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Jackson Lindeke
By Jackson Lindeke
Why Trust Sleep Foundation

Sleep is fundamental, but it’s not the only activity that takes place in the bedroom.

For people with an active sex life, using their mattress is about more than just getting their nightly rest. However, when it comes to enabling intimacy, not all mattresses are created equal.

While no one would suggest neglecting the importance of sleep when selecting a new mattress, sex shouldn’t be overlooked either. Most people need a bed that is great for both, and in reality, the best mattress for sex is also a great mattress for sleep.

Trying to balance all of these mattress needs can seem complicated, and it’s not uncommon for mattress shoppers to start to feel overwhelmed. To make the process simple, our list of the top mattresses for sex offers a quick reference for standout options.

For customers who want to dig into the details, the rest of our guide explains what to look for when choosing a mattress so that your bedroom is ideal for all of its uses.

Want to see which mattresses are at the top of their class? Our guide to the best mattresses of 2024 includes our standout picks across different performance categories.

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Best Mattress for Sex of 2024

Winkbed

The WinkBed’s hybrid design gives a luxurious plush feel balanced with solid support that couples will appreciate. Plus, this model’s coil core and moisture-wicking cover ensure a cool, temperature-controlled surface.

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A plush surface, smooth bounce, and strong coil support with a reinforced perimeter make the WinkBed a standout choice for amorous activities. Four firmness levels are available based on how much cushioning you want, and you can exchange your first choice if you aren’t fully satisfied.

  • Pros

    1. Luxury hybrid design pairs a plush, cushioning Euro-top with zoned coils

    2. Available in four firmness levels

    3. Steady airflow and a moisture-wicking cover ensure excellent temperature control

  • Cons

    1. Strong off-gassing odor is present for the first 48 hours

    2. Limited options for people seeking an exceptionally soft surface

Mattress Type

Innerspring

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)

Price Range

$1,149 – $2,049

Trial Period

120 nights (30 night requirement)

The best mattress for sex varies from couple to couple, but the WinkBed’s versatile design and robust support system should check all of the important boxes for most. This luxury hybrid feels plush on the surface thanks to a foam-cushioned Euro-top, but zoned coils with a reinforced perimeter ensure you and your partner can use the entire mattress without sinking or feeling confined to the middle.

How It Performed

The WinkBed is available in four firmness levels, including standard designs with medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) feels. These models begin with a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover, followed by a second foam layer with a denser composition to contour evenly while keeping your bodies aloft. You can also choose the WinkBed Plus (8), which is designed specifically for people who weigh more than 230 pounds. This ultra-firm model swaps out the second foam layer for 2.5 inches of zoned, responsive latex.

If you and your partner both sleep on your sides or weigh less than 130 pounds, the medium soft model might be the way to go. Otherwise, both the medium firm and firm designs provide excellent mid-range support for side, back, and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds. Our tests show the WinkBed Plus is best suited to back and stomach sleepers in the model’s intended weight range. We’ve also found the WinkBed is a great choice for hot sleepers due to steady airflow through the coils and the cooling Tencel cover.

What It’s Made of

All WinkBed models feature pocketed coils in their support cores. The coils are thicker beneath your midsection, resulting in stronger pushback for the torso and hips, while thinner coils cradle lighter areas of your body. You’ll also feel more reinforcement from the thicker perimeter coils when you lie near the edges or get in and out of bed. A cover made of moisture-wicking Tencel encases the entire mattress.

WinkBed offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase comes with a 120-night sleep trial. If you aren’t satisfied with your initial selection, you can exchange it for a softer or firmer model during this time frame. The replacement comes with its own 60-night trial period. No matter which WinkBed you and your partner ultimately choose, it’ll be backed by a lifetime warranty against structural defects.

The DreamCloud’s deep foam layers create cloud-like cushioning for sex, but robust coils prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress. A generous sleep trial lets you test the mattress for up to one year.

  • Pros

    1. Strong performance at a competitive price-point

    2. Coil support core provides deep support and bounce

    3. 365-night sleep trial

  • Cons

    1. Weak edge support compared to the average hybrid

    2. Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may sink excessively

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$499 – $999

Trial Period

365 nights (30-night requirement)

The DreamCloud offers proof that a mattress can utilize memory foam and still be a top choice for sex. With a straightforward hybrid design, this mattress is highly comfortable with a broad appeal that is enhanced by its competitive price-point and customer-friendly sleep trial.

How It Performed

The DreamCloud has a crowd-pleasing firmness level of medium firm (6) that can work for people in any sleeping position. It has enough softness to lighten impact on the body during sex and enough responsiveness for high-energy sexual activity.

Multiple foams are put to use in the design of the DreamCloud’s comfort system. These layers work together to create a solid degree of motion isolation and cushioning for the body’s sharpest pressure points while simultaneously preventing excessive sinkage and facilitating movement on the bed, including for sexual activity.

What It’s Made of

The bed’s top starts with a layer of plush polyfoam quilted into the bed’s cashmere poly-blend cover. The next layers are made with cushy gel-infused memory foam and polyfoam with comparatively less contouring and more bounce.

The mattress’ support core is made with individually wrapped coils that distribute weight evenly across the surface. Underneath these springs is a layer of polyfoam that helps cut down on noise produced by the compression of the coils.

A big selling point for the DreamCloud is its customer-friendly sleep trial and warranty. Customers can try out the mattress for a full year with the option to return it, offering a total trial that is more than three times longer than the industry norm. On top of that, DreamCloud provides a lifetime warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship.

The all-foam Nectar has a true medium firm feel, resulting in a plush surface and support layers that push back against your weight. The mattress also excels at motion isolation, so you and your partner can get a good night’s sleep without any disturbances when the other person moves in bed.

  • Pros

    1. Medium firm all-foam construction cushions and contours to the body without sacrificing support

    2. Great motion isolation for couples

    3. 365-night sleep trial

  • Cons

    1. Perimeter may sag or dip when weight is applied

    2. Strong off-gassing odor for the first 48 to 72 hours after unboxing

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$359 – $1,098

Trial Period

365 nights

Memory foam mattresses are often less than ideal for sex because they are relatively soft and tend to sink when weight is applied. Many couples liken this lack of support to “fighting with the mattress,” as it can greatly limit movement. The Nectar’s medium firm (6) feel conforms to the body, so you and your partner shouldn’t sink to an excessive degree.

How It Performed

A flexible all-foam design makes the Nectar a great match for couples who use adjustable beds, and the foam layers isolate motion very well to cut down on movement-related disturbances while you sleep.

Pressure relief is another strength of the mattress. While the foam layers deliver ample cushioning for the shoulders and hips, the denser support layers stabilize the surface to keep your body on an even plane. Our testing shows the mattress is best suited for people who weigh 230 pounds or less regardless of their sleep position – though the most favorable ratings came from side and back sleepers.

What It’s Made of

The Nectar Mattress is medium firm (6) and built on a thick base layer of high-density polyfoam. The memory foam is infused with phase change material intended to capture and release heat, which can help the mattress stay cool during sex.

The Nectar Mattress has a fairly low price-point compared to other memory foam mattresses and shipping is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Nectar Sleep’s 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest in the industry, and those who opt to keep their mattress receive a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects as long as they retain full ownership.

If you and your partner enjoy springy surfaces for sex, the Saatva Classic is a solid option thanks to two coil layers that create considerable bounce in response to movement. The coils also promote plenty of airflow to keep you cool, and a reinforced perimeter allows you to utilize the entire surface.

  • Pros

    1. Coil-on-coil design adds responsiveness

    2. Memory foam lumbar pad supports the lower back

    3. Available in three firmness levels

  • Cons

    1. Bouncy design may cause movement-related disruptions for couples

    2. Returns incur a $99 fee

Mattress Type

Innerspring

Firmness Options

Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Price Range

$995 – $2,710

Trial Period

365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)

The Saatva Classic is a luxury hybrid with a thoughtful coil-on-coil design that has a responsive feel conducive to sex. The mattress also comes in three firmness levels – soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8). This variety ensures most sleepers can find a model that suits their needs.

How It Performed

The wide firmness range provides comfortable options for many sleepers. Our team’s side sleepers under 130 pounds found the deep contouring from the softest model most comfortable. The medium firm feel is the most versatile, best suiting side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. Side sleepers weighing over 230 pounds appreciated the firmest model’s even surface, as well as back and stomach sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds.

All three firmnesses excelled at temperature regulation and pressure relief. The two coil layers facilitate airflow to keep the interior cool, while the cotton cover is naturally breathable to regulate the surface temperature. The complex comfort system is excellent at relieving pressure points across firmness levels.

What It’s Made of

A soft organic cotton cover encases the mattress. Underneath is a quilted polyfoam Euro-top with a plush feel that closely contours to the body to relieve pressure buildup. Next is a memory foam lumbar pad that supports the lower back. A layer of pocketed microcoils makes up the last comfort layer. This layer cradles pressure points while preventing excessive sinkage.

The support core is composed of hourglass innerspring coils that provide ample pushback to the hips and shoulders, and a foam encasement wraps the perimeter for extra reinforcement. Customers can choose between two profiles: 11.5 and 14.5 inches.

Saatva offers complimentary White Glove delivery to customers living in the contiguous U.S. This service includes new mattress setup and old mattress removal. Classic mattress purchases come with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

The Helix Moonlight Luxe is ideal if you want a surface that cushions your body and provides generous bounce. Plush foams over multi-zone coils also ensure a comfortable balance of contouring and support while you sleep.

  • Pros

    1. Plush surface provides excellent pressure relief

    2. Foam layers confer moderate bounce

    3. Produces little noise

  • Cons

    1. Initial off-gassing odor is fairly strong and may linger for a couple nights

    2. Too soft for many stomach sleepers

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4)

Price Range

$1,099 – $2,299

Trial Period

100 nights (30-night requirement)

The Helix Moonlight Luxe is a hybrid mattress that combines a plush, contouring surface with bouncy polyfoam layers and a coil support core, making it a great bed for couples who enjoy a balance of cushioning and responsiveness.

How It Performed

Couples should find this bed bouncy enough to facilitate ease of movement during sex, but still plush enough on the surface to provide relief for people who have sensitive pressure points. This well-balanced construction is especially helpful for back sleepers who need a cushioned surface to cradle the spine but also require strong support to keep the lower back from sinking into the bed. Due to the softness of the surface, this bed is best suited for sleepers up to 130 pounds.

What It’s Made of

The medium soft (4) mattress begins with a quilted pillow-top cover that uses breathable Tencel fabric. This is followed by two layers made of Helix Dynamic Foam, a proprietary polyfoam that conforms to the body but also mimics the bouncy feel of latex. Next is a polyfoam layer that enhances contouring but is also firm enough to keep the body from sinking too deep.

The support core is composed of a pocketed coil system that is zoned to provide more cushioning under the shoulders and enhanced support under the hips. This zoned design promotes healthy spinal alignment and sleep posture.

Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty. Shipping is free to all 50 states.

The aptly named Sapira Chill is loaded with cooling and moisture-wicking materials to maintain a comfortable temperature during sex. Three firmness options accommodate different types of sleepers based on their body type and preferred position.

  • Pros

    1. Three firmness levels available

    2. Thick foam layers conform closely to the body

    3. Zoned coil system balances support and responsiveness

  • Cons

    1. Many stomach sleepers will sink too much on all three designs

    2. Edges may sink a bit when compressed

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)

Price Range

$1,499 – $2,399

Trial Period

100 nights (30 night requirement)

The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid pairs a thick foam comfort system with a sturdy coil base to provide an even balance of contouring and support. Beds with substantial foam layers tend to trap a fair amount of heat, but the Sapira Chill mitigates heat retention with several cooling features that set it apart from the competition.

How It Performed

Since the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is available in three firmness levels, most people should be able to find a model that suits their sleep position and body type. The firm and medium firm models earned the highest praise from side sleepers who are at least 130 pounds and back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds. The plushness of the medium option fared best with side sleepers up to 230 pounds, since it offered pressure relief for the shoulders and hips.

What It’s Made of

The mattress is 14 inches high, which is considered high-profile. It comes in three firmness options — medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7). All three firmness models begin with two inches of polyfoam quilted into the cover, providing a plush surface that conforms to your body in varying degrees depending on the firmness. This is followed by two more polyfoam layers and a memory foam layer, which collectively enhance contouring even further while buffering you from the coils in the support core. The coil system is zoned to ensure plenty of support for your lower back while generating responsiveness in areas sensitive to pressure.

The cover is infused with cooling fibers designed to draw heat from your body, which helps keep the surface cool during sex or while you’re sleeping. A cooling gel is infused into the surface foam to assist with thermoregulation, and airflow through the coils helps ventilate the interior. Pressure relief was another highlight of this mattress, due to cushioning from the thick foam layers.

Leesa includes a 100-night sleep trial with this mattress, and shipping is free to all 50 states. The bed is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Plush and responsive in equal measure, the Nolah Evolution 15 is ideal if you and your partner enjoy being cradled by your mattress during sex but don’t want to sink too much. Breathable open-cell foam layers also keep temperatures down, and the reinforced perimeter allows you to sprawl across the entire mattress.

  • Pros

    1. Breathable, moisture-wicking cover helps keep the surface cool

    2. Deep foam layers cushion and evenly contour to your body

    3. Zoned coils protect the perimeter and push back against your midsection

  • Cons

    1. Thick profile requires a fitted sheet with deep pockets

    2. $99 fee for all returns during the sleep trial

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Price Range

$1,004 – $2,143

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night requirement)

If you are your partner both primarily sleep on your sides, then a mattress that contours evenly and cradles the spine is a safe bet. The Nolah Evolution 15 is a hybrid with a thick coil system, so the mattress feels very supportive, but thick foam layers in the comfort system provide ample cushioning to keep side sleepers comfortable.

How It Performed

The Evolution 15 is available in three firmness levels. Side sleepers on our testing team who weigh up to 230 pounds preferred the medium (5) feel for its deeper contouring and pressure relief. Those weighing more than 230 pounds felt more comfortable on the medium firm (6) model. Back and stomach sleepers will likely prefer the medium firm (6) feel if they weigh less than 130 pounds, or the firm (8) feel if they weigh 130 pounds or more.

What It’s Made of

The Evolution 15 contains four foam layers, beginning with plush polyfoam quilted into the Euro-top surface. The three subsequent foam layers are progressively denser from top to bottom, allowing your body to settle into the mattress without sinking excessively. These foams are also somewhat responsive compared to memory foam, making the surface feel bouncy — a quality many couples prioritize for sex.

The Evolution 15’s pocketed coils are laid out in a zoned arrangement. Thicker springs rest beneath the torso and hips — two areas where people tend to carry a disproportionate amount of weight — while thinner coils create a gentler feel for the head, shoulders, and legs. The perimeter is also reinforced to generate push-back when compression occurs near the edges. This allows you and your partner to utilize the entire surface for amorous activities, and you shouldn’t feel trapped or stuck if movements take place in the middle of the mattress.

A cover made of breathable ArcticTex fabric encases the entire mattress. All four foam layers are engineered to resist heat buildup and the coils produce steady airflow, so the Evolution 15 should sleep quite cool. The foam layers also absorb movement well and minimize transfer, so both of you can rest without disruptions when it’s time to sleep.

Seven sizes are available, including a split king for couples who share adjustable beds. Nolah offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The Evolution 15 comes with a 120-night sleep trial. You may opt out of the sleep trial and cut your up-front costs by as much as $150, though this means you won’t be able to return the mattress for a refund. Those who choose to keep their Evolution 15 receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.

Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid is bouncy, breathable, and stable around the perimeter — all important boxes to check when choosing a mattress with sex in mind. The bed also sleeps comfortably, cushioning your body and responding to movement when you change positions, and three firmness levels are available to meet your individual needs.

  • Pros

    1. Proprietary foam layers cushion the body and feel somewhat bouncy

    2. Three firmness options to suit different sleepers

    3. Available in 14 different sizes

  • Cons

    1. Initial off-gassing odors may linger for the first few nights

    2. Firmness exchanges not allowed during the trial

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Price Range

$499 – $1,199

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night requirement)

There is not a “universally comfortable” firmness level, as your ideal firmness largely depends on factors like body type and sleep position. With the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, you can choose from three designs. Each has a distinct feel to accommodate different sleepers based on this criteria, and all of them are relatively affordable compared to the average hybrid model.

How It Performed

During hands-on tests, our team found that the medium soft Signature Hybrid was best suited to side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers below 130 pounds. The firm model delivered plenty of support for back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. If you’re looking for a mid-range firmness, the medium firm model should provide enough cushioning to keep you comfortable during sleep and sex without sinking excessively.

Our tests also show the Signature Hybrid is a solid option for hot sleepers. This is especially true for the firm model because the TitanFlex won’t absorb as much heat as conventional memory foam, but all of the models slept reasonably cool. You can also upgrade your mattress with a GlacioTex cooling cover infused with phase change material that dissipates heat on contact.

What It’s Made of

Construction depends on which firmness you select. The medium soft (4) and medium firm (6) models begin with memory foam comfort layers that contour closely and evenly to alleviate pressure while you sleep and provide decent traction for sex. Proprietary TitanFlex polyfoam replaces the memory foam in firm (8) Signature Hybrids, resulting in significant bounce that you and your partner may enjoy if you prefer springy surfaces. Another responsive material, VariFlex polyfoam, makes up the transitional layer in all models, so even the softer versions have noticeable bounce. The support core consists of pocketed coils over high-density base foam.

The Signature Hybrid is available in a total of 14 sizes. In addition to standard mattress dimensions, your options include a split California king if you and your partner share an adjustable bed, an Olympic queen with extra width compared to a traditional queen, and several RV-friendly sizes. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Your purchase comes with a 120-night trial, and Brooklyn Bedding backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty if you decide to keep it after the trial ends.

The Bear Elite Hybrid features a zoned foam layer that feels firmer and more supportive around your midsection — this ensures much-needed pushback during sex, and pain reduction in your lower back and hips while you sleep. Three firmness levels are available, and exchanges are allowed if you aren’t fully satisfied with the first selection.

  • Pros

    1. Zoned transitional and coil layers provide enhanced support to the midsection

    2. Available in three firmness levels

    3. Cover woven with cooling fibers that dissipate heat

  • Cons

    1. Those seeking an exceptionally soft mattress may not feel comfortable on any of the designs

    2. Foam layers emit unpleasant off-gassing odor for the first 48 hours after unboxing

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Price Range

$1,231 – $2,548

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night break-in period)

Many of the best mattresses for sex are constructed with a zoned layer that feels firmer and more supportive beneath the midsection. This helps ensure an even surface during amorous activities and minimal sinkage around the chest, lower back, and hips. The Bear Elite Hybrid doubles down on this feature with zoned transitional and coil layers intended to provide extra reinforcement to these areas. You can also choose from three firmness levels based on your body type and primary sleep position.

How It Performed

Our team tested each of the Elite Hybrid’s firmness levels. The medium (5) feel conforms closely and is best suited to side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. If you and your partner prefer less cushioning and stronger support, the firm (8) model feels exceptionally stable. This design earned its most favorable ratings from our side sleepers over 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers of at least 130 pounds. The medium firm (6) is your most balanced option, combining a gentle contour with sturdy coil reinforcement.

What It’s Made of

The Elite Hybrid begins with a memory foam comfort layer. This highly adaptive material molds to your body’s unique contours, forming a cradle that cushions the spine and evenly distributes your weight. An infusion of copper gel helps offset some of the foam’s heat-retaining properties. Another cooling component is the cover woven with Celliant, a fabric engineered to dissipate heat on contact.

Transitional polyfoam divided into seven firmness zones helps ensure the right amount of cushioning for your entire body. Pocketed coils in the support core are thicker in the center and along the perimeter, so you and your partner should receive adequate pushback during sex and be able to use the entire mattress surface without feeling like you’ll roll off the edges. A layer of dense base foam rounds out the hybrid design.

The mattress is available in seven sizes, including a split king for couples who use king size adjustable beds. If you and your partner choose this size, you can opt for dual firmness with a different feel on each side — contact Bear directly for more details. Standard ground shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. and all orders come with a 120-night trial period. The Elite Hybrid is further backed by a lifetime warranty against structural defects.

A firmer feel, dense foam layers and a supportive base make the Emma Hybrid Comfort suitable for sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. The mattress is also great for sex thanks to its steady internal airflow, zoned coil system, gentle bounce, and sturdy perimeter.

  • Pros

    1. Zoned pocketed coils provide extra pushback around the midsection

    2. Thick foam layers relieve pressure buildup

    3. All orders include a 365-night trial period

  • Cons

    1. May feel too firm for side sleepers under 130 pounds

    2. Responsive design may cause movement-related disruptions for co-sleepers

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$739 – $1,499

Trial Period

365 nights (4-week try-out request)

How We Test: Rigor, Data, and Sleeper Feedback

Every sleeper has unique needs and preferences. We use an objective rating system to help you understand the pros and cons of each mattress, allowing you to make the best purchasing decision based on your personal criteria.

Since there is an established connection between the sleep products you choose and your overall sleep quality, our testing team thoroughly analyzes each mattress to determine who will benefit most from using it. We conduct these hands-on evaluations in our Seattle-based Test Lab using a four-part process, which is outlined below.

Construction analysis: We begin tests for each mattress by making note of firmness, height, layer composition, and other manufacturer specifications. This allows us to determine qualities like durability and overall support.

Product testing: Our team uses cutting-edge tools and technology to evaluate mattresses for motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and odor potential. These six performance categories are key to our hands-on testing process.

Field testing: In addition to lab-based testing, we use feedback from field testers who use mattresses in their own homes. Data is collected over the course of several weeks to give us insights about each bed’s long-term performance.

User testing: We collect feedback from verified mattress owners through surveys and product reviews. This helps us fine-tune our ratings and ensure they reflect real-world experiences.

How Can Your Mattress Impact Sex?

Most sexual activity takes place in the privacy of the bedroom. As a result, the right mattress can contribute to an inviting setting for intimacy.

Having the optimal mix of feel and features – such as a comfortable firmness level, plenty of bounce, and minimal noise -– allows a mattress to be considered as one of the best mattresses for sex.

What to Look for in a Mattress

There can be a lot to think about when you’re shopping for a mattress, and the abundance of marketing claims and terminology can be a serious distraction.

Rather than try to process every single detail, it’s helpful to focus on the factors that are known to most directly affect customer satisfaction. Learning about these factors lets you understand how they apply in your case and which are the highest priorities for you.

Price:
No matter whether you’re focused on a mattress for sleep or sex, there’s still the bottom line to think about. Reflect on your budget and use that number to filter out options that are too expensive, keeping in mind that you can often score great discounts and promotions when shopping online. Direct-to-consumer mattresses sold online are often less expensive, since the manufacturer isn’t paying for showrooms and additional staff. These “mattress in a box” models are comparable to those sold in brick-and-mortar stores in terms of construction and performance and shipping is almost always included in your purchase price.

Sleeping Position:
How you sleep influences what you need from a mattress. If your sleeping posture puts more pressure on your hips and shoulders (side sleepers) or lower back (stomach and back sleepers), you’ll want to choose a mattress that accommodates those hot spots.

Mattress Type:
Some mattress types tend to be far better for promoting sex. For example, hybrid and all-latex mattresses more consistently offer the springiness that makes it easier to have sex on the mattress.

Responsiveness:
A responsive mattress quickly rebounds as you move around on it, springing back to its original shape when you remove your weight. As we’ve touched on throughout this guide, this bounciness is a key trait in the best mattresses for sex.

Contouring:
The ability of a mattress to cradle to fit around the body is known as contouring. Deeper contouring can enhance pressure relief, but it can also make it harder to move on the mattress. Foam, especially memory foam, is best known for deep contouring.

Quality Materials:
One of the most important factors that affects the durability of a mattress is the quality of the materials. This is doubly true for people with an active sex life who place more pressure on their mattress. Look for manufacturers who don’t cut corners in choosing top-end components.

Firmness Level:
There is no universal firmness that works for everyone; instead, it’s naturally subjective. That said, a mattress that is extremely plush tends to inhibit movement while a mattress that is too firm can create undue impact on the body during sex.

Pressure Relief:
A good mattress should help avoid the frustration of waking up with aches and pains, and it can do that by promoting spinal alignment. The right amount of pressure relief keeps certain parts of the body from being pushed out of line with the rest of the body.

Motion Isolation:
Couples who want a good mattress for sex also often place an emphasis on above-average motion isolation. Motion isolation prevents a movement on one side of the bed from having a sleep-disturbing ripple effect that is felt on the other side.

Edge Support:
One never knows exactly how any lovemaking session will play out, and being able to utilize the whole mattress surface keeps more possibilities open. Without strong edge support, it may feel like you’ll accidentally fall or roll out of the bed. Hybrids, innersprings, and latex mattresses tend to offer the best edge support.

Temperature Regulation:
Based on their designs and materials, some mattresses have a propensity to gather heat at night. As that heat collects around the body, it can mean waking up in a bothersome sweat. Latex beds, hybrids, and mattresses with temperature control features tend to be the best fit for people who tend to sleep hot.

Noise:
A noisy mattress can be problematic for both sex and sleep. Squeaking can be distracting during intimate moments and can foil attempts at discretion. A creaky mattress can also spur disruptions for people who stir easily at night. Foam mattresses tend to be the quietest and innersprings the loudest.

Which Type of Mattress is Best for Sex?

Some kinds of mattresses, such as hybrid and latex options, are more reliable when it comes to enabling sexual activity. But this doesn’t mean that only these mattresses are conducive to sex.

To categorize the beds on the market, we break them down into one of five mattress types based on their internal construction. This enables a big-picture view of the pros and cons of each type, but at the same time, it’s important to remember that individual models within each category can break from the norm based on the exact nature of their materials and design.

Hybrid

Definition: There are two fundamental components that are found in any hybrid mattress. These include a coil-based support core and a sizable comfort system. The comfort system can be one layer or a combination of layers and may include micro-coils, memory foam, polyfoam, latex, and fabrics like cotton, polyester, and wool.
A Bouncy Base: Because all hybrids have an innerspring support core, there is almost always a base level of bounce in these mattresses that makes them good for sex. That responsiveness is then complemented by the features of the comfort system like pressure relief and motion isolation.

Innerspring

Definition: An innerspring mattress has a coil-based construction and few other components. While there may be a thin fabric cover or pillow-top, there is no substantial comfort system, and virtually all support from the mattress is provided by the coils themselves.
Unadulterated Bounce: For customers who want an extra-bouncy mattress, an innerspring is a top choice. These beds lack pressure relief, though, so they tend to best serve people who want lots of responsiveness and have no major pressure points or hot spots for pain.

Latex

Definition: All of the interior layers of these mattresses are made with latex. The majority use natural latex, which is made with either the Dunlop or Talalay process. Several different latex layers with distinct feels may be arranged to distinguish between the support core and comfort system.
Contouring With Responsiveness: Latex is known for its responsiveness, making it nearly effortless to move on top of these mattresses. At the same time, the material can provide moderate cradling to support the spine and isolate motion.

Airbed

Definition: In an airbed, the support core is made with an adjustable air chamber. Adding or removing air (using a smartphone or hand-held control) changes the firmness. A comfort system may be placed above this chamber and can use memory foam, polyfoam, latex, or other fabrics.
Set Firmness To Suit Sex and Sleep: People with an airbed can easily adjust the way their mattress feels. For people who want to sleep on a Firm bed but prefer a slightly softer feel for sex, these types of adjustments are simple on an airbed.

Foam

Definition: In a foam mattress, all layers are foam, and there are no coils in the design. Foam materials employed can include memory foam, polyfoam, or latex. High-density base polyfoam is the standard support core in these beds.
A Supportive Surface: Foam beds are popular because of how the material can compress in response to the body’s weight. This boosts pressure relief during sleep and can decrease impact on the body during sex.

Which Mattress Firmness is Best for Sex?

Getting the right firmness level is important for sex. To compare firmness across mattress brands, we use a scale of 1-10 in which 10 is the hardest. In general, mattresses from medium soft (4) to firm (7) are best for sex:

  • If a mattress is extremely soft, it may feel like it is giving out beneath you during sex. This problem can be even worse near the edge of the mattress.
  • If a mattress is extremely firm, it can be painful to move on, especially for higher-impact movements during sex.

Other factors beyond firmness, like the type of mattress and its responsiveness, can influence whether a mattress is good for sex.

Firmness preferences are highly subjective and are also variable based on a person’s body weight. But the good news is that the range of medium soft to firm tends to best suit most people during sleep as well as sex.

Last Things to Consider with Mattresses and Sex

After reading up on the mattress types and key factors for choosing a mattress, you’re well-armed with the information you need to buy a great mattress. Before making a final decision, though, there are two other topics to review.

Bed Frames

To set up your bed, you’ll need to place the mattress on something. A quality frame can add stability and support to your mattress as well as style to your bedroom. If your current bed frame is wearing down or noisy, consider upgrading the frame at the same time that you purchase your new mattress.

Bedding

If you want a romantic and comfortable setting for sex, it can be useful to think about your bedding. Soft sheets can make a mattress feel more luxurious, and breathable ones can help wick-away moisture when things start getting steamy. If you’re truly wanting to take your bedroom to the next level, consider whether your current bedding is up to the task.

Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides

If you’re still not quite sure which mattress is right for you, take a look at our guides below categorized by mattresses that target specific pain points.

Still have questions?

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

Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect mattress

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect mattress

What position do you sleep in?

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Side

Side icon
Back icon

Back

Back icon
Stomach icon

Stomach

Stomach icon

Do you experience any pain while sleeping?

Back and/or side pain icon

Back and/or side pain

Back and/or side pain icon
Neck and/or shoulder pain icon

Neck and/or shoulder pain

Neck and/or shoulder pain icon
Little to no pain icon

Little to no pain

Little to no pain icon

Do you have any material preferences?

Innerspring icon

Innerspring

Innerspring icon
Foam icon

Foam

Foam icon
No preference/ Other icon

No preference/ Other

Do you sleep hot?

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Yes

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No icon

No

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Do you sleep with a partner?

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Yes

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No icon

No

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