Best Split King Mattress

Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
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Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top mattress picks for split kings and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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On the hunt for the best split king mattress? Essentially two twin XL mattresses pushed together, a split king is great for couples who want their own customized feel and firmness level for their side of the bed. Opting for a split king also helps minimize motion transfer (along with other benefits we’ll cover throughout this roundup), so you shouldn’t be disturbed by your partner’s movements, big or small, during the night. Here at Sleepopolis, we’re serious about sleeping in harmony, so we’ve put together this roundup of the best split king mattresses currently on the market.

However, we also made sure to include a variety of mattresses in this roundup that will work for different sleepers and couples. When buying a new bed (which can become a pretty expensive purchase), we understand that you’re probably looking for more than just a certain size. Depending on your body type and sleeping position, you could also be influenced by a mattress’s cooling properties, firmness level, and ability to alleviate pain, whether that be in the hips, shoulders, lower back, or all three.

Because of this, we’ve put all of the mattresses on this list through a series of tests that evaluate how well they perform in each of these categories and more. For instance, our motion isolation test illustrates how much movement can travel from one side of your mattress to the other (one consideration that might have you leaning toward a split king mattress). Our pressure map test tells you how much pain you might feel in different sleeping positions, including back and side sleeping.

So no matter what you’re looking for in your new bed, rest assured that we’ve thought of everything, and we’re ready to recommend you the best bed for your needs and preferences. And, as this title states, all of the mattresses on this list can either be purchased as two twin XLs or as a split king.

Our Top Pick for Split King Mattresses

We chose the Nectar as our best overall pick due to its price. Before discounts, a split king can often be found for under $1,700, and with discounts, the price is comparable to a queen size from many other brands.

Best Split King Mattresses 2023

• Best Overall – Nectar
• Best for Combination Sleepers – Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid 
• Best Hybrid – Helix Dusk
• Best Luxury – DreamCloud
• Best Customizable – Nolah Evolution
• Best Value – Bear Star Hybrid
• Best for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus
• Best Memory Foam – Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud

Compare the Best Split King Mattresses

Best Overall – Nectar

Expert Opinion

The Nectar is our best overall pick for a split king mattress because it combines quality and affordability in one bed, which can be hard to find. This mattress is made with foam layers that help provide added pressure relief and body contouring around sensitive joints, like the shoulders and hips. When we lie down on the Nectar mattress, we can immediately feel the soft foams allowing us to sink further into this mattress, creating that classic memory foam feel.

Most couples opt for a split king mattress because they want to both sleep comfortably, even if they have different preferences. The Nectar takes this one step further, as it is a great mattress for couples no matter which size or style you choose to buy. It showed low motion transfer results during our motion isolation test, so couples shouldn’t feel the movements of their partner during the night. The Nectar also tested well for edge support, so couples can spread out without fear of sinkage or sagging around the sides of their bed. Finally, the Nectar includes a cover made with heat-wicking technology. This helps to keep both partners cool during the night (something that can be difficult with double the body heat in one bed).

What our tester says: “I think the Nectar has a great classic memory foam feel. If you love deep sinkage and contouring, this is the mattress for you.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Customers love the Nectar because of how well it alleviates back pain. Multiple users commented on the Nectar website that this mattress helped get rid of their lower back pain for good.

Pros of the Nectar Mattress

• The thick layers of memory foam included in the Nectar make this mattress a good choice for sleepers who suffer from joint pain. The Nectar does a great job cradling the body and allowing sleepers to really sink into its layers. This helps to increase pressure relief for the sleeper and reduce general pain.
• After discounts, you can usually find a split king Nectar for under $1,200. This makes it a good choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
• For an all-foam bed, the Nectar sleeps fairly cool, thanks to a cooling cover and an infusion of gel in its memory foam layers. However, if you are an especially hot sleeper, you may still want to upgrade to the Nectar Premier or Nectar Premier Copper mattresses, both of which are constructed with cooling in mind.

Cons of the Nectar Mattress

• The Nectar is most likely not going to be firm enough for strict stomach sleepers, especially those that weigh more than 130 pounds. Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress in order to keep their hips in line with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment. We recommend that these sleepers check out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers for some firmer options.

Does the Nectar sound like the bed for you? Read our full Nectar mattress review, or check out our comparison of the all-foam Nectars. If you’re ready to take the plunge, you can click here for our best deal. Still looking? Take a look at our roundup of the current best mattresses of 2023.

Best for Combination Sleepers – Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

Expert Opinion

Saatva is known for making luxurious mattresses that won’t break the bank, and the king size Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is no exception. This mattress scored a 6.5 on our firmness scale, which is the same score as the industry average for a medium-firm mattress. This means that the Saatva Memory Foam mattress really is the perfect middle ground between stability and comfort. The eight inches of individually wrapped recycled steel coils in the base layer of this bed add the solidity that long-lasting mattresses need, while the thick, cotton cover helps sleepers sink in to this bed’s layers.

In terms of combination sleeping, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is a great pick because of how easily sleepers can move around and switch positions. Once again, this is thanks to the coils included in the base layer, which make sleepers feel more “on top” of the bed. This means that combination sleepers shouldn’t have to worry about getting stuck in this mattress’s layers. The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is especially comfortable for combination sleepers who switch most often between back and side sleeping.

What our tester says: “I really enjoyed how this mattress felt laying on my back and side. I was so comfortable and loved the medium-firm feel that had a touch of softness. I think the foam layers offered a contouring feeling while also making me feel supported.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

The reviews on the Saatva website praise the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid for its resistance to sagging. Many users stated that their old memory foam mattresses starting sagging around the edges after only a couple of months, but with the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid, they haven’t experienced this.

Pros of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

• Lightweight sleepers should rest comfortably on the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid in all positions. Lightweight back and stomach sleepers should find this bed to feel slightly firmer to them, which helps keep their spine in a neutral alignment during the night. At the same time, lightweight side sleepers should still get enough pressure relief from this mattress to alleviate pain around their joints.
• This mattress is actually built to help relieve back pain, making it a great choice for sleepers who prefer to rest on their back. The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is supportive enough to promote a healthy spinal alignment, while also allowing for pressure relief from its foam layers.
• It’s worth noting that the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid features some high-quality materials, like hypoallergenic and organic cotton, gel-infused memory foam, breathable AirCradle memory foam, and pocketed comfort coils. These inclusions are great for sleepers who suffer from allergies.

Cons of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

• If you love the typical sinking feel of a memory foam mattress, then the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid probably isn’t the best choice for you. Even though it does include foam layers, it’s also constructed with coils, so it leaves sleepers feeling more “on top” of the mattress than “in” it. If this isn’t your taste, check out our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses to find a plusher option.

Are you ready for an all-foam bed? Read our full Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress review to get some more information, or click here for our best deal. Not sold yet? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for combination sleepers to see some other options.

Best Hybrid – Helix Dusk

Expert Opinion

The Helix Dusk is our favorite split king hybrid on this roundup since it’s supportive, pressure relieving, and affordable. It has a soft, breathable cover, responsive foam, high-density foam, and pocketed coils. These materials all work together to bring the sleeper a bouncy, supportive surface. When we rested on the Helix Dusk, we definitely experienced some pressure relief, but we also felt a slight lift and found it easy to move around. If you want to upgrade to a luxury model with additional cooling features and a pillow top, you can opt for the Helix Dusk Luxe.

We think this mattress is great for couples, even if they don’t opt for the split king version. It includes reinforced coils around its edges, creating great edge support so couples can spread out without worrying about sinkage or sagging near the sides of their bed. This bed also includes extra cooling features, and the coils in its base layer made it a good mattress for sex (both of which we touch on in the Pros section of this roundup).

What our tester says: “I appreciate the edge support in this bed. It’s a nice feature that makes your mattress feel a little bigger, and a great indication that it’s well-made. I’d expect the Helix Dusk to last you a long time.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

The reviews on the Helix website are divided when it comes to the Dusk. Some praise this mattress for its balance between comfort and stability, but others state that it was much firmer than advertised. For what it’s worth, we rated it a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which puts it in the category of medium soft.

Pros of the Helix Dusk Mattress

• On our pressure map test, the Helix Dusk lit up entirely blue (equating to low pressure). This makes this mattress a great option for sleepers who suffer with back pain, and its layers should provide pressure relief around the lumbar region, while still keeping your shoulders in line with your hips to promote a healthy spinal alignment.
• The Helix Dusk is especially springy because of the pocketed coils included in its construction. This makes this a great mattress for sex because couples should be able to easily switch positions and move around on top of it.
• The Helix Dusk is a great mattress option for hot sleepers because it includes a soft touch cover, Helix Dynamic Foam, and individually pocketed coils. All of these materials encourage breathability and airflow, and the Dynamic Foam even works to combat the trapping of body heat.

Cons of the Helix Dusk Mattress

• Folks who weigh more than 250 pounds (who we classify as heavier sleepers) aren’t going to receive the support they need from the Helix Dusk, no matter if they opt for the standard or upgraded Luxe model. Instead, these sleepers might want to try the Helix Plus, which is made especially for larger body types, or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavier sleepers.

Interested in the Helix Dusk? Check out our full Helix Dusk mattress review and take a look at how it compares to its mattress siblings in our complete Helix review. You can also click here to see our current best deal. Still undecided? Take a look at our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses for some other options.

Best Luxury – DreamCloud

Expert Opinion

The DreamCloud is, well, dreamy! It’s described as the brand’s luxury hybrid mattress, as it includes hotel-life springs and foams, as well as a cashmere blend cover. The DreamCloud is also the brand’s most popular model, most likely because it’s fitted with high-quality materials, a sturdy build, and a plush feel, so it had to be our pick for the best luxury split king mattress. Upon testing it out, we found that the foam in this mattress treated us to gentle pressure relief, while the coils below gave us the support we needed to maintain a healthy sleep posture.

The DreamCloud includes a gel memory foam layer and individually wrapped coils, both of which help keep this mattress cool throughout the night. This is great for couples, since they have double the body heat in their bed. These coils also add bounce and support to this mattress, making it good for sex (which is always a consideration for couples).

What our tester says: “I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

The reviews on the DreamCloud website praise this mattress for finding the perfect balance between soft and firm. This is most likely because, as a hybrid bed, the DreamCloud allows sleepers extra pressure relief from its foam layers, while still keeping them supported by the coils present underneath.

Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress

• Lightweight sleepers should rest comfortably on the DreamCloud, no matter which sleeping position they prefer. Lightweight back and stomach sleepers should get the support they need, as this mattress will feel firmer to their frame, while lightweight side sleepers should still get enough pressure relief around their hips and shoulders.
• The DreamCloud scored very well on our pressure-map test, which evaluates how much pressure a sleeper exerts onto their mattress. The back region lit up completely blue (which equates to low pressure), so back sleepers should find that the foams of the DreamCloud fill in the space around their lumbar region, alleviating pain that often forms there.
• Combination sleepers should appreciate the innerspring coils present in this mattress. These coils help sleepers feel lifted on the DreamCloud, instead of sinking into its layers. This is great for combination sleepers who need to be able switch positions easily during the night.

Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress

• Strict side sleepers might find that the DreamCloud sleeps a little too firm for their taste. These sleepers will most likely need a softer mattress that can provide extra pressure relief around their hips and shoulders. We recommend that these sleepers can take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Want to learn more about this mattress? Read our full DreamCloud review, or click here to see our current DreamCloud deals. Still looking for your dream bed? Check out our roundup of the best luxury mattresses on the market today.

Best Customizable – Nolah Evolution

Expert Opinion

The Nolah Evolution is the most popular of the Nolah mattresses, most likely because of its versatility. That’s why we chose it as our best customizable mattress. This bed comes in three different firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. That means you can choose the best model for you and your preferred sleeping position, no matter if that’s back, stomach, side, or combination sleeping.

Couples should enjoy the low motion transfer results that the Nolah Evolution offers, which will only be further isolated if they opt for the split king version of this mattress. The AirFoamICE included in the Nolah Evolution also helps to eliminate body heat, and the Arctic Tex fibers are extra breathable, so even the foam layers of this hybrid mattress allow for added airflow.

What our tester says: “I love how the Nolah Evolution comes in three different firmness models, so you can choose the best fit for you. For the Luxury Firm model, I really appreciate its medium-firm feel. This mattress provides good pressure relief and body contouring.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Many of the reviews on the Nolah website came from side sleepers who love how this mattress is able to support their joints during the night. Multiple users stated that the Nolah Evolution allowed them to sleep pain-free for the first time in years.

Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• The hybrid construction of the Nolah Evolution makes it a good choice for back sleepers. The coils included in its construction should provide adequate support for the spine, while the foam layers add some extra pressure relief to the lumbar region. This should help back sleepers stay neutrally aligned while sleeping.
• Sleepers who suffer from joint pain should receive some nice pressure relief from the Nolah Evolution. The foams should provide enough body contouring for the shoulders, helping alleviate pain in these sensitive areas.
• The Nolah Evolution is a great mattress for side sleepers, which is often hard to find in a firmer mattress. Our Sleepopolis mattress testers felt more sinkage around their hips and shoulders while sleeping on the Nolah Evolution, which helps to alleviate pressure in these areas without losing the stability of the bed as a whole.

Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress

• While heavy back sleepers should be comfortable on the Firm model of the Nolah Evolution, and heavy side sleepers will most likely enjoy the Luxury Firm model, there really isn’t a model that’s firm or supportive enough for stomach sleepers over 250 pounds. Because of this, we recommend these sleepers check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, where they can find a bed that works for their preferred sleeping position.

Ready to evolve? Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review, or click here to check out our latest deals. If you’re still looking, check out our roundup of the best flippable mattress for some other versatile bed options.

Best Value – Bear Star Hybrid

Expert Opinion

The Bear Star Hybrid mattress boasts some stellar materials at a competitive price — you can often find a split king for under $2,000 after discounts. Sleepopolis even has an a exclusive coupon with Bear, so you can get the best deals on this mattress. When we tested the Bear Star Hybrid out, we found that this bed had a medium-firm feel that works best for back and side sleepers. At the same time, we were still able to move around on on of this mattress with ease, thanks to the individually cased coils in the support layer.

The Bear Star Hybrid includes a top layer made of hand-quilted Celliant fiber and copper-infused memory foam (which we’ll talk more about in the Pros section of this review). This material, along with the previously mentioned individually wrapped coils, helps promote breathability and airflow throughout, which is great for hot sleepers and couples, who have double the body heat in their bed. Furthermore, the Bear Star Hybrid scored very well on our motion isolation test. The memory foam in the construction helps dampen motion before it moves to the other side of the bed, which means that couples shouldn’t be bothered by their restless partner during the night.

What our tester says: “I think the Bear Star Hybrid is reasonably priced for a hybrid mattress, especially with the sales that Bear often runs. I think it’s a good option for people looking for a luxurious feel at a lower price point.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Customers on the Bear website love the Bear Star Hybrid because of how durable it feels. Many of of these users commented that they can feel how high quality this mattress is, and they believe it will be able to last the test of time.

Pros of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

• The Bear brand designs their mattresses specifically with athletes in mind. For instance, the Bear Star Hybrid’s cover is made of Celliant — a material meant to absorb your body’s energy, then redirect it back to you to promote recovery and blood flow. We haven’t independently verified this trait ourselves, but you can read more about Celliant’s clinical trials here.
• Like many other hybrid mattresses, the Bear Star Hybrid is a great choice for back sleepers. This is because the coils in this bed’s construction should help cradle your hips and keep your spine in alignment, while the foams should provide enough pressure relief to alleviate any pain in the lumbar region.
• The coils included in the Bear Star Hybrid give this mattress more of an “on top” feel to it, rather than allowing sleepers to sink further into its layers. This is great for combination sleepers because it allows them to switch positions easily without worrying about getting stuck in their mattress.

Cons of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

• If you’re a strict stomach sleeper, the Bear Star Hybrid might not work for you. This mattress is most likely too soft to keep your hips in line with your shoulders, which could push your spine out of alignment. We recommend checking out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers instead to find a firmer option.

Ready to hibernate in your new Bear mattress? Read our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review, or click here for our best deals. Not ready to bear down quite yet? Check out our roundup of the best mattresses for your money to see some other affordable options.

Best for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus

Expert Opinion

Heavier sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds need a split king with extra support that will still keep them comfy. The Titan Plus by Brooklyn Bedding was designed with heavier folks in mind, so it should offer that additional sturdiness and durability. We actually had a larger colleague test out the Titan Plus, and he got a decent amount of pressure relief, while still feeling lifted and “on top” of this mattress. We attribute this to the mattress’s dense foams, extra height, sturdy coils, and reinforced edge support.

The Titan Plus is not only a great choice for heavier sleepers; couples should love it as well. This mattress includes a flexible top layer that helps to stop movement before it gets to the other side of the bed. This way, you shouldn’t be disturbed by your partners movements during the night. The Titan Plus is also a great mattress for sex, since couples are going to feel very “on top” of the mattress and will be able to switch positions easily.

What our tester says: “The materials under the Titan Plus’ hood are sturdy and durable. You get just the right amount of cozy mobility on top, but the theme here is support.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Titan Plus users praise this mattress for how supportive it feels during the night. Many of these customers stated that they’ve been using their mattress for multiple years and don’t feel like it’s any less supportive than it was on the first night they received it.

Pros of the Titan Plus Mattress

• Both heavy weight and average stomach sleepers should be comfortable on the Titan Plus, as even average weight stomach sleepers require more support than average weight back or side sleepers.
• Sleepers who suffer from hip pain should be pleasantly surprised by the pressure relief they receive from the Titan Plus, especially those that prefer to sleep on their stomach. The coils in the Titan Plus help to lift these sleepers’ hips in order to align them with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal position.
• Heavy back sleepers should receive added pressure relief around the lumbar region from the foam layers included in the Titan Plus. At the same time, these sleepers should get an extra lift from the coils in this mattress, helping to keep their spine neutrally aligned.

Cons of the Titan Plus Mattress

• Side sleeping is the sole sleeping position that might not be a good fit for the Titan Plus. Side sleepers with larger body types (over 250 pounds) will most likely need something a bit softer. To find a better fit, these sleepers can check out our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Ready to sleep like a titan? Read our full Titan Plus mattress review, or click here to take a look at our best deals. If you’re still looking for the right mattress for you, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Best Memory Foam – TEMPUR-Cloud

Expert Opinion

Are you looking for a split king mattress that will allow you to slowly sink into its plush foam layers? Well, look no further than the TEMPUR-Cloud from Tempur-Pedic. When we laid on this bed, we thought it embodied that classic memory foam feel and offered deep pressure relief. This comes courtesy of the brand’s quicksand-like TEMPUR material, known for its contouring hug. You can also choose to add coils to the mattress with the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid, which is slightly softer and more responsive (we found the all-foam TEMPUR-Cloud to be medium firm).

Once again, this mattress scored very well on our motion transfer test, which tells us that the TEMPUR-Cloud should be a good choice for couples. The memory foam included in this mattress does a good job at absorbing motion before it reaches the other side of the bed, so couples shouldn’t be disturbed by their partner’s movements during the night.

What our tester says: “If you’re a fan of memory foam, you’re likely to enjoy the TEMPUR-Cloud mattress. This bed features a ton of the cuddly material, which sets an overall soft and pressure-relieving tone.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Customers on the Tempur-Pedic website state that this mattress is worth every penny for the quality materials included in its construction. Multiple users said that this mattress was one of the best investments they’ve made for their sleeping needs.

Pros of the TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress

• The layer of high-density poly foam in the base of this mattress gives the TEMPER-Cloud enough shape and stability to keep back sleepers’ spines neutrally aligned during the night.
• Side sleepers should especially love the TEMPUR-Cloud. This mattress was created with deep pressure relief in mind, which side sleepers should appreciate, as they spend a lot of time on their hips and shoulders. The layers of memory foam included in the TEMPUR-Cloud’s construction help to alleviate pain around these sensitive joints.
• If you often experience back pain, especially around the lumbar region, you might want to try out this mattress. The TEMPUR-Cloud’s plush top layer should help to fill in the space around your lower back, which supports it while also providing pressure relief and comfort.

Cons of the TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress

• The deep sinkage of the TEMPUR material included in this bed means that the TEMPUR-Cloud isn’t very responsive. This could make it difficult for combination sleepers to switch positions easily during the night. If you’re looking for a bouncier mattress, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Are you ready to purchase? Read our full Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud mattress review, or click here for our current deals. If you want to see some other plush options, check out our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses.

What to Consider When Buying the Best Mattress For You

Depending on your room size, sleeping position, body type, sleep style, and whether or not you share the bed with a partner, a mattress will work differently for you than it may for other people. Because of this, we want to go over some of the different components to keep in mind while mattress shopping. 

You can also check out our complete mattress buying guide for even more tips and information.

Split King Mattresses

A split king mattress is the same size as a traditional king mattress, but it’s essentially made of two twin XL beds. Split king mattresses are ideal for two people who share the same bed but have different sleep preferences because each side can be customized to meet the sleeper’s needs. So if one person’s a stomach sleeper and needs a firm mattress and the other’s a side sleeper and needs a soft mattress, they can both get what they want. This is also great for sleepers who don’t want to feel their partner’s movements on the other side of the bed. 

Mattress Sizes

• Twin – 38” x 75”
• Twin XL – 38” x 80”
• Full (Double) – 54” x 75”
• Queen – 60” x 80”
• King – 76” x 80”
• Split King – 38” x 80” (each mattress)
• California King – 72” x 84”
• California Split King – 36” x 84” (each mattress)
• Wyoming King – 84” x 84”
• Texas King – 80” x 98”
• Alaskan King – 108” x 108”

Adjustable Bed Frames

Another perk of split king mattresses is they’re compatible with adjustable bases. They can also work with other bed frames, so shoppers can choose to their liking.

Mattress Types

As you may have noticed in our above roundup of the best split king mattresses, we’ve highlighted a variety of beds. Let’s go over their construction differences.

• Foam: All-foam mattresses are known for pressure relief and sinkage, which can be beneficial for side sleepers and sleepers who deal with pain. The downside of all-foam beds is they’re not always as supportive and durable as other types of mattresses.
• Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses are primarily made of coils, but nowadays they tend to feature some foam as well for added pressure relief. The coils help make them bouncy and long-lasting.
• Hybrid: A hybrid mattress combines different materials in its construction — most often foam and coils. They can appeal to a lot of sleepers and offer a nice mix of pressure relief and support.
• Latex: A latex mattress is made with latex foam derived from either Talalay or Dunlop latex. These beds tend to be bouncy, responsive, durable, and naturally cooling. Latex is often paired with coils and other types of foam in mattresses. 

Sleeping Position

Here’s a quick rundown of what mattresses might be good for the different sleeping positions.

• Back sleepers: These sleepers need a mattress that’s going to be both supportive and pressure relieving, while keeping their spine in alignment. They usually do best on hybrid or innerspring mattresses.
• Side sleepers: Side sleepers tend to want a softer mattress in order to get pressure relief and sinkage around their shoulders and hips. Foam mattresses and many hybrid mattresses tend to do well for them.
• Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers will want a firmer mattress to keep their hips lifted up and in line with their shoulders. We usually recommend they check out innerspring and hybrid mattresses.
• Combination sleepers: These are sleepers who switch between two or more sleeping positions at night. They tend to need a mattress that’s responsive and easy to move around on. We typically suggest looking at latex mattresses, hybrid mattresses, and innerspring mattresses.

Body Types

We categorize lightweight sleepers as weighing less than 130 pounds, average weight sleepers as weighing between 130 and 250 pounds, and heavy sleepers as weighing more than 250 pounds. Beds are typically going to feel firmer to lightweight sleepers than they do heavyweight sleepers. If you’re heavier in weight, you’re also going to need more support from a bed. We typically recommend heavier sleepers look for an innerspring mattress or one that was designed with them in mind.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress keeps movement from traveling from one side of the bed to the other. It’s an especially important consideration for those who don’t sleep alone. If you share your mattress with a pet, child, or partner, you’ll want something with low motion transfer so you’re not disturbed by any of their movements during the night. Of all the different bed types, memory foam mattresses are known for having the lowest motion transfer.

So how exactly do we test how well a mattress isolates motion? Allow us to introduce you to something called the motion transfer test. During this test, we drop a 10-pound steel ball from three different heights (4 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches), and then use a seismometer to measure how much movement is traveling from one side of the mattress to the other.

Above, you can see the motion transfer test results for the Bear Star Hybrid mattress, one of the beds included in this roundup. For this mattress, the motion transfer results were very good, with little movement being recorded from one side of the mattress to the other, as you can see in the seismometer results. This proves that sleepers shouldn’t be able to feel their partner’s movements during the night on this mattress, even if their partners are restless sleepers.

If you’re buying a split king mattress, you’re probably already looking for a mattress that is great for couples. Because of this, you will also want to pay close attention to the motion transfer results of whatever bed you’re thinking of purchasing. Lucky for you, we’ve included this measurement in all of our full mattress reviews, so you’ll be able to see how much movement you should be able to feel on your new bed.

How We Chose Our Mattresses

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 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.

For some of the mattresses on this page, we considered whether or not the company sold the mattress in a twin XL or split king size, whether the mattress would work for a variety of sleepers, how the bed scored on our tests for couples, and more. Click here to learn more about our methodology.

FAQs

What kind of mattress goes on a split king?

A split king is basically two twin XL mattresses pushed together, so you can buy two twin XLs or you can buy a split king size if a mattress brand offers it.

Can you sleep in the middle of a split king bed?

There’s a natural gap in the middle of a split king mattress — so it may not be the most comfortable to sleep in, but you can fill it in or purchase an additional topper or pad for added comfort.

Can you use king sheets on a split king?

Yes, you can use king sheets on a split king or if you’d like individual sheets for each mattress, you can purchase specialty split king sheets. Many people also use two fitted twin XL sheets on each side and then a king size top sheet. It comes down to your preference.

How much does a split king cost?

Split kings are typically more expensive than king size mattresses. We’ve seen them range in price from $700 to around $4,000. Some brands will offer a split king deal, which may be less expensive than buying two twin XLs, so we recommend comparing the different options.

How do you keep a split king mattress from separating?

Most split king beds come with a device to keep them together, like an iron plate connector. You can also purchase a split king connector.

Best Split King Mattresses 2023

Mattress	Best For	Price (Split King)	Coupon	Review
Nectar	Overall	$1,698	Nectar Coupon	Read Our Review
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid	Combo Sleepers	$2,630	Saatva Coupon	Read Our Review
Helix Dusk	Hybrid	$1,062 (twin XL)	Helix Coupon	Read Our Review
DreamCloud	Luxury	$2,178	DreamCloud Coupon	Read Our Review
Nolah Evolution	Customizable	$3,198	Nolah Coupon	Read Our Review
Bear Star Hybrid	Value	$2,796	Bear Coupon	Read Our Review
Titan Plus	Heavy Sleepers	$799 (twin XL)	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
TEMPUR-Cloud	Memory Foam	$3,398	Tempur-Pedic Coupon	Read Our Review

Bridget Chapman

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