Is filing for sleep divorce becoming more and more tempting? I don't blame you. As someone who sleeps next to a snoring, fidgeting partner who loves to rest in the middle of the bed, I need a solution. Luckily this year's best mattresses for couples offers just that. Strong motion isolation means you won't feel your partner's movements, while edge support allows you both to sleep on the full surface of the bed. Throw in cooling materials and you're both in for a great night's sleep.
This year's best mattress for all sleepers, the Saatva Classic, is also our top choice for couples because of its suitability for so many different sleep needs. Even if you and your partner have completely different sleep styles (I curl up on my side, my partner starfishes on his back,) the Saatva accommodates both, offering support and comfort no matter your position. But we know everyone is different, which is why we've rounded up the 7 best mattresses for couples that our expert panel have slept on and tested. Heavier sleepers, hot sleepers, those ready to splash the cash and those sticking to more affordable options, we've got you covered. We'll also include the best mattress deals, and in particular, how you can save with the upcoming Memorial Day mattress sales.
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 keep the spine properly aligned. Combined with full-body pressure relief, the Saatva Classic is a great choice if you or your partner deal 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 where we often see either 13-15% off or a flat $400 off all sizes. So, while a queen MSRP is $2,099, it often sells for $1,699. 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. If you like everything you're reading but just don't quite have the budget to stretch to a premium mattress, keep reading. The DreamCloud (#2) is a fantastic alternative at a more affordable price point.
- Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review
Best cheap 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.
We think it's fantastic for couples because not only does it isolate motion well, it has quite a firm feel that still cushions your body. This means if you're a side sleeper you'll feel reduced pressure around your hips, shoulders and knees while your spine stays aligned. And, if your partner is a back or stomach sleeper, they'll find robust lumbar support that cradles them.
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 very 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).
At this lower price point, you'll also compromise on customization. The DreamCloud only comes in one feel, which can limit suitability for some sleepers. If you want to be able to choose the perfect firmness level for you and your partner, consider a smart bed. Our Sleep Number top pick at #7 allows you to adjust firmness on either side of the bed, as well as setting your perfect temperature. But inevitably, you'll be at a much higher price point.
In addition to an evergreen 50% sale and an always-low price, DreamCloud offers a one-year trial, free shipping and returns, and a lifetime warranty. So while DreamCloud calculate the total value of its queen mattress at $1,531, you won't see it for more than $699. During major sales, you can expect some great freebies included, like $599 of free bedding. 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 (great news for couples.)
While the Nectar comes just beneath the DreamCloud, the quality and price points are much the same. However, the feel differs. Nectar, being an all-foam, medium-firm feel, delivers the classic hugging sensation that can be excellent for side sleepers. However, it's very adaptive and it doesn't allow you to sink too much, meaning it's still comfortable and supportive for other sleeping positions.
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, with a bigger weight capacity and durable support layers.
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 Eight Sleep Pod 4 cover at #5 if you want a tried-and-true cooling experience.)
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. that means a queen is usually sold for $649. If you're choosing between the two, we'd say if you want a softer surface and excellent motion isolation, choose the Nectar. But if you sleep hot and don't enjoy the hugging feel of foam, opt for the DreamCloud. The Nectar 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. Currently, a queen is 20% off at $1,899 (MSRP $2,373.75), but we've seen discounts increase even to 30%, so it might be worth waiting until Memorial Day sales in May come into action. 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 Eight Sleep promises to be "the ultimate sleep solution" and it's certainly one of the best cooling mattresses – even if it isn't actually a mattress. The Eight Sleep Pod 4 is a smart mattress cover, designed to fit over your existing mattress to provide next-level cooling. So, this is only a good option if you're happy with the comfort of your existing mattress.
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 is the most advanced fitted sheet you'll find. It comes in two parts: a mattress cover fitted with a series of water tubes and sensors, plus a control Hub. Using the Eight Sleep app you can choose your desired temperature and the cover will adjust throughout the night. Getting too hot or too cold? Tap the side of the cover to change the temperature without reaching for your phone.
For couples, the Eight Sleep Pod 4 comes with another advantage: dual temperature control. Each side of the mattress cover can function independently, so if you prefer to keep it cozy while your partner hates waking up sweaty, you can both create the environment you like.
Temperature is closely linked to sleep, and while a mattress like the Saatva at #1 promises a neutral feel overnight, the Eight Sleep Pod 4 puts the control in your hands (literally). It's also fitted with sensors to track your sleep health, while an integrated alarm clock wakes you up without blaring noise – good news if you and your partner are on different sleep schedules.
The biggest downside to the Eight Sleep Pod 4 is that it's not a mattress. If you're uncomfortable on your current bed, all the Eight Sleep Pod 4 can do is change the temperature. But, if you love the idea of this dual temperature control, opt for the Sleep Number at #7. Not only will you control temperature on either side of the bed, but firmness, too.
Best mattress for heavy couples
The Big Fig is a specialty mattress for heavy sleepers with a max weight capacity of 1,100lbs, making it a great choice for bed sharers. 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. Lighter weight side sleepers might not feel enough contouring at their joints and pressure relief. Otherwise, try the slightly softer Helix Midnight Luxe (#4). However, consider that the Midnight Luxe is only built to support 250 lbs per side.
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. 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. Currently a queen is $1,499 (was $1,899) and you'll get a 20-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
- 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?
Also tested
How we test the best mattress for couples
The Tom's Guide mattress testing process is editorially independent and not influenced by third parties. We research all the latest mattresses and use a series of subjective and objective tests to determine which are the very best.
Alongside comfort and support, we test each mattress in key performance areas: edge support, motion transfer and temperature control. We also consider the overall ease of setting up the mattress, any off-gassing and expected durability.
Each mattress is reviewed by a testing panel consisting of people with different body types and sleep positions. We also research and analyze user reviews, to get a full picture of each mattress. You can learn more about our testing process with our mattress testing methodology.
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?
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
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.
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.
