You’re not alone if you are struggling to find the best split king mattress for you and your partner’s differing sleep needs. Whether it’s back pain, restless nights, or different firmness preferences, it can be difficult to get a restful night’s sleep when there are two of you in bed. A split king mattress allows couples to customize their sleeping preferences on each side of the bed. In our 2024 guide, the HelpGuide Handbook Team narrows your search to the best split mattress options for cooling, customization, luxury, affordability, and more.

Best split king mattress overall

The Saatva Classic split king mattress is our pick for the best split king mattress. Our testers liked its versatility, including three firmness levels and two height options. Couples enjoy advanced pressure relief with the Saatva Classic’s dual-coil system and lumbar support, alongside free white-glove delivery and a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

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Best split king mattress overall
9.8 Excellent
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Three firmness levels and two height options.
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Dual-coil system and lumbar support provide advanced pressure relief.
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Lifetime warranty and free white-glove delivery.
9.8 Excellent
Check Price

Our pick of the best split king mattress

HelpGuide Handbook’s Mattress Testing Methodology

The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress. For example, we record: 

  • Firmness score and whether the mattress is best for back, side, or stomach sleepers.
  • Starting temperature of the mattress and how much it heats up after two testers lie on the mattress for five minutes.
  • How many times a 10-pound ball bounces on the mattress after dropping from a height of 2 feet in order to arrive at a mattress bounce score.
Our Mattress Testing Process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers. Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab. Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness. Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position. Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage. Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading. Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences. Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score. Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation. Test motion isolation.
Test edge support. Test edge support.
Calculate composite “sex” and “family” scores. Calculate composite “sex” and “family” scores.

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, 42 percent decide to purchase a new mattress for “improved comfort and support for better sleep,” while only 7 percent do so for “pain relief and targeted support.” The most common pain respondents want relieved is lower back pain. 

Despite only 42 percent of respondents prioritizing comfort and support for better sleep when shopping for a new mattress, 68 percent report they sleep longer on their new mattress and 49 percent and 45 percent, respectively, say their stress and anxiety has improved after switching to their new mattress. Almost all mattress owners we surveyed (95 percent) are at least somewhat satisfied with their new mattress. 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 structur 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. This 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 heavy (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.

of research
1000+   hours
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100+   models
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interviewed
7   people
interviewed
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21   experts
consulted

The Handbook

Keep these features in mind while comparing split king mattresses:

If you will use an adjustable base with your split king mattress, ensure compatibility first. If you will use an adjustable base with your split king mattress, ensure compatibility first.
Keep an eye out for split king mattress models that let you personalize the firmness levels on each side. Keep an eye out for split king mattress models that let you personalize the firmness levels on each side.
Strong motion isolation prevents you from feeling your partner’s movements, like restless legs or tossing and turning. Strong motion isolation prevents you from feeling your partner’s movements, like restless legs or tossing and turning.
Look for generous trial periods and warranties that show confidence in the mattress’s quality. Look for generous trial periods and warranties that show confidence in the mattress’s quality.

 Compare the best split king mattresses
Price $2,790 $1,098 $1,600 $1,090 $3,198 $3,920 $2,930
Firmness 7/10 6.5/10 8/10 6.5/10 7/10 6.5/10 7.5/10
Material Hybrid Foam Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid
Warranty Lifetime Lifetime 10 years Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime 10 years
Trial period 365 nights 365 nights 120 nights 365 nights 120 nights 120 nights 120 nights
Best for Back sleepers* Side sleepers Heavy back, stomach, and combination sleepers Side, stomach, and back sleepers Back, side, and combination sleepers Back, side, and combination sleepers Back and stomach sleepers

The best split king mattresses reviews

Best split king mattress overall: Saatva Classic

Best split king mattress overall
Saatva Classic

The Saatva Classic Mattress is a top-tier choice in the luxury split king mattress market. It offers versatile solutions for all sleep positions, body types, and support needs—making it a natural fit for couples with differing sleep needs. Saatva also comes with sizable perks: free white-glove delivery, a lifetime warranty, and a one-year trial period to test it out.

Key features
  • Rating: 9.8/10.
  • Firmness: 7/10 (medium-firm).
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: One year.
  • Height: 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches.
Our final verdict

Saatva Classic’s customization options stand out to our mattress testers. Whether you’re a side sleeper seeking plush comfort or a stomach sleeper in need of firmer support, the mattress offers a tailored solution. Buyers can choose from three firmness levels (plush soft, luxury firm, and firm), catering to a wide range of sleep preferences. We’ve tested the luxury firm model. We are impressed to find that the mattress also comes in two height options, 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches, accommodating both taller sleepers and those looking for a lower profile.

The mattress also stands out for its dual-coil system, which includes individually wrapped coils and a traditional innerspring unit. This design gives sleepers personalized pressure relief and consistent support—ensuring comfort and spine alignment while sleeping.

The Saatva Classic’s lumbar support also makes it the best mattress for back pain in our lineup. There’s extra cushioning around the center of the bed’s pillow top to lift and support your midsection. One of our mattress testers shares that her midsection felt “perfectly lifted” while lying on either her back or stomach.

The Saatva Classic’s commitment to luxury extends beyond its construction. Our testers appreciate the brand’s attention to detail when it comes to customer experience. With free white-glove delivery, Saatva ensures a seamless setup and even removes your old mattress. The company’s policies, including a one-year-long sleep trial, reflect confidence in the product’s quality and durability.

To learn more, read our Saatva mattress review.

Pros and cons of the Helix Midnight
Pros Three firmness and two height options. Free white-glove delivery. Eco-friendly organic cotton. Spine alignment and lumbar support. Cons Higher price tag. Terms of lifetime warranty change after three years.
Our top pick

Most affordable: Nectar

Most affordable
Nectar

Starting at less than $1,100, Nectar is the best affordable mattress on our list. It fits the bill for a comfortable split king mattress on a budget. It also stands out for its pressure relief, motion isolation, versatile upgrade options, and generous customer policies.

Key features
  • Rating: 9/10.
  • Price: $1,098.
  • Firmness: 6.5/10 (medium-firm).
  • Material: Foam (hybrid available).
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Height: 12 inches.
Our final verdict

For those seeking an affordable and supportive split king mattress, Nectar is a smart pick. It’s also low risk, with a one-year trial, lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns. For less than $1,100, you’ll get a 12-inch split king mattress with single-action cooling. Upgrade options are available for an extra inch of height and dual-action cooling. For either model, you can choose between memory foam and hybrid materials.

Our testers find the top layers of the foam model offer a soft, cradling sensation, making it ideal for side and back sleepers. One tester specifically appreciates the pressure relief on her joints while testing. That said, our stomach-sleeper testers notice midsection sinking and a lack of lumbar support. This could be a concern for stomach sleepers and higher-weight people, who might not feel enough support, especially with the memory foam model that has no springs.

From our tester

“Since these layers are pretty dense, they're able to stifle the feeling of motion pretty well. If you sleep with a partner and move around a lot, this helps ensure you're not shaking them awake. They also do a pretty good job with pressure relief, keeping the most sensitive joints from feeling all of the weight bearing down on them.”

The Nectar split king mattress is a good fit for those who want to sleep soundly through a bedmate’s movements like restless leg syndrome. In our testing notes, we consistently find that its memory foam absorbs movement easily—even for larger movements like a partner repositioning or getting in and out of bed.

Despite its breathable top cooling layer, the Nectar’s base model may not be the top choice for hot sleepers. All-foam mattress models tend to trap heat while hybrid mattresses (foam and coils) allow more airflow and cooling. Those prioritizing temperature regulation might upgrade to Nectar’s hybrid split king mattress model.

Learn more in our Nectar mattress review.

Pros and cons of the Nectar mattress
Pros Affordable. Versatile upgrades. Contouring memory foam. Motion isolation. Cons Below-average cooling. Less support for heavy and stomach sleepers. Potential sinking at midsection.

Best for heavy people: Titan Plus

Best for heavy people
Titan Plus

The Titan Plus split king mattress has earned its reputation as the best mattress for heavy sleepers. Designed with them in mind, it offers a firm and stable surface, solid construction, and cooling properties.

Key features
  • Rating: 9.2/10.
  • Price: $1,600.
  • Firmness: 8/10 (firm).
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Warranty: 10 years.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Height: 11 inches.
Our final verdict

The Titan Plus split king mattress offers robust construction to support higher-weight sleepers. It’s made of an 11-inch profile and five layers, including an optional GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover. The top layer is a one-inch quilted gel memory foam that resists body impressions and provides cooling comfort. The second layer is a two-inch TitanFlex™ foam, offering responsive contouring and targeted pressure point relief. The core is a six-inch layer of individually encased coils, providing industrial support and top-notch motion isolation. The base is a durable, two-inch high-density foam.

From our tester

“Bottom line: for all plus-size sleepers, there should be plenty of support and pressure relief regardless of your sleeping position.”

Our testers praise Titan Plus’ firm yet pressure-relieving feel and feel comfortable in various sleeping positions. The mattress’ edge support is also noteworthy with strong coils creating a stable surface. This means you can safely spread out at night without the fear of sagging edges. If your partner tosses and turns, the Titan Plus has great motion isolation, providing disturbance-free sleep for those with restless partners.

Those who run hot at night will appreciate the cooling features of the Titan Plus. The combination of gel-infused memory foam and its breathable coil structure helps regulate temperature throughout the night. For those with back pain or sciatica, the Titan Plus offers support and alignment. Its proprietary foams and extra-strong coils work together to lift and support the body, providing relief without sacrificing comfort.

Not sure if the plus-size is for you?

Not sure if this plus-size mattress is for you? On the Titan Plus product page, 2,500+ verified customers share their opinions, alongside their age, weight range, sleep style, and solo versus couple sleeping status.

Pros and cons of the Titan Plus mattress
Pros Affordable. Cooling cover and edge support. 120-night trial. Standout motion isolation. Cons May be too firm for some sleepers.

Best for luxury: DreamCloud

Best for luxury
DreamCloud

The DreamCloud split king mattress offers well-rounded luxury at a surprisingly affordable price. The medium-firm mattress provides top-notch responsiveness, motion isolation, sleep-position versatility, and fair customer policies.

Key features
  • Rating: 9.2/10.
  • Price: $1,090.
  • Firmness: 7/10 (medium-firm).
  • Material: Hybrid (foam available).
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Height: 12 inches.
Our final verdict

The DreamCloud split king mattress offers affordable luxury with quality construction. Our testers like the medium-firm feel with a balance between soft pressure relief and solid support. They notice consistent support across different sleep positions, whether sleeping on their side, stomach, or back.

You can choose between a memory foam and hybrid model. With eight mattress layers (the most of any of our top picks) and a combination of CertiPUR-US® certified foams and individually wrapped coils, its hybrid model delivers an especially luxurious experience. Its gel-infused memory foam helps with temperature regulation while its cashmere blend cover adds a cozy touch.
As far as drawbacks, DreamCloud’s edges have reinforced coils but still show some weakness during testing, and the mattress might not suit those seeking a deep contour or a softer, hugging experience. That said, the mattress’s responsiveness and motion isolation make it a great choice for couples and combo sleepers.

From our tester

“It supports all sleep positions and does a great job of supporting spinal alignment and absorbing the feeling of motion.

We are pleasantly surprised to realize the best luxury mattress on our list is also the second most affordable. The DreamCloud split king is a hybrid (with a memory foam alternative) that supports a variety of sleep positions. With strong support, responsiveness, and motion isolation, it’s a top choice for luxury on a budget.

To learn more, read our DreamCloud mattress review.

Pros and cons of the DreamCloud mattress
Pros Affordable. Good motion isolation. Eight mattress layers. Comfortable side, back, and stomach sleeping. Cons Weak mattress edges. Not for those who prefer a deep contour.

Most customizable: Nolah Evolution

Most customizable
Nolah Evolution

Constructed with seven layers of premium materials, the Nolah Evolution Split King stands tall at 15 inches. This mattress is ideal for couples with edge support and motion isolation that outperform competitors. Couples can also each choose from three levels of firmness for their side of the split king.

Key features
  • Rating: 9.3/10.
  • Price: $3,198.
  • Firmness: 7/10 (medium-firm). 
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Height: 15 inches. 
Our final verdict

The Nolah Evolution split king offers an indulgent sleep experience with customizations perfect for a shared sleeping space. Couples can personalize firmness for both sides of their split king mattress with plush, luxury firm, and firm variations.

Our testers have tried the luxury firm model and find the mattress to be soft yet springy with above-average motion isolation. “Even though it’s got some plush and sink to it, I am still able to move around and reposition easily without feeling like I am being sucked in by quicksand,” one tester says. In other words, Nolah offers above-average responsiveness.

Our testers also praise its edge support. Even with a tall 15-inch profile, the mattress is easy to get in and out of due to its durable perimeter coils. In fact, the Nolah Evolution mattress has 25 percent more coils than traditional spring mattress systems.

Temperature regulation is another strength—the Nolah Evolution has several cooling strategies up its sleeve. Those who overheat will appreciate its breathable foams and fabrics and hybrid construction for better airflow.

Our back- and side-sleeper testers enjoy sinking into the Nolah Evolution’s soft Euro topper. But the Nolah Evolution split king’s plush texture and subpar hip support don’t offer the best support for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers might opt for the firm mattress model for the most support. Another alternative is the Nolah Evolution Comfort+, a highly supportive mattress catering to individuals weighing over 300 pounds.

Pros and cons of the Nolah Evolution mattress
Pros Reinforced edges and motion isolation. Three firmness options and seven mattress layers. Lifetime warranty. Cons Second most expensive on our list. Not ideal for stomach sleepers. May require transport or setup help.

Best cooling: Bear Elite Hybrid

Best cooling
Bear Elite Hybrid

The Bear Elite Hybrid split king mattress offers a luxury sleeping experience. Its advanced cooling features, innovative materials, and targeted coil support make it a great mattress for couples.

Key features
  • Rating: 9.4/10.
  • Price: $3,920.
  • Firmness: 6.5/10 (medium-firm).
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Height: 14 inches.
Our final verdict

Sleepers who run hot will appreciate the Bear Elite Hybrid split king mattress’s cooling technology and next-generation materials. According to our testers, its cooling effect is noticeable as soon as you lay down due to its hybrid coil construction, phase change material (PCM) cover, and copper-infused memory foam.

The Bear Elite Hybrid’s coils help cool air circulate during the night. Meanwhile, the PCM absorbs excess body heat, and the copper-infused foam whisks away unwanted heat. The mattress also uses Celliant® fibers, a textile that encourages temperature regulation and muscle recovery—ideal for couples who are active during the day.

From our tester

“The cooling was immediately noticeable as I laid down on the bed, and I’m pretty sure that it would do a good job of keeping anyone cool throughout the night.”

While many hybrids trade plushness for springiness, the Bear Elite Hybrid split king offers both softness and support. Our testers enjoy its plush feel, citing comfortable contouring around hips and shoulders. The mattress may also benefit sleepers with back, shoulder, or hip pain. Its zoned coil system offers targeted pressure relief, especially in the lumbar area. Its supportive design is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.

Couples will appreciate the minimal motion transfer of this mattress, allowing for undisturbed sleep even if one partner moves during the night. Its reinforced edge coils also provide ample support, allowing both partners to utilize the entire surface of the bed comfortably.

Couples can choose between soft, medium, and firm mattresses, and our testers have tried the medium model. While the Bear Elite Hybrid offers luxurious comfort and support, its plush foam layers may not suit all sleepers. Stomach sleepers and higher-weight sleepers may prefer the firmer model for the best support.

Pros and cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress
Pros A softer hybrid that is cool to the touch. Strong edge support and motion isolation. Three firmnesses options. Cons Most expensive on this list. Might be too soft for higher-weight and stomach sleepers.

Best for back sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Best for back sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

At a moderate price point, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe split king mattress ensures excellent spine alignment and support for back sleepers. This hybrid mattress also excels in bounce, responsiveness, and cooling features.

Key features
  • Rating: 9.2/10.
  • Price: $2,930.
  • Firmness: 7.5/10 (firm).
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Warranty: 10 years.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Height: 13 inches. 
Our final verdict

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe split king mattress is our top recommendation for couples who sleep on their backs. This 13-inch mattress yields some impressive stats during testing. It shows excellent spine alignment and support, particularly for back sleepers, scoring 5/5. Bounce and responsiveness also receives a perfect 5/5, which is ideal for combination sleepers.

Our testers give the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe split king mattress a firmness rating of 7.5/10, noting that it provides comfortable back-sleeping support without feeling too rigid. That said, lightweight back sleepers may opt for the softer end of the mattress’s firmness options (soft, medium, and firm). Our testers do note that there are some stability issues when sitting on the edge, and the motion isolation on this model isn’t great.

Our testers find the mattress to be cool to the touch. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a good fit for couples who run hot at night but want an affordable alternative to our top cooling pick, the Bear Elite Hybrid. The Aurora Luxe mattress excels in cooling due to its cooling cover, cooling-infused foam, and airflow from its hybrid foam-and-coil construction.

The Aurora Luxe also has an optional two-inch Cloud Pillow top. With dual-foam layers, cooling fibers, and body contouring, it’s said to offer extra pressure point relief.

Pros and cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress
Pros Cooling features and three firmness choices. Great spine alignment, bounce, and responsiveness. Optional pillow top. Cons Not great for motion isolation. May be too firm for lightweight sleepers.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, a split king mattress is a versatile solution for couples with different mattress preferences. Both sides of a split king mattress can be adjusted independently, allowing both people to choose a mattress type and firmness level that suits their needs. The best split king mattresses prioritize personalization for both mattress sides.

Look for sheets labeled as “split king” or “adjustable king” to ensure the right fit for your split king mattress. Split king mattresses consist of two twin XL mattresses side by side, so you’ll need appropriately-sized fitted sheets. Also consider thread count and material, but that boils down to your personal preference.

Split king mattresses are typically 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. A split king mattress essentially combines two twin-XL mattresses, placing them side by side.

The Saatva Classic split king mattress is our top pick among the best split king mattresses with two height options and three firmness levels. Couples appreciate its advanced pressure relief and lumbar support. Saatva also comes with perks like free white-glove delivery, a one-year trial, and a lifetime warranty.

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  2. Titan. (2024). Titan Plus Hybrid Mattress: Customer Reviews. Titan by Brooklyn Bedding. Link
  3. Aoife, O. (2021, January 28). What is a split king bed? Nolah. Link