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Buying a new mattress can be difficult, as there are many factors to consider, including firmness and price. When couples shop for a mattress, they may have to think about even more details, such as motion isolation and sleeping positions.

In this article, we discuss what to look for in a mattress for couples, some of the best mattresses available to buy, alternatives, and how mattresses may affect couples’ health.

There are several considerations that a person may need to factor into their decision to buy a mattress if they are sharing a bed with a partner. This can include physical requirements, sleeping styles, sleeping schedules, or mattress preferences.

Older research suggests that there is a link between having a healthful co-sleeping pattern and better overall health for individuals and their relationship.

Additionally, sleeping with another person may bring its own complications and effects on health. A 2016 systematic review found that:

  • couples move around more often than if they sleep separately
  • couples may experience relationship dissatisfaction while working out sleep schedules
  • having a partner with a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or snoring, increases stress

Some people may want to consider buying a mattress that has motion isolation. This feature should help reduce disturbances throughout the night, as when one person moves around or gets into or out of bed, the other person should not feel these movements.

Another consideration is the bed size. Depending on people’s size and sleeping style, they may find a larger bed more comfortable than a smaller one. If a full-size bed is too small for a couple, buying a queen-, king-, or California king-sized mattress may allow people to sleep more comfortably.

Learn more about mattresses for people carrying more body weight here.

Size may be more of a consideration if a couple share their bed with their children or pets, as a larger mattress will be able to better accommodate their needs than a smaller one.

People should also consider what they are using their mattress for. If a couple plans to have sex on their mattress, it may be better to buy a mattress that is durable and can withstand extended periods of movement without sinking. Mattresses with a durable edge design may be a better choice.

The International Chiropractors Association also suggest that the following factors are important to consider when choosing the most suitable mattress:

  • size
  • support
  • comfort
  • durability
  • construction
  • warranty

Considering the criteria above, here are five mattresses that may be suitable for couples.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.

Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress

This Saatva mattress contains Global Organic Textile Standard cotton and New Zealand wool.

The mattress has five layers. This includes an organic cotton cover that Saatva state is soft and breathable and has a botanical antimicrobial treatment. The next layer includes New Zealand wool that the company say is naturally flame retardant and regulates body temperature.

Next is a layer of Talalay latex that may provide pressure point relief and support to the lumbar region. There is also a layer of recycled steel coils, which Saatva claim minimizes motion transfer and provides edge support. Finally, an organic cotton and wool base provides extra durability.

The company offer a 180-night trial, free white glove delivery, and a 15-year warranty.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid

This hybrid mattress contains six layers of cooling and supportive materials.

The top layer contains cooling material to prevent overheating, while the second layer contains copper and supportive memory foam, which may adjust to a person’s body temperature.

Brooklyn Bedding state that the third and fourth foam layers provide adjustable and intuitive support to pressure points and that the fifth layer offers extra support and breathability throughout the whole mattress. The last layer is a high density foam base that may provide durability and prevent shifting.

This mattress is available in three feels: soft, medium, and firm. The company recommend the soft model for side sleepers, medium for combination, and firm for stomach and back sleepers.

Brooklyn Bedding make their mattresses in the U.S. and offer free shipping and a 120-night trial.

Casper Original Mattress

This mattress comes in two forms: all-foam and hybrid.

Each mattress has three zones of support, which Casper claim can help align the spine. The company also note that they are softer under the shoulders and firmer around the hips, waist, and lower back to provide extra pressure relief.

Casper state that the hybrid mattress has resilient springs that add lift, support, and airflow while providing extra edge support.

The company recommend both mattresses for people of all sleeping positions that want support and a cooling mattress to prevent overheating during the night.

Layla Memory Foam Mattress

This mattress has two sides: soft and firm. This means that people can flip the mattress to whichever side they prefer. Both sides have thermo-gel cooling technology, which Layla claim responds to the body’s temperature to make sure that people do not overheat.

The mattress has two layers of copper-gel memory foam, which may provide rapid cooling and body heat transfer and adaptive support for deep compression. It also acts as an antimicrobial odor control.

The mattress also has a layer of max airflow support foam and a layer of support core foam, which Layla state can isolate motion transfer and provides minimum bounce.

The company make their mattresses in the United States and offer free shipping, a 120-night trial, and a lifetime warranty.

Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid

This Nest Bedding mattress is a customizable option. People can choose from plush, medium, and firm feels and a variety of sizes. It can also include an internal split, which means that the two halves of the mattress can have a different firmness feel.

This mattress contains foam with CertiPUR-US certification, and it has six layers:

  • a layer of gel-infused memory foam
  • a soft quilted thermic phase change fabric
  • TitanChill Endurance Foam, which adjusts to a person’s position
  • a layer of support foam
  • a layer of 16-gauge pocketed coils
  • a base layer of support foam

The company recommend buying the plush model for side sleepers, medium for combination, back, or side sleepers, and firm for back or stomach sleepers.

Each mattress comes with a 100-night trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping.

Couples may consider buying a split mattress. These are usually king-sized and comprise two smaller beds that fit together on a base to form a larger mattress.

People will not need to consider their partner’s needs for this type of mattress, but it may make it difficult to have sex or cuddle.

Body pillows are another option. These are long pillows that may help increase comfort and reduce pressure on the joints. They may be especially useful during pregnancy or for those with posture-related back pain.

Learn more about body pillows here.

Sleep and health directly affect one another. This is why finding an appropriate mattress that is suitable for both partners and facilitates a good night’s sleep is important for health.

Inadequate amounts or quality of sleep can lead to short- and long-term health effects. Short-term health issues include drowsiness, irritability, difficulty focusing or paying attention, and impairment of basic motor skills.

Long-term health effects can be irreversible and may lead to more serious complications. These can include:

Insufficient amounts or quality of sleep may also contribute toward the development or severity of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Buying a mattress as a couple poses its own specific challenges. In addition to the usual factors to consider, people may wish to weigh up additional points, such as motion isolation and their partner’s sleeping position and comfort levels.

There are many mattresses available that include such features and should provide couples with satisfactory sleep. It is important for people to sleep on a comfortable surface to reduce the chances of short- and long-term health effects associated with inadequate sleep.