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The design and materials of motion isolation mattresses and toppers help minimize the impact of movement in bed. They may suit people sharing mattresses or light sleepers.
A quick look at the 7 best mattresses and mattress toppers for motion isolation
- Best mattress for side sleepers: Helix Midnight Mattress
- Best mattress for combination sleepers: The EcoCloud by WinkBeds
- Best mattress for freshness: Lucid Bamboo Charcoal and Aloe Vera Hybrid Mattress
- Best nontoxic mattress: Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress
- Best topper for durability: TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
- Best topper for cooling: Molecule Triple Zone Pro Topper
- Best topper for comfort: ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
Motion isolation mattresses may benefit light sleepers who wake up easily when others move in a bed. Those who go to bed later or get up earlier than others may find that these products help to prevent them from waking up other people.
Manufacturers often design motion isolation mattresses with individually encased coils or memory foam, which can help reduce motion transfer throughout the mattress.
This article discusses the best mattresses and mattress toppers for motion isolation, looks into what factors a person may wish to consider when buying these products, and answers some frequently asked questions.
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Firmness: MNT selects mattresses available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
- Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products with warranties and clear returns policies.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for side sleepers: Helix Midnight Mattress
- Price: $799–1,549
- Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California (CA) king
- Height: 12 inches (in)
Helix Midnight is a medium-firm mattress that may suit side sleepers or people who frequently move while sleeping.
Learn about the best mattresses for side sleepers here.
Up to 950 individually wrapped coils cradle the body and reduce motion transfer to provide uninterrupted sleep for partners.
The manufacturer claims that the knitted cover helps promote breathability and temperature regulation, which may benefit people who overheat during sleep.
Customers receive a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping and returns, and a 10-year warranty.
Read our review of Helix mattresses here.
Best for combination sleepers: The EcoCloud by WinkBeds
- Price: $1,399–2,399
- Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king
- Height: 12.5 in
The EcoCloud may suit sleepers who change positions frequently during sleep.
Learn about the best mattresses for combination sleepers here.
Made with organic Talalay latex, its elasticity allows the mattress to conform to the person’s body shape as they switch positions, reducing motion transfer.
This mattress has OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, indicating it is nontoxic. It is also organic, baby safe, and hypoallergenic, according to WinkBeds.
Customers receive a 120-night sleep trial, free shipping and returns, and a lifetime warranty.
Read our review of Winkbed mattresses here.
Best for freshness: Lucid Bamboo Charcoal and Aloe Vera Hybrid Mattress
- Price: $429.99–1,499.99
- Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king
- Height: 10 in, 12 in
The bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam is designed to wick moisture away and help prevent odors. It may suit hot sleepers and people with night sweats.
Learn about the best mattresses for hot sleepers here.
This mattress contains 6.3 inches of individually encased steel coils, which help minimize motion transfer. According to the manufacturer, these coils are sandwiched between layers of base foam, which provide durable support.
Edge support may make getting on and off the mattress easier. Additional memory foam tops the motion-isolating base to improve comfort.
This mattress has CertiPUR-US certification, indicating it is free from harmful chemicals.
Customers receive a 100-night sleep trial, free shipping and returns, and a 10-year warranty.
Read our review of Lucid mattresses here.
Best nontoxic: Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress
- Price: $1,099–1,699
- Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king
- Height: 11 in
This mattress has GOTS, eco-INSTITUT, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications. It is an eco-friendly and nontoxic option that uses natural latex. This makes this mattress an ideal consideration for those concerned about the environmental impact and material toxicity of the products they choose.
Learn about the best nontoxic mattresses here.
According to the company’s website, people using this mattress will not experience any motion transfer due to the individually wrapped and encased coils, which balance support and bounce.
It is available in medium and medium-firm options. Customers receive a 90-night sleep trial, free shipping and returns, and a 15-year warranty.
A mattress topper is an affordable and lightweight alternative to purchasing a new mattress. Below is a range of the best mattress toppers for motion isolation:
Best for durability: TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
- Price: $319–469
- Sizes: twin, twin long, full, queen, king, CA king
- Height: 3 in
The manufacturers of this TEMPUR mattress topper claim that it can improve the comfort of spring mattresses.
It consists of proprietary TEMPUR material that responds to a person’s weight, body shape, and temperature while sleeping. TEMPUR states that it is more durable than memory foam and can keep its shape through years of use.
This adaptive material may stop motion from traveling across the topper or reduce motion transfer from the mattress.
Tempur-Pedic claims a person can use this topper as a thin mattress while camping and sleeping in recreational vehicles.
It features a removable dust mite- and allergen-resistant cover that people can wash as needed.
Customers receive free shipping and a 10-year warranty.
Read our review of Tempur-Pedic mattresses here.
Best cooling: Molecule Triple Zone Pro Topper
- Price: $179–249
- Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king
- Height: 3 in
This mattress topper is cool to the touch, which may be suitable for hot sleepers or those that sleep in warm climates.
Learn about cooling mattress pads for hot sleepers here.
According to the manufacturer, it uses a proprietary foam blend to regulate climate and optimize sleep recovery. The foam has a CertiPUR-US certification.
It also has antimicrobial treatment against bacteria, mold, and odors.
A person adds the foam layers to their existing mattress and covers them with a stretchy cover. This may mean people will not have to adjust the topper if it shifts as they move overnight.
Customers receive a 30-night trial, free shipping and returns, and a 5-year warranty.
Read our review of Molecule mattresses here.
Best for comfort: ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
- Price: $109.95–199.95
- Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, CA king
- Height: 2–4 in
The ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper contains 2–4 inches of medium-firm memory foam.
Learn about the best memory foam mattress toppers here.
According to the manufacturers, it offers significant motion isolation, helping reduce sleep disruptions in people who share a bed.
It may also help regulate temperature and improve the alignment of a person’s spine while they sleep.
The company says it uses heavier memory foam, which increases the weight of the toppers for a longer-lasting and more supportive topper with a cozy feel.
This medium-firm topper comes with a 5-year warranty, a 60-day trial, and free shipping and returns.
The table below compares the best mattresses and toppers for motion isolation on key features:
| Size range | Height | Firmness | Trial period | Warranty | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight Mattress | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king | 12 in | medium | 100 nights | 10 years | $799–1,549 |
| The EcoCloud by WinkBeds | twin, twin XL, full, queen, kin, CA king | 12.5 in | medium | 120 nights | lifetime | $1,399–2,399 |
| Lucid Bamboo Charcoal and Aloe Vera Hybrid Mattress | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king, split king | 10 in, 12 in | medium | 100 nights | 10 years | $429.99–1,499.99 |
| Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king | 11 in | medium, medium-firm | 90 nights | 15 years | $1,099–1,699 |
| TEMPUR-Adapt Topper | twin, twin long, full, queen, king, CA king | 3 in | medium-firm | no | 10 years | $319–469 |
| Molecule Triple Zone Pro Topper | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, CA king | 3 in | medium | 30 nights | 5 years | $179–249 |
| ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper | twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, CA king | 2–4 in | medium-firm | 60 days | 5 years | $109.95–199.95 |
When choosing a mattress, people should consider their unique sleep preferences and needs. For example, people may wish to choose a mattress with a firmness level that suits their tastes.
Two key considerations include materials and price.
Materials
Memory foam, springs, and latex materials may enhance motion isolation as these materials naturally absorb movement.
High quality mattresses may have one or more of the following certifications:
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- CertiPUR-US
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- GREENGUARD
- USDA-certified organic
- eco-INSTITUT
These certifications show that the mattress comprises quality materials that are safe for human health and, in some cases, certified organic.
However, a person should avoid mattresses containing materials they are allergic to. For instance, people with a latex allergy should avoid mattresses containing latex.
Cost and benefits
Many companies offer payment plans that allow customers to pay in monthly installments, which can help make a motion-isolating mattress a more affordable option for some.
People who are mattress shopping should also check which manufacturers offer a trial period. Many mattress manufacturers state that it can take 30–90 days to break in a new mattress.
Sleep trials allow people to try out the mattress for a few weeks or months before making a final decision on their purchase.
Motion-isolating mattress toppers are a more affordable alternative to buying a new mattress. However, a person’s benefits from a mattress topper depend on how comfortable the existing mattress is.
Motion isolation may benefit people who share a bed with another person or a pet. People may wake up when the other person or pet moves due to the motion traveling across the mattress.
However, motion isolation mattresses may not be the best option for those who share a bed with a person with different comfort preferences. People with different comfort preferences may prefer a split mattress with different firmnesses on either side.
Below are common questions and answers about mattresses for motion isolation:
What mattress material is best for motion isolation?
Some of the best materials for motion isolation include memory foam, springs, or latex.
However, the level of motion isolation a mattress can provide also depends on the combination of materials and how a manufacturer designs its mattress for overall support and reduced motion and noise transfer.
Learn how to choose the best mattress for individual preferences here.
Does a latex mattress transfer motion?
Latex is a naturally springy material, and latex mattresses will feel bouncy and have a quick rebound time.
Latex mattresses may not reduce motion transfer as well as memory foam mattresses, which typically absorb shock and are slower to bounce back.
Learn more about the differences between latex and memory foam mattresses here.
Motion isolation mattresses can help reduce the disturbance a person experiences from another moving around during sleep.
Mattresses that offer motion isolation may contain a combination of memory foam, springs, or latex layers.
Mattress toppers with motion isolation provide a low-cost alternative to purchasing a new mattress. They are also useful for traveling or changing a mattress to suit the needs of different sleepers.