Relationships are all about compromises, and that extends to your bed, too. The best mattresses for couples find that sweet spot that can make you both comfortable and happy. They have superior motion isolation, excellent edge support and advanced cooling capabilities. Our top pick is the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress because it scored well in all of these areas during our testing. Plus, it has a luxury feel that adds some plushness while keeping you supported.
If you have specific needs -- i.e. you're both hot sleepers or you'd like to be able to control the firmness of each side of the bed separately -- we have recommendations for that too. Below, you'll find the 11 best mattresses for couples, based on testing and our extensive research.
Our sleep experts have years of experience testing and covering mattresses. We've collectively tested more than 120 mattresses and stay up-to-date with the latest from the most popular mattress brands. Using this firsthand experience, we've written dozens of mattress guides from mattresses for side sleepers to mattresses for stomach sleepers.
We selected the best mattresses for couples based on research and recommendations from editors who have tried some of these mattresses firsthand.
A mattress is a big investment, and it's important to select one that makes you and your partner happy. Consider these factors while you shop.
Some mattresses include special materials and foam to help minimize motion transfer. So, if your partner tosses and turns or gets up in the middle of the night, they won't disturb you.
Memory foam mattresses typically have better motion isolation than hybrid models. However, if you don't like the feel of sinking into your bed, a hybrid mattress can still be a good choice. Just make sure you get one with plenty of foam comfort layers and reinforced edges. Innerspring mattresses have the most bounce, so they're not ideal for minimizing motion transfer.
Support is a fundamental function of a mattress, and mattresses for couples should be durable enough to properly support the weight of two people. To find a mattress that's up to the task, look for high-density foams, sturdy innersprings and reinforced edges.
Couples with a higher combined weight (around 500 pounds) do better with a mattress that's specifically designed to support more weight, like the Helix Plus. These mattresses are made with reinforced springs and thicker comfort layers to reduce the likelihood of premature sagging and indentations.
Couples who enjoy spreading out benefit from a mattress that offers extra support around the perimeter. When a mattress sags around the perimeter, bed partners are more likely to stay in the middle for more support, and that can feel cramped. Sufficient edge support also makes it easier to get in and out of bed and minimizes the sensation that you're going to slide to the floor if you sit on the side.
Hybrid mattresses and innerspring mattresses typically have better edge support than other bed types because of the coil layers. However, thicker memory foam mattresses with dense foam layers can also provide decent edge support.
If one or both of you are light sleepers, look for a mattress that won't squeak every time you move. Because of their innerspring layers, hybrid mattresses tend to be noisier than their all-foam counterparts. However, most modern hybrids have tightly wound, individually pocketed coils that make this less of an issue.
If noise reduction is an important consideration for you, look for a mattress with great motion isolation. The same materials that absorb movement tend to be among the quietest.
The right firmness level for you is largely personal decision, though body type and sleep style play a major role as well. If you and your partner have different sleep styles and preferences, a medium to medium-firm mattress should work well. This middle-of-the-road firmness can suit most people and sleeping positions.
You'll want to consider your body types as well. People with larger bodies tend to sink into the top layers of a mattress more, making it important to pick a mattress that's a little firmer with more support. Conversely, those under 130 pounds perceive mattresses as firmer then they are, which can make even medium-firm mattresses feel too hard. A bed with a medium firmness is always a good place to start, but if you and your partner have different body types, you may want to consider a mattress with customizable firmness on each side.
Your preferred sleeping position often determines the ideal mattress firmness for you. Back and stomach sleepers tend to get the most support and comfort out of medium-firm to firm mattresses. Side sleepers typically feel the most comfortable with soft to medium firmness levels, since they have more give around the shoulders and hips.
Couples tend to generate more body heat, making cooling an important consideration when choosing a bed. Hybrid mattresses generally sleep cooler than memory foam, although most modern foam beds are made with cooling materials like gel foams and GlacioTex covers. If cooling is important to you, look for coils and/or breathable materials like bamboo (rayon or viscose), gel-infused foam and latex.
Mattresses for couples can range in price from $200 to well over $2,500. In our opinion, you likely need to spend around $1,000 to $2,000 for a quality queen size mattress. For couples looking for a king-size mattress, expect to pay a bit more. Like when shopping for any big-ticket item, make sure to keep your own budget in mind when choosing a mattress.