Mattress for Couples

It's rare for couples to have the same preferences for a mattress because they sleep differently or don't weigh the same.

Sleeping on your side, front, and back requires a different mattress firmness, as does weighing 20 lbs or more than your partner.

Also, the heavier you are, the softer a mattress feels, and the more crucial features like motion isolation and edge support are.

It's all about firmness.

The best mattress for a couple strikes the perfect firmness for both parties.

Heavier people need firmer mattresses, while light people need softer ones, so the best mattress firmness for most couples is medium firm.

Medium firm sits between 7 and 8 on the firmness scale, and there are ways to soften the top surface with memory foam or natural wool layers – this can ensure maximum support for the heavier person and softness for the lighter one.

Mattress Technologies

The leading technologies are pure foam, pocket springs, and open coils.

Pure foam

Pure foam mattresses do not have a spring support system and instead rely on different foam densities for support and comfort layers. They have no bounce and are less durable, so they aren't the best choice for couples.

Open coil

Open coils use an interconnected spring bed to support and bounce—the whole spring unit moves as a single component. This is the cheapest spring technology and works well for couples wanting mobility.

Pocket sprung mattress

Pocket springs are the best technology for couples because each spring acts independently, delivering motion isolation by default. The springs can also have different tensions to provide zoned support (in the hip zone, for example).

Hybrid mattress

Hybrid mattresses also use pocket springs for support, but they aim to deliver more of a pure foam sleep experience—less bounce and more deadening. They're a fantastic choice for couples wanting the best of both worlds.

Crucial Mattress features

Whichever technology you want, there are a few critical features for couples:

Cooling qualities

Memory gel is one of the most popular mattress cooling technologies because it is affordable and proven to work.

Graphite memory foam is another popular option for mattress cooling, helping make the memory foam more breathable.

Winter/summer mattresses are also ideal, with breathable memory gel or open-cell foam on one side and a cosy memory foam surface for heat on the other.

Giltedge Beds Sensations 1500 Pocket Spring Mattress (pictured above)

• 1500 pocket springs for zoned comfort support
• Layer of memory foam
• Bamboo-infused cover to aid in a restful night's sleep
• Simulated Hand Side Stitch Border
• Luxurious fillings provide a comfortable sleeping surface
• Air vents to help the mattress breathe
• Handles for easy rotating of the mattress
• Micro quilted finish with stylish design
• Ideal mattress for couples

Priced: £604 (King size mattress). Save £244 on RRP

Edge support

Good edge support means sleeping right at the edge of your bed without it collapsing under your weight.

Encapsulated edges are the leading technology for edge support because they stop the fillings from squishing at the edges.

Motion isolation

Do you have a heavy-handed partner who jumps into bed? Motion isolation can help quell the sensation of being thrown around and minimise partner disturbance.

Pocket springs and pure foam technologies deliver the best motion isolation. And the thicker the mattress, the better.

Sleepeezee Jessica 1800 Pocket Spring Mattress (pictured above)

Anti-allergy

Anti-allergy mattresses have an additional treatment applied at the factory that prevents bacteria and dust mites from building up. This goes beyond hypoallergenic materials to keep those annoying sneezes and sniffles at bay.

Whether you need an anti-allergy mattress depends on whether you have allergies that would benefit from one. If you have asthma and breathing problems, an anti-allergy mattress is worthwhile.

Summing up

You're in luck if both of you like the same mattress firmness and weigh around the same, but most couples have different sleep preferences.

A medium-firm mattress strikes the right balance for most couples. In contrast, pocket spring mattresses deliver the best motion isolation and edge support—but only when made of high-quality materials.

The good news is that you can get mattresses that tick these boxes for less than £400 for a king, so you don't have to break the bank.