Guide: The Best Mattresses for All Types of Couples

Last Updated on March 11, 2024

by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed

Living with a partner can come with a lot of challenges and compromises, from dividing up household chores to interior design decisions and more.

But getting a good night of sleep is one thing you shouldn’t have to argue about. Selecting the right mattress and finding the best bedroom setup for you as a couple is key. But with so many options for mattresses, how do you choose? In this article, we’ll review our recommendations for the best mattresses for couples, depending on your sleeping style, needs, budget and more.

Overview: Best Mattress for Couples

Our pick for the best mattress for couples is a memory foam or hybrid model, in a king size. Both are excellent choices that limit motion transfer, while still providing fantastic support and pressure-point relief. Ideally, the mattress should offer a "universal feel", meaning it’s not too soft and not too hard.

I. Selecting the Right Size Mattress for Couples

II. Selecting the Right Type of Mattress for Couples

III. Tips for Sleeping as a Couple

IV. GhostBed’s Mattress Pick for Couples

I. Selecting the Right Size Mattress for Couples

First, what size bed is best for couples? A full mattress will fit two cozily, especially if you like to cuddle up. A queen will give you more space to spread out, but a king mattress is usually the best choice for couples. As you make your decision, consider your room size, how much you like to spread out as you sleep, your budget, and if additional kids or pets might be joining you in bed.

If one or both of you is tall, you may want to get a California king mattress, which will give you an extra 11 inches in length over a king.

Read More:

II. Selecting the Right Mattress for Couples

Next, think about the type of mattress that you’ll both like. Of course, this might be easier said than done!

Some general tips are:

  • Choose a mattress with low motion transfer. If your mattress doesn’t properly absorb movements, you’ll feel it every time your partner gets out of bed (or simply changes positions). Avoid this by selecting a mattress with minimal motion transfer; memory foam and hybrids are usually the best choice.
  • Choose a mattress that provides great support. Two people put double the weight on a mattress, so durable support is important. A hybrid mattress made with memory foam and individually-wrapped coils will provide the best support.
  • Choose a mattress with a long sleep trial. A new mattress is a big change for your body, so it may take a night or two to get used to it. A sleep trial or easy return policy will give you peace of mind as you try it out.

Can’t decide (or compromise) on the right firmness level? A “universal” mattress—right in the middle of the typical mattress firmness scale — is the best choice for couples, as it’s designed to offer balanced support no matter your height, weight and sleeping style.

The best mattress for couples is one with a universal feel, between 5 and 7 on the mattress firmness scale

Many couples also choose to add an adjustable base, which offers even more customized comfort. For couples with different preferences, a split king mattress and adjustable base combo allow you and your partner to control your own settings. This can be a game-changer if you have different schedules or routines; you can enjoy a massage, sit up and read, or relax in zero gravity all without disturbing your partner!

Below, we’ve broken down our recommendations for the best mattresses for different types of couples:

Couple Type Best Mattress Pick
Couples with different preferences and/or sleeping styles Select a mattress with a “universal feel”—not too hard, not too soft—to accommodate different sleeping styles and firmness preferences.
Couples with joint pain (one or both of you) To relieve back or hip pain, look for a combo of memory foam and pocketed coils to provide pressure relief and support that lifts your hips and aligns your spine.
Plus-size couples (one or both of you) Overweight sleepers need a durable and supportive mattress, ideally in a king size and with extra edge support. A spring or hybrid mattress will provide a bit of resistance so you don’t sink in too much.
Couples with different weights Choose a durable, supportive mattress that won’t dip where the heavier partner sleeps. Look for a hybrid mattress that combines springs with contouring gel memory foam for low motion transfer.
Couples with one or more hot sleepers Double the body heat, double the fun... right? Think again. Select a mattress with gel memory foam and other cooling elements for a more comfortable sleep.
Couples with different schedules Need to get up and go without disturbing your partner? A mattress with pocketed coils and/or memory foam is your best bet.
Couples who enjoy, ahem, “other bedroom activities” Look for a mattress with latex (for a nice bounce) combined with gel memory foam to keep you cool. Quality edge support is also a bonus.
Couples who snore (one or both of you) Tired of getting punched in the middle of the night? Snorers need a mattress that’s super supportive to keep the neck and spine aligned. Add an adjustable base so you can elevate your head and open your breathing passages.
Older couples As you age, it’s important to look for mattresses that provide pressure relief for your joints. Look for a hybrid that blends pocketed coils with contouring memory foam to stay comfortable without feeling “sunk in.” Extra edge support will also help.
Couples on a budget A “mattress in a box” model will typically be less expensive— just make sure it’s made with quality materials and offers a risk-free trial!

Additional resources:

III. Tips for Sleeping as a Couple

  • Combat snoring as a team. Snoring has been known to start wars in bed between partners so it is important to work on a way to fix the issue as a couple. Snoring is not only an inconvenience on the one listening to it, but it can also be a sign that the snorer has a more serious problem, such as sleep apnea or hypertension, that should be addressed by consulting a doctor. When told that the noisy one’s health is all clear, test out methods to combat the snoring. There are mouthpieces made to keep airways open and reduce snoring. Make sure that the snoring partner sleeps on his or her side. Side sleepers tend to snore a lot less than back sleepers. also, soft music or a white noise machine might help to cover up the snoring so both partners can achieve a good night’s sleep.
  • Make sure you can spread out. If you’re on a budget, it might be tempting to stick with a full size bed. But it’s also nice to spread out once in a while! A queen or king is worth it in the long-run, as long as you have the space.
  • Keep it cool. Two people in a bed will tend to heat up faster than the lone sleeper, so try to keep the room cool. If one partner is a bit colder then he or she can always add another blanket on their side of the bed for more warmth.

IV. GhostBed’s Mattress Pick for Couples

When it comes to GhostBed mattresses, which is the best for couples? Our top picks are the GhostBed Flex and the GhostBed Luxe. Both are customer favorites that provide unmatched support and comfort, with a universal feel that both partners will love.

Compare them below and check out some of the customer reviews:

  • Combat snoring as a team. Snoring has been known to start wars in bed between partners so it is important to work on a way to fix the issue as a couple. Snoring is not only an inconvenience on the one listening to it, but it can also be a sign that the snorer has a more serious problem, such as sleep apnea or hypertension, that should be addressed by consulting a doctor. When told that the noisy one’s health is all clear, test out methods to combat the snoring. There are mouthpieces made to keep airways open and reduce snoring. Make sure that the snoring partner sleeps on his or her side. Side sleepers tend to snore a lot less than back sleepers. also, soft music or a white noise machine might help to cover up the snoring so both partners can achieve a good night’s sleep.
  • Make sure you can spread out. If you’re on a budget, it might be tempting to stick with a full size bed. But it’s also nice to spread out once in a while! A queen or king is worth it in the long-run, as long as you have the space.
  • Keep it cool. Two people in a bed will tend to heat up faster than the lone sleeper, so try to keep the room cool. If one partner is a bit colder then he or she can always add another blanket on their side of the bed for more warmth.
GhostBed Flex GhostBed Luxe
GhostBed Flex Layers Shop Now GhostBed Luxe Layers Shop Now
Individually-Wrapped Coils + Gel Memory Foam Gel Memory Foam and Latex
From $1145
As low as $69/mo
From $799
As low as $55/mo
Medium (6 - 7 out of 10) Medium-Plush (5 - 6 out of 10)
Best Choice If...

- You’re making the switch from a traditional innerspring mattress

- You love the idea of supportive coils combined with comforting gel memory foam (the best of both worlds!)

- You want a mattress that contours to your body without making you feel "sunk in"

- Sleeping cool is a major priority

- You dream of a soft yet supportive mattress, but you prefer a plusher top

- You’re looking for relief from neck, shoulder or hip pain

Compare All GhostBed Mattresses


Marc Werner - Founder, GhostBed

Marc Werner

Founder - GhostBed

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Marc has spent the last two decades designing & manufacturing mattresses and other sleep products, drawing on a lifetime of experience working with the material sciences. With several patents to his name, he works closely with the GhostBed team to create products with the perfect balance of comfort & support. Learn More

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