We know that buying a mattress can be tricky, especially if you share a bed—what’s ideal for one of you might spell a sleepless night for the other. Here, we tell you what mattress types you might want to look out for, what to avoid, and some tips and tricks for buying a mattress as a couple, so you can make sure you find a mattress that works for both of you.
What it is about the old mattress that isn’t working for you? What is it that you need from your new one? If you talk about what you both need from your new mattress, you’ll have a good foundation to start your search with. It will also help the salesperson out if you seek advice about which mattress is best for you.
There are some mattress technologies that are simply better for couples, such as pocket springs. Pocket springs are individually pocketed, unlike open coil mattresses, where the springs are all connected. This means that they each only respond to direct pressure, so they contour to your body and you and your partner can each move about during the night without disrupting each other’s sleep.
On the other hand, basic open coil spring systems aren’t ideal for partners—the interconnected springs all move together, meaning that if one of you is a fidgety sleeper or needs to run to the bathroom during the night, the movement will affect the other person.
Size matters, at least when it comes to mattresses! A double mattress might be the most popular size in the UK but that doesn’t mean it’s best for you and your partner. In fact, if two of you share a double bed, you’re getting a whole nine inches less space than if you slept alone on a single bed. A king size or super king size mattress may be better and allow you both the room you need to spread out.
You can also buy king size and super king size zip-and-link mattresses. This means that the two sides of the mattress contain completely separate spring systems. Some zip-and-link mattresses can even be custom-made so that each side is a different tension—perfect if one prefers a firm mattress and the other prefers softer support.
Test out mattresses together to see what size works best for you. While you’re at it, consider mattress firmness and how each of your movements affects the other person. Make sure that you take your time as you test out mattresses—grab a couple of pillows and kick your shoes off to mimic your natural sleeping environment as far as possible, and make sure you lie down for at least fifteen minutes so you can get used to how the mattress feels. Be honest with each other about what you like, and you’ll be well on your way to restful, coupled-up sleep.
