Experts recommend the 5 best mattresses for you and your S.O

What someone needs for a good night’s sleep varies a ton from person to person, whether we’re talking the level of ambient noise, the darkness of the room, and, crucially, the kind of mattress they need. That means that when it comes to mattress shopping for couples, there can be a few extra challenges: One person might prefer a plush, sink-into-it mattress while the other might go for a firmer mode. Or, one person might be a light sleeper while the other tosses and turns. 

Mattresses are an investment, so making the right purchase is crucial: They’re often on the expensive side and designed to last up to 10 years. On the plus side? Most companies these days offer an extended trial period where you can make sure it’s right for you.

The more informed you are in your search for the best mattress for you and your S.O., the better. We’ve talked to six health professionals, mattress testers, and other sleep and mattress experts for their recommendations for the best mattresses for couples. 

Tips for mattress shopping as a couple 

As with many other parts of a relationship, communication is key. After all, about one-third of your day will be spent laying on this (not cheap) purchase. Here’s how to successfully find the best mattress for you and your partner. 

  • Communicate your sleep needs transparently. “When couples shop for a mattress together, they both need to be transparent about what they need,” says Dr. Daniella Marchetti, a licensed sleep psychologist whose work focuses on treating insomnia, CPAP adherence, and circadian rhythm disorders in both adults and children.

  • Don’t let the initial price of a mattress put you off. Mattress companies have a ton of sales and discounts, so don’t let the full price (including on our expert picks) put you off. Chances are if the mattress you want isn’t on sale, it will be soon. 

  • Consider three key things when mattress shopping as a couple. According to Marchetti, there are three top things to consider when buying a mattress as a couple: 

    • How much space you need to sleep without feeling crowded

    • The type of support you need for your body and sleeping position

    • How much motion isolation is preferred on each side 

  • Think outside of the box. If it’s hard to reach a compromise because you and your partner have different sleep preferences in these departments, then Marchetti suggests trying mattresses with dual-firmness options or split configurations. That way each person gets the experience they need for a good night’s sleep. 

Ready to start the search? Check out our sleep and mattress experts’ top picks for mattresses for couples.

Experts’ top picks for best mattress for couples

Sleep Number Classic Series, from $1,899: Customizable firmness for each side

DreamCloud Premier Hybrid, from $1,099: Pressure-relieving foam with wrapped-coil support

Saatva Luxury Firm Classic Mattress, from $2,179 : A cool pick for hot sleepers

TEMPUR-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Hybrid, : Great motion isolation and pressure relief 

FAQ

When buying a mattress as a couple, the goal is for each person to feel as comfortable as they need to be for a good night’s sleep, whatever that feels like for them. 

The most important factors when buying a mattress as a couple are: 

  • Motion isolation
  • Firmness balance
  • Edge support

Size

Hybrid mattresses are generally a good fit for many couples. The combination of foam layers and a coil support system means you get pressure relief, responsiveness, and airflow. They also tend to be more comfortable, durable, and better at temperature regulation than some all-foam or traditional innerspring options.

Generally speaking, a medium to medium-firm mattress works for many. It will give you enough cushioning if you’re a side sleeper but also support back and stomach sleepers. If you and your partner have very different firmness preferences, try looking for mattresses with zoned support or dual-firmness designs to help bridge the gap.

Motion isolation is a must-have for many couples, especially if one tosses and turns more than the other, wakes up earlier, gets up a lot at night, or comes to bed later. Mattresses with memory foam or well-designed hybrid layers tend to score high for this since they absorb movement well. 

A queen or king mattress size works well for couples. A queen offers enough space for two sleepers and is a good fit for smaller bedrooms, while a king provides extra room for couples who like to have personal space, share the bed with pets, or have different sleep schedules. 

Edge support increases the usable sleep surface of a mattress, which is a plus when two people are sharing a bed. Strong edges prevent sagging if you frequently sit on the edge of the bed, and it also allows each of you sleep closer to the edge without feeling unstable or crowded toward the center.

Couples who sleep hot should buy mattresses with cooling and airflow features. Plenty of modern hybrid designs offer this with breathable coil systems, cooling foams, and temperature-regulating covers that help dissipate heat. Since two bodies generate more warmth than one, a mattress with cooling features and good airflow can make a noticeable difference in sleep comfort.

  • We only spoke to qualified mattress and sleep experts, such as spinal surgeons and mattress testers, to recommend products for this article. 
  • All recommendations from the featured sleep and mattress experts are independently chosen. They don’t have any brand affiliation with the featured brands or products.
  • We never pay experts for their recommendations.

If These Walls Could Talk” operates independently and exercises sole editorial discretion in all content decisions. While certain brands, products, or services referenced may have current or prior relationships with our affiliated marketing agency, such relationships do not influence our editorial content. We disclaim any liability for conflicts of interest, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on our content. All information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional or individualized advice.

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