More than 35 percent of adults sleep poorly on a regular basis, according to research. And many couples who don’t sleep well may notice a strain in their relationships. Studies suggest that poor sleep can lead to 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 after switching to better mattresses. Even more participants (about 80 percent) reported improved sleep quality, which bodes well for your relationship.
Lack of sleep can lead to higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Sleep deprivation can also lower thinking and problem-solving skills, attention span, memory, patience, and ability to connect with family and friends. One study has shown that sleep-deprived people have a decreased ability to assess emotions in another individual.
Robert Oexman, chiropractic physician and founder of Somly
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
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.”
Best Mattress for Couples Overall
The best mattress for couples is the Helix Midnight because it accommodates most sleep positions and body types, isolates motion well, and offers enough responsiveness and bounce for easy movement during sex.
The hybrid A type of mattress made with foam layers and spring layers. Helix Midnight earned 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).
What you need to know about the best mattresses for couples
The Helix Midnight is the best overall mattress for couples.
The average price of a queen-size mattress in our review is $1,728.50.
Partners with different sleep preferences may consider a medium-firm mattress that accommodates multiple positions.
Restless sleepers may need to consider a motion-isolating mattress, like the Nolah Signature 12″, to avoid disturbing their partner.
The best mattresses for sex have a fair amount of bounce, great edge support, and good cooling capabilities.
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
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “sex” and “family” scores.
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.
According to our survey
According to our survey, about 80 percent of all respondents say their new mattress helps them sleep better, and 65 percent report improved mental health.
As our testers evaluate each brand and its features, we consider why many people choose a new mattress in the first place. Of our respondents in our [month/year] survey, 42 percent decided to purchase a new mattress for “improved comfort and support for better sleep,” while only seven percent did so for “pain relief and targeted support.” The most common pain respondents wanted relieved was lower back pain.
Despite only 42 percent of respondents prioritizing comfort and support for better sleep when shopping for a new mattress, 68 percent reported they sleep longer on their new mattress and 49 percent and 45 percent, respectively, said their stress and anxiety had improved after switching to their new mattress. Almost all mattress owners we surveyed (95 percent) were at least somewhat satisfied with their new mattress.
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.
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 bounce, edge support (the sturdiness of your mattress edge), and cooling capabilities the same way on each mattress and compare the results. That way we can 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 need.
From our tester
“During our research, we realized that the brand’s firmness scale and perceived firmness aren’t always the same. 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.”
A note on our testing
We acknowledge that every body is different, and what feels comfortable to one person may not feel comfortable to another. Throughout our reviews, we refer to weight categories as light (below 130 pounds), average (130 to 250 pounds), and high (above 250 pounds) to distinguish between body weights.
Typically, lighter sleepers perceive mattresses to feel firmer than they are, and higher-weight sleepers perceive mattresses to feel softer than they are. Keep in mind that most mattresses are designed for the average-weight person.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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″
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
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.
Frequently asked questions
The best mattress for couples is the Helix Midnight because it accommodates most sleep positions and body types, isolates motion well for a hybrid, and offers enough responsiveness and bounce for easy movement during sex.
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.
- Audigier, A., Glass, S., Slotter, E. B., & Pantesco, E. (2023). Tired, angry, and unhappy with us: Poor sleep quality predicts increased anger and worsened perceptions of relationship quality. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. Link
- Bolton, R., Hulshof, H., Daanen, H. A., & van Dieën, J. H. (2022). Effects of mattress support on sleeping position and low-back pain. Sleep Science and Practice, 6(1), 3. Link
- Sprajcer, M., Reynolds, A., Paterson, J. L., Bachmann, A., & Lastella, M. (2022). Sleeping together: Understanding the association between relationship type, sexual activity, and sleep. Sleep Science, 15(Spec 1), 80-88 Link