Moving In Together: The Ultimate Mattress Buying Guide for Couples
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Moving in with your partner is an exciting milestone. From deciding on whose furniture stays (and whose furniture goes), to establishing new routines, there’s plenty to navigate. The biggest choice you may be making? Choosing the perfect mattress that will keep both of you happy – hopefully for years to come.
At Nectar, we understand that finding the right mattress for two people with different sleep preferences isn’t always straightforward. There are a lot of factors that go into sleep compatibility, and you’ll likely have different concerns to address when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help couples find their perfect mattress.
Why Mattress Compatibility Matters for Couples
Sharing a bed might seem simple enough, but many couples discover sleep incompatibility only after moving in together. In fact, sleep issues are often cited as a significant source of relationship friction. Whether one partner sleeps hot while the other freezes, or one is a restless sleeper while the other needs perfect stillness, these differences can impact not just your sleep quality but your relationship too.
The good news? With the right mattress – and the right knowledge – you can find a middle ground that satisfies everybody’s needs. Let’s dive into the key points couples should take into consideration when shopping for their perfect sleep surface.
Understanding Different Sleep Styles and Preferences
Before shopping for a mattress together, you and your partner should have an honest conversation about your individual sleep needs. Here are some important factors to discuss:
Sleeping Position
Different sleeping positions often require different support levels:
- Side sleepers typically need softer surfaces that cushion pressure points at their shoulders and hips
- Back sleepers usually prefer medium-firm support that maintains spinal alignment
- Stomach sleepers often need firmer support to prevent sinking which could strain the lower back and neck.
When partners have different preferred positions, finding a mattress with balanced support becomes crucial.
Temperature Preferences
Do you and your partner have different sleep temperature preferences? Whether you prefer a cozier climate or find yourself overheating with anything more than a top sheet, temperature compatibility can be a common challenge for couples. Today’s mattresses offer various cooling technologies that can address these issues:
- Breathable covers
- Gel-infused foams
- Phase change material
- Open-cell structure
- Cooling fibers
Motion Sensitivity
If one of you is a restless sleeper while the other is easily disturbed, you’ll want a mattress that excels at isolating motion. This is especially important for light sleepers who can wake up from even the slightest movement.
Firmness Preferences
Preference for firmness levels is highly personal and can be a sticking point for couples. Some people prefer the plush feel of a softer mattress, while others need firm support. Finding the right balance is key to shared comfort.
Integrating memory foam can be a good way to get the contouring feel of a softer mattress without sacrificing on support – look to our Firmness Guide to help break this down even further.
Types of Mattresses for Couples
Now that you understand your combined sleep needs, let’s explore which type of mattress might work best for your situation.
Memory foam mattresses have become increasingly popular for couples, and for good reason.
Advantages for couples:
- Excellent at absorbing movement, making it ideal for partners with different schedules
- Provides great pressure relief for side sleepers
- Conforms to individual body shapes without disturbing your partner
- Generally quiet with no squeaking or creaking
Potential drawbacks:
- Traditional memory foam can retain body heat (though newer cooling technologies tend to address this)
- Some people find the “hug” feeling too restrictive, especially if you’re limited when it comes to firmness options.
Nectar mattresses have impressive cooling fibers woven into every surface layer, so you can reap the benefits of memory foam without worrying about overheating.
Hybrid mattresses combine coil support with foam comfort layers, offering a “best of both worlds” approach.
Advantages for couples:
- Better temperature regulation than all-foam designs
- Supportive coil systems with enough give for pressure relief
- More responsive feel that many couples prefer for intimacy
- Enhanced edge support, giving each partner more usable space
Potential drawbacks:
- May transfer more motion than all-foam options, though still much better than traditional springs
- Usually higher price point than all-foam mattresses
Our Nectar hybrid mattress use individually-wrapped coils to ensure even better motion isolation than traditional memory foam, while also reaping the benefits of targeted support and better airflow.
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional innerspring mattresses have evolved significantly over the years.
Advantages for couples:
- Excellent airflow for couples where one or both sleeps hot
- Responsive feel with good bounce
- Generally more affordable than other options
- Familiar feel that many couples are used to
Potential drawbacks:
- Typically transfers more motion than foam or hybrid options
- May not provide enough pressure relief for side sleepers
- Can develop squeaks or noise over time
While these may not be the best option for couples prioritizing motion isolation, modern innerspring designs with pocketed coils have improved significantly in this area.
Latex Mattresses
Natural or synthetic latex provides another option for couples.
Advantages for couples:
- Naturally cooling material
- Responsive but with good motion dampening
- Durable and long-lasting
- Eco-friendly options available
Potential drawbacks:
- Premium price point, especially for natural latex
- Bouncy feel may transfer some motion
- Distinctive feel that may not appeal to everyone
If you and your partner are looking for a natural mattress, check out Awara Sleep for luxury, natural mattresses at accessible prices.
Must-Have Features for Couples' Mattresses
When shopping for a mattress as a couple, you should prioritize these key features:
Superior Motion Isolation
For uninterrupted sleep, look for mattresses that excel at motion isolation. This means that if your partner tosses, turns, or gets up in the middle of the night, you won’t get woken up – no matter how light of a sleeper you are. Look for memory foam mattresses or hybrids with individually wrapped coils.
Good edge support prevents the feeling of rolling off when you migrate (or get pushed) to the side of the bed. It’s especially important for couples as it effectively increases your usable sleep surface. Look for reinforced perimeters that allow both partners to spread out comfortably.
Temperature Regulation
If one or both of you sleeps hot, temperature regulation is non-negotiable. Look for:
- Cooling fibers
- Phase-change materials
- Breathable covers
- Advanced airflow designs
These features help dissipate body heat and maintain a comfortable sleep temperature throughout the night.
Balanced Firmness
For couples with different firmness levels preferences, look for a mattress with a balanced feel—typically in the medium to medium-firm range (5-7 on the 10-point firmness scale). This middle ground often satisfies most sleepers without feeling too extreme in either direction.
Responsiveness
While motion isolation is important, so is having enough responsiveness for intimacy. Memory foam can sometimes feel too “sinking” for couples, which is why many prefer hybrid mattress options that offer both isolation and bounce.
Best Mattress Size for Couples
Selecting the right sized mattress can be just as important as the type:
The most popular choice for couples, offering a good balance of space and affordability. However, if either partner is tall, restless, or simply enjoys their space, you might find it limiting.
A king size mattress gives couples an additional 16 inches of width compared to a queen—that’s 8 extra inches per person, equivalent to the width of a twin mattress for each person. This is ideal for couples who value personal space or have children or pets that occasionally join them.
California King Mattresses (72" x 84")
Slightly narrower but longer than a standard king, California kings are perfect for taller individuals. The trade-off is 4 inches of width for 4 inches of extra length.
Split King Mattresses
Split kings consist of two twin XL mattresses side by side, offering the same dimensions as a standard king but with some significant advantages:
- Each partner can select their preferred firmness levels
- Compatible with adjustable bases where each side can move independently
- Complete motion isolation between sides
- Easier to move and set up compared to a single king mattress
For more information, see our mattress size guide.
How to Shop for a Mattress as a Couple
Ready to find your perfect mattress? Follow these tips to make your mattress shopping experience smoother:
Test the Mattress Together
Whenever possible, you should try out mattresses together. This will give you a realistic feel for how the mattress performs with both bodies on it simultaneously – and give you both a chance to see what kinds of mattresses are most comfortable for you.
Prioritize Shared Sleep Needs
Make a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves, and be prepared to compromise on less critical features. These priorities can be different for everyone, so make sure you make this list together, before you start shopping.
Consider Your Future Needs in a Mattress
Most mattresses will last you between 7-10 years, so think about how your needs might evolve over time. Planning to start a family? You might want extra space. Developing health conditions? Support and pressure relief could become more important.
With Nectar’s Forever Warranty, we’ll repair or replace your mattress if it wears down through regular use. It’s a purchase that really will last a lifetime.
Mattress Options for Couples with Different Sleep Needs
Different Sleep Schedules
Challenge: One partner is a night owl while the other is an early bird.
Solution: Prioritize a mattress with excellent motion isolation, and consider blackout curtains, sleep masks, and white noise machines to minimize disturbances.
Temperature Differences
Challenge: One partner sleeps hot while the other is always cold.
Solution: Look for mattresses with good temperature regulation, use dual-tog comforters, or consider separate blankets while sharing the mattress.
Snoring or Sleep Apnea
Challenge: One partner’s snoring keeps the other awake.
Solution: Consider an adjustable bed frame that allows the snoring partner to elevate their head. Also, ensure your mattress provides proper support to keep airways open.
Different Weight Categories
Challenge: Partners with significant weight differences may experience the mattress differently.
Solution: Look for mattresses with zoned support systems that can accommodate different weights, or consider split kings where each partner can have their ideal firmness.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Needs
Challenge: Changing body needs during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Solution: Choose a mattress with good pressure relief and support that can adapt to changing needs, possibly with the addition of specialized pregnancy pillows.
Maintaining Your Couple's Mattress
There are quite a few ways to maximize the lifespan of your shared mattress:
- Use a quality mattress protector to guard against spills and accidents
- Follow manufacturer cleaning instructions for addressing stains
- Consider periodic professional cleaning for deeper maintenance
- Support it with the right foundation, as per the manufacturer recommendations
Investing in a Quality Mattress
When shopping as a couple, it might be tempting to compromise on quality to save money. However, consider these points:
- You’ll spend roughly one-third of your lives on this mattress
- Poor sleep can affect relationship satisfaction
- Quality mattresses typically last 7-10 years, making the per-night cost quite reasonable
- Health issues from poor sleep support can be costly in the long run
Investing in a quality mattress that meets both partners’ needs is an investment in your relationship and wellbeing.
Choosing a mattress as a couple doesn’t have to end in a compromise that leaves both partners unsatisfied. With today’s advanced mattress technologies and specialized designs, you can find options that accommodate different sleep preferences while still providing a cohesive sleep surface.
Remember these key takeaways:
- Communicate openly about your individual sleep needs
- Prioritize motion isolation if one or both are light sleepers
- Consider temperature regulation features if either partner sleeps hot
- Don’t underestimate the importance of edge support for couples
- Take advantage of sleep trials to ensure the mattress works for both of you
- Consider specialized solutions like split kings for significant differences
At Nectar, we’re committed to helping couples find their perfect sleep match. Take our easy Mattress Quiz to find the perfect mattress for your needs, or reach out to our sleep specialists for personalized recommendations for both you and your partner.
Sweet dreams and happy cohabiting!
