Finding the best mattress for both you and your partner can be challenging, a dilemma we understand well as co-sleepers (I share a mattress with my heavyweight partner). To find the best mattresses for couples, I relied on my extensive mattress-testing experience, which includes testing over 24 mattresses. I also consulted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon for a more well-rounded perspective; Dillon has personally tested over 100 mattresses, including recently retesting 29 of our top picks for couples with a panel of ten. Ultimately, we named the Bear Elite Hybrid the best mattress for couples overall because it excels in the three areas that matter most for couples: motion isolation, edge support and a balanced feel that appeals to a range of preferences and sleep positions.
If you have specific needs—i.e. you’re both hot sleepers or you prefer a bed made with organic materials—we have recommendations for that, too. We also recommend considering your ideal firmness level; if you’re not sure which firmness level is best for you and your partner, start with the sleeping position you spend the most time in. Below, find the 11 best mattresses for couples, based on our most recent round of retesting.
Why We Named It Best Overall
The Bear Elite Hybrid scored highly in performance categories that matter most for couples: motion isolation, edge support and an accommodating feel for all sleeping positions. It also comes in three firmness options (soft, medium and firm), so you and your partner can customize the bed to meet your needs. We suggest the soft for strict side sleepers who prefer an extra-plush feel, the medium for side, back and combo sleepers and the firm for stomach sleepers and heavier body types. When in doubt, the medium is a good choice for most.
How It Performed During Testing
We tested the medium model, and it received nearly perfect scores for its ability to support both back and side sleepers. As for stomach sleeping, it earned an 8 out of 10. “It’s perfectly cushiony without any uncomfortable sinkage, and has a medium firmness that I’d think would be pretty crowd-pleasing,” says managing editor Emmy Favilla.
Our testers also found it easy to switch positions on with a decent amount of bounce, thanks to its pocketed coils (which are also zoned to help promote spinal alignment). That said, it still scored an 8 out of 10 for motion isolation, which we tested by placing a glass of water on one side of the bed and doing various movements on the other, from rolling around to jumping in and out. Dillon says, “I think motion isolation is one of the bed’s best features. No matter what movements I made on the mattress, jerky or subtle, the water glass I used during testing barely wobbled.”
While edge support isn’t its standout feature, the Bear Elite performs well in this area, due to reinforced coils around its perimeter for sturdier sides. This allows you and your partner to spread out comfortably. Its construction also incorporates cooling materials like copper-infused foam and airflow-promoting coils, making it a great option for couples who tend to overheat.
Potential Drawbacks
One caveat is that the bed’s height can make it more difficult to get in and out of bed if you live with chronic pain or have mobility issues. In that case, experts recommend your overall bed height stay between 20 and 23 inches to avoid aggravation, and this mattress’ thick 14-inch profile could put you over once you add a bed frame. Read more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid review.
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What We Named It Best For Heavy Couples
Unlike most mattresses that cap out at a 500-pound weight limit, the Helix Plus has a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds (or 500 pounds per side). Its strong design coupled with its comfortable feel make it our top choice for heavyweight sleepers.
How It Performed During Testing
Executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers shares this bed with her partner who weighs over 250 pounds, and says, “We both find it incredibly comfortable. It feels a little on the firmer side for me since I don’t fall into the target market, but it still contours my body and alleviates pressure in deeper compression areas.”
In addition to Boyers’ experience, we had six people panel test the Helix Plus and compare it to 28 other beds, and they found it’s an ultra-supportive option for couples. Testers praised the sturdiness of its perimeter, scoring its edge support an 8 out of 10. One heavyweight tester says, “The edge support is very good on this mattress. When I sit on the side, it barely sinks down.” This quality is thanks in part to its high-density foams and steel coils that are reinforced from edge to edge, which makes the mattress incredibly supportive for larger bodies.
Superior Motion Isolation
Testers also talk up its ability to stop motion transfer. After placing a water glass at the edge of the mattress and making different kinds of movements near it, one tester scored its motion isolation a 9 out of 10 and says, “The glass shows minimal to no movement. The flat top surface of the mattress in combination with the firm bed leaves the glass nearly motionless.” The dense foams inside Helix Plus offer targeted pressure relief and absorb movement, so you don’t get jostled awake by a restless partner at night.
Why We Named It Best Pillow Top
The pillow top is WinkBed’s a chief reason why it was one of our testers’ favorites among 29 different models. Plus, the brand offers four different firmness options to give couples the opportunity to find the profile that best fits their sleeping positions and body types.
How It Performed During Testing
Five out of five testers called the WinkBed Mattress a luxurious choice. Dillon says, “The tufted top and plush Euro top give off a luxury vibe and the mattress reminds me of one that would be inside of a nice hotel.” Mattress and sleep updates writer Alexandra Garrett agrees and praises its balanced feel. “This bed feels pretty luxurious in my opinion,” she says. “Honestly, it’s better than the mattress in my current New York hotel room. Because it has a nice combination of plushness and support, I’d gladly sleep on this night after night.”
Impressive Edge Support
Our testers also found it also performed well in edge support with a 9 out of 10 rating; Chapman says, “It feels really supportive [while lying] on the side of the WinkBed. When I move from my side to my back, it barely moves beneath me and feels stable. I think you could sleep near the edge without problem if you’re sharing the bed.” Its fluffy top sits above a blend of foams and a strong pocketed coil layer with reinforced perimeter support, so couples feel sturdy from edge to edge. You can learn more in our full WinkBed Mattress review.
Why We Named It Best Memory Foam
The Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress offers top-tier motion-isolating abilities and classic memory foam feel. It feels doughy and pressure-relieving minus the uncomfortable resistance of some memory foam beds.
How It Performed During Testing
We scored it an 8 out of 10 for ease of movement, and Forbes Vetted senior content strategy analyst Catie Jaffe says, “It is clearly a memory foam bed, but it doesn’t make you sink the way that others with this much memory foam do.” Senior content strategist Alex Noonan agrees, and says, “The mattress is firm enough to where you can move around easily without feeling like the mattress is sinking.”
The Nectar Premier also tested well in features that are key for couples: support, motion isolation and overall comfort. According to Dillon, “Its medium profile helps keep me supported, but still offers nice contouring around my body’s curves. I don’t feel any sinkage in my spine and it has a pressure-relieving feel.” Our testers scored it a 9 out of 10 for back sleeping, and an 8 out of 10 for stomach and side sleeping. This makes it an accommodating choice for different sleeping positions, even though we found it to be a bit softer than its advertised rating of medium-firm.
Perfect Score For Motion Isolation
What’s more, Noonan talks up the Nectar Premier’s motion isolation after performing the water glass test. He says, “The water and glass barely budge, even when I intentionally make hard movements around it.” In fact, both Noonan and Dillon gave the Nectar Premier Mattress a 10 out of 10 in motion isolation.
Why We Named It Best Luxury
The RestorePremier is the most premium mattress we tested for couples; it falls in the brand’s middle-tier collection (Purple has a good, better and best model in each one). Packed with premium materials including a 3-inch comfort layer made up of Purple’s GelFlex Grid, its proprietary material makes for a soft, supportive and makes you feel like you’re floating.
How It Performed During Testing
Favilla and six other testers classify this mattress as a luxury choice thanks to its overall premium feel, construction and burly height. “[I’m] obsessed with this bed,” says Favilla. We rated it an 8.5 or higher across the board for its ability to accommodate each sleeping position (side, back and stomach), making it an appealing luxury choice for couples with different sleeping styles. “[It’s] so comfortable for side sleeping,” says Favilla. “I could easily see myself sleeping all night in this position. It’s also incredibly comfortable for back sleeping; I feel supported throughout my body.”
Good For Hot Sleepers
Our testers also found that the RestorePremier is good at regulating temperature. The majority of testers called it a cooling mattress, with some claiming it feels “cool to the touch,” while others say they feel the coolest when they sink into its layers. It’s extremely breathable with air pockets throughout, and it doesn’t retain heat like an all-foam mattress can. It also has extra-thick, 10-inch pocketed coils that promote airflow, feature reinforced edge support and are capped with foam tips for added pressure relief. Read more in our in-depth Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress review.
Why We Named It Best Cooling
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has cooling features in nearly every layer, making it an effective choice for hot sleepers. Couples can also choose from three firmness levels (soft, medium and firm) and an optional 2-inch pillow top to suit different sleep needs and preferences.
How It Performed During Testing
According to Chapman, who slept on this mattress for months, “I found the bed regulated my body temperature nicely and kept heat from getting trapped. My husband also said this is the coolest mattress he’s ever slept on.” It combines multiple cooling technologies, including a foam top layer with phase change materials to help regulate body heat and a cooling layer that helps pull excess heat away from your body. It also comes with a GlacioTex cover that’s literally cool to the touch.
A Well-Rounded Choice
Its cooling capabilities aren’t it’s only benefits. We retested the firm model with the added pillow top and five testers scored the Aurora Luxe Cooling high for motion isolation (8 out of 10) and edge support (8 out of 10). After performing the water glass test mentioned earlier, Dillon describes its motion isolation as superb. She says, “I aggressively bounced on the bed to see what would happen to the water glass after it barely moved during my tests, and it passed again with flying colors.” Senior strategy editor Katie Simpson also compliments its edge support, and says, “It feels really supportive when lying near the edge. It’s just as supportive on the edge as it is in the center of the mattress.” You can learn more in our full Aurora Luxe review.
Why We Named It Best Hybrid
With a blend of memory foam, innerspring coils and a fluffy pillow top, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid has a balanced feel that provides more support than an all-foam mattress like the Nectar Premier. It contains six total layers: a layer of reinforced steel coils sandwiched between several CertiPUR-US-certified foams. This combination keeps the bed comfortable and pressure-relieving while offering enough support to maintain spinal alignment.
How It Performed During Testing
All six testers who tried the DreamCloud Premier agreed that it’s one of those beds that feel comfortable in almost any position, as one states, “For couples with different sleeping needs, this is a comfortable middle ground you can both enjoy.” Favilla echos, “It offers a nice amount of support under me without feeling too firm.”
Although it’s a hybrid mattress with some bounce, we found that it doesn’t compromise on motion isolation. All testers also coincide that the DreamCloud Premier has great motion isolation and scored it an 8 out of 10 in this category. It has motion-absorbing memory foam and a shift-resistant lower cover with stay-put technology, so your partner’s movements shouldn’t wake you up at night. Learn more in our in-depth DreamCloud Premier Hybrid review.
Why We Named It Best Organic
The Birch Luxe has seven layers of Fair Trade Certified cotton, wool from New Zealand, GOLS-certified organic latex and pocketed steel coils. It also sports a collection of third-party certifications that all make sure the materials are free from harmful chemicals.
How It Performed During Testing
All 7 out of 7 of our testers found the mattress provides strong perimeter support, and scored this metric an 8 out of 10. Garrett says, “The edge of the mattress feels just as supportive as the middle of the mattress. I can toss and turn without falling off or slipping, and I don’t ever feel unstable.” And most of our testers agree that it’s comfortable and supportive for different sleep positions, but particularly side and back sleeping. One tester calls it a “very comfortable option” for those who favor their side. She continues, “The soft, cozy feel to it provides added comfort for side sleepers and alleviates potential pain points that arise from side sleeping on a firmer mattress.”
A Match For Side And Back Sleepers
Another tester says she had a “great back sleeping experience.” She adds that “the medium-firm mattress has a softer feel and top than other medium-firm mattresses with no sinkage, so if you want a balanced sleep this may be your ‘just right.’” Birch rates it a 6 to 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, but two of our testers say it feels softer than advertised. As a result, if you or your partner weigh over 250 pounds or sleep in the prone position, consider a mattress like the firm WinkBed or Helix Plus that offers a sturdier, more lifted feel—or check out another pick on our best organic mattresses list.
Why We Named It Best Budget
The Cocoon Chill is on the opposite side of the spectrum from the bouncy Birch Luxe Hybrid, as it’s a dense memory foam mattress with stellar motion isolation and relieving cooling tech. And at $599 for a queen size, it’s one of the best affordable mattresses considering the quality you get—it combines a gel-infused memory foam layer for temperature regulation and additional comfort foam for pressure relief and motion isolation, all important features when sleeping with a partner. Sealy also includes two pillows and sheets for free, which increases the value.
How It Performed During Testing
Three testers thought it feels more expensive than it is, with one person citing its alleviating foams and “gel-like” construction. Four out of the six testers who tried the Cocoon Chill also praised its cooling comfort. Noonan says it “maintains a cool temperature,” while a different tester notes that it feels “feels very cool in temperature.” The bed’s cover also incorporates phase change material to help regulate temperature and absorb excess body heat, minimizing the chances of sweating in bed.
In addition to its cooling relief, our testers claim it’s easier to move around on than your average memory foam mattress. According to Noonan, “Tossing and turning isn’t a problem. The sinkage provides slight difficulty when moving across the mattress but nothing that would really inhibit quick movements.” Additionally, testers gave it an 8.5 for motion isolation, which makes it a good choice if you have a co-sleeper who tosses and turns (or you are that partner).
Somewhat Lacking In Support (You Get What You Pay For)
Heavyweight individuals over 250 pounds should opt for the Cocoon Chill Hybrid. It boasts similar features, like gel-infused memory foam and a cooling cover, but also contains steel coils for added support. Couples who are particularly concerned about edge support and airflow may also prefer the hybrid version, since it sleeps cooler.
Why We Named It Best For Side Sleeping
The Nolah Evolution, our 2025 pick for the best mattress for side sleepers, is a favorite among our editors, staff and testers. It looks and feels like a big, fluffy marshmallow. Plus, it has layers of zoned support to help keep the back in a comfortable alignment.
How It Performed During Testing
Six testers gave the luxury firm model a high score for its ability to cradle and cushion side sleepers (8.5 out of 10). “I enjoy this bed for side sleeping,” says Jaffe. “[My hips] have enough give while the rest of my body stays in comfortable alignment.” Essentially, there needs to be enough sinkage for the shoulders and hips but not so much that the bed sags and throws your spine out of alignment, and the Nolah Evolution achieves this balance.
The Nolah Evolution also has features that make it great for couples, like strong ease of movement, solid airflow and excellent motion isolation (8 out of 10 score). Simpson says, “It isolates motion really well, which is likely because of the thick foam pillow top,” a feature that gives the bed an extra luxurious feel and look, according to our testers. Furthermore, Favilla says she can “comfortably lie on the edge in various positions without feeling like [she’s] going to slide off" and that it’s “quite comfortable to switch positions.” However, because this mattress is 14 inches tall and some testers found the pillow top compresses as you sit on the side of the bed, it may not be a good fit for those with mobility issues. Read more in our Nolah Evolution review.
Why We Named It Best Innerspring
The Saatva Classic combines coil layers, a cushiony pillow top and supportive design to help promote spinal alignment for various sleepers. It also comes in three different firmness levels (plush soft, luxury firm, firm), so you can choose the best one for your and your partner’s needs.
How It Performed During Testing
According to Noonan, who gives the luxury firm model a perfect 10 score for all sleeping positions, it feels “lifted and supportive but cushiony and soft up top.” He adds that when back sleeping in particular, “pressure seems to be alleviated from the lower back and hips. There is a sense that you feel a bit weightless, which I think speaks to the mattress’ ability to displace the weight well.” Simpson also gives the luxury firm Saatva a 10 score for all sleeping positions, citing its optimal support and cushioning.
Top-Notch Support No Matter Where You Sleep
The Saatva’s other major selling point for couples is its superior edge support. We tested both the luxury firm and firm model, and the firm scored a unanimous 10 out of 10 in edge support, while the luxury firm earned a solid 9 out of 10. One tester says, “There is no sinking at all, and the edge and middle of the bed feel identical in terms of support. No matter where you lie on this bed, the support is consistent and feels uniform across the entire mattress.” Because it’s an innerspring bed, it has a bouncier feel than a memory foam mattress like the Cocoon Chill.
How We Tested The Best Mattresses For Couples
We selected the best mattresses for couples based on firsthand testing, extensive research and recommendations from editors who have tried the majority of these mattresses at home for 30 nights or more.
- To start, we looked at reputable mattress brands and retested 29 of the industry’s most popular beds for couples to see how they performed during tests. Ten people with different body types and sleep styles spent 14 hours total across two days looking at important mattress features, particularly ones for co-sleepers.
- We took special consideration for mattresses that have great edge support, motion isolation and multiple firmness options. To test for edge support, we lay, rolled around and sat on the edges of each mattress and documented how much sinkage or stability we experienced. For motion isolation, we placed a glass of water on the mattress and made different movements (rolling, jumping, sitting) across from it to see how much they impacted the water, or if the bed absorbed the motion.
- We also considered each bed’s cooling properties, looking for features like gel-infused foams, phase change materials, coils and/or cooling covers, as couples tend to generate more body heat than solo sleepers.
- We also read through hundreds of customer reviews and only included picks with excellent feedback and ratings of at least 4 stars.
What To Consider In The Best Mattresses For Couples
A mattress is a big investment, and it’s important to select one that makes you and your partner happy. “If you sleep with a partner, the most important thing would be to find a mattress that accommodates both your body types and particular needs,” says Dr. William Kemp, neurosurgeon at the Virginia Spine Institute. “Since each individual has different needs, I would recommend getting a mattress that is customized to both your needs.” These are the most important factors to consider while you shop:
Mattress Type
- Innerspring mattresses combine thin comfort layers with coils that often lend extra edge support. The coils also provide more airflow, which helps keep hot sleepers cooler at night. However, innerspring mattresses have the most motion transfer, so they aren’t the best choice if your partner moves around a lot at night.
- Memory foam mattresses contain body-contouring layers that alleviate pressure on your joints. Foam beds are a good option for those who suffer from pain or sleep on their sides. This type isn’t the best choice for hot sleepers, though, as foam tends to trap heat.
- Hybrid mattresses combine coils and comfort foam or latex layers. Hybrid beds are one of the most popular choices for couples because they offer ample support (including edge support), plus responsiveness, cooling and pressure relief.
- Latex mattresses are some of the most supportive and durable types of mattresses, which makes them a great option for couples. They are similar to memory foam but are a bit bouncier and more cooling, so they offer a sweet spot for those who like the body contouring of foam but don’t want to feel sucked into their bed. However, they are often pricier than other bed types.
Sleeping Position
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 these types of beds have more give around the shoulders and hips.
Motion Transfer
Some mattresses include special materials and foams to help minimize motion transfer. So, if your partner tosses and turns or gets up in the middle of the night, they don’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 individually wrapped coils. Innerspring mattresses have the most bounce, so they’re not ideal for minimizing motion transfer.
Support
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 (500 pounds or more) do better with a mattress that’s specifically designed for heavyweight sleepers, 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 and innerspring mattresses typically have better edge support than other types because of the coil layers.
Mattress Size
There are a range of mattress sizes available, but the most popular sizes for couples are queen and king. With that said, Kemp says some may want to consider split options that allow “customizations in regard to firmness, materials and temperature regulation” on each side of the bed to ensure that the mattress is benefitting both partners. As such, consider a split king, split California king or a smart mattress (like a Sleep Number) to individualize your side of the bed.
Firmness
The right firmness level for you is largely a 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 offers a balanced feel that’s supportive and pressure-relieving at the same time. As a result, this middle-of-the-road firmness can suit most people and sleeping positions.
Body Type
Sleepers with larger body types over 250 pounds 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 150 pounds perceive mattresses as firmer than they are, which can make even medium-firm mattresses feel too hard. A bed with a medium-firm profile is always a good place to start, but you may also want to consider a mattress with customizable firmness on each side.
Cooling
Couples tend to generate more body heat, making cooling an important consideration when choosing a bed. Kemp suggests, “Instead of fighting over the thermostat, focus on personalizing your side of the bed to best suit your preferences.” This means opting for a cooling mattress like the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling or relying on other bedroom accessories to regulate temperature.
Hybrid mattresses generally sleep cooler than memory foam, although most modern foam beds are made with cooling materials like gel infusions and phase change materials. If cooling is important to you, look for coils and/or breathable materials like bamboo (rayon or viscose), gel- or copper-infused foam or latex.
“If you run hot, consider a personal fan under the sheets or cooling bedding materials to keep your temperature regulated,” says Kemp. He continues, “If you like to stay warm, opt for thicker blankets or even a heated blanket for your side.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our sleep experts have years of experience testing and covering mattresses, including testing more than 200 mattresses. As such, we’ve compiled dozens of mattress and sleep guides catered to a variety of sleep needs.
- Executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers is the author of this story and a certified sleep science coach who has tested more than two dozen mattresses. She also sleeps with a partner and knows how important it is to find a mattress that’s just right.
- Mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon is the co-author of this story and has six years of mattress-testing experience under her belt. She reports to senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman, a fellow professional mattress tester. Both have sleep science coach certifications and oversee all selections on this list.
- We spoke to Dr. William Kemp, neurosurgeon at the Virginia Spine Institute, for insights on the most important factors for couples to consider when selecting the right mattress.
- This story is regularly refreshed and was last updated by mattress and sleep updates writer Alexandra Garrett in October 2025. Garrett also has experience testing mattresses, both at home and in a studio alongside a panel of testers. She’s reviewed over 36 beds.
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