According to sleep hygiene best practices, we should use our beds for two things: sleep and sex. But more often than not, sleep is the only thing on our minds when shopping for a new mattress.
At Mattress Clarity, we want to ensure your mattress is well-suited for all its uses. Our mattress testers evaluate beds based not only on criteria like pressure relief and spine alignment, but also on how well they can support adult activities. Read on to learn what qualities make a mattress especially desirable for sexually active couples, and be sure to browse our list of the best mattresses for sex.
Why Is It Important to Find a Good Mattress for Sex?
Different people sleep better on different types of beds. For some, a bouncy and responsive mattress fits the bill, so there is no issue when it comes to also using the bed for sex. On the other hand, if your bed conforms to the curves of your body, you may find yourself sinking in and struggling to move during intimacy.
Firmness also plays a role. Sex on a soft mattress, for instance, may leave you feeling like you’re sinking into quicksand.
If you want to be able to move around easily and not feel trapped by your bed during sex, read on to learn how we test and what type of mattress might be right for you.
How We Test a Mattress’s Suitability for Sex
We take multiple factors into account when calculating a mattress’s “sex score” on a scale from 1 to 5 (with 5 being a perfect score). Specifically, we average its response score, its edge support score, and its cooling score. These are the three most important criteria when assessing how well a mattress will stand up to—and facilitate—sex.
Response
A bed’s responsiveness correlates with its ease of movement. To test this, Mattress Clarity reviewers take turns rolling around on top of the mattress and switching sleeping positions. If it’s easy for them to move around, and they don’t feel like they’re “sinking” into the mattress, then they can assume the mattress works well when getting intimate.
We also use a kettlebell to push the surface of the mattress down, then time how quickly it takes to spring back up into its original shape.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength and durability of the bed’s edges. Beds with lots of edge support enable you to sit and lie on the edges without too much bothersome sinkage, which can be especially inconvenient during sex. Additionally, strong edges mean you can fully spread out and use the bed’s entire surface, whether you’re resting or having fun with a partner.
We test edge support by both sitting and lying on the edge of the bed in all major sleeping positions. If we feel unstable or like we might roll off, we lower its edge support score. We also place weighted plates on the edge of the bed and measure exactly how much the side sinks down.
Cooling
Finally, cooling is exactly what it sounds like: how well a mattress regulates temperature and prevents overheating. A cool mattress can be extremely beneficial for sexually active couples, as it ups your comfort both during and after intimacy.
We test cooling by having reviewers spend several minutes on top of a mattress and report any fluctuations in temperature they feel. We also use a specialized heat-sensitive gun to take readings of the bed’s surface temperature before and after the tester lies on it.
Which Mattresses are the Best for Sex?
So, how do different types of mattresses stack up when it comes to sex? Below, we go over the pros and cons of four of the most common mattress types.
Memory Foam
Memory foam beds cradle sleepers, providing excellent pressure relief for side sleepers and giving you the feeling of sleeping “in the bed” rather than “on the bed.” Unfortunately, this comfy hug-like sensation can be your worst enemy if you’re looking for a bouncier bed for sex.
Of course, not all memory foam mattresses are the same, and some are better for sex than others. If you want a great memory foam bed that works well for both sleep and sex, look for one with good responsiveness and edge support.
Latex Hybrid
Latex is a mattress material that balances bouncy responsiveness with comfort. A latex hybrid takes that responsiveness to the next level by incorporating coils in the base. While latex mattresses can vary in terms of softness, sleepers don’t tend to feel like they’re “sinking” into the mattress.
Which material you find most comfortable for sleep comes down to personal preference. When it comes to sex, however, a latex hybrid mattress is a great choice for many people. These mattresses tend to check all the boxes necessary to provide a comfortable surface with a bit of bounce.
Hybrid
If you love the cradling feeling of memory foam but still want a responsive mattress for sex, a hybrid is a great option. The layers of coils in the base give hybrids better responsiveness and support than traditional memory foam beds.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are by far the most responsive mattress option and are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a bed with plenty of bounce. This mattress type may bring to mind memories of squeaky beds with springs that you could feel while you slept, but innerspring mattresses have evolved over the years. In fact, one of our favorite mattresses for sex, the Saatva Classic, is also one of our favorite mattresses for sleep.
FAQs
What type of mattress is better for sex?
In general, most people prefer bouncy mattresses for sex. Innerspring beds are the most responsive, followed by latex hybrids and memory foam hybrids. All-foam beds differ depending on their exact materials, but the more squishy and hug-like a mattress feels, the more likely you are to sink in during sex.
What is the best mattress topper for sex?
The same rules apply to materials for mattress toppers—latex is a more responsive material, while memory foam is more cradling. A latex mattress topper can provide a bit of bounce for sex while also naturally cooling the bed.
Are firmer beds better for sex?
Super soft beds are tough for sex because people often have a hard time moving around. On the other side of the spectrum, extra-firm beds can be uncomfortable to rest on and might put extra pressure on your knees in certain positions. Medium-firm mattresses are very popular for sleep and, fortunately, also have a great firmness level for sex.
