Buying a mattress together?

7 Critical questions couples should ask when buying a mattress together

Finding a mattress you like is hard enough, but when you have to factor in a partner’s wants and needs things can become even more difficult. Your significant other has different tastes than you. Say what? That’s never happened before. With so many brands and options out there, it can be a hassle to find a mattress that is perfect for both of you. That’s why we’re breaking down seven critical questions for how to buy a mattress for two, plus five top picks for mattresses that are best for couples.

What to consider when mattress shopping as a couple 

1. What’s your budget?

The average human spends about one-third of their entire life sleeping, so unless you’re a superhuman freak who can get by with less sleep than the rest of us, it’s probably a good idea to invest a little more into a quality mattress. Mattresses range in price anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple thousand. These prices reflect the size, materials used, special features, and brand names.

Talk with your partner about how much you’re willing to spend and if you’re willing to use financing to purchase the mattress. Having a cost range you’d be comfortable spending within will help narrow your search.

2. What size mattress do you really need?

Some couples are just fine sharing a queen-sized bed, while others may want the extra space a king or California king offers. Consider not only your heights and weights but also how much you move around.

Do not get anything smaller than a queen size mattress. Trust us on this one. You don’t want to be falling off of the edge when your partner starts taking over the bed. 

3. What position do you sleep in?

This is important as different positions tend to need different levels of support. If you’re a stomach sleeper, for instance, chances are you’ll need a firmer mattress than someone who sleeps on their side. 

Talk it out with your partner when deciding how to buy a mattress for two.

4. What’s your preferred mattress firmness?

This can be difficult if you find out your partner likes a super cushy mattress while you prefer a firm one. You could try meeting in the middle and compromising, but that could leave you both with a poor night’s sleep.

Another option is buying mattress toppers that match your preferred firmness levels. This may require some DIYing to cut the topper so that it fits. Or try an adjustable base that allows you to adjust the firmness settings individually. 

5. What did you like/not like about your previous mattress?

So maybe you’re getting a new mattress to accommodate that special person in your life, or maybe you’ve been together for years and your old mattress has grooves so deep you need a rope to pull yourself out of bed in the morning.

Congratulations, if you’re in the second category, lovebirds! Whatever your situation, when figuring out how to buy a mattress for two it’s important to reflect on your previous mattress choices to gain insight as to what you would or wouldn’t like.

6. What type of mattress is best for you? 

Innerspring mattresses

Innerspring mattresses offer a lot of support and are extremely durable, but because of their design, movement on one side of the mattress can be felt on the other side of the mattress. Motion transfers easily through the coiled springs.

This is beneficial when it comes to intimacy but not so much when it comes to sleep. If your partner is a restless sleeper or gets up often in the night, you might want to avoid an innerspring. 

Memory foam mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are a great option to stop the motion that can disrupt your sleep.

They are also perfect for a more discreet sexual experience. No creaky bed giving you away to your kids or your downstairs neighbors.

Hybrid mattresses

Lastly, hybrid mattresses combine the bounce of an innerspring mattress with the form-fitting comfort of memory foam. These mattresses typically cost more though, so if you’re trying to keep to a budget this may not be the best option.

7. Are there specific features you’re looking for in a mattress? 

There are lots of cool features on mattresses these days to help you and your partner get the most out of your bed. Everything from extra edge support (so you or your significant other doesn’t end up on the floor) to firmness adjustment using air chamber technology to climate control features so you’re not too hot or too cold.

Some beds even have built-in massagers or remote adjustments to get your partner to stop snoring! Believe us, that feature is a lifesaver! Or should we say relationship-saver? All of these are things to consider, especially if you’re willing to spend a bit more. 

Our top mattress picks for couples

*Based on a king-sized mattress.

Sleeping survival guide for couples

All in all, buying a mattress can be difficult for one person, let alone two people. But addressing your needs with your partner can be a quick way to determine where to start your search on how to buy a mattress for two. And with the help of the internet, it’s easier than ever to read reviews and other couples’ experiences.

Thankfully, with so many trial options and forgiving return policies, buying a mattress doesn’t have to be as stressful as it used to be!