Sharing a bed with someone has its pros and cons. It's comforting to spend the night next to a person you enjoy being around. However, you have to take each other's preferences into consideration. The best mattresses for couples make this time together pleasant by ensuring you don't disturb each other in your sleep while keeping you and your partner comfortable.
We interviewed two experts and tested more than 100 mattresses for edge support, comfort, and motion isolation to find the best mattresses for couples. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress is our top pick because it has all the features that matter when sharing a bed: It provides impressive support for all sleep positions and offers outstanding motion isolation. For under $300, the Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Green Tea Gel Memory Foam Mattress is your best bet, thanks to its motion dampening and edge support. Yet, it lacks the dynamic pressure relief of pricier beds.
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Our top picks for mattresses for couples
Best overall: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress - See at Leesa
Best budget: Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress - See at Amazon
Best for sex: Helix Midnight Mattress - See at Helix
Best cooling: Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress - See at Nest Bedding
Best memory foam: GhostBed Luxe Foam Mattress - See at GhostBed
Best for couples with different preferences: Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed - See at Sleep Number
Best for heavy couples: Saatva Solaire Mattress - See at Saatva
Best for combination sleepers: Allswell Supreme Hybrid Mattress - See at Walmart
Best organic: Naturepedic EOS Classic Organic Mattress — See at Naturepedic
Best luxury: Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed - See at Sleep Number
Best overall
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress is the most comfortable mattress we've tested that suits most sleep positions thanks to its medium firmness. We also like it as an option for people with back pain. Save an extra $25 with our exclusive code INSIDER25.
What we like
What we don't like
For the last five years, I've tested a new mattress every two to four weeks for my job. Before that, my wife and I enjoyed a year of restful slumber on the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. It struck a remarkable balance between support and comfort that accommodated side, stomach, and back sleeping.
Since testing the Leesa Sapira, I've found few mattresses that compare to it in comfort, but those that did were softer and catered to side sleepers, not stomach or back sleepers. There's a good chance you and your partner have different preferred sleep positions, and I think most sleepers will find the Leesa Sapira Hybrid comfortable. It's no wonder we chose it as the top pick in our guides to the best mattresses, best hybrid mattresses, best mattress-in-a-box, and best mattresses for back pain.
The Leesa Sapira is our top pick for the best mattress for couples, thanks to its support that maintains comfort right to the bed's edge. I never felt like I would fall off, even when my wife encroached on my side of the bed. The motion-dampening properties were also great, keeping me undisturbed as my wife and dog moved in the night.
It has five layers. The top layer is cooling foam, followed by contouring memory foam. Below that, the airflow-facilitating individually wrapped pocket springs are between two supportive foam layers. Thanks to the Leesa Sapira Hybrid's airflow and cooling foam, I didn't overheat during the hot, humid Midwest summer nights. All foams used in the mattress are CertiPUR-US certified to be free of hazardous chemicals and emissions.
Read our full Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress review.
Best budget
All sleep types will appreciate the average firmness and budget-friendly price of the Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress.
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The Zinus 12-inch Cooling Green Tea Gel Memory Foam Mattress has an average firmness that will appeal to the broadest range of sleepers, a plus for couples who prefer different sleep positions. While testing it, I slept comfortably on my back, stomach, and side. The Zinus is the best budget mattress for couples because, of the mattresses under $500 I've tested, it excelled in terms of motion isolation and edge support, so you will remain comfortable when your partner moves in the night or if they decide to hog the bed.
The Zinus Cooling Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is made of three CertiPUR-US certified foam layers: gel memory foam for cooling, pressure-relieving soft memory foam, and a dense base foam for durability and support. The mattress dissipated heat well and stayed cool in my testing.
I tested the thickest version, 12 inches. But, the Zinus mattress is also available in 6, 8, and 10-inch options. Mattresses under 10 inches thick haven't been supportive enough in my experience, so I recommend sticking with the 10 or 12-inch beds.
Check out our best cheap mattress guide for more budget-friendly suggestions.
Best for sex
With medium-firm support and pressure point relief, the Midnight Mattress is best for side sleepers or sleepers who toss and turn.
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A good mattress for sex should support you without sinking in so you can easily change positions. A little bounce is helpful, though you generally don't want too much. And, of course, you still want the mattress to be comfortable for sleeping.
The Helix Midnight Mattress fits all of the above criteria. It is medium-firm and ideal for back and stomach sleepers and back pain sufferers. In addition to being named the best mattress for sex, we also named it the best budget pick in our guide to the best mattresses for back pain. During testing, I was most comfortable on my stomach. It helped me recover from a back pain flare-up.
When my kid bounded on the bed, I was barely jostled, and the Helix Midnight passed my bowling ball test, suggesting it has excellent motion isolation. The edge support was among the best I've experienced. I had to roll quite far on the edge before I fell off, and it didn't sink much as I sat on the side. These factors make the Helix an outstanding mattress for couples.
Helix uses OEKO-Tex and CertiPUR-US-certified materials. The top layer is a pressure-relieving memory foam. Below that are two responsive foam layers designed for support and comfort. Next are individually wrapped coils that help limit motion transfer and improve edge support. The base foam adds durability and support.
The Helix Midnight didn't dissipate heat well, which cold sleepers might like. Hot sleepers may want to consider other beds. However, since we initially tested the Midnight, Helix also offers a cooling-cover pillowtop upgrade that members of the BI team have tried on other Helix mattresses and have reported as effective at eliminating hot spots. Most side sleepers may also find it too firm for optimal spinal alignment.
Best cooling
In our testing, the Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress stayed cool and dissipated heat quickly, and its medium firmness will appeal to most sleepers.
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In our guide to the best cooling mattress, the Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress tested the lowest temperature readings; it stayed cool and dissipated heat well. I was too cold one night during testing and had to grab extra blankets.
None of the top cooling mattresses we tested had both good edge support and motion isolation. The Finch came the closest, making it the best cooling mattress for couples who appreciate impressive edge support. I felt comfortable and supported while lying on the edge, and the sinkage was minimal as I sat. However, the motion isolation was below average. The Finch failed our bowling ball test, and our vibrometer readings were middle-of-the-pack. Yet, it had a lot of bounce, which may appeal to some couples.
The Nest Bedding mattress comes in medium and firm options. I tested the medium and was comfortable in every position, though I preferred side sleeping. It features an airflow-facilitating CertiPUR-US-certified foam, cotton, and wool top layer. Two layers of OEKO-Tex-certified latex are below that. The top latex layer offers firmness, while the lower layer gives the mattress structure, support, and durability.
In addition to its 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty, Nest Bedding provides Lifetime Renewal Exchange with the Finch. At any time during the mattress's life, you can request a free new comfort layer to change the feel or extend the life of the bed.
Best memory foam
Couples shopping for a foam mattress will appreciate the GhostBed Luxe Foam Mattress's medium firmness, great motion isolation, and excellent edge support.
What we like
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Memory foam mattresses are popular because they relieve pressure points by cradling your body. They also tend to be more affordable than hybrid or latex mattresses. The GhostBed Luxe consists of CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers to keep you cool. The top layer and cover contain cooling phase change material and gel memory foam. A fabric layer below that is supposed to pull away your body's heat. Following that is another gel foam layer, then a bouncy comfort foam layer, and a supportive and durable foam at the base.
GhostBed calls the Luxe the "coolest bed in the world," but that wasn't my experience. While it did a pretty good job of staying cool, it didn't dissipate heat well once I got up from it. Overall, I'd say its cooling properties are average.
The Luxe is the best memory foam mattress for couples because its edge support and motion isolation are impressive. While it barely failed the bowling ball test, its vibrometer readings were among the lowest. Subjectively, I didn't feel jostled when my wife moved around on the bed. I felt comfortable and supported when lying on the edge, and the mattress exhibited minimal sinkage.
No matter what position I tried — side, back, or stomach — I felt comfortable on the average-firmness GhostBed Luxe Foam Mattress. The memory foam did better than most hybrids at adapting to my body to ensure my spine remained aligned in each sleep position.
Check out our guide to the best memory foam mattresses.
Best for couples with different preferences
If you and your partner just can't agree on mattress firmness, the Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed allows you to customize each side to your perfect firmness. The bed automatically adjusts based on your body's position.
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Finding a mattress that caters to couples with vastly different sleep preferences is a hassle. For example, stomach sleepers generally need a firmer mattress, but if your partner is a side sleeper, they'll likely prefer a softer mattress. This problem is compounded when you consider that our sleep preferences change over a mattress's life. Fortunately, adjustable airbeds, like the Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed, have you covered.
The i8 is the best mattress for couples with different sleep preferences because it has 20 firmness levels. Each side of the bed adjusts independently, so you can, for instance, have a firm experience while your partner keeps it soft. Additionally, it has a function that automatically adjusts the air as you shift your sleep position to provide you with consistent pressure relief and support. This feature significantly improved my sleep quality.
While I used independent measurement to track my sleep quality, the i8 also tracks your sleep using built-in sensors that pair with an app (available for Android and iOS) that also offers tips for improving your sleep.
The mattress features impressive edge support. However, the motion isolation was awful. My wife said it reminded her of a water bed as she could feel my every movement. I tested the i8 in king size. If you're concerned about motion isolation, I recommend the split king, which is pricier but offers better motion isolation as the sides are split and can be paired with a split frame for additional upright adjustability.
Read our full Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed review.
Best for heavy couples
The Saatva Solaire adjustable air bed has 50 firmness settings for a personalized sleep experience, excellent edge support, and kept me cool throughout the night.
What we like
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The Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress is the best mattress for heavy couples because it supports 800 pounds per person and up to 1,600 pounds per couple. As an adjustable air bed, it has independently adjustable firmness levels, catering to your and your partner's preferences. While the popular Sleep Number beds have 20 firmness levels, the Solaire offers 50, so you can fine-tune your custom feel.
My wife and I had to tinker to find our ideal firmness. On the 1 to 50 scale, I preferred 27 for side sleeping, while my wife chose a firmer 37 for sleeping on her back. I like to sleep on my stomach when I'm sore, and I appreciated that I could just up the firmness to keep my spine aligned on my stomach.
The Saatva Solaire had excellent edge support. It didn't sag much when I sat on the side to put socks on, and I never felt like falling off when I was lying on the edge. However, the motion isolation left a lot to be desired. I could feel my wife's movements from my side of the bed in the night. The mattress also failed our bowling ball test.
If you're concerned about motion transfer, I recommend getting a "split" mattress. This improves dampening because the mattresses are separated. I tested the Solaire in flex top king, where the upper half of the mattress is divided while the bottom half is connected. This allows you to incline the head independently on an adjustable bed frame. Read our full Saatva Solaire Mattress review.
I chose the Big Fig Classic Mattress for heavy people in our guide to the best mattresses. It's about half the price of the Solaire and has better motion isolation. However, the weight capacity is lower (1,100 pounds), and you can't adjust the firmness. Instead, it's just a firm mattress. Read our full Big Fig Mattress review.
Best for combination sleepers
The Allswell Supreme Mattress is designed to provide comfort and support to a broad range of sleepers at an affordable price.
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Walmart's Allswell brand specializes in cost-effective products for your bedroom and bathroom. Its flagship Allswell mattress is the top pick in our best cheap mattress guide. However, the nearly $500 Supreme has a more dynamic feel that contours to your body and provides impressive pressure point relief for regenerative sleep.
I often shift between my back, stomach, and side at night, and the Allswell Supreme's average firmness was soothing no matter my position, making it the best mattress for combination-sleeper couples. The top layer features plush fabric. Below that is CertiPUR-US-certified copper gel-infused memory foam to remove heat from your body while easing muscle and joint pain. Next is responsive memory foam for more pressure point relief. The base is made up of individually wrapped coils for minimal motion transfer and improved edge support.
The coils seemed to do the trick. I felt supported even on the bed's edge and had to roll pretty far before falling off. The edge barely dipped when sitting on the side to put on socks. The motion isolation was better than average, as the Supreme passed the bowling ball test…barely. The soda can tilted but didn't fall after I dropped the ball.
The Allswell Supreme trapped heat, which felt uncomfortable since I like to be cool while sleeping. This is a great option if you want a mattress that will keep you warm. Otherwise, you may want to check out our guide to the best cooling mattresses.
Best organic
The Naturepedic EOS Classic Organic Mattress features a dual-sided customization system that lets couples select different firmness levels for each side. Its impressive eco-credentials are matched by good motion isolation and outstanding edge support.
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We require the best organic mattress to hold certifications from independent organizations for us to consider it organic. The Naturepedic EOS Classic Organic Mattress has many of them, including Made Safe certification, EWG verification, GreenGuard Gold certification, and GOTS certification.
What really sets the EOS Classic apart is its dual firmness design that allows couples to choose from five different firmnesses for each side of the bed. So, this mattress can accommodate you and your partner if you have differing comfort preferences.
Organic cotton and wool batting are used to make the bed's quilted top layer. Below that is an organic latex layer. Latex is a responsive material that adjusts to your body and supplies good bounce. Individually wrapped coils make up the support core and more supportive coils around the sides supply edge support. The coils are enclosed in organic cotton. Vegan folks and those with allergies might consider the EOS Classic's wool-free model and latex-free version.
The Naturepedic EOS Classic mattress took more work to set up than most other mattresses. It came in four boxes, which made it easier to carry to my third-floor bedroom, but I needed 20 minutes to assemble it. Most beds take five minutes. Fortunately, its unique design makes it so you can switch out the comfort layer as your preferences change over the years, which could help it serve you longer.
I got the bed with plush on one side and medium on the other. I loved the pressure relief. This along with the superb spinal alignment will appeal to side sleepers.
The edge support was great when lying and sitting on the side. I could barely feel my wife's movements when she joined me in bed, and the Naturepedic bed did well in our motion isolation tests.
I didn't like how hot the Naturepedic EOS Classic got. I overheated a night or two while testing it. So, you might want to get some cooling products if you tend to overheat or choose a cooling mattress. Likewise, if overheating is a concern for you, the Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress is organic and exceptionally cooling. It's likewise, a great pick for couples, as noted in our guide to the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, because it appeals to all sleep types, but did incur some motion transfer. Read our Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress review.
The EOS Classic comes with a 100-night trial. During that time, if you find it's uncomfortable, you can either return it or switch out comfort layers for free.
Read our full Naturepedic EOS Classic Organic Mattress review.
Best luxury
The pricey Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed is all about customization, with firmness, temperature, and incline adjustments.
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I've tested several high-end mattresses in the $5,000 and higher range. The $10,000 Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed is the only one I'd consider buying. It has many of the same features as the Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed, but the built-in heating and cooling system sets it apart from all other adjustable airbeds.
With the SleepIQ app, you control the temperature of your side of the bed. For example, you can schedule it to warm up before bedtime, cool down while you sleep, and warm up again when it's time to wake up. Your partner can set a different heating and cooling schedule for their side. The heating system made a noticeable noise when engaged. My wife joked that it was like jet engines starting up. Yet, at no time did the bed's noises disrupt our sleep.
The app is also useful for adjusting the incline of the bed frame that the Climate360 comes with. You can also select your "Sleep Number," one of the 20 firmness options. My Sleep Number was 55, a smidge firmer than average. This provided my ideal comfort and support while side sleeping. As I shifted positions, the air automatically adjusted to keep the support consistent, nurturing outstanding sleep quality.
I track my sleep quality using a smartwatch, but the Climate360 has a built-in sleep tracker that produces accurate metrics. The app offers sleep advice based on your stats.
I tested the Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed in split king size, which is basically two twin XL mattresses next to each other. Because of this, the bed had the best motion isolation I've ever tested. It easily passed the bowling ball test and had the lowest vibrometer reading. I was well supported when lying on the edge, but the side sank more than average when I sat on it. Still, this is the best luxury mattress for couples where cost is of little concern.
What to look for in mattresses for couples
We have a whole guide on how to choose a mattress, including the differences between mattress types and firmness recommendations based on sleeping styles and body type.
In this section, I focus on specific characteristics couples should consider based on my five years of testing mattresses and my interviews with Logan Schneider, clinical associate professor of sleep medicine at Stanford Sleep Center, and Rebecca Robbins, PhD, associate scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and instructor at Harvard Medical School.
- Size: Schneider recommends choosing a mattress large enough for both people to sleep undisturbed. "You can always get closer on a larger mattress, but you can't get further away on a small mattress," he said. For an average-sized adult, that's a queen or larger. Check out our mattress size chart for detailed recommendations.
- Edge support: Good edge support goes hand in hand with size because it gives you more space to sleep comfortably. You don't want to feel like you'll fall off the bed when your partner encroaches on your side.
- Motion isolation: "Movement itself can be disruptive to the other individual," said Schneider. He recommends finding a mattress that dampens motion transfer so that your sleep isn't disturbed when your partner tosses and turns in the night.
- Comfort: A comfortable bed is crucial for a good night's sleep. If you and your partner have similar firmness preferences, this isn't a problem. However, if you have drastically different needs, consider an adjustable airbed with different firmness levels on each side. If this isn't an option, choose a bed with a long, risk-free home trial so you can return it if it doesn't fit your needs.
- Ease of movement and bounce: These features are helpful for sexually active couples. They make it easy to change positions and engage in intimate activities.
Schneider and Robbins said couples should consider sleeping apart to improve their sleep quality. "If it means sleeping in different bedrooms, either because one partner snores or one partner isn't happy with the mattress, then that is absolutely OK," said Robbins. "Furthermore, it will allow you to be a better partner to the person that you share your life with. So really, prioritizing sleep is really critical for couples."
My wife and I went through a "sleep divorce" and are much happier for it.
How we tested mattresses for couples
I slept on all mattresses in this guide for 14 nights or more. Additionally, I put them through several objective tests to assess their suitability for couples, including tests for comfort, motion dampening, and edge support.
Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:
| Attribute | Leesa Sapira Hybrid | Zinus Cooling Green Tea | Helix Midnight | Nest Bedding Finch | GhostBed Luxe | Sleep Number i8 | Saatva Solaire | Allswell Supreme | Sleep Number Climate360 | Naturepedic EOS Classic |
| Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest) | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 5.5 | 6 | 20 levels | 50 levels | 5 | 20 levels | 5 options |
| Motion isolation (1 awful to 10 best) | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 6 |
| Edge support (1 awful to 10 best) | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Heat dissipation (1 traps heat to 10 stays cool) | 7 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 7 | Custom | 3 |
| Trial period (night) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 365 | 101 | 100 | 365 | 90 | 100 | 100 |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime | 10 | Lifetime | Lifetime | 25 | 15 | Lifetime | 10 | 15 | 25 |
Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:
Comfort: When sleeping on each mattress, I noted the most comfortable positions, my sleep quality measured by a Garmin watch, and how cool it stayed. I measured heat dissipation using a laser thermometer to compare the mattresses' surface temperatures before bed, right after getting up, and two minutes after getting up.
Edge support: I conducted two tests to evaluate this. First, I sat on the mattress's edge and measured the sinkage. I considered the edge support good if it was less than 4 inches. Secondly, I positioned myself on the edge and slowly rolled closer until I fell off. The bed provided excellent edge support if my body reached a 45-degree angle before falling.
Motion isolation: I assessed motion isolation using two tests. First, I dropped a bowling ball from 4 feet above the mattress, so it landed a foot from a soda can. If the can toppled, it indicated poor motion isolation, but if it remained upright, it meant excellent motion dampening. Secondly, I put a vibrometer on the side opposite from where the bowling ball landed and compared the vibration intensities. The split-king Sleep Number Climate360 had the lowest vibration value at 5.5 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. Of the beds in this guide, the Nest Bedding Finch had the highest, a still respectable 7.4.
Bounce: Bounce is a secondary measurement I take during the bowling ball test. I note how much the bowling ball bounces after it hits the mattress.
Trial and warranty: I closely read the details of the warranty and home trial to look for loopholes, like charges for restocking and return shipping. You should generally expect a 10-year warranty and 100-night trial period, with free returns.
Couples mattresses FAQs
How do you choose a bed for couples?
The best way to decide if a bed is right for you and your partner is to sleep on it. So, a long, risk-free home trial is a must. When picking a mattress, firmness is a good guide. Beds with average firmness will appeal to most sleepers, though stomach sleepers may want a firmer mattress. For more detailed advice, see the "What to look for in mattresses for couples" section above.
What is the best mattress thickness for couples?
Schneider said this is a difficult question because there is no scientific research on the best mattress thickness. He recommends going with whatever thickness feels comfortable and supportive. After testing more than 80 mattresses, I've found those 10 inches or thicker are likelier to be supportive and relieving.
Which type of mattress is best for couples?
Adjustable airbeds feature independently adjustable firmness levels and can come in "split" sizes that are like sleeping in separate beds, decreasing motion transfer. If an adjustable bed is out of your price range, consider a hybrid mattress. The coils tend to offer more edge support and improved motion isolation.
What mattress firmness is best for couples sharing a bed?
While firmness is a matter of personal preference, mattresses with average firmness tend to appeal to the broadest range of sleepers and are more likely to be best for couples. However, if you and your partner are back or stomach sleepers, you might want to consider a medium-firm bed.
What size mattress should couples buy?
"Based on the average person size, I typically suggest maybe a queen or larger," Schneider said. "Anytime you add a third party to that — be it an animal, be it a small child — I think a king-size bed."
What is the best mattress with different firmness on each side?
If you can afford it, the Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed is the best mattress for couples with different firmness preferences since you can completely customize your experience. If you can't afford the $10,000 price tag, consider one of Sleep Number's other mattresses. They all have independently adjustable firmness settings on each side of the mattress.
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