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The best mattresses for sex offer a responsive, bouncy feel with sturdy edge support, allowing you to use the entire surface. They also resist heat buildup and minimize noise for more discreet intimacy. Of course, great sleep matters too—so comfort and support are just as important. In the guide below, we explain how to find a mattress that’s great for both sex and sleep.

Want to see which mattresses are at the top of their class? Our guide to the best mattresses of 2026 includes our standout picks across different performance categories. You and your partner can also visit our list of the best mattresses for couples to see more options.

Our #1 Pick: Winkbed

The Winkbed has all the essential qualities to make it the best overall mattress for sex. Excellent bounce, a supportive perimeter, and consistent cooling make this model a solid choice for couples.

Read on to see our full list of best mattresses for sex of 2026 based on performance ratings from our in-house testing team, in-depth product inspections, and verified reviews from real mattress owners.

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How We Tested the Best Mattress for Sex

Testing Criteria

When it comes to bedroom intimacy, the mattress you use matters, but you want to ensure you’ll get quality shut-eye on it, too. In our search to find the best mattresses for sex, we considered the following factors:

  • Responsive surface: The mattress should allow for plenty of movement, making it easy to change positions without much effort. It should be bouncy enough to support movement and spring back after without much wear and tear on the bed.
  • Edge support: A mattress with strong support won’t sag and will offer a larger, flatter, and more usable mattress surface. It will ideally help you and your partner feel secure, even when you move or sit towards the edge.

How We Evaluated

To compile our list of the best mattresses for sex, we began by combing through our database of over 1,000 mattresses. Then we filtered it to identify the highest-scoring items for responsiveness, edge support, and customer reviews. We also considered other factors that make a mattress ideal for sex and sleep, including:

  • Temperature regulation
  • Body size
  • Firmness level (we found that between 4, medium soft, and 7, firm, is ideal)
  • Bounce and responsiveness

From there, we narrowed down our list and had the top contenders delivered to our Seattle test lab. Upon further in-person testing and evaluation, our testing group determined numerical scores for key performance categories like motion isolation, temperature control, and ease of movement, then assigned accolades to each one.

Best Mattress Overall: WinkBed

Best Mattress Overall

9.4/10Test Lab Score

WinkBed

High end hybrid bed providing ample support, cushion, and cool sleep.

30% off all WinkBeds mattresses Shop At WinkBeds
Price: $1,799
Mattress Type: Innerspring
Firmness Options: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers across different weight groups – but choosing the right firmness is important.
  • Feel: Available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), firm (7), and “Plus” (8) designs. Contouring and cushioning levels vary by selection.
  • What It’s Made Of: The softest three designs feature adaptive polyfoam comfort layers, while the Plus model contains zoned latex. All models have zoned pocketed coil support cores with perimeter reinforcement.
  • What We Don’t Like: Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights after unboxing
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9.5/10

130-230 lbs

10/10

Above 230 lbs

9.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

7/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation6.5/10
Temperature Control9/10
Pressure Relief8/10
Edge Support9.5/10
Durability8/10
Durability
Ease of Movement7.5/10
Ease of Movement
Read Our Full WinkBed Review

Most Comfortable Mattress: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid

Most Comfortable Mattress

8.5/10Test Lab Score

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid

An all-around great hybrid mattress at an affordable price.

Save up to 60% on mattresses + up to 66% on bundles Shop At DreamCloud
Price: $649
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)
Trial Period: 365 nights (30-night requirement)
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
  • Feel: A medium firm (6) design with gentle contouring and responsive coil support.
  • What It’s Made Of: Memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers over a support core of pocketed coils. Cover is a breathable cashmere-polyester blend.
  • What We Don’t Like: Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds will probably sink too much.
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7.5/10
Temperature Control7/10
Pressure Relief8/10
Edge Support7.5/10
Durability7.5/10
Durability
Ease of Movement7/10
Read Our Full DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Review

Best Value Mattress: Nectar Classic

Best Value Mattress

8.7/10Test Lab Score

Nectar Classic

A pressure relieving memory foam bed at an amazing value.

Save up to 50% on mattresses + up to 66% on bundles Shop At Nectar
Price: $649
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)
Trial Period: 365 nights (30-night requirement)
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less.
  • Feel: Medium firm (6) feel with an adaptive surface and dense support layers to minimize sinkage around the midsection.
  • What It’s Made Of: A memory foam comfort layer over transitional and base layers made of dense polyfoam.
  • What We Don’t Like: Top layer can absorb and trap heat, causing sleepers to feel uncomfortably warm.
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation8.5/10
Temperature Control6.5/10
Pressure Relief8.5/10
Edge Support7/10
Durability6.5/10
Ease of Movement5.5/10
Read Our Full Nectar Classic Review

Best Luxury Mattress: Helix Dust Luxe

Best Luxury Mattress

9.7/10Test Lab Score

Helix Dusk Luxe

Responsive design, zoned support to keep your body aligned.

Get 27% off with code SF27 Shop At Helix
Price: $2,061
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)
Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers over 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.
  • Feel: A true medium firm (6) design with light cushioning on the surface and zoned support for the torso and hips.
  • What It’s Made Of: Comfort layers of memory foam and responsive polyfoam, followed by zoned pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter.
  • What We Don’t Like: Above-average pricing may be a dealbreaker for budget shoppers.
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9.5/10

130-230 lbs

10/10

Above 230 lbs

9.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

7/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation8.5/10
Temperature Control8/10
Pressure Relief9.5/10
Edge Support9.5/10
Durability8.5/10
Ease of Movement7.5/10
Read Our Full Helix Dusk Luxe Review

Best Mattress for Bounce: Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

Best Mattress for Bounce

9.1/10Test Lab Score

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

A perfectly balanced bed that fits most sleeper and body profiles.

$350 off orders of $1,000 or more Shop At Saatva
Price: $1,845
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)
Trial Period: 365 Nights ($99 return fee)
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9.5/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation6.5/10
Temperature Control8/10
Pressure Relief8/10
Edge Support8/10
Durability8/10
Ease of Movement7.5/10
Read Our Full Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Review

Best Temperature Regulating Mattress: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

Best Temperature Regulating Mattress

9.0/10Test Lab Score

Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

A foam hybrid that cushions your body without trapping heat.

Get 25% off mattresses, no code needed Shop At Leesa
Price: $1,679
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Medium (5) design is best suited for side sleepers up to 230 pounds, while heavier side sleepers and back and stomach sleepers should consider the medium firm (6) or firm (7) models.
  • Feel: All three designs offer a balance of cushioning, support, and bounce.
  • What It’s Made Of: Two layers of adaptive polyfoam and transitional memory foam, followed by zoned pocketed coils and high-density base foam.
  • What We Don’t Like: Limited edge support for the two softer designs, and potential for motion transfer on the two firmer models.
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9/10

130-230 lbs

9.5/10

Above 230 lbs

9/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7.5/10
Temperature Control7.5/10
Pressure Relief8.5/10
Edge Support7/10
Durability8/10
Ease of Movement8/10
Read Our Full Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Review

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution 15

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

8.7/10Test Lab Score

Nolah Evolution 15

A cloud-like experience with a plush euro-top in multiple firmnes options.

30% off sitewide + extra $50 off mattresses with code: SF50 Shop At Nolah Sleep
Price: $1,480
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement), $99 return pickup fee
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers across different weight groups should be satisfied with the mattress as long as they select a firmness that aligns with their sleep position and body type.
  • Feel: All three models feel plush on the surface, but also supportive and somewhat responsive. The medium (5) design conforms much more closely than the medium firm (6) and firm (8) designs.
  • What It’s Made Of: Four layers of adaptive polyfoam over multi-zone pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter.
  • What We Don’t Like: Deep-pocket fitted sheet needed for the 15-inch profile, plus a $99 fee for returns.
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7.5/10
Motion Isolation
Temperature Control7/10
Pressure Relief8.5/10
Pressure Relief
Edge Support8.5/10
Edge Support
Durability7.5/10
Ease of Movement6.5/10
Read Our Full Nolah Evolution 15 Review

Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers: Titan Plus Luxe

Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers

8.4/10Test Lab Score

Titan Plus Luxe

Ultra-firm support and cooling properties meet a plush Euro-top surface.

30% off sitewide with code: JULY30 Shop At Titan
Price: $1,312
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)
Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement, $99 return fee)
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers across most weight groups.
  • Feel: Medium firm (6) feel with a gentle contour, robust support, and a strong bounce in response to movement.
  • What It’s Made Of: Comfort layers of gel-infused memory foam, dense TitanFlex polyfoam, and responsive transitional foam over pocketed coils.
  • What We Don’t Like: People who weigh less than 130 pounds will probably need a softer mattress.
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

8/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7/10
Motion Isolation
Temperature Control7/10
Temperature Control
Pressure Relief8/10
Pressure Relief
Edge Support7.5/10
Edge Support
Durability7.5/10
Ease of Movement7.5/10
Read Our Full Titan Plus Luxe Review

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers

8.5/10Test Lab Score

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

A high-quality, affordable hybrid with multiple firmness options.

30% off sitewide with code: JULY30 Shop At Brooklyn Bedding
Price: $1,026
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Since there are three firmness levels, side, back, and stomach sleepers across different weight groups should find at least one design comfortable.
  • Feel: Available in plush medium soft (4), balanced medium firm (6), and supportive firm (8) designs.
  • What It’s Made Of: Two comfort layers of adaptive polyfoam over pocketed coils and dense base foam. Optional upgrade adds a third foam layer to the comfort system.
  • What We Don’t Like: Softest design may hinder movement during sex, plus you’ll incur a $99 fee for returning the mattress.
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7/10
Temperature Control7/10
Pressure Relief8/10
Edge Support7.5/10
Durability7.5/10
Ease of Movement6.5/10
Read Our Full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Review

Best Mattress for Lumbar Support: Bear Elite Hybrid

Best Mattress for Lumbar Support

8.5/10Test Lab Score

Bear Elite Hybrid

A close-conforming memory foam hybrid offering great pressure relief.

40% sitewide with code: SF40 Shop At Bear
Price: $1,485
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness Options: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Key Details
  • Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers across different weight groups who live with shoulder or lower back pain.
  • Feel: You can choose from medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) designs that vary in terms of their cushioning and contouring levels.
  • What It’s Made Of: Copper-infused memory foam and zoned transitional foam over seven-zone pocketed coils. Cover is made from signature cooling fabric.
  • What We Don’t Like: A “new mattress smell” may persist for up to a few days after unboxing.
Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7/10
Temperature Control7/10
Pressure Relief8/10
Pressure Relief
Edge Support7.5/10
Edge Support
Durability7.5/10
Durability
Ease of Movement6.5/10
Ease of Movement
Read Our Full Bear Elite Hybrid Review

What to Look for in a Mattress for Sex

Selecting the right mattress for sex means focusing on qualities that enhance both pleasure and sleep. Explore the factors that affect whether a mattress will meet your needs in the bedroom.

Firmness Level

The right firmness level offers optimal support during sex and sleep. Based on our testing for bounce, support, and other essential qualities for sex, we’ve found that a medium soft (4) to firm (7) mattress is best for most people. Too soft, and it hinders motion. Too firm, and it’s uncomfortable. Don’t forget to take your body weight and favorite sleep position into account when looking for the perfect firmness.

Bounce and Responsiveness

Bounce and responsiveness make it easier to move and change position during sex. Bounce refers to a mattress’s ability to return to its original shape after pressure is applied, while responsiveness indicates how quickly it adapts to body movements. Both qualities can enhance sex, facilitating movements with less effort.

Comfort and Feel

How comfortable you feel on a mattress is affected by its firmness and the materials used in its construction. For both sleep quality and sex, it’s important to choose a mattress that is supportive enough to keep you from sinking in too deeply, while plush enough to provide comfort.

Edge Support and Noise

Strong edge support expands the usable space on a mattress, helping you feel secure when sitting or moving near an edge. A noisy mattress can be a distraction during both sleep and sex, so low noise levels are essential for discretion and sleep quality. 

Durability

A durable mattress withstands repeated use for several years, maintaining strong support and resisting excessive wear over time. Durability comes from thoughtful design and quality materials. While it can be tempting to go straight to a budget mattress, choosing a more expensive model made from high-quality materials often proves to be a better long-term value.

Sleep Trials and Warranties

Finding the best mattress for sex may take some trial and error. Fortunately, sleep trials, which usually range from 100 days to a full year, allow you to test qualities like bounce, edge support, overall support, and noise in your own bedroom. Warranties, on the other hand, offer long-term assurances of a mattress’ durability and craftsmanship.

What Mattress Types Are Best for Sex?

When considering a mattress for sex, it’s important to understand the different types available. Each type has a unique construction and different characteristics affecting its suitability for intimate activities.

Hybrid and Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are primarily constructed of coils and provide high responsiveness, but may be noisy and lack substantial pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses combine a coil core with top layers of foam or latex to offer a balance of bounce and contouring that’s great for sex and sleep.

Latex

Latex mattresses are known for their responsiveness and moderate contouring. While usually more expensive than other mattress types, latex mattresses are quiet, naturally bouncy, and don’t trap heat, making them a good choice for both sex and sleep.

Airbed

Airbeds contain air chambers in the support core, which can be adjusted to find the right level of firmness for sex. These beds tend to be very durable and the ability to customize their feel makes them a good choice for couples with different preferences. That said, air beds can be pricey, especially in larger sizes.

Foam

Foam mattresses’ support cores are made of foam, while their comfort layers are constructed  from a combination of materials that may include foam, latex, or fabric. The types of foam used in these mattresses vary widely, as does their performance in terms of bounce, edge support, and ability to regulate temperature. When looking for a foam mattress for sex, we suggest firmer models with reinforced edges and added cooling features.

How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science

Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.

In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.

Construction analysis:We begin testing each mattress by analyzing its design and making note firmness, height, individual layer composition, and sticker price. This allows us to evaluate qualities like support, durability, and value.

Product testing:Firsthand testing is crucial to our evaluation and ratings system. We use a wide range of tools and technology to test mattresses in six performance categories: motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and odor potential.

Field testing: In addition to lab-based tests, we base our ratings on feedback from field testers who use the mattresses in their own homes. They spend several weeks collecting data — this gives us insights into how the mattress performs night after night for an extended period.

User testing:We curate feedback verified owners have provided in surveys, sleep stories, and product reviews. This helps us evaluate our initial findings and, if needed, tweak our ratings to reflect real-world experiences.

How We Determine Our Overall Scores

To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily.

Performance Categories

Motion Isolation

This criteria alludes to the amount of motion a mattress absorbs when a sleeper moves on the surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate motion isolation, who each feel for transfer while the other person moves on the mattress.

Temperature Control

To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and look closely at its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components meant to reduce heat retention.

Pressure Relief

A bed with strong pressure relief excels at preventing pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Beds with even contouring and weight distribution are top performers when it comes to pressure relief.

Off-Gassing

A mattress in a box may release unpleasant chemical odors for a short period after you’ve unboxed it. The initial smell may be strong but typically fades within 2 or 3 days.

Ease of Movement

This criteria reflects how easily a sleeper can move across a bed’s surface. Responsive surfaces made of latex typically perform better than foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.

Edge Support

We perform sit tests along a bed’s perimeter to measure how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when sleepers sit on or lie close to the perimeter.

Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides

If you’re still not quite sure which mattress is right for you, explore our guides below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which mattress is best for sex?

For bedroom fun, you want a mattress that has bounce, support, and keeps the noise down. For most people this means a medium soft (4) to firm (7) mattress with good edge support. For tried and true mattresses for sex, consider a durable latex or hybrid model.

Is a soft or firm mattress better for sex?

Firmness is crucial when it comes to a mattress for sex. Mid-level firmness hits the sweet spot for most people, like a 4 to 7 on our 10-point scale, but you also need to factor in your body weight. People under 130 pounds should opt for something a bit softer, while those over 230 pounds should go for something on the firmer side.

How can you make your mattress better for sex?

If your mattress isn’t performing well during sex, there are a few changes we suggest before going straight to a new mattress. Try softening up a too-firm mattress with a plush topper for extra comfort, or a noisy mattress with a solid frame for more support and quiet.

What is the best mattress height for sex?

Aim for a mattress height that fits your bed frame or platform, looks good in your room, and makes getting in and out of bed easy. There’s no single height best for sex, but some couples prefer one around hip height.

What is the best bedding for sex?

We suggest choosing breathable, durable, and easy-to-clean sheets and bedding for sex. Materials like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics like Tencel stay cool and don’t turn your love nest into a sweaty swamp. Think performance fabric, not your grandma’s quilt.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to AskAnExpert@sleepfoundation.org with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Learn more about our Editorial Team