Today we’re tackling the million-dollar question: what’s the best mattress for sex? Bear in mind, this is much different than analyzing what mattresses are best for sleeping. While we’ve taken criteria such as bounce, responsiveness, and noise into consideration (more on all of that later), you should still consider how a mattress feels and sleeps, in addition to how it performs for more amorous activities.
In order to properly select these mattresses, we tested their performance in cooling, pain relief, motion isolation, and more. When selecting the best mattress for sex, we chose beds that scored high in a handful of these testing areas — namely responsiveness, cooling, and edge support. We’ll go into more detail about why that is below. To determine what we’re calling an “overall sex score,” we averaged these three categories and chose beds with at least a 4 or higher.
Our Top Mattress for Sex
The Helix Dusk Luxe gets the top spot on this list since it’s responsive enough for sex, but also offers some softness with its cushy foams. Another major perk? This bed has a very luxurious feel and features high-end touches such as a quilted pillow top.
Best Mattresses for Sex
- Helix Dusk Luxe – Best Overall Mattress for Sex
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Sex
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers and Sex
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers and Sex
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Sex
- Plank – Best Flippable Mattress for Sex
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Pressure Relief and Sex
- Birch – Best Cooling Mattress for Sex
Compare the Best Mattresses for Sex
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| Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress | Saatva Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Position | Combination | Back & Stomach | Combination | Back | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach |
Best Mattress for Sex Video Review
What We Look For In the Best Mattresses For Sex
Responsiveness
When deciding on the best mattress for sex, we consider responsiveness first and foremost. Our top choices for responsive beds have surfaces that bounce back fairly quickly after pressure is applied, making it easy to move around and change positions. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses tend to be a lot more responsive than memory foam mattresses, which is why you don’t see many foam beds on this list.
Edge Support
Edge support simply refers to the strength of a mattress’s perimeter. If a bed has strong edge support, the edges don’t sag too much when our testers lie or sit near them. This allows our testers to spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress without feeling like we’re going to fall off. During sexual activities, you’ll want a mattress that lets you use the whole surface area, rather than just the center.
Cooling
Sex involves a lot of physical activity, and a cooling mattress will help keep you and your partner from getting too sweaty afterward. Our experts usually recommend hybrid and innerspring mattresses for cooling, as the coils in their construction allow more air to flow through the mattress. To test the cooling properties of each of these mattresses, we used a thermal gun to measure the change in temperature of the mattress after laying on it for five minutes.
Helix Dusk Luxe – Best Overall
The Helix Dusk Luxe mattress has a medium-firm feel that is perfect for back sleepers. Also, this mattress offers great contouring that doesn’t make you feel like you’re “stuck in” bed, which is great news for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review of all the Helix Luxe mattresses.
What our tester says:
“Overall, I found the Helix Dusk to be quite cooling, with the Luxe model sleeping slightly cooler. The Tencel cover on the Luxe adds additional temperature regulation. The gel foam and latex foam also add cooling.” – Logan Block, former content director
Expert Opinion
Helix’s Luxe line consists of luxury upgrades of their original hybrid mattresses, with the Helix Dusk Luxe being a spruced up version of the Helix Dusk. We enjoyed a high-end sleeping experience on this bed, getting some immediate pressure relief from the plush pillow-top layer and feeling cooled down by the soft and breathable Tencel cover. Of course, the Dusk Luxe wouldn’t be in this article if it wasn’t a good mattress for sex, and we think its support layer of 1,000 wrapped coils is bouncy enough for amorous activities. All of this led us to name it the best overall pick for this roundup.
We also found that the Helix Dusk Luxe has strong edge support, or a strong mattress perimeter. Our team tests this by sitting and lying on the edge of the bed, then seeing how much the material collapses under our weight. The Dusk Luxe proved sturdy, meaning couples who like to spread out across the mattress surface or sleepers who like to sleep close to the bed’s edge should feel well-supported.
What our tester says: “[The Helix Dusk Luxe uses proprietary] Dynamic Foam, which has a much more responsive feel to it. This means that you’re likely get some nice sinkage from these mattresses, but you shouldn’t feel “stuck” in bed.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Helix offers a Sleep Quiz that takes 30 seconds and helps shoppers determine the best Helix model for their needs. Many shoppers of the Helix Dusk Luxe say that the quiz helped them choose it, and they found it was a great match for them.
Highlights of the Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress
- Hot sleepers should sleep cool, thanks to the Tencel cover and airflow-promoting coils.
- Back sleepers should get just the right blend of comfort and support on the Helix Dusk Luxe.
- We scored this bed a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which means it’s slightly softer than the industry standard for medium-firm. That’s soft enough to cradle side sleepers at the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure.
What to Keep in Mind about the Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress
- Stomach sleepers tend to put the most pressure on a mattress and need something firm and supportive enough to keep their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders. The Helix Dusk Luxe is probably too soft for this.
Learn more in our full Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review. If sex is a big priority for your new mattress, we know you and your partner will love the Helix Midnight Luxe. Get our best deal here. And if you want to check out more options, head over to our best mattresses roundup.
Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The best mattresses for sex tend to be bouncy and responsive — two traits epitomized by the Saatva. It has two layers of coils, which result in a traditional innerspring feel that makes it easy to switch positions. When we tested out the Saatva, we found it extremely easy to move around. It’s also available in three different firmness levels, allowing you to customize the bed to your preferences and needs.
A mattress that’s good for sex also typically needs to be cooling. We found that the Saatva’s double coil layers should help folks sleep cool.
What our tester says: “Despite having a coil-on-coil system, I didn’t find this mattress to be particularly noisy at all. You can easily move around on top of it without any issue.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Folks have quite a lot to say about Saatva’s customer service– good things, of course. The company offers free white glove delivery, an uncommon yet spectacular service in which the company delivers and sets up your new mattress, then disposes of your old one.
Highlights of the Saatva Mattress
- The three different models of the Saatva offer a level of firmness for everyone. We recommend that side sleepers go for the Plush Soft, back sleepers choose the Luxury Firm, and stomach sleepers opt for the Firm.
- Because so much of the Saatva’s structure is made up of coils, there’s plenty of room for air to flow through the mattress. This keeps the bed at a low temperature.
- Because there’s a little bit of foam up top, the Saatva is technically a luxury hybrid mattress, with elegant touches such as a Euro top cover.
What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Mattress
- Even the Plush Soft model of the Saatva is going to be bouncy. If you’re after that slow-sinking feeling of memory foam, you should choose another mattress.
Learn more in our full Saatva mattress review. Sold on the Saatva? Get our best deal here. Still searching? See more of our picks on our roundup of the best innerspring mattresses.
WinkBed – Best for Back Sleepers
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
While the WinkBed is technically a luxury hybrid mattress, its tall section of individually encased coils give it a traditional innerspring feel. That means it has exceptional bounce and strong edges, both of which are important factors for bedroom activities. When we laid down on it, we found it easy to move around and spread out all the way to the end of the mattress. Another great thing about the WinkBed is that it comes in three firmness options, so you and your partner should be able to find a model that suits your specific sleep needs.
We tested out the Luxury Firm model and found it to be an excellent match for back sleepers because of its mixture of comfort and support. The springs should keep their spine neutrally aligned, and the bed’s pillow top should give them some pressure relief. Our pressure map test further reassured us that the WinkBed is a great option for back sleepers. We saw almost entirely blue on our map, meaning that folks should experience little to no pressure on this mattress.
What our tester says: “The WinkBed reminds me of a traditional innerspring bed with its solid support and bounce. I think the added pillow top brings the perfect touch of plushness. And I really appreciate how it comes in different firmness levels!” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are a lot of positive reviews regarding WinkBed’s customer service, from trials and warranties to returns and refunds.
Highlights of the WinkBed Mattress
- In addition to the Luxury Firm model, there’s also the Softer (great for side sleepers) and the Firmer model (a solid match for stomach sleepers). There’s even the WinkBed Plus, which is especially built for heavy sleepers.
- Any mattress that makes it easy to move around during sex also makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions at night.
- The coils of the WinkBed promote airflow, and a thinner layer of foam above the springs has an infusion of gel. Both of these factors make the WinkBed one of the best cooling mattresses.
What to Keep in Mind about the WinkBed Mattress
- The WinkBed’s traditional innerspring feel makes it the opposite of a memory foam mattress. So if you’re after that quicksand-like feeling of an all-foam bed, this one isn’t for you.
Learn more in our full WinkBed mattress review. Ready to get some bounce on the WinkBed? Get our best deal here. If you aren’t ready to buy the WinkBed, check out our other picks for the best mattress for back sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best for Combination Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Whether you’re in search of the best mattress for sex or the best mattress for combination sleepers, you’ll want to look for the same qualities — namely bounciness and responsiveness. We think you’ll find both in the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. It uses four inches of a responsive poly foam to deliver great bounce and pushback. This quick response from the foam combines with the pocketed coil support system for some give and take that makes sex and switching sleeping positions easy on the mattress. When we laid down on the bed, we had no trouble moving around on it.
Even though it’s a more responsive model, we were still impressed with the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s motion isolation. Our motion transfer test showed there was very little disturbance across the mattress surface.
What our tester says: “No matter the firmness level you choose, this bed should offer combination sleepers excellent mobility and bounce. Even though the Signature Hybrid’s design is simple, it still brings a very high-quality feel.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many customers praise the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s quality and durable construction. They also tend to add that it’s impressive considering the low cost of the mattress.
Highlights of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- We measure how much pressure a mattress puts on certain areas of the body using a device called a pressure map. When we looked at the image results from the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, there was little to no pressure displayed on our backs. That means back sleepers may experience some pain relief.
- You can choose from three different firmness levels, and we think side sleepers will get the comfort and support they need on the Soft version of the bed.
- The coils in the Signature Hybrid allow for plenty of airflow, and you can also add a cooling panel for an extra charge.
What to Keep in Mind about the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- This mattress doesn’t have a ton of luxury features, so if that’s important to you, you should look at our list of the best luxury mattresses.
Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. Still looking for a mattress you can easily move around on? Browse more mattresses for combination sleepers. Think the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is right for you? Get our best deal here.
Nolah Evolution– Best for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re a side sleeper searching for excellent contouring and pressure relief, take a look at the Nolah Evolution in the Plush or Luxury Firm model. It has a comfort layer made from two different types of cooling foam, and when we lie down on the mattress in the Luxury Firm model, we can feel it cradling our shoulders and hips. These are the areas of the body where side sleepers put the most pressure. The comfort layer also has cooling fibers and a graphite infusion to help hot sleepers keep a low temperature. Additionally, there’s a durable layer of coils that we found made the Evolution bouncy. You’ll be able to move around while getting all the body contouring and pressure relief you need.
We put the Nolah Evolution’s pressure relief to the test by using a pressure mat. This pressure mat lies on top of the mattress surface, and when we rest on it, the mat tracks which areas of the body we’re putting the most pressure on. Sensors show us areas of high pressure (yellow to red) and areas of low pressure (green to blue). For side sleeping, we found that the Nolah Evolution showed mostly blue and green. While the green indicates this may not be the best model for hip pain, most side sleepers should find themselves comfortable.
What our tester says: “The Nolah Evolution did a great job offering sinkage and pressure relief around my lumbar region. I really liked the Luxury Firm model, but I appreciate how there are two other firmness options for anyone who wants a softer or firmer feel.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many folks note Nolah’s effective customer service department, and even go so far as to say that it was the reason that really convinced them to purchase a model.
Highlights of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- The Nolah Evolution’s medium firmness and blend of comfort and support is optimal for back sleepers. They tend to need a bed that’s soft enough to cushion their lumbar region, but supportive enough to keep their spine elevated and aligned.
- The coils in the mattress make it easy for combination sleepers to change positions.
- The Nolah Evolution is equipped with the cooling features we already mentioned, plus a proprietary material called AirFoam Ice — a more breathable alternative to memory foam.
What to Keep in Mind about the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- We wouldn’t recommend the Nolah Evolution to most heavy stomach sleepers. They should seek out a firmer and more supportive bed.
Learn more in our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. Not certain this mattress is for you? See more of the best mattresses for side sleepers for the best deal.
Plank Firm – Best Flippable Mattress
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Even in the already unique world of flippable mattresses, the all-foam Plank stands out for having two sides that are meant to be extremely firm. More specifically, there’s a Firm side (which scored a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale) and an Ultra Firm side (an 8.5 out of 10). When lying down on both sides, we felt an exceptional amount of support and responsiveness. As long as both partners appreciate a firm feel, they should have no problem moving around on this mattress.
As firm as this mattress is, we also found it isolates motion extremely well. From our steel ball test, the Plank Firm showed little disturbance, which makes sense because it’s an all-foam mattress and can absorb movement better. You shouldn’t have to worry about waking up to your partner’s movements at night.
What our tester says: “I really like that the Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness options. This makes it feel like you’re getting two beds for the price of one. I also think this is a great choice for anyone who loves a firm feel — if you’re looking for the firmest mattress out there, the ultra-firm side of the Plank is the way to go.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Customers with back pain report that the Plank Firm helped alleviate it, or get rid of it entirely. The firm support provided by the Plank Firm helps keep the hips aligned with the rest of the spine.
Highlights of the Plank Firm Mattress
- Back sleepers should be the most comfortable on the Firm side, getting the support they need for their spines while also getting just a touch of pressure relief from the softer foam.
- Stomach sleepers often have a hard time finding a supportive enough mattress, but that won’t be a problem at all on the Ultra Firm side of the Plank.
- This is one bouncy mattress, so as long as they like a firm bed, combination sleepers should find it quite easy to move around.
What to Keep in Mind about the Plank Firm Mattress
- Side sleepers almost always need a softer mattress that will contour their shoulders and hips, and they definitely won’t find it in the Plank — one of the firmest mattresses around.
Learn more in our full Plank Firm mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal or see our list of the best flippable mattresses for more options.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best for Pressure Relief
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
The Bear Elite Hybrid adds a layer of coils to the original all-foam Bear, giving it a bit more responsiveness. When lying down on it, we found it to be fairly bouncy and responsive, in addition to getting a great mix of support and pressure relief. That means you’ll be able to move around easily, all while getting some contouring from its medium-soft feel. The top layer of soft memory foam allowed us to sink in, while the coils provided enough support to keep us from feeling like we’re sinking too deeply into the bed.
Our Sleepopolis team put this all to the test. Using our pressure map, we found that the Bear Elite Hybrid impressively showed almost all blue in the back-sleeping position. While resting on our side, the pressure map indicated fairly low pressure, so it should be a solid option for side sleepers and folks with joint pain. That said, the mattress comes in three different firmness levels, and we think side sleepers will be most comfortable on the Soft (we tested out the Medium).
What our tester says: “On my back, there is very little pressure buildup and only slight pressure around my hips and lower lumbar region, indicating that the Bear Elite Hybrid may work well to relieve pressure for most back sleepers. ” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
Several shoppers commented on the great value; though it’s a luxury mattress, customers say the discounts put it at a price reasonable for its quality.
Highlights of the Bear Elite Hybrid
- The springs should help keep back sleepers’ spines in a neutral alignment while the foams cushion their lumbar region.
- We found this to be a cooler-sleeping mattress, so hot sleepers should be comfortable.
- Bear actually designs its mattresses with athletes and active folks in mind, offers an optional cover made of Celliant — a material meant to absorb your energy and redirect it back to you to promote blood flow and recovery.
What to Keep in Mind about the Bear Elite Hybrid
- Heavy stomach sleepers (anyone over 250 pounds) are probably not going to find the Bear Elite Hybrid firm or supportive enough.
- The Celliant cover that may help in muscle recovery must be purchased separately for around $130.
Learn more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. You can also get our best deal here, or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain for more options.
Birch – Best Cooling Mattress
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re planning to use your mattress for more than just sleeping, a cooling surface might be important to you. We found that the Birch mattress keeps a low temperature due to its comfort layer of Talalay latex foam, a naturally cooling material. Below that, a layer of pocketed coils promotes airflow throughout the bed. This construction should keep you from overheating.
In terms of feel, we found the Birch to be bouncy and responsive (latex is also a springier material than memory foam), with a 7 out 10 on our mattress firmness scale. It should be very easy move around on its surface, making it an excellent option for sex. When coupled with the cooling qualities, we think it could appeal to a lot of couples out there.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer
What Customers Say
On Helix’s website, customers love how the mattress is largely made from sustainable materials, and has a naturally cooling and bouncy feel.
Highlights of the Birch Mattress
- The natural materials don’t stop at the latex. The Birch also has an environmentally friendly wool layer that serves as a fire barrier.
- The Birch’s responsiveness makes it a good choice for combination sleepers who need to switch positions at night.
- We think the Birch’s firmness and support also make it a good match for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind about the Birch Mattress
- The bouncy latex and springs give the Birch high motion transfer. So if you or your partner are especially light sleepers, you may want to consider a bed that’s better at isolating your movement.
Learn more in our full Birch mattress review. Think you’ll sleep cool on the Birch? Get our best deal here. Still looking? Check out our other picks for the best cooling mattress.
How We Test the Best Mattress for Sex
Firmness
The firmness of your mattress matters when considering the best mattress for sex because it affects the comfort of the mattress. Different people also have different preferences when it comes to how firm their mattress is, whether that be about comfort when sleeping, or because of their sexual preferences. Either way we test the firmness of all of the mattresses we review using our expert developed firmness scale.
This scale places mattresses from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most firm, and a 6.5 being a medium level of firmness. The more firm the bed, the less bouncy and hugging it generally is, and softer mattresses are usually more contouring. You can learn more about the firmness of your mattress by checking out our mattress firmness guide.
Cooling
The ability of a mattress to regulate temperature and remain cool is exceptionally important when considering the best mattress for sex. Because heat is generated when people are having sex, a mattress that is breathable and can remain cool even when heat is being generated on top of it is key to keeping you and your partner(s) comfortable.
We test all of our mattresses for their cooling capabilities by looking out for cooling materials such as Tencel, a breathable material often found in mattress covers, Latex, a naturally cool and breathable material, gel foams that are cool to the touch, breathable coils that help airflow continuously circulate, and cooling fibers. To test the cooling power of these materials we use our experts testers touch and a thermal gun.
Our thermal gun test is one of the best ways to test for cooling. We use a tool called a thermal gun that can read the temperature of a specific location and register body heat. We use this tool by having one of our expert testers measure the temperature of the mattress normally and then measure it again after laying on it for 5 to 10 minutes. We consider anything below an 8-degree difference to be good cooling, and below a six-degree difference to be great cooling.
You can read more about cooling mattresses on our list of best cool mattresses.
Edge Support
Many sex positions require — or are at least significantly improved by — a stable and strong edge. This is because strong edges provide the support necessary to move around when having sex, switch positions, and use the entirety of the mattress. Mattress edges that collapse under pressure can make for a less than ideal experience, as they may cause the bed to sag, deteriorate faster, and make you less comfortable when having sex closer to the sides of your mattress or sleeping on the sides of your mattress if you sleep next to a partner. The best bed for sex will be one that supports pressure and weight directly on the edge of the mattress.
In order to test the strength of the edges on our mattresses, we have our expert testers apply pressure to the sides of the mattress by pushing on them and sitting on them to feel how much give the edges have. We also like to use a yard stick to measure exactly how much the edges will sag when we apply pressure. Our testers are able to tell how strong the edges are by performing these tests, so you know we are helping you find the best mattress for sex.
Sleeping Positions
When looking for the best mattress for sex, you may also want to consider a good mattress for sleeping and to do that you may want to consider how you sleep. Aside from the fact that you are likely sleeping on the same mattress you and your partner(s) are having sex on, you also might consider that a mattress that is comfortable for your sleeping position may also be comfortable for sex. When testing our mattresses, we make sure to lay on every single one in various sleeping positions to test out how comfortable each mattress is for various sleeping positions. We also consider firmness, support, and pressure relief of each mattress which will help make them comfortable for your specific sleeping style.
You can check out our recommendations for the best mattresses for side sleepers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers to learn more about the best mattresses for your unique sleeping position.
Body Type
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
We make sure to test all of our mattresses with the consideration that everyone has a different body type so that every sleeper can find the right mattress for them. We also made sure to consider various body types when testing the best mattresses for sex. Our expert testers make sure to consider various shapes, sizes, and weights when they are lying on each mattress. You may notice that some of our reviews mention that lighter-weight sleepers or heavier-weight sleepers may not a certain mattress more than other sleepers, or not like them as much. We include this information so that you can be sure you are finding the perfect fit in terms of comfort, support, firmness and pressure relief.
If you are curious about what mattresses are available for heavier-weight sleepers, check out our best mattresses for heavy sleepers page, and if you are looking for a mattress for lighter-weight sleepers, you can look on our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers page.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to the amount of pressure that is alleviated on various parts of the body when lying on a mattress. This is important not only for sleeping but also for comfort when having sex. If you or your partner is on their back but your mattress is not good at relieving pressure in the lumbar region, then sex may not be as enjoyable as it could be, and may even be uncomfortable. The same goes for stomach or side laying. To help make sure you are getting a mattress that relieves pressure in the areas you need, we use a pressure map with thermal technology to test where on the body pressure is alleviated. The blue and green on the map show little to no pressure on the body, which is ideal.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the amount of movement you can feel when lying on a bed. This is important for comfort when sleeping in bed, especially with partners or animals, as well as changing positions during sex or moving around when having sex. The better the motion isolation in a bed, the more comfortable it will be when you sleep, and the easier it may be to move around comfortably when having sex.
To test this we use three tests, our red wine test, a ball drop test, and our human test. We start by placing a glass of red wine on the mattress and then moving around to see when and if it tips over, and how much movement caused that tip. Then, we drop a ball from various heights and use a seismograph machine to see how much movement went through the bed when the ball was dropped. Lastly we have our expert testers lay in the bed and report how much movement they can feel. These will all help you to find the best mattress for your needs.
Other Considerations for the Best Mattress for Sex
Responsiveness
A mattress’s response time means how fast it adjusts to your body as you move around. An ideal mattress for sex will rapidly adjust to your change in movement and positions so that you’re well-supported on a stable surface. Mattresses with slower response times, on the other hand, can make it feel like you’re moving in quicksand. We test the responsiveness of mattresses by having our expert testers lay on the bed and move around and see how quickly the mattress responds to their movements. Knowing this can help you discover the best mattress for you and for sex.
Bounce
The bounce of a mattress relates to the feeling when it’s being compressed. A mattress with good bounce will rebound, as opposed to simply absorbing your impact. We test for bounciness in a mattress by having our expert testers bounce on it and feel how much rebound they get. This can help you better understand how your mattress will feel when you move around on it. During sex, the bounciness of your mattress can create a consistent rhythm that works with you and your partner, rather than against you. However, we generally look for mattresses that are not overly bouncy and might disrupt your movements and patterns, both when having sex and when sleeping in the bed.
Responsiveness vs Bounce
Although they may seem similar, responsiveness and bounce are a little different.
- Responsiveness is how easy it is to move from one position to another on a mattress, so whether its materials keep you trapped in and take awhile to reform, or if they quickly bounce back and allow you to move around without struggle.
- Bounce, as you probably imagine, is how bouncy a bed is. All kinds of beds can be responsive, while usually innerspring or hybrid beds are bouncy.
Noise
Sometimes you need a certain degree of discretion. Some mattresses can be extremely loud with movements, drawing unwanted attention, so an ideal mattress for sex will help keep the noise to a minimum. We test this by moving around the mattress and performing various movements to see how loud it is. This can help you find a mattress that is comfortable, and meets the needs of you and the people you are having sex with, while not creating too much unwanted noise.
Pro Tip
Investing in a good bed frame can also go a long way when it comes to reducing noise.
Durability
The overall durability of the mattress will surely be put to the test during sex. A good mattress for sex should be able to stand up to years of amorous activities. When considering durability, we generally start by testing the edge support of the mattress, which you can read about above. We also look into the construction of the mattress by cutting a small hole in the side to see what it is made of and how it is constructed. This gives us a sense of how long your mattress will stay intact, and how durable it really is.
We also like to consider and look into the warranty of each of the mattresses we test, so you can be sure you are getting a lasting mattress and also one that can be replaced should anything happen with your mattress.
Comfort
And lastly, we have comfort. If the mattress creates pressure points on your body during sex, it can create pain and discomfort for you. The ideal mattress for sex will not create pressure points in any position or while you are sleeping. You can read all about pressure relief above. We also personally test every single mattress we recommend to find out exactly how comfortable it is for various sleeping positions. By looking for things like pressure relief, support, and the construction of your mattress, we are able to convey just how comfortable your mattress will be.
Type of Mattresses for Sex
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are made from two layers of coils, or springs, and a thinner layer of foam on the top of the mattress. Innerspring mattresses are one of the oldest kinds of mattress constructions, but they remain popular for their support and excellent cooling capabilities. The two layers of coils make the bed extremely breathable, so they are a great choice for those who like to be sure they are cool. The springs also provide good durability and edge support for a mattress, which, like we mentioned, is important when looking for mattresses with sex. You can look at our favorite innerspring mattresses on our best innerspring mattress page.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a distinct type of foam that is slow-moving, contouring, and very comfortable for many sleepers. As the name implies, memory foam “remembers” your shape or the shape of something lying on the bed and maintains that shape for several minutes. Memory foam is a great option for sleepers who like to feel like they are hugged in by their bed. It is also a great option for contouring the body which helps provide fantastic pressure relief.
Memory foam may make it challenging for changing positions during sex, as it remembers, or maintains, its shape. However, you can find firmer memory foam beds that may be better for sex. Check out our favorite memory foam mattresses here.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are made of one layer of foam and one layer of coils, or springs. Hybrid mattresses are very comfortable, can stay very cool because of their breathable springs, and are usually a top choice among many sleepers. These mattresses are also very supportive, and generally offer excellent pressure relief, making them a great option for sex. They are supportive and comfortable for almost every sleeping position, and come in various levels of firmness.
One issue with hybrid mattresses is that they are very expensive, with most costing upwards of $1,000. However, if you are interested in a hybrid, check out our best hybrid mattresses page.
Latex
Latex mattresses are an excellent, eco-friendly choice for a mattress, and may also help reduce exposure to allergens such as dust. Natural latex is made from tree sap, meaning that it is better for the environment than man-made materials, and also naturally allergen repellant. Latex is comfortable while providing necessary support, and its porous material makes it very breathable. The cooling capabilities of latex make it great for sex. However, latex can be very bouncy, and does not provide very good motion isolation, so that may not make it the best option for sex.
You can learn more about our favorite latex mattresses on our best latex mattress page.
A Look Into the Sleepopolis Testing Lab
In order to ensure that we’re recommending the best mattresses to sleepers everywhere, we test each one individually in our mattress lab in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 beds, putting each one through a rigorous testing process that includes measuring a mattress’s motion transfer with a seismometer, tracking its cooling capabilities with a thermal gun, and visualizing its ability to relieve pain with a pressure map.
From there, we give every bed an overall score based on its materials, comfort, support, cooling, edge support, and more. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
We know that sleep is an integral part of your health, which is why we’ve developed such a detailed methodology when testing mattresses and writing our reviews. We also know that every sleeper is different when it comes to body type, sleeping position, and mattress preference. With so many factors at play, we want to give you an informed opinion so you can make an informed purchase.
How We Chose These Mattresses
We’ve reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
A mattress that’s good for sex is going to need a good amount of bounce and responsiveness, which tends to come from high-quality materials such as coils, latex, and responsive foams. That’s why we only included mattresses that scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in the category of materials. Jump back to our mattress picks or click here to learn more about our methodology.
FAQs
What type of mattress is best for sex?
A good mattress for sex is going to have a little bounce and be responsive enough for partners to easily change positions. Hybrid mattresses and innerspring mattresses are usually best for this because of their coils – due to their bouncy nature, coils are easier to leverage your body weight against as you move, unlike memory foam, which can “trap” you somewhat in the mattress (that sinking-in feeling can be great for sleep, but less-than-ideal if you’re moving around a lot with a partner).
What mattress firmness is best for sex?
While there are certainly exceptions, most mattresses that are bouncy and responsive enough for sex are going to be firm or medium-firm. A mattress that’s too soft could make it harder to move around on.
What is the best bed height for sex?
There’s no specific mattress height that’s best for sexual activities. It’s more about finding a bed where the height is comfortable for you and your mobility. If your mattress height makes it easy to move around and get in and out of bed, then it should be a good height for sex.
What is the best bed frame for sex?
The best bed frame for sex is going to be sturdy and relatively silent. You don’t want something that’s going to wobble and make a lot of noise. We recommend a high-quality frame made of wood or steel. See our list of the best platform bed frames for more options.
Best Mattresses for Sex
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Dusk Luxe | Overall | $2,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Best Innerspring | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBeds | Back Sleepers | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Combo Sleepers | $1,732 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Side Sleepers | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm | Flippable | $1,482 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Pressure Relief | $2,305 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch (by Helix) | Cooling | $2,124 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper
