests. The foam layers allow the mattress to reduce motion transfer without making the surface too plush for sex. Pressure relief also proved to be a defining strength. Our testers weighing up to 230 pounds enjoyed the even contouring and cradling, and did not experience much pressure buildup in any sleep position.
How Does It Feel?
The Chill Hybrid’s memory foam layer responds slowly to movement, softening when it comes into contact with body heat and forming a close cradle around your body’s unique curves. Many sleepers appreciate this cloud-like effect, but the underlying layers also push back against your weight.
The phase change cover is a notable feature. Memory foam tends to absorb and trap heat, so phase change material — which is engineered to dissipate heat and feel cool at all times — is a nice addition to the foam hybrid design. Most of our testers reported a bit of heat retention, but not as much as we’ve become accustomed to on beds with memory foam layers.
Best Cooling Mattress
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
If you’re looking for a mattress with layers that conform closely and a sturdy support core, the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite checks both boxes and is affordably priced to boot. The zoned pocketed coils are a standout feature — our tests show the mattress maintains an even surface for your body despite the comfort system’s deep cushioning.
Buy From Emma
Medium Firm (6)
Most of Surface
Easy to Switch Positions
Great Value
Pros
- Deep foam layers cushion the body and reduce pressure buildup along the spine
- Zoned coils provide extra reinforcement for the torso and hips
- All purchases include 365-night trial periods
Cons
- May not be firm enough for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- High potential for strong initial off-gassing
Why We Like It
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is medium firm (6) — for many sleepers, its balance of cushioning and support will be the best of both worlds. Our tests show the mattress is comfortable for side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Heavier individuals who use the latter two positions may need a firmer surface to prevent excessive sinkage around the midsection, though our testers did note extra pushback from the zoned coils beneath their torsos and hips.
Thanks to the thick foam layers, the Hybrid Cooling Elite received above-average ratings for motion isolation and pressure relief. These are two performance categories where hybrids tend to struggle.
How Does It Feel?
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite contains four foam layers in its comfort system. Adaptive polyfoam and memory foam layers create a plush, cloud-like surface for your body. Beneath, a high-resiliency foam transitional layer provides additional cushioning while preventing you from sinking too deeply. Couples who prefer some cushioning during sex should find the mattress well suited to this purpose.
The Hybrid Cooling Elite is very adaptive compared to other coil mattresses on the market. As you get into bed, you’ll feel the top foam layers molding to your body and forming a close cradle. That said, the mattress is also fairly bouncy due to the zoned coil system. This responsive feel keeps you and your partner on an even surface during sex and allows you to easily change positions.
Best Luxury Mattress
Puffy Diamond
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Puffy redefines the luxury mattress with the Diamond, an exceptionally plush hybrid constructed using eight individual layers. Contouring memory foam and responsive latex create a nicely balanced comfort system, while the coils provide some stability without taking away from the soft, adaptive feel.
Buy From Puffy
Medium Soft (4)
Edges Sink a Bit
Some Difficulty Moving
Fair Value
Pros
- Sophisticated comfort system contains memory foam, polyfoam, latex, and alpaca hair batting
- Above-average motion isolation and pressure relief for a hybrid
- Coils encased in dense foam help limit sinkage along the perimeter
Cons
- Too soft for most back and stomach sleepers
- Not available in twin or full sizes
Why We Like It
The Diamond is Puffy’s most luxurious mattress to date. Measuring 16 inches thick and rated as medium soft (4), the Diamond contours very closely for a hybrid and hugs your body as you sleep. A latex comfort layer creates some responsiveness, which you and your partner may find helpful during sex, but not enough bounce to cause sleep disruptions during the night.
As a hybrid that’s much softer than average, the Puffy Diamond is well suited to side sleepers — a group that often finds hybrid models too firm. Our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found the mattress comfortable, but heavier testers who use these positions did not receive enough support and sank a bit too much.
Motion isolation and pressure relief proved to be two of the Diamond’s standout strengths during our performance tests. Although the foam layers trap some heat, the alpaca hair batting, ventilated latex, and coil layers all promote plenty of breathability. This should prevent you and your partner from feeling uncomfortably warm during sex.
How Does It Feel?
Expect close cushioning with this mattress. The latex and coils add some springiness to the design, but thick foam layers that conform deeply are the stars of the show. You’ll feel cloud-like cradling as your body settles into the mattress with a bit of pushback from the denser support layers.
Alpaca hair batting directly beneath the surface also helps the mattress stay cool. This material is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Air also flows freely through the coil system to help the mattress maintain a comfortable interior temperature.
Best Motion Response Mattress
Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Latex hybrids are a popular choice for sexually active couples because they feel remarkably responsive and bouncy compared to those with foam layers. The Eco Terra Hybrid Latex is a standout in this mattress category because of its affordable pricing — this model’s sticker price is much lower than average, yet it performs at the same level as many more expensive competitors.
Buy From Eco Terra
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6)
Full Surface
Easy to Switch Positions
Great Value
Pros
- Latex hybrid design is breathable, bouncy, and long-lasting
- Reinforced perimeter coils minimize sinkage along the edges
- Two firmness levels to accommodate different sleep preferences
Cons
- Too responsive for people who enjoy being hugged by their mattress
- Limited motion isolation for couples
Why We Like It
The medium Hybrid Latex Mattress earned solid ratings from our side and back sleepers under 130 pounds. Remaining testers preferred the medium firm model, with especially high marks from side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds.
Major strengths this mattress demonstrated during performance tests included temperature control, ease of movement, and edge support. Since the design does not contain foam, there won’t be any VOC off-gassing odor after unboxing — though latex does produce a smell of its own you may find unpleasant at first.
How Does It Feel?
Motion response is an important mattress quality if you and a romantic partner plan to use the bed for sex. Latex hybrids like this model from Eco Terra tend to be the most responsive, making them a popular choice for couples. You can choose from two firmness levels for the Hybrid Latex Mattress, but both offer plenty of bounce.
Unlike adaptive foam, which hugs the body and forms a mold around your figure, latex feels quite springy and produces a strong bounce in response to movement. This helps you and your partner remain on an even plane during sex, and also prevents you from feeling stuck in your mattress when you get in and out of bed.
The medium (5) design contours more closely than the medium firm (6), but you shouldn’t experience deep hugging with either model. Since the latex is ventilated and a layer of moisture-wicking wool is sewn to the bottom of the cover, the mattress should also sleep cool any night of the year. Significant pushback from the perimeter coils ensures strong edge support, as well.
Why You Should Trust Us
The Sleep Doctor team personally researches, tests, and reviews all the mattresses we feature. With decades of combined experience in the sleep industry, we use a rigorous testing process to ensure our recommendations are clear, accurate, and tailored to the specific needs of individual sleepers. Our diverse testing team includes people with varying body types and sleep position preferences.
More Mattress Options for Specific Needs
What Should You Know About Mattresses and Sex?
When searching for a bed that is suitable for sex, it’s worth starting with the most important factors — which type of mattress you should choose and how firm that mattress should be. Once those are decided, it’s easier to look at details such as features and accessories.
Find the Type of Mattress That Works For You
Each type of mattress has different factors that can make it more or less suitable for sex. Hybrid mattresses, for example, tend to be bouncier and more responsive than all-foam mattresses. However, a foam mattress does provide more traction than a hybrid.
Suitability for sex is only one consideration when choosing a mattress type, and your ideal bed for sleeping may not be your ideal bed for sex. If this is the case, it may be worth splitting the difference — if you enjoy deeply conforming memory foam beds, a memory foam hybrid may offer more bounce than an all-foam bed while still providing the pressure relief you need.
Ensure Your Mattress Is the Right Firmness
A soft bed may sound comfortable, but choosing the right firmness is critical for sex, sleep, and avoiding back pain. A soft bed is less bouncy than firmer options and may cause people to feel as though they are sinking into it during sex. However, a bed that is too firm may not respond to movement and can be unpleasant to move on.
Medium soft (4) to firm (7) beds tend to be most suitable for sex. The ideal firmness for sleep depends on a person’s weight and preferred sleep position, but this range encompasses most people’s needs.
Mattress Accessories
From bed frames and bedding to pillows and mattress toppers, mattress accessories can have a substantial impact on a bed’s suitability for sex.
Some accessories can help make up for a bed’s downsides, such as using cool-to-the-touch bedding on a bed with poor temperature neutrality, or a bouncy latex topper on a bed with otherwise little bounce. Accessories can also be personalized to your own preferences, such as using sheets with a texture you enjoy, or wedge-shaped pillows that can be used to make different positions easier.
What Type of Mattress is Best For Sex?
When it comes to sex, most people prefer a mattress that is bouncy and responsive, with support across the entire surface of the bed and good airflow for temperature control. Many different beds can fill these needs, but some types of mattresses tend to perform better than others.
Hybrids and Innersprings
Beds with steel coil supports are traditional for a reason, as they provide durable support and a bouncy feel that is ideal for sex. Innerspring mattresses have interconnected springs, while most hybrid mattresses use individually wrapped steel coils and feature thicker cushioning. However, some manufacturers use the two terms interchangeably.
Hybrid mattresses are among the best choices for sex, as are luxury innerspring beds with ample cushioning. Traditional innersprings are responsive, but their lack of cushioning can make some positions difficult or even painful.
Are Latex Hybrids Better Than Foam Hybrids?
Hybrid mattresses can be split into further categories depending on the materials used for cushioning — polyfoam and memory foam are the most common, but gel memory foam and latex hybrids are also available.
Polyfoam and memory foam are both artificial foam, but memory foam is much squishier than polyfoam and tends to create the feeling of sleeping “in” a bed, rather than on top of it. Gel memory foam uses gel microbeads that are thought to make the mattress sleep cooler due to better breathability.
Latex is the outlier in this list, as it is a natural foam made from the sap of rubber trees, though blended and synthetic latex exists, as well. Natural latex also has a different, much bouncier feel than polyfoams.
Comparison of Hybrid Mattress Types
Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
Latex |
|
|
Polyfoam |
|
|
Memory Foam |
|
|
Gel Memory Foam |
|
|
Which Coil Type Is Best For Reducing Squeak?
While steel coils can make a mattress more suitable for sex, they have a reputation for squeaking. However, the pocketed coils used in hybrid mattresses are much less noisy than the connected springs used in traditional innerspring beds.
Latex Mattresses
All-latex mattresses are more expensive and offer less edge support than most latex hybrids, but their natural bounciness, temperature neutrality, and gentle pressure relief mean that they are still an excellent choice for sex.
Latex foam is made using two distinct manufacturing processes, Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is bouncier and more durable than Talalay, which weighs less and has a squishier feel.
Airbed Mattresses
Airbeds feature an air-filled chamber that can be inflated or deflated to change the bed’s feel and firmness. While they are among the most expensive mattresses, their adjustability makes airbeds a good choice for people who prefer different firmness options for sex and sleep.
Foam Mattresses
All-foam mattresses usually pair a polyfoam or memory foam comfort system with a high-density polyfoam support core. Despite being a popular choice that can be ideal for sleep, foam mattresses have a number of drawbacks when it comes to sex — they lack responsiveness, usually have poor edge support, and can make it difficult to move or change positions.
How Firm Should Your Mattress Be For Sex?
The best mattresses for sex are those between medium soft (4) and firm (7). While preferences vary, beds within this range are firm enough to retain responsiveness while not being so firm as to cause discomfort.
Our Firmness Scale and Helping You Find Your Ideal Range
We use a 10-point scale to describe mattress firmness, but the vast majority of mattresses fall between soft (3) and very firm (8).
People who weigh more generally require firmer mattresses than those who weigh less. However, this does not mean that a mattress rated “firm” will be uncomfortable. Mattress firmness is subjective to a degree, and people who weigh more will find that firmer mattresses feel softer to them. The scale, on the other hand, provides a subjective reference for comparing different beds.
Your Mattress Height, Edge Support, Bedding, and Bed Frame
Most people prefer a bed with good edge support for sex, as this allows the entire surface to be used without loss of support. If you utilize the edge of a mattress during sex, edge support becomes even more critical.
The height of a mattress can also be a problem or asset in this scenario, as a high-profile mattress on a high bed frame may make some positions easier or more difficult depending on your height.
A Good Set of Sheets Can Add to Your Experience
If your bed is too warm, breathable and moisture-wicking bedding made from natural fibers can reduce heat retention and make it feel cooler. Bedding also has a sensory quality, and choosing a material you like can make it more enjoyable to have sex in your bed.
Consider a Sturdy Bed Frame
Bed frames should be sturdy and secure since active sex can damage or even break weak bed frames. Inappropriate support — such as placing the mattress directly on the floor — may void your warranty.
Bed frame squeaking usually occurs where different parts of the frame are screwed together. Frames with fewer pieces are less prone to squeaking, and squeaking can often be fixed by tightening or properly maintaining the connections.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
Get Your Sleep Questions Answered Live on 4/30
Have questions about sleep? Get all your sleep-related questions answered in a Live Q&A on YouTube with renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST.
