The Best Mattress For Sex: Frank Answers From A 25 Year Veteran Mattress Designer
Whether you are super sexually active and start your morning or evening off with a round of action, schedule nooners on a regular basis, or you are a once a week couple, even a once in a while couple, choosing the best mattress for sex takes a little expertise.
You might want a mattress that delivers on performance, grip factor, and bounciness (or as I call it, “personality”). Nobody wants to mess around on a dead bed!
Or, you and your partner might want a buttery smooth, melting in sensation that wraps and cradles your bodies.
The pros at Women’s Health said it best: “The rectangle you’re bouncing up and down on can make all the difference when it comes to achieving that ‘Yes, yes!’ rhythm.”
Quote from Saatva.Com
It’s something you don’t want to ask a salesperson in a retail store, and you may not even want to chat about it on an e-commerce site, but everyone wants to know all of the details.
“So, Bob, we’re looking for the best bed for sex”, is not something a mattress salesperson hears very often.
After spending 25 years designing and building mattresses, I quickly learned that a large part of the appeal of buying a new mattress has to do with sex.
And I don’t mean just younger couples, oh no, I’m talking about everybody from 20 to 80. Damn right.
As a mattress designer and manufacturer for 25 years, I can tell you that the field of options gets narrowed down pretty fast for this category.
There is really just a handful of mattress types that are ideal for sensuous, cuddly sex- or outright ba-donka-donking. We’ll shown them all to you below.
I’m going to explain why there are just a handful of mattresses actually designed (but not overtly advertised as such) as mattresses built for sex.
The components, textiles, overall thickness, and the plushness all add to the mystique of the perfect bed for sex.
Key Considerations When Buying The Best Mattress For Sex
The best mattresses for sex are generally made with a few components that combine support and comfort, are not excessively firm, and have at least a moderate amount of bounciness. A combination of memory foam and latex usually works well, though the density and ILD (indentation load deflection)of these ingredients can make or break a mattress.
I recommend a little bit of a pillow top element right up top, something with a plusher, sumptuous feel, usually a cotton or breathable fabric that is quilted with foam. Right beneath that, I like to see a layer of gel or memory foam, and perhaps a layer of latex beneath. This gives you excellent responsiveness without too much bounce especially during vigorous missionary or doggy style sex.
If you are riding cowgirl or cowboy, too much bounce is not as good as motion dampening, so the memory foam really factors in here. If you want to cut to the chase and check out some mattresses that are great for sex, here’s a table that can you get you quickly to the brands I’ve reviewed.
Quick Look: My Top 5 Best Mattresses For Sex
| Mattress Brand And Type | Best Positions | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Saatva Classic- hybrid innerspring, quilted pillow top, gel infused memory foam, 2 coil systems | Missionary, prone, doggy style-minimal motion transfer | Save $650-Q$1345, K$1845 |
 | Silk & Snow Organic-best organic latex/ pocket coil, organic New Zealand wool pillow top | Missionary, cowgirl, butterfly-bouncier feel | Save $150-Q$1050, K$1350 |
 | Puffy Cloud Mattressbest cooling gel foam for hot sleepers | Doggy style, rough, edge of the bed, prone-good motion dampening | Up To $1,350 Off-Q$1049, K$1249 |
 | Nolah Evolution-best overall for sex, back pain and pressure relief, shock absorbing | Missionary, doggy, prone, edge of the bed | Q$1,749, K$1,889-2 Free Pillows |
Best Mattresses For Sex By Mattress Type
There are several general categories of mattresses I recommend for sex, though your primary consideration should obviously be sleep, and how the composition of the mattress will deliver the best comfort and support. Here are the key considerations you should consider when looking for the best mattresses fo sex:
- Responsiveness: A mattress with good responsiveness, or bounciness, can be beneficial for sexual activities, as it allows for ease of movement and facilitates changing positions. Latex and hybrid mattresses (foam and coil combinations) are known for their responsiveness.
- Bounce: A mattress with a moderate level of bounce can enhance sexual activity by providing a more lively and responsive surface. Innerspring mattresses or hybrids with pocketed coils often offer more bounce compared to foam mattresses.
- Noise: If discretion is a concern, it may be preferable to choose a mattress that minimizes noise and motion transfer. Foam or latex mattresses tend to be quieter compared to innerspring mattresses, which can produce creaking or squeaking sounds. Also, the kind of bed frame, support, or platform you choose will also affect the stealthiness of your love play.
- Edge Support: Strong edge support can provide stability and prevent sagging when using the edges of the mattress. I’ve counseled many couples who’ve indicated they prefer a mattress with a stiffer edge for
- Comfort and Support: Ultimately, the mattress should still offer comfort and support for everyday use beyond the scope of sexual activities. Consider factors such as firmness, pressure relief, and spinal alignment to ensure that the mattress meets your overall sleep needs as well.
Another key factor that many customers I spoke with through the years had is how discreet, or quiet, a mattress needs to be during sex.
Many mattresses can actually make noise, especially those with coils, but more importantly the substrate that the mattress is sitting on top of is worth serious consideration as well.
If you have kids, live in close quarters with roommates, or you’re in the apartment above and don’t want the plaster on the ceiling below you to fall on top of your neighbor, even choosing the right base, or foundation, is mission critical to keep the equipment in silent running mode.
Natural Latex
One particular mattress option that was literally handed down from the Gods to deliver pleasure on an unheard of level, is the latex mattress.
Natural latex is hand collected on sustainable plantations, it’s purely botanical, being slightly jiggly and highly responsive when micro-bubbled with air and vulcanized into its solid form. You can learn more about natural latex here.
It’s spongy, lively, embracing, you can dig into it and anchor your partner with no worry of that pesky shifting and sliding, and it’s absolutely silent.
Natural latex rubber lasts forever as well, doesn’t compress, won’t dry out unlike memory foam and other ingredients. But the real reason why owners truly love their latex mattresses is simply its lively, bouncy nature.
It also helps with pressure points and cradles your body better than memory foam or coils alone. When you stack latex on top of a pocketed coil layer, too, you get better support, more restorative sleep, and edge support.
If your sex menu includes going at it near the edge of your mattress, a hybrid coil option is your only best bet.
Natural latex is also the easiest mattress material to move around on, is extremely durability and won’t compress, mash down, or develop gulleys like most petroleum based polyurethane foam beds are known to do. “You don’t get that ditch in the middle of the bed over time.” says Chris Winters, a respected sleep expert.
If you want to learn more about latex, especially natural latex, check out our in-depth page on latex mattresses.
Memory Foam
While natural latex is grippy and bouncy, memory foam is more body conforming and has a unique “melt up around you” sensation, making it a tight second for the perfect bed for sex.
For missionary position, prone, even doggy style action, memory foam is a great option, offering good, solid anchoring, very much like latex.
That melting sensation is really sensual, as well, and couples often stick with memory foam after trying it once or twice.
If slipping and sliding on your conventional mattress keeps you from getting the traction you need for really penetrating sex, give memory foam a shot.
There’s not as much bounce factor on memory or gel foam, but you’ll feel a more restrained and melting in sensation that will not disappoint.
If you’re not up to investing in an entire mattress, we’ve reviewed the best topper pads, and even adding a 2″ or 3″ latex or memory foam topper pad can spice things up a lot.
Perhaps the best thing about memory foam that couples report is the person on the bottom isn’t going anywhere, so there is little or no sliding and slipping, causing those frustrating pauses that can shut the whole game down in seconds. As an option for the best bed for sex, it scores head to head with latex in my opinion.
I’d say they both offer grip and keep you from sliding, but memory foam will swallow you a bit more (no pun intended) and might be a tad more difficult to climb out of, but owners who review them about sex are just as devoted as latex fans. You’ll melt in to it, because it’s temperature responsive and moving around on it, especially when it’s a bit thicker.
The best mattress for sex often will include a separate layer of natural latex along with a layer of memory foam, generally with each being 2″ think, though I personally think the best “cake recipe” would include a 3″ layer of natural latex right below a 2″ thick section of memory foam.
Pocket Coil and Foam Hybrid Options
In a hybrid mattress option, pocketed coils situated below the foam layers will add bounce, but also allow yielding and pressure relief benefits. For missionary or reclining sex, you’ll get some lift and buoyancy, making moving around easier, and you won’t feel as much “digging out”.
For doggy style sex or upright positions, a hybrid mattress can reduce instability, give you a chance to “dig in”, and if it’s on the softer side, offer a more nest like sensation.
Even more, hybrid coil options often give the mattress much better edge support for standing and edge of the bed action.
We’ve included some of these options in our buffet of option below for you. We also provide ratings with five star rating being the highest in our lineup. We used objective characteristics based on actual owner reporting, and our own technical evaluation of each mattress we included.
Here are the parameters we used to evaluate each option included in our list of best mattresses for sex, below:
- Comfort and Support– from initial perception to the enduring appeal of a mattress, a general score that rates the overall gratification a typical owner experiences. Five would be excellent.
- Motion Transfer– low motion transfer and impact energy absorption, five would be excellent.
- Bounce – ranks liveliness and springiness of mattress, 5 would be jiggly and lively, 1 would be minimal or undetectable.
- Cooling– since heat is often an issue, this ranks cooling ability, 5 being best and most noticeable.
- Durability and Lifespan– based on material composition, the likelihood of the mattress lasting for longer periods of time without depression, ruts, or failure over time. 5 is top score.
- High Energy Sex Rating– whether or not the mattress is best for high energy sex, 5 being extremely optimized for vigorous action.
One often underreported characteristic is durability and lifespan, which for sexually active couples, can be very important. Poorly made mattresses can often compress and mash down over time, so we’ve chosen options most likely to last a true lifespan of 10-15 years.
We recommend replacing any mattress every 8-10 years mostly because even with a mattress protector installed, they can still accumulate dust mites, dirt and debris from underneath, and materials that are absorbed from the atmosphere around them.
Our Curated List Of The Best Mattresses For Sex
So, what are the best mattresses for sex, and where can you find them? We’ve created a selection of latex mattresses and memory foam mattresses that have been carefully vetted by our editor and CEO, with over 25 years of design and fabrication experience.
We’ve narrowed down a list that began with over 100 mattress options, to just a handful of online store we would buy from ourselves. Any of these options will increase your level of satisfaction, guaranteed. Hey, and be careful out there!
1. THE SAATVA CLASSIC MATTRESS
With three firmness options to choose from, including Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm, you can select the comfort level from immersive, cushy and soft, all the way up to very resilient.
This luxury class hybrid innerspring boasts a generously organic cotton pillowtop layer that is quilted with a billowy and luxurious foam layer- but without a trapped sensation. Right underneath, a special lumbar support cushion is included so you can “put your back into it” a little bit more.
Saatva owners are fiercely loyal about their feelings about grinding with their partners on what they called a “perfect mattress“. Here’s how we rated it, testing the medium firm version:
- Comfort And Support 5
- Motion Transfer 5
- Bounce 4.7
- Cooling 4.8
- Durability & Lifespan 5.0
- High Energy Sex 4.7
2. SILK & SNOW ORGANIC MATTRESS
Stuffed with organic cotton, New Zealand organic wool, and a plentiful 2.5″ layer of Dunlop Latex, this handcrafted totally chemical free and non toxic bedding option, is a “sleeper” favorite for sex, at just $1,050 for a queen size.
With softer coils in strategic spots and stiffer coils at the edge, this mattress is specifically, maybe unknowingly, designed for really good edge of the bed sex.
Silk & Snow is a very transparent company, too, with full disclosure on their latex, wool, cotton and family made tempered steel pocketed coil systems. Here’s how The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress performed in our sex testing:
- Comfort And Support 5
- Motion Transfer 5
- Bounce 4.9
- Cooling 4.9
- Durability & Lifespan 5.0
- High Energy Sex 4.9
3. THE NOLAH NATURAL 11″ HYBRID MATTRESS
We reviewed it, slept on it for weeks, and loved it. Simply the best natural latex and coil hybrid mattress out there. This mattress is 11″ tall, cushy, excellent for side sleepers, it loves and lusts after your shoulders and hips. Buoyant, sumptuous, and great for sex.
Individually pocketed coils for excellent edge support. Organic cotton, organic wool, and sustainably sourced pure botanical latex. Solid ten year warranty, 120 night trial. Two free “squishy” pillows you’ll fight over. $1199 in queen.
The reviews on this mattress destroy the competition..consistently rated 4.9 out of 5 by actual owners for overall comfort. I built latex mattresses for years and can vouch on quality by this brand. Totally worth the money.
Here’s how The Nolah Natural 11″ Hybrid Mattress scored on our sex test:
- Comfort And Support 5
- Motion Transfer 5
- Bounce 5
- Cooling 4.8
- Durability & Lifespan 4.8
- High Energy Sex 4.7
Often owners specifically mention that the level of bounciness for sex is not overwhelming, but obvious enough, and the all natural materials built into the pillow top add a sensual, soothing feel.
4. THE AVOCADO ECO-ORGANIC MATTRESS
Probably the cleanest, greenest, and safest bed you could buy. It’s also tailor made for sex. Made organic materials, including organic certified latex from tree-tapped sources, organic certified wool and organic certified cotton.
You get 5″ of pure latex on top of 5″ of 950+ individually pocketed coils for perfect body contouring and an uplifting, responsive feel.
Made in California in their own factories, a purely American company. The latex used is imported from India, collected by hand, and is the silkiest and smoothest botanical latex available.
I was surprised at how much pressure relief I enjoyed at both my hips and shoulders, even after lying on my side for 60 minutes.
Here’s how it fared in my testing when we rated it for sex:
- Comfort And Support 4.8
- Motion Transfer 5
- Bounce 4.9
- Cooling 4.8
- Durability & Lifespan 5.0
- High Energy Sex 5.0
Owners often go through 2-3 other mattresses before investing in and keeping their Avocado Eco-Organic Mattress. Climate Neutral Certified, GOLS and GOTS certified.
For the money, at $1,299 in queen, you won’t get as much pure natural latex inside of a mattress for less. I’ve built them myself for my own sites, and I know you can spend easily $2,000 on a comparable.
5. LATEX FOR LESS: NO SYNTHETIC FOAM, REVERSIBLE- IT’S LIKE TWO MATTRESSES FOR PRICE OF ONE
Pure botanical latex, GOTS certified, uses 100% natural cotton cover, 100% natural wool fire barrier, all at a reasonable price. The mattress is reversible offering two firmness options, medium firm or medium plush.
Overall thickness is 9”, you’ll get a 120 night in home trial, a 20 year factory warranty, and their bed is completely made in the USA.
Marc’s comments: They focus on delivering top drawer latex at controlled pricing. Flippable, so two beds in one. Good call on this bed-no frills, but super low pricing option. Queen: $1199, no springs, just pure latex.
Latex lovers rank it super high for sex, let’s see how it did in our analysis:
- Comfort And Support 4.6
- Motion Transfer 4.5
- Bounce 5.0
- Cooling 4.5
- Durability & Lifespan 4.7
- High Energy Sex 5.0
For the money, you essentially get two mattresses in one. There’s no formaldehyde, heavy metals, or other harmful agents in this mattress, so ideal for immune compromised individuals.
Latex For Less uses only purely botanical, hand tapped natural latex which translates to a livelier, plusher, and highly responsive feel.
Owners love the lively yet yielding sensation, pushes weight to the sides rather than down, and for vigorous sex, it’s a winner.
6. THE DREAMCLOUD PREMIER HYBRID MATTRESS:$1199 IN QUEEN
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress is a 14” hybrid mattress with individually pocketed coils, a quilted cashmere top and is a firmer option for people with back issues requiring more support.
Why I recommend it: It’s half the price of Casper and Purple’s more basic models, which lack a quilted top section, making them feel mushier and not as supportive. With over, 4,971 reviews, it ranks a solid 4.8 consistently, not easy to achieve- and that’s on Google.
I would compare the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid to a resort hotel mattress because it is embellished with a quilted cashmere top piece (which feels like silk!) and two layers of sink-right-in gel/memory foam.
And for sex, come on, it has a cashmere top! You can even feel it through your favorite sheet, too. Here’s how it ranked for sex:
- Comfort And Support 4.7
- Motion Transfer 4.7
- Bounce 4.8
- Cooling 4.8
- Durability & Lifespan 5.0
- High Energy Sex 4.9
It’s slightly softer (but not too soft!) than most hybrid mattress options, but it’s what your spine needs to keep oxygen flowing to tissues, by reducing pressure points-but with a more nestled, inviting, and sumptuous feel.
Free shipping, a 365 day no questions asked trial, and a LIFETIME warranty with my exclusive link. Thousands of owners rave about this mattress, and tell their friends and family. Comparable to $1800 coil beds in retail stores.
7. NECTAR MATTRESS: $799 IN QUEEN, MEMORY/GEL SLEEPS COOL
The Nectar Mattress is a well known brand with a cult like following. Outfitted as a gel/memory foam mattress, it also uses CertiPur® non-toxic ingredients, so there are no toxic fumes.
No odor, no exposure to heavy metals. 365 Day Trial, Forever Warranty. Get $300 off with my link, free sheets, 2 pillows, and a mattress protector! Consistent reviews, this bed’s one of my favorites.
Excellent for calm, embracing, longer sex sessions where attention to detail is foremost-let’s look at the scores:
- Comfort And Support 5
- Motion Transfer 4.7
- Bounce 4.8
- Cooling 4.7
- Durability & Lifespan 5.0
- High Energy Sex 4.6
Nectar is a hugely popular brand with a cult following..for a reason- it’s well crafted, made with greener, cleaner components and higher quality premium memory foam. At 11″ tall with great edge support, it’s the perfect thickness for the nasty.
8. THE PUFFY ORIGINAL MATTRESS: $1,049 IN QUEEN
Still one of my personal favorites. Certi-Pur rated non-toxic foams, excellent pressure relief for side and back sleepers, innovative design keeps you on top with no sink or digging your way out.
For overall comfort, slightly firmer rather than softer, no mushy or sloppy sensation- immediately responsive and easy to turn on, delivers excellent edge support.
Google reviews show it as having a 4.9 Rating out of 5, from a total of 6,572 Online Reviews. It’s just $1,049 in queen size, and with my link you also receive free sheets, a pair of pillows, and mattress protector.
Here’s how The Puffy Original Mattress did when we evaluated and reviewed it for sex:
- Comfort And Support 4.7
- Motion Transfer 4.8
- Bounce 4.6
- Cooling 4.6
- Durability & Lifespan 4.8
- High Energy Sex 4.8
I’ve reviewed these mattresses for years, and owners love them. Sink right in plushness that is very sexy and inviting. A terrific option when factoring in fooling around.
A Mattress Can Be Essential For Intimacy And Well Being
The importance of a mattress for sex and overall well-being can vary, but when you shop for a mattress and one of your criteria is sex and intimacy, there are some points to consider:
- Comfort During Sex: A mattress plays a role in providing physical comfort and support during sexual activity. A comfortable and supportive surface can contribute to a more enjoyable experience by reducing discomfort, minimizing distractions, and allowing for easier movement and position changes.
- Sleep Quality: A good mattress is crucial for quality sleep, which is essential for overall well-being. Restful sleep promotes physical and mental health, including better mood, cognitive function, and immune system function. It can also positively impact your energy levels, stress management, and overall productivity.
- Spinal Alignment and Body Support: A mattress that properly aligns your spine and supports your body can alleviate aches and pains, especially in areas like the back, hips, and shoulders. This can enhance your overall well-being and help prevent or reduce discomfort caused by poor sleep posture.
- Pressure Relief: A mattress that provides adequate pressure relief can be beneficial for your well-being, particularly if you experience issues like joint pain or pressure point sensitivity. Materials such as memory foam or latex can conform to your body’s shape and distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
- Allergies and Hygiene: Some mattresses are designed to be hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold, and other allergens. If you have allergies or respiratory conditions, a mattress that promotes a cleaner and healthier sleep environment can positively impact your well-being.
- Anchoring: A big problem I’ve heard from people through the years is an issue with being able to “anchor” or to stay stationary during vigorous sex. Sliding around on your mattress is frustrating and generally means that you have to rely on headboards, rails, or things not attached to your bed frame. Truthfully, the mattress itself should be able to contain you and partner to some degree.
Research on sleep quality and sexual function has found some connections between the two. For example, a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2009 examined the relationship between sleep disturbances and sexual function in a group of women. The study found that women with higher sleep quality reported better sexual function and higher sexual desire compared to those with poorer sleep quality.
While this study did not specifically address mattress preference, it suggests that a good night’s sleep can have a positive impact on sexual experiences. A comfortable and supportive mattress can potentially contribute to better sleep quality, which in turn may indirectly affect sexual well-being.
While a mattress is an important factor in sleep comfort and sexual experience, it’s important to note that it’s not the sole determinant of overall well-being. Other lifestyle factors like stress management, nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being also play significant roles.
The Mattress Is Only Half Of The Magic- Pillows, And White High Thread Count Sheets
First of all, skip the satin sheets. For sex, they are terrible, they make you feel like you’re sliding on an oil slick, they’re hot, and stick to your skin. Pure cotton, especially something in the 400-600 thread count range, adds a level of sexiness to your whole environment.
Men’s Health explained in an article about pillows that “Sex pillows give you the option of altering the sex position you’re in so that it’s optimal for both partners,” according to Kenneth Play, an international sex educator and sex hacker. “Adjusting things like the angle of penetration by changing the angle of one person’s pelvis can make a big difference, especially for the receiver. For example, angling a pelvis upwards, called an anterior pelvic tilt, is great for A-spot and G-spot stimulation.”
They feel natural, they slide gracefully across skin without feeling slick or slippery, and they breathe. They are also durable and crisp in feel. By the way, stick with white. White sheets are fresh in appearance, naturally inviting and sensual, and are a natural aphrodisiac for any bedroom environment.
Just as important as sheets, pillows are often used during sex for a variety of reasons, whether used a wedge, to lift up your partners hips, to hang onto for dear life, or as a helmet when your head is against the wall. Use foam pillows for amazing results, preferably a low profile or contour pillow.
Down pillows are great for sleeping, but foam pillows are practically designed for sex—especially the ones that are shaped like a wedge. “These are made for people with respiratory problems, generally” says Dr. Winter. They’re also wonderful for stuffing under your partners butt to give you a better angle for penetration.
When it comes to pillows for sexual activities, personal preference varies a lot. There isn’t a specific pillow designed exclusively for this purpose since pillows primarily serve as support for the head and neck during sleep. People may have different preferences and find certain types of pillows more suitable for their needs. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Size and Shape: Depending on the desired positioning and activities, you may prefer a smaller or larger pillow. Some individuals find smaller, more compact pillows easier to maneuver during sexual activities.
- Firmness: The level of firmness desired in a pillow can vary from person to person. Some may prefer a softer pillow that provides more cushioning, while others may prefer a firmer pillow for better support.
- Adjustable Pillows: Adjustable pillows allow you to customize the loft or height by adding or removing fill. This can be advantageous for finding the most comfortable and supportive position during sexual activities.
- Washable and Hygienic: Considering the potential for bodily fluids and the need for cleanliness, pillows with removable and washable covers are recommended. Look for pillows that are easy to clean to maintain hygiene. Use a pillow protector.