What's the best mattress for couples in 2024? I'm a mattress tester — these are my top picks

You love your partner, but you don't love their snoring, fidgeting, or their ability to generate a massive amount of body heat. Despite these issues, you'd rather not sleep apart. What can you do to avoid tense mornings and sleepless nights while still sharing a bed? For starters, you can browse our guide to the best mattresses for couples, chosen by our sleep experts and everyday shoppers.

The Saatva Classic tops our list for its customizable comfort, minimal motion transfer, breathable materials, and superb edge support — all qualities that earned its title as the best mattress of 2024 for all sleepers. It also comes with a full year to trial it at home, ensuring you and your partner have plenty of time to get acquainted with it.

But like any mattress, the Saatva Classic won't suit everyone. You and your partner may want something sturdier, cooler, or more affordable, so our list spans a range of models and budgets to help you find something both of you can agree on. 

Better yet, with the best Black Friday mattress deals now live, there are plenty of great deals out there to help you save money, giving you one less thing to argue about. Ready to shop? Keep scrolling to discover the best mattresses for couples...

Best mattress for couples: Quick list

If you're short on time, here's a quick look of each of the best mattresses for couples on our list. You can do a quick jump below for more information if something catches your eye.

Best mattress for couples overall

The Saatva Classic is our top mattress for couples overall for its all-around performance, generous extras, and exceptional craftsmanship. It comes in three firmness levels — we recommend the Luxury Firm for most couples as we found it delivers a true medium-firm feel (6.5/10) that'll cater to nearly any sleep style. Since it arrives flat via free White Glove Delivery, you can sleep on it immediately. We found it comfortable from the first night.

During our recent re-testing of the Saatva Classic, it aced all of our performance evaluations. Motion isolation, which we said was lacking in our original review, now rates above average upon reflection on the dozens of other hybrid mattresses we’ve reviewed. For absolutely no movement transfer, consider a split king. You can even pair two twin XLs for a custom split king with different firmness levels on each side.

As an innerspring hybrid with a dual layer of coils, minimal foam components, and an organic cotton cover, the Saatva Classic doesn't retain much heat. This makes it a good choice for hot sleepers. There are high-density foam rails along the perimeter, which yield sturdy edges you can sit or lay on without fear of sinking, allowing you to comfortably use the entire surface. 

To aid sleepers with back pain, there's a high-density Lumbar Crown and a 'spinal wire' to support the lower back and the keep spine properly aligned. Combined with full-body pressure relief, the Saatva Classic is a great choice if you or your partner deals with nagging aches and pains. Our lead tester noticed improvements in her hip, thigh, and lower back pain after spending weeks with her Saatva Classic.

Saatva mattress sales run all year long, but some deals are better than others. The most notable savings take place around major holidays and Black Friday. Saatva offers some of the best extras in the industry with a 365-day trial, a lifetime warranty, and free White Glove Delivery with mattress and foundation removal. Just beware of the $99 returns fee if you decide to send it back.

• Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review

Best affordable hybrid mattress for couples

If the Saatva Classic at the top of our list is outside of your budget, the DreamCloud Hybrid is an affordable alternative that doesn't compromise on luxury. With its high-quality build, it looks and feels far more expensive than it is — it's regularly under $700 for a queen size during DreamCloud mattress sales.

This 12" thick mattress-in-a-box surrounds a core of individually wrapped coils with various foams for balanced support, pressure point relief, and minimal motion transfer. Although it's advertised as a medium-firm mattress, we'd rate it closer to an 8/10 in terms of firmness. 

Smaller bodies may have a hard time adjusting, but average to heavyweight back and stomach sleepers should settle into it nicely. Side sleepers will also need time to break it in but, as our average-sized tester discovered by the end of her three-week review period, it can be quite cozy for side sleeping. 

In our tests, the DreamCloud Hybrid displayed excellent motion isolation, but you can go for a split king if you'd rather not feel each other's movements at all.  The lack of a real 'hugging' sensation combined with the coils and a cashmere-blend cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool, so you and your partner are less likely to wake up sweaty. Edge support is its weakest area, despite its reinforced coils. It's decent, but not on par with the Saatva or the Helix (#4).

In addition to an evergreen sale and an always-low price, DreamCloud offers a one-year trial, free shipping and returns, and a lifetime warranty. It's an incredible value and one of the best hybrid mattresses you can buy today.

• Read more: DreamCloud Mattress review

Best memory foam mattress for couples

If you're wondering if the new Nectar Classic is an improvement over the Nectar Original, which topped our best memory foam mattress guide for the last several years, the answer is a resounding yes. It features a lot of what we loved about the previous Nectar while making improvements in key areas, namely edge support and temperature regulation.

This 12" all-foam mattress comprises three foam layers, a cool-touch top cover, and a shift-resistant lower cover to keep everything in place. After sleeping on a Nectar Classic for six weeks, our lead tester and her partner were impressed with how balanced and stable it was to sleep on. They could hardly feel the other person's movements, and its medium-firm bed feel felt just right for side and back sleeping.   

Would we recommend the Nectar Classic for stomach sleepers, as well? With denser foams than the Original, the Classic should appeal to most stomach sleepers who want a bit of give to their mattress. We even think it's better suited to support heavier bodies than its predecessor, but the Big Fig (#6) remains our top choice for larger couples.

The cool-touch cover is soft and tactile, and while we were cozy during cooler temps, we'll be putting the Nectar Classic to the test during balmy summer nights to see just how effective it is. (Otherwise, go for the GhostBed Luxe elsewhere in this guide if you want a tried-and-true cooling mattress.) 

Meanwhile, the Nectar's edge support has jumped from average to slightly-above average. While we could sit on and sleep against the sides with no issue, a hybrid mattress with a reinforced perimeter will normally be the better choice here.

The Nectar Classic is only a few dollars less than the DreamCloud Hybrid (#2) and it's always discounted during Nectar Mattress Sales. However, if you want a slightly softer surface to sink into and don't sleep very hot, we say go for the Nectar. (Memory foam beds are usually superior at dampening movement, too.) It ships free with a 365-night home trial and a lifetime warranty.

• Read more: Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress review

Best mattress for couples with back pain

If you and your partner need a dependable mattress for back pain, the Helix Midnight Luxe combines outstanding pressure relief with enhanced lumbar support. This ensures your joints are nicely cushioned and your spine is properly aligned. 

This 13.5" hybrid consists of up to 1,000 individually wrapped steel coils, reinforced in the center and along the perimeter, plus an assortment of responsive and pressure-relieving foams. The pillow top gives it an elevated, cloud-like feel. For additional lower back support, add an ErgoAlign foam layer that's firm underneath your midsection and softer along your shoulders and knees.

Although it's regarded as one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, we found the Helix Midnight Luxe suitable for back sleeping, too. After seven weeks of sleeping on it, our lead tester didn't develop the 'dead hip' she's prone to getting when she rests on her side for too long. Meanwhile, her heavier partner felt comfortable and plenty supported on his back. 

Another one of our testers tried the Midnight Luxe with the ErgoAlign upgrade at a resort and didn't wake up to the nagging back aches she usually gets while traveling. Remarkably, she found herself waking up on her back with this mattress, which is unusual for her as a natural side sleeper — but it's probably better for her back.

Despite the pillow top, this mattress skews firmer than advertised. That said, stomach sleepers may still find it too soft to elevate their hips. If this is an issue, the Saatva Classic (#1) is available in a firm option and has its own targeted lumbar support system.

The lifted surface is easy to move around on, which is helpful if you switch positions a lot throughout the night — and this mattress absorbs motion so well that your partner will hardly notice. It also features sturdy edges, a benefit for those who need to sit before getting in or out of bed. It sleeps rather cool, but you can upgrade to a GlacioTex cooling cover if night sweats are a major concern. 

There's always a Helix mattress sale going on, with savings between 20% and 25% off, though larger discounts are usually reserved for major shopping events like Black Friday. It comes with a 120-night risk-free trial and a 15-year warranty. Helix likes to throw in freebies like pillows and sheet sets, too. 

• Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review

Best cooling mattress for couples

The GhostBed Luxe is billed as 'the coolest bed in the world.' It's certainly one of the best cooling mattress we've ever slept on. 

GhostBed's patented cooling tech is very effective. When our tester slept on it, the surface maintained its soothing sensation most nights and there wasn't any noticeable heat buildup. This is especially noteworthy because memory foam mattresses are usually notorious for retaining heat.

Cooling prowess aside, what's the GhostBed Luxe like to sleep on? It has a medium bed feel coupled with a soft top layer that hugs the body. We found it ideal for side sleeping, but back sleepers might prefer a mattress with pronounced lumbar support like the Helix Midnight Luxe (#4). 

Something else to keep in mind: the materials are affected by the bedroom temperature. They'll soften up when it's warm and become firmer when it's cold.

Motion isolation is top-notch so you're unlikely to be disturbed by your partner's movements when they fidget or get in and out of bed. We were also impressed by the GhostBed Luxe's edge support. Not only could we sit comfortably on the sides, but our tester never feared rolling overboard when sleeping. Once again, memory foam mattresses, let alone softer ones, aren't particularly known for this.

A permanent 50% discount has driven the cost to the lower end of the premium price bracket. It's also available in a split king if you want to be totally isolated from your partner's movements, but if you have the cash to splash, check out the Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed (#7), which has dual-sided climate control and adjustable firmness.

• Read more: GhostBed Luxe mattress review

Best mattress for heavy couples

The Big Fig is a specialty mattress for heavy sleepers with a max weight capacity of 1,100lbs. That's more than double the average for a queen-sized bed. 

It's loaded with high-density poly foam and over 1,600 individually wrapped coils for a sag-resistant sleep surface. For further proof of its durability, Big Fig subjects its mattresses to several third-party tests that simulate 10 to 20 years of use. It's wrapped in a knit fabric with ThermoGel to prevent overheating, while well-spaced coils and a layer of perforated gel-infused latex help keep the air flowing.

It has a medium-firm feel that'll suit back and stomach sleepers, although some larger side sleepers may find it contouring enough for their joints. Otherwise, try the slightly softer Helix Midnight Luxe (#4). 

Aside from its high weight limit, the Big Fig is a great mattress for couples because of its low level of motion transfer. You and your partner can take up as much room as you want: the Big Fig's 80 ILD foam rails line the perimeter for strong edges that won't buckle under pressure.

With over 8,000 reviews, the Big Fig has a 4.7-star rating out of 5 as of November 2024. Sleepers who weigh over 250lbs find it supportive, cooling, and comfortable to share with their partners. You'll be able to score between $300 and $500 off a Big Fig mattress during regular sales, with larger savings around major holidays.

• Read more: What is the Big Fig Mattress?

Best smart mattress for couples

If you can't put a price on a good night's sleep, consider investing in a smart bed. The Sleep Number Climate360 has dual-sided firmness so you can make your side of the bed as soft or hard as you'd like. For extra customization, add a FlexTop base that allows you to raise or lower your head independently of your partner.

As the name suggests, this smart bed has built-in climate controls. In other words, you and your partner will no longer have to argue over the duvet or decide who has to get up to adjust the thermostat. Just use the Sleep Number App to adjust your side of the bed to your preferred temperature. You can even ditch the socks and take advantage of the foot warming function.

Recently, Sleep Number added SmartTemp Programs developed in partnership with the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. These scientifically-backed presets will warm or cool your side of the bed as needed to promote restorative sleep and minimize disruptions.

The smartness doesn't stop there. The Sleep Number Climate360 also has built-in sensors that record your breathing, heart rate, and HRV. These metrics count towards your SleepIQ score, which helps the Sleep Number app offer you personalized recommendations for adjustments. Of course, this means you'll need to have your bed plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi at all times.

Then there's the cost. The Sleep Number Climate360 is the brand's top-of-the-line model. Even when it's on sale, it's very expensive and in-home delivery usually adds $249. Fortunately, this smart bed has been a worthwhile investment for the 3,000 Sleep Number customers who rated it a perfect five stars. 

• Read more: Are Sleep Number beds worth it?

How we chose the best mattress for couples

When selecting the best mattress for couples, we focused on beds that excel at limiting motion transfer, provide a balance of comfort and support, and (at minimum) have sufficient edges for sitting and resting on. 

We also considered other features that would appeal to co-sleepers like variable firmness levels, high weight limits, extremely sturdy edges, and advanced cooling tech.

Every mattress on this list has at least a 4-star rating (out of 5) from our expert testers and everyday consumers. Where available, you can find links to reviews for the mattresses we've tested. Read our mattress testing methodology to understand how we evaluate motion isolation, edge support, and other key areas of performance.

Best mattress for couples FAQs

What is the best bed size for couples?

The best mattress size for couples depends on how big your bedroom is, how much space each person needs to sleep comfortably, and whether you occasionally share a bed with kids and/or pets.

For most couples, a queen bed size (60x80") will be sufficient, but if either of you has a larger build or likes to spread out, go for a king bed size (76x80"), which is the widest of all the standard mattress sizes. A king will offer enough space for your children and pets to hop in and snuggle with you, too. 

If you or your partner are over 6 feet tall, or your bedroom is more narrow than it is wide, consider the longer, narrower California king (72x84"). It costs the same as a standard king, but finding California king bedding and furniture isn't always easy. Meanwhile, a full bed size (54x75") could suit a smaller room but it'll be a tight squeeze for most couples. 

• Read more: Mattress sizes: a complete guide

What is a split king and are they good for couples?

A split king pushes two separate twin XL mattresses together to form one big king-sized bed. Many brands offer a split king option, but there's nothing to stop you from purchasing two twin XL mattresses separately. Note that there's often little to no financial advantage if you purchase a split king versus two twin XL beds. Some brands offer split California kings; split queen mattresses are extremely rare.

Split king mattresses allow couples to share a bed and indulge in their individual sleep needs. Perhaps you like a firmer mattress for back sleeping but your partner likes a softer mattress for side sleeping. With a split king, you can have different firmness levels on either side of the bed.

Going with a split king is also the ultimate defense against your partner's movements. Since you'll be sleeping on separate, isolated mattresses, you won't feel it when the other person fidgets or gets in and out of bed.

Split king mattresses are often paired with adjustable bed bases so you can change the position of your side of the bed without affecting your partner. This is particularly useful if one of you has a chronic injury, is pregnant, or snores.

• Read more: 5 signs you and your partner need a split king mattress

Do couples sleep better in separate beds?

Sleep divorce is when a couple decides to sleep apart, either in separate beds in the same room or in separate beds in different rooms. Over one-third of American couples claim they occasionally or consistently sleep apart according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Whether sleeping apart helps or hurts couples is deeply personal. On the one hand, you and your partner may sleep better because you're no longer fighting over the covers or trying to adjust to a firmness level you don't find comfortable. There's also the old adage of distance making the heart grow fonder; you may anticipate seeing each other more in the morning.

On the flip side, sleeping apart can hinder your intimacy, and you'll need to plan ahead for amorous activities. ('Your bed or mine?') Rightly or wrongly, there's also a stigma attached to couples sleeping in separate beds. This is despite bed-sharing only becoming normalized in the 1950s. Before then, sleeping in separate beds was viewed as a symbol of wealth and healthier for both parties overall.

If you don't want to break up with your partner in the bedroom, a new mattress could prevent that from happening, as long as it delivers a balance of the qualities both of you need to sleep comfortably. Alternatively, you can opt for a split king (two twin XL beds pushed together) or try the Scandinavian sleep method, in which you sleep in the same bed with separate duvets or blankets.