6 Best Split King Mattresses for Couples Who Can't Agree
Because you both deserve a good night's rest!
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Growing up, my parents were complete opposites when it came to sleep. My dad loved a plush pillow top while my mom could never fall asleep on anything less than firm. So for (many) years, they compromised until they heard about Split King adjustable beds and mattresses.
If you and your partner can’t agree when mattress shopping, a Split King setup—two Twin XL mattresses in a King-size frame—lets you both choose which mattress works best for you.
Note: Not all mattress brands offer a Split King, but many carry Twin XL, so you can build your own Split King set out of two Twin XL mattresses next to each other.
As someone who tests mattresses for a living, I know how important the right one is to getting quality rest. At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've tested more than 250 mattresses with the help of hundreds of at-home consumer testers, including couples with different preferences. Our top recommendation is the Saatva Classic Mattress for its structured support, excellent breathability, and multiple firmness options.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Saatva Classic Mattress
- Best value: Allswell Luxe Hybrid
- Best hybrid: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best foam: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud
- Best cooling: Purple Mattress
- Best latex: Avocado Green Mattress
Best Deal
Pros
- High scores for comfort and support
- Breathable design helps keep you cool
- Free delivery and setup
Cons
- Runs firm
Who it's best for
Couples who want a breathable, supportive mattress with full-service setup in your home. It’s a traditional innerspring model and comes with complimentary white-glove delivery (meaning they’ll set up the mattress and haul away your old one if you’d like), plus a 365-day sleep trial (minus a $99 return fee).
Who should avoid it
Anyone who prefers a cushiony or contouring mattress—this one leans firm.
Why we recommend it
Most mattresses sold online these days are hybrids with primarily foam, but this one is an innerspring model that's ideal for couples who prefer a traditional, resilient feel. It has two different coil systems, one with pocketed coils and one traditional coil unit, which promotes airflow and offers structured support that's still compatible with adjustable bases.
You can pick between three firmness levels and two height options. Couples with different firmness preferences can purchase two Twin XLs.
When we first tested this mattress, the edge support immediately stood out; it felt well-constructed and offered solid support throughout, though firmer than expected. If you're a side sleeper who likes a medium feel, I'd recommend the Plush; the Luxury Firm felt too firm for a few users on our consumer panel.
What our testers said
Over 100 people on our consumer panel praised the overall comfort, support, and positive impact on their sleep quality. Long-time users highlighted the supportive edges, which made it easier to get in and out of bed. One of our consumer testers said, "I feel like I could spend the whole day lying in bed."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Saatva Classic Mattress Review
| Mattress type | Innerspring |
| Height | 11 or 14.5 in. |
| Firmness | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Trial period | 365 days with a $99 return fee |
Pros
- Users said it feels like an expensive hotel bed
- Easy DIY setup at your convenience
- Uses cushy foam over supportive coils
Cons
- Lacks edge support
For this pick, purchase two Twin XL mattresses to achieve a Split King. (The pricing listed reflects the total cost.)
Who it's best for
Budget-conscious shoppers looking for comfort at a lower price point. In our tests, this bed was favored by younger adults in their 20s for its DIY approach and convenient shipping.
Who should avoid it
Older users or those with limited mobility may find the edge support insufficient.
Why we recommend it
After testing hundreds of mattresses, we still haven't found another mattress that matches its build quality and comfort at this price point. The hybrid design does a great job of marrying comfort from the cushy foam on top and support from the pocketed coils underneath.
Couples will also appreciate the different firmness options: The versatile Medium option is great for side and back sleepers while the Extra Firm is ideal for stomach sleepers or those who need more support.
What our testers said
This bed has received glowing praise from our tester panel year after year. One tester called it "undeniably comfortable," while others compared it to a "plush hotel mattress."
Our testers appreciated how the conforming foam didn't sink too deeply under their weight. Some even reported that it helped alleviate their back and neck pain.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Allswell Mattress Review
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 12 in. |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 90 days |
Pros
- Ergonomic layout
- Users reported improved sleep quality
- Perfect comfort and support ratings from testers
Cons
- We couldn't validate the recovery claims
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Good Housekeeping readers can take 42% off their Bear Elite Hybrid orders with code GH42 through July 6th.
Who it's best for
Side and back sleepers, anyone struggling with back pain, and those who haven’t found a truly comfortable mattress elsewhere
Who should avoid it
Shoppers who need a low-profile bed: This is our tallest recommendation at 14 inches.
Why we recommend it
Beyond the different firmness options, our testers praised its support and agreed that it improved their sleep quality. And unlike the standard three-zone layouts many brands use, Bear uses seven zones for true targeted support. This provides extra cushioning around areas like the hips and shoulders to help promote a neutral spinal alignment.
The edge support is also solid, so it helps the bed feel more like a King than two side-by-side mattresses. The mattress itself has held up well: We've been testing the Elite Hybrid since it first launched in 2022, and none of our testers have reported any sagging, though some noticed some pilling on the cover around the two year mark.
What our testers said
Our consumer testers gave it top scores for every category from comfort and support to sleep quality. Several even dubbed it "nothing short of amazing." One said, "It feels like my entire body is being supported, regardless of my position." Plus, one of our experts even found herself sleeping through her alarms for the first time in years.
Note: Bear makes some claims on its product listing that we weren't able to verify, specifically about how Celliant fibers use infrared technology to promote recovery.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Bear Elite Hybrid Review
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 14 in. |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Trial period | 120 days |
Pros
- Tempur-Pedic foam at a lower price
- Adapts and contours to your body shape
- Pairs well with an adjustable base
Cons
- Memory foam runs warm
Who it's best for
Side sleepers who need pressure relief at the hips and shoulders, and anyone who prefers the contouring feel of memory foam
Who should avoid it
Stomach sleepers and anyone who prefers a firmer, more responsive surface over slow-moving memory foam
Why we recommend it
This is our top-tested foam mattress: The exceptional pressure relief and precise support is unlike any other. It's also earned great feedback from side and back sleepers alike in our tests for its cradling yet supportive feel. Because of its lower 10-inch height and flexible foam, this mattress is especially ideal for couples with a split king adjustable base
What our testers said
Our testers, especially those who sleep on their sides, appreciated the gentle support, though some were surprised at how firm it felt initially. One shared, "It starts out very firm but gradually gets more and more comfortable."
The foam also stood out for its pressure relief and cradling feel. One tester said, "it contours to the body like no other," while other users told us that the luxurious, "cloud-like" feel lives up to the hype. The caveat is that foam also traps in heat, so it's unideal for hot sleepers.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tempur-Pedic Tempur- Cloud Review
| Mattress type | Foam |
| Height | 10 in. |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 120 days |
Pros
- Airy grid-like layer on top
- Good motion isolation and responsive feel
- Users said it feels like a perfect balance of soft and firm
Cons
- Hard to maneuver despite low-profile height
Who it's best for
Hot sleepers, back sleepers, and back pain sufferers who want a bed that contours to their bodies without sinking under their weight
Who should avoid it
Cold sleepers or anyone who prefers a tall mattress (this is our shortest pick at 9.25 inches). Those who prefer to use a mattress pad or topper also won't feel the grid's cooling effects or unique feel.
Why we recommend it
Purple mattresses are in a category of their own, thanks to their unique material that provides a feel that's both cradling (like foam) yet responsive (like latex). While this model doesn't have pricey cooling technology, the GelFlex grid layer provides exceptional breathability. In our tests, it was the clear winner when it came to temperature regulation and easily outperformed several mattresses with specialty cooling materials.
What our testers said
Multiple panelists called it "the perfect balance of soft and firm," and some compared it to "sleeping on air." Other users also liked how they couldn't feel their partners moving throughout the night due to its motion isolation. Many hot sleepers said it felt notably cooler than other beds they'd owned, which ultimately led to better sleep.
Though the setup experience is similar to most boxed mattresses, some panelists said the Purple Mattress felt heavier and was more difficult to maneuver because of the grid.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Purple Mattress Review
| Mattress type | Foam with polymer grid |
| Height | 9.25 in. |
| Firmness | Medium Firm |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Pros
- Certified organic materials
- Comfortable and firm support
- Year-long trial period
Cons
- Different heights and prices for different firmness levels
For this pick, purchase two Twin XL mattresses to achieve a Split King. (The pricing listed reflects the total cost.)
Who it's best for
Eco-conscious shoppers who prefer natural materials over memory foam, enjoy a firmer, springier feel, and want a mattress that’s built to last
Who should avoid it
Anyone who prefers the contouring feel of memory foam may find the latex feel too firm and responsive
Why we recommend it
Organic mattresses can be hit or miss, but Avocado's Green Mattress proves you don't need to sacrifice comfort for sustainability. The resilient and bouncy latex contours beautifully to your body without sinking in like memory foam.
The mattress is pricey, since latex is more expensive than memory foam, and you'll have to pay extra for a softer feel, but we like that Avocado offers a generous year-long sleep trial.
We appreciate the brand's commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality backed up by its notable certifications from the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS).
What our testers said
"It is unbelievably comfortable," said one user. "I like that it is supportive, and I don't wake up in pain as I have with other mattresses." Others liked how the mattress had a "floating" feel compared to contouring foam.
In our surveys, panelists highlighted how it helped evenly distribute body weight. Others appreciated its long-term durability, noting no sagging or indentations after several years.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado Green Mattress Review
| Mattress type | Latex hybrid |
| Height | 11, 11.5 or 13 in |
| Firmness | Plush, Medium or Firm |
| Trial period | 365 days |
How we test Split King mattresses
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we’ve been testing mattresses and other home products for 125 years. In the past five years, we've tested over 250 mattresses and surveyed 10,000 mattress owners on our survey panel.
Each year, our team of scientists and engineers research and evaluate dozens of mattresses with the help of at-home consumer testers. For Split King mattresses, we carefully match each mattress to specific couples based on their preferences and needs, and these testers provide feedback on everything from setup to long-term comfort and support. We also routinely survey Good Housekeeping readers on the mattresses they own.
RELATED: How We Test Mattresses at Good Housekeeping
Here's a preview of some key aspects we take into account from our feedback surveys:
- Ordering and delivery: We ask users to rate and comment on the ease of ordering, how quickly the mattress arrived, and whether there were any issues throughout these steps.
- Setup: Whether the mattress comes with DIY setup or white-glove delivery, users rate how easy the process was and whether the mattress took shape quickly.
- Firmness level: Often, the firmness reported by the brand doesn't match the personal experience of many users. This is why we ask users to rate the firmness of their beds, which helps us understand how soft or firm the mattress feels in real life.
- Edge support: Users share whether the bed sinks when they sit on the edges or if it holds the shape well under weight.
- Comfort and support: Reviewers weigh in on whether they liked sleeping on the mattress initially and again later in the review period. They also provide comfort and support ratings as well as detailed comments.
- Temperature: We ask whether respondents stayed at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night on the bed and note whether any cooling features were observed.
- Sleep quality: Reviewers let us know if the mattress has any effect on their sleep, including whether they wake up sore and whether they are satisfied with the mattress overall. They also compare the mattress with other models they've owned.
- Additional feedback: Testers also share any specific likes, dislikes, and further comments about their experiences.
What to consider when shopping for a Split King mattress
Whether shopping online or in-store, mattresses are tough to decide on. After all, there's no single mattress that's best for everyone. Here's what to think about as you search for a new bed:
Split king vs. two twin XLs
Because Split King mattresses are made of two Twin XL mattresses, this is a great opportunity to opt for a different firmness level or a different mattress entirely, though we recommend choosing ones with the same height. For firmness level, prioritize your personal comfort and consider your sleep position and the size of your body for proper spinal alignment.
Edge support
Because a Split King is made of smaller mattresses, edge support is even important if you're used to the feel of a King-size bed. In our tests, innerspring mattresses feel the most structured with hybrids, including latex options, as the runner up. All-foam mattresses typically have the worst edge support, so you'll feel very separated, but they're the best for using on a split king adjustable bed.
Adjustable base compatibility
For a split king adjustable base, you'll need a mattress that's flexible and under 14-inches-tall. For mattresses with coils, look for pocketed coils over interconnected springs. Foam and hybrid mattresses typically perform the best in our tests. To make sure you'll be able to use a mattress with an adjustable base, it's best to contact the manufacturer.
RELATED: The Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds
Trial period
Even if you stop by a mattress store or showroom to lie on your new bed first, it's difficult to know whether a mattress is a good fit without actually sleeping on it for a few months, especially for this new Split King configuration. Most mattress companies offer an any-reason return period of at least 90 nights, so you can try your bed risk-free, but some may offer longer trial periods. Either way, remember to check whether there are any hidden return fees and how the return process works before purchasing.
My partner and I prefer different firmness levels and types of mattresses. Is a Split King mattress the answer?
Yes and no. Oftentimes, mattresses only come in one firmness. Even if a brand offers multiple firmness levels, not all Split King mattresses allow you to select different firmness levels for each side. In this case, you may have to buy two Twin XL mattresses at two different firmness levels instead of a Split King to ensure each person has their preferred firmness.
We recommend sticking to the same mattress model at different firmness levels if you're going the Twin XL route. If you opt for two completely different mattresses, pay close attention to the thickness. They should be the same; otherwise, your bed may look uneven.
What are the best sheets to use with a Split King mattress?
Split King beds are equivalent to two Twin XL mattresses, so look for a Split King sheet set, which includes two Twin XL fitted sheets, one King-size flat sheet and two King-size pillowcases.
If sheets don't come in a Split King size, check to see if they're available in Twin XL, which works in a pinch, especially if you plan to forgo the flat sheet, or look for a brand that lets you build your own set by purchasing each component separately.
RELATED: Best Sheets for Adjustable Beds
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu regularly evaluates mattresses and adjustable beds, coordinates consumer testing, and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. Wu holds a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
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