The best mattress for sex is comfortable, quiet, durable, and inexpensive. American couples have sex about once a week on average. But, the quality and frequency of your nocturnal gymnastics could be far above average with the right bedroom equipment. Sex therapists advise that the quality of sex is more important than quantity. If your bed is lumpy, noisy, sagging, or uncomfortable, sex will be the last thing on your mind.
A comfortable mattress is essential to good health, mental wellbeing, and satisfying sex life. Here is our best mattress for sex buyers guide, including all the qualities you need to look for in your sexy new mattress.
What Type of Mattress is Best for Sex?
Airbeds
Most people will have an airbed in their home for impromptu sleepovers. Some people use an air bed as a temporary sleep space while they mattress shop. With built-in pumps and a wealth of choice, airbeds are a good short term sleep option. But, sex on an airbed could be like getting amorous on a surfboard in stormy weather! Difficult but a great workout.
| Airbed Mattress Pros | Airbed Mattress Cons |
| Built-in pumps for easy reinflation | High motion transfer |
| Machine washable covers | Noisy |
| Reasonably priced starting at $29.94 for a Queen | Retains body heat |
| Not pressure relieving |
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses may be the worst type of mattress for sex because of its bounce and high motion transfer. They can be noisy and may not provide the best pressure relief. If you share a bedroom wall with a neighbor, roommate, or family member, an innerspring mattress will not give you as much privacy as other mattress types. Basic innerspring mattresses are a layer of coil springs topped with fabric, some newer models are topped with memory foam and other comfort layers but are much pricier than base models.
| Innerspring Mattress Pros | Innerspring Mattress Cons |
| Good air ventilation | Noisy |
| Reasonably priced starting at $220 for a Queen | High motion transfer |
| Retains body heat | |
| Not pressure relieving |
Memory Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses can be great for sexual activity due to low noise and motion transfer. There are many options to choose from, memory foam, polyfoam, memory foam with cooling gels, and copper-infused systems. Most foam mattresses contain viscoelastic chemicals that retain body heat. Thus, opt for a breathable, pressure-relieving mattress for cooling comfort (and 100% free from memory foam).
| Memory Foam Mattress Pros | Memory Foam Mattress Cons |
| Low motion transfer | Retains body heat |
| Produces little to no noise | Not pressure relieving |
| Reasonably priced starting at $260 for a Queen | Sagging easily occurs |
| Contains heat-trapping chemicals |
Latex Mattresses
A latex mattress could be comfortable for sex if you enjoy a firm feeling mattress. Most latex mattresses are typically on the firmer side but are durable and can be more responsive. Be mindful to shop for 100% natural latex mattresses as these are made from the liquid extract of the Hevea Brasiliensis (rubber tree) and are nontoxic. Synthetic latex mattresses contain only a small fraction of natural latex with the additional materials constructed from a synthetically produced compound.
| Latex Mattress Pros | Latex Mattress Cons |
| Less toxic in 100% natural form | Some people are allergic to latex |
| Low motion transfer | Some people report their latex mattress to be too firm |
| Produces little to no noise | Heavy to move around |
| 100% latex can be cooling | Expensive starting at $1,499 for a Queen |
| Durable |
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses for sexual activity can be comfortable, cooling, and provide just the right amount of bounce. Hybrids are a layer of individually wrapped coil springs, typically topped with polyfoam and memory foam, or latex. The spring system allows air to ventilate but be careful of the comfort layer materials as some can retain body heat. Some hybrid mattresses can be up to 15 inches tall so be careful not to fall off!
| Hybrid Mattress Pros | Hybrid Mattress Cons |
| Can be pressure relieving depending on comfort layer | Could be a little noisy due to the springs |
| Some have additional core support | Could be a little bouncy |
| Some have edge support | Low durability |
| Expensive starting at $1,099 for a Queen |
What Qualities to look for
Noise
A noisy mattress could be down to the internal spring structure or a creaky bed frame. Typically, it’s a combination of both. Coil springs are notoriously noisy and tell the entire house and neighbors where the love is happening. Foam mattresses tend to fare better in the noise department so are some of the best mattresses for sex.
Temperature
A mattress that retains body heat, such as memory foam and polyfoam, store heat in the mattress. A more breathable option pulls heat away from the mattress surface. Creating a more comfortable environment for sex.
Firmness
A responsive mattress provides just the right amount of mattress firmness for sex. A pressure-relieving mattress moves with you to create just the right amount of sinkage. Some foam mattresses such as poly foam and memory foam create sinkholes that you slide into because of the heat-trapping chemicals within. Some latex mattresses could create a too-firm push back that feels uncomfortable on the sensitive pressure points of the hips and shoulders.
Durability
Durability is a hugely important factor to consider when mattress shopping. A quality mattress should give you up to seven years of comfort. Some lesser mattress materials typically sag within the first year of use. Thus, be mindful to shop with a reputable brand that is confident in the longevity of their products.
Sleep Style
What’s your sleep style? Are you a back sleeper, side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or combi-sleeper? Most mattress brands say their mattresses are suitable for all sleep styles. But, buying a mattress that was designed and built to suit your particular sleep style is far more beneficial to your health than a one-size-fits-all.
Price
Buying an affordable mattress is far less stressful than overspending and stress is not conducive to a quality sex life. A premium quality Queen mattress can be found for as little as $799. Financing your mattress is a low-stress way to pay for your new bed. Check with your online retailer if they offer financing with Affirm or Klarna for affordable monthly payments.
Free Trial
Not sure your mattress choice is the best one? Then opt for a free trial. Shopping with a reputable online retailer is the best way to shop for a mattress. You will get to try the mattress for at least 100 nights in the comfort of your home with no obligation to buy.
Warranty and Free Delivery
Free delivery and free returns are standard with reputable online mattress retailers. The warranty should be a minimum of ten years or a lifetime warranty.
| Mattress Type | Response | Noise | Bounce | Durability | Comfort | Price |
| Innerspring | Low | High | High | Low | Low | Low |
| Memory Foam | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Latex | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
| Hybrid | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
Conclusion
The best mattress for sex is comfortable (don’t forget you will be sleeping in it too) durable, breathable, and affordable. It is pressure-relieving, with low motion transfer and no associated noise. Shop with a reputable online retailer who can offer you a free trial for a minimum of 100 nights, with free delivery and free return, and a warranty of a minimum of 10 years. Shopping online saves you time, money, and hassle.