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

Written by Elizabeth Fuhrman
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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

$1899 Sleep Number

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

$1099 DreamCloud

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

$2179 Saatva

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

$2499 TEMPUR-Pedic

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Best mattress with adjustable sides Sleep Number Classic Series, from $1,899 for a queen at Sleep Number

Sleep Numbers have long been a leader in the adjustable-mattress game, plus they’re famously breathable and supportive, too. For couples, being able to change up the firmness on each side and dial in personal preference can be a gamechanger for getting a good night’s sleep together. 

“Each partner can adjust firmness to their exact preference, which is a lifesaver for couples with different sleep styles,” says Dr. Allie Buttarazzi, a Maine-based lifestyle medicine and primary care physician who helps women improve sleep and build sustainable health habits.

“My in-laws swear by theirs, and I love that some models even offer active cooling and warming for couples with opposite temperature needs—hello, menopause!” 

Sleep Number trial period: 

Sleep Number’s mattress test period is 365 days and nights.

$1,899 for a queen at Sleep Number

Pros

  • ✓ Customizable firmness on each side 
  • ✓ Great for back and stomach sleepers 
  • ✓ SleepIQ tracking with app 

Cons

  • ✕ Can feel too hard at lowest settings 

Best supportive mattress for couples DreamCloud Premier Hybrid, from $1,099 for a queen at DreamCloud

“When two people share a bed, you need solid support, minimal motion transfer, and consistent comfort on both sides,” says Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, a spinal surgeon at the The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care in New Jersey. 

“The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid provides that balance,” he says. “Its coil base keeps the spine aligned even when one partner moves, while the foam layers cushion pressure points. It’s a great choice for couples who want comfort without sacrificing spinal support.” 

DreamCloud trial period: 

DreamCloud’s mattress test period is 365 days and nights.

$1,099 for a queen at DreamCloud

Pros

  • ✓ Wrapped coils for high motion isolation 
  • ✓ Cashmere-blend top feels luxe
  • ✓ Foam layers support and relieve pressure 

Cons

  • ✕  Might be too firm for some 
  • ✕  Low bounce, which makes movement harder 

Best pocket-sprung mattress for couples Saatva Luxury Firm Classic Mattress, from $2,179 for a queen at Saatva

Couples should look for pocket-spring mattresses like this bestseller from Saatva, says chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning specialist Matt Tanneberg. They last a long time and tend not to sink or cave in like other mattress types, he says, especially with two bodies sleeping on them. 

If you or your partner tends to toss and turn to get comfy in bed, a mattress like this helps reduce motion transfer.

“These are also great for couples due to the ‘stability’ of the springs,” he says. “This allows each person to toss and turn as they please without disturbing their partner.” 

However, there’s one thing to keep in mind: Pocket-sprung mattresses might not suit couples who sleep on their sides. Tanneberg adds that since they tend to be firmer, due to the lack of plush layers where springs are instead, they’re best for back- and side-sleepers. 

Saatva’s trial period: 

Saatva’s mattress test period is 365 nights.

$2,179 for a queen at Saatva

Pros

  • ✓ Strong edge support  
  • ✓ Good cooling features for hot sleepers 
  • ✓ Dual-coil system is durable over time 

Cons

  • ✕ Above-average price tag  
  • ✕ Lacks deep sink-in feeling of memory foam 

Best mattress for motion isolation TEMPUR-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Hybrid, from $2,499 for a queen at TEMPUR-Pedic

Tempur-Pedic’s line of pressure-relieving Adapt mattresses are all about cushioning, support, and motion isolation, making them a great choice for couples who tend to be light sleepers when it comes to tossing and turning partners.  

“It has top-tier motion isolation, which is great for partners who wake easily,” says Dr. Barbara Sparacino, a triple board-certified physician in adult and geriatric psychiatry and addiction medicine—and who often addresses sleep challenges in her work. 

Plus, she adds, if one or both of you suffer from chronic pain, it offers the support you need for a good snooze.  

Tempur-Pedic’s trial period: 

Tempur-pedic’s mattress test period is 90 nights.

$2,499 for a queen at TEMPUR-Pedic

Pros

  • ✓ Excellent motion isolation 
  • ✓ Meant to relieve pressure with excellent support 

Cons

  • ✕  Some customers report overly deep contouring 
  • ✕  Above-average price tag 

Best moisturizer with exfoliation: AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

“Another all-time favorite is AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion for those bodies that need extra exfoliation for the rough dry skin,” says Kobens. “The 12% ammonium lactate is a hydrator and exfoliator, while ingredients like glycerin, mineral oil and dimethicone are great emollients to keep hydration in the skin and smooth it out.”

Her rec does come with a caveat.

$25 at Amazon

 “Just a word of caution: It's not for the irritated, red or cracked skin since the 12% ammonium lactate can make skin itchy and burn due to its low pH,” she says. “However, it’s perfect for exfoliating and hydrating the rough skin that isn’tt irritated or sensitive.

Pros

  • ✓ Great exfoliation courtesy of a 12% lactic acid formula
  • ✓ Lightweight formula absorbs quickly Great for severely dry skin, rough patches, and keratosis pilaris

Cons

  • ✕ Can irritate or sting sensitive, irritated, red, or cracked skin
  • ✕ Must wear SPF thanks to presence of acids

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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