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Tossing and turning all through the night?
We’ve all been there.
Sometimes it’s just temporary, but if restlessness decides to stick around, it can ruin your partner’s sleep too.
In this case, a good mattress can save both your sleep and your relationship. So, check out the list of 6 best mattresses for restless sleepers and our comprehensive buyer’s guide if you are ready to change sleep for yourself and your partner.
A Quick Preview
![]() | Best Overall - Editor’s Pick Puffy Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Runner Up Saatva Classic Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best Affordable Luxury The Chill Mattress by Cocoon | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Back Sleepers Winkbed | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Stomach Sleepers Amerisleep AS3 Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best Cooling Option Ghostbed Luxe | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
Our Review of 6 Best Mattresses for Restless Partners that Have Zero Motion Transfer
Best Overall - Editor’s Pick — Puffy Mattress
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Highlights
- conforms closely to the body to ensure even tension redistribution;
- slow-moving foams to guarantee excellent motion absorption;
- lifetime warranty for unparalleled customer protection.
The best motion-isolating mattress for restless partnered sleepers has to be both cradling and comfortable. And the Puffy meets this criterion. This medium model feels heavenly comfy, combining a cloud-like hug with proper back support. At the same time, the Puffy uses motion-absorbing foams. It responds slowly to applied pressure and, thus, doesn’t let shock from motion travel across the surface. The Puffy withstood all my tests, and my wife didn’t feel even the most vigorous tossing and turning on my side.


Recommended For:
- Sleepers who prefer a generous hug. The Puffy offers a deep, cradling sinkage that effectively hugs pressure points like the shoulders and hips, contributing to better sleep.
- Sleepers who enjoy a quiet mattress. The Puffy is an all-foam model that doesn’t generate unnecessary noise like some hybrids, and coil-type mattresses, are known for.
Pros:
- Excellent motion isolation for a restless partner
- Easy-to-wash cover
- Great sinkage for a body-hugging experience
- Good edge support
Cons:
- Too soft for heavier sleepers over 230 pounds
- Layers are too slow-acting for active couples
Read our full Puffy mattress review for more information.
Runner Up — Saatva Classic Mattress

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Highlights
- breathable construction to combat overheating;
- independent coils to deliver adaptive support and minimize motion transfer;
- three firmness variations to accommodate more types of sleepers.
Another model that deserves your attention, in my opinion, is the Saatva Classic. This luxurious coil-on-coil mattress delivers pinpoint support and, thus, doesn’t allow shock from motion to travel that much. Each coil responds to applied pressure independently, making the Saatva one of the best motion-isolating mattresses for restless partnered sleepers. Plus, it’s an impressively comfy model. I especially love the Saatva’s Eurotop that offers a gentle hug and feels heavenly plush.
Recommended For:
- Sleepers who prefer an emphasis on spinal alignment. The LumbarZone technology used in the Saatva Classic mattress works well to ensure the hips are lifted, and the spine is in healthy alignment. This can help you and a restless partner have proper support while enjoying moderate motion isolation.
- Sleepers who prefer an eye-catching mattress. The Saatva Classic Mattress has an appealing euro pillow top design and attractive trim, making this mattress as luxurious to look at as it is to lie on.
Pros:
- Excellent zoned support with its Lumbar Zone technology
- Good motion isolation for a restless partner
- Good edge support with its high-density foam perimeter
- Uses less chemicals thanks to its plant-based flame barrier
Cons:
- Slightly steep price tag
- Non-removable cover
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information.
Best Affordable Luxury - The Chill Mattress by Cocoon
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Highlights
- helps the back remain tension-free throughout the night thanks to its adaptive feel;
- sleeps cool even despite using memory foam in its construction;
- doesn’t feel too firm or too soft, making it suited for an impressive range of sleepers.
The Chill Hybrid by Cocoon is a good example of a mattress that does not sacrifice quality for a reasonable price. That’s why this model deserves to be among the best mattresses for partnered sleepers who don’t want to spend a fortune on their new bed. The Chill Hybrid feels luxurious and can boast of impressive build quality. The company is attentive even to the smallest details, such as stitching and the feel of the cover. At the same time, it’s cheaper than many luxury brands (for instance, Purple, Saatva, Casper, etc.). This makes the Chill ideal for couples who want a high-quality mattress for a good price.
Recommended For:
- Active couples. The Cocoon Chill Hybrid has excellent bounce with its coils, allowing for ease of movement that can benefit active couples.
- Sleepers who prefer a balanced feel. The Cocoon Chill Hybrid has a good mix of cushioning comfort and support with its memory foam layers and coils, letting you sink into cushioning memory foam without feeling ‘stuck.’
Pros:
- Cool-to-the-touch cover
- Excellent edge support with reinforced coils
- Good bounce for ease of movement
- Good motion isolation due to the responsive comfort layer
Cons:
- Too soft to support heavier sleepers over 230 pounds
- Too soft to support heavier side sleepers over 230 pounds
Best for Back Sleepers — Winkbed
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Highlights
- sturdy edges for extra space for you and your partner;
- individually wrapped coils to decrease potential nighttime disturbances;
- four firmness options to accommodate all types of sleepers.
The Winkbed deserves to be among the best motion-isolating mattresses for couples because it combines independent coils with a thick Euro-top layer. As a result, this model doesn’t feel very bouncy without sacrificing reliable support. Another cool thing about the Winkbed is that it has a special lumbar layer in the middle. It serves to provide extra support for the lumbar spine, which is especially important when you sleep on your back. The Lumbar Layer doesn’t only help with sleeping posture. It also helps the back experience less pressure during the night. I, for one, enjoyed restful sleep even after straining my back during camping.


Recommended For:
- Hot sleepers. The Winkbed does an excellent job of dissipating excess heat through its cover and breathable layers, helping keep you free of night sweats if you have a restless partner.
- Sleepers who prefer a balanced, bouncy feel. The Winkbed has a thick, cradling euro pillow top and coils, providing some sinkage backed by springy support for healthy spinal alignment.
Pros:
- Cooling cover
- Good three-fold cooling system
- Excellent edge support
- Good cradling comfort layers
Cons:
- Slightly steep price tag
- Non-removable cover
Read our full Winkbed mattress review for more information.
Best for Stomach Sleepers — Amerisleep AS3 Mattress
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Highlights
- Comes with a plant-based Bio-Pur material that keeps the mattress surface cool all night.
- An open cell design that increases breathability and dissipates heat and warm air.
- It has a fast response time compared to the traditional memory foam
- Made to resist dust-mites, molds, and mildew.
The AS3 by Amerisleep is an all-foam mattress. It doesn’t spring back when the pressure is applied, which means it doesn’t allow shock from movement to travel freely to the other side of the bed. That’s why the AS3 deserves to be among the best motion-isolating mattresses for partnered sleepers.
That being said, even though this is a cradling foam mattress, the AS3 feels rather sturdy. Based on my personal experience, it offers optimal support levels for stomach sleepers, with gentle cushioning for the protruding body parts and enough resistance to ensure a neutral alignment during the night. As proof, I felt perfectly comfortable even though I typically prefer sleeping on my back or side.


Recommended For:
- Sleepers who prefer targeted support. The Amerisleep AS3 uses HIVE technology to give more pressure in the hip area, keeping your spine neutral.
- Sleepers who prefer adaptive pressure relief. The Amerisleep AS3 uses a unique Bio-Pur memory foam that adapts quickly to pressure, redistributing weight while also ensuring you don’t feel stuck in the layers.
Pros:
- Stretchy, easy-to-remove cover
- Excellent pressure relief due to its Bio-Pur foam
- Excellent targeted spinal support from its HIVE technology
- Excellent motion isolation due to its all-foam design
Cons:
- Too soft for heavier sleepers over 230 pounds
- The cover is made of slightly slippery material
Read our full Amerisleep AS3 mattress review for more information.
Best Cooling Option — Ghostbed Luxe
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Highlights
- This mattress offers good motion isolation thanks to the memory foam make and medium plush surface.
- The 7 layers in this mattress helps to keep temperature in check by moving the body heat from the mattress surface.
- The Ghost Bounce layer doesn’t allow sleepers to feel sunk in when sleeping.
Having a motion isolating bed is one thing, having an always-cool motion isolating bed is another. The Ghostbed Luxe is the latter because it offers premium motion isolation features alongside the best cool mattress surface.
The 7 layers in this mattress helps to draw away body heat from the mattress surface. The special layers that aid in maintaining a cool surface include the Ghost Ice Cover and the Ghost Ice Layer. Furthermore, embedded in the mattress is also a fiber that aids in drawing away heat from the surface.
The gel-infused memory foam layers in this mattress offer premium motion isolation for couples. In addition, sleepers get adequate bounce in the 2-inch Ghost Bounce layer embedded in the mattress despite the motion isolation and give. Finally, durability and sagging edges is not an issue as this mattress comes with a solid core for support alongside the cushion provided by the latex layer.


Recommended For:
- Hot sleepers. The Ghost Ice technology and the gel memory foam used throughout the mattress help wick away excess heat and keep even the hottest restless sleepers cool.
- Fans of a classic memory foam feel. The Ghostbed Luxe uses thick, cushioning comfort layers that allow for moderate sinkage, letting restless partners enjoy motion-isolating comfort and a classic memory foam cradle.
Pros:
- Excellent cooling technology
- Excellent pressure relief due to 5 inches of comfort layers
- Good edge support
- Excellent motion isolation as it is an all-foam model
Cons:
- Too soft for sleepers who prefer feeling ‘on’ than ‘in’ the bed
- Too soft for heavier sleepers over 230 pounds
Our Methodology - Why I Picked These Mattresses
I’ve chosen these mattresses based on how responsive, yet motion-isolating they are to give you the best mix of cradling and support while minimizing motion transfer. I’m thorough when it comes to my reviewing methodology, as I inspect a mattress from top to bottom, taking in factors such as its packaging, how it feels, its firmness, and how sinkage plays a role in the mattress’ motion isolation. Motion isolation, in particular, is tested with a glass of water and pressure tests across the bed. Based on how much (or little) the water moves give us a good indicator of how motion-isolating the mattress is. All of the mattresses in this list have good motion isolation based on my opinion, hands-on experience, and knowledge of the mattress.
What Causes Restless Sleep?
Surveys show that around 67% of people worldwide wake up at least once during the night.
Source: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/08/we-need-more-sleep
While this might be an occasional occurrence for some, other people deal with this issue regularly (and experience multiple awakenings).
There are many potential reasons behind restless sleep. The most common ones include:
- Uncomfortable mattress. It can be old and saggy, too soft, or too stiff. Whatever the case is, sleeping on a bad mattress makes it hard to find a comfortable position, which causes people to toss and turn, often all through the night.
- Stress and anxiety. Our body’s response to stress is the release of cortisol hormone, which makes the brain more alert. When stress becomes regular in our lives or we start experiencing anxiety, the cortisol levels rise, affecting our sleep-wake cycles and interfering with our normal sleep schedule (1).
- Restless leg syndrome. This neurological disorder causes unpleasant sensations in one’s legs, like tingling or aching (2). In this state, a sleeper feels the urge to move their legs more frequently to find a better position and reduce those symptoms. Naturally, this can lead to disrupted and restless sleep.
- Caffeine consumption. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects our brain and central nervous system. Often, frequent caffeine consumption (especially closer to your bed hours) is associated with sleep deprivation, reduced hours of sleep, increased arousals, disrupted sleep, and restlessness (3).
- Unsuitable sleeping environment. You can keep tossing and turning simply because your bedroom is too hot or too cold (4). Another reason might be the nighttime distractions, such as outside noises or light.
- Health issues and chronic pain. People suffering from chronic pain are more likely to experience longer sleep onset, frequent awakenings, lower sleep quality, and shorter total sleep time (5). Sleep apnea is another health condition that can cause abrupt awakenings and restlessness (6).
Naturally, any of these issues could affect your partner too. While you toss and turn trying to get the precious hours of sleep, your partner is very likely to feel the movement on the other side of the bed. However, a suitable mattress can help you both deal with that problem.
What Is the Best Mattress Type for Restless Partnered Sleepers?
When searching for the best mattress for restless sleepers, you need to consider its construction and the materials. Some of them are ideal for motion isolation, others – not so much. Let’s take a look at the most common mattress types and see how they would work for someone sharing their bed with a restless partner:- Memory foam. This material responds well to pressure and body heat, which makes it mold to the sleeper’s curves. It also returns slowly to its original shape and has almost zero bounce to it. That’s what makes memory foam great for restless partnered sleepers. Remember those old commercials when people used to jump on the bed while a glass of red wine was sitting on the other side of the mattress? That’s pretty much how memory foam works.
- Polyfoam. Polyurethane foam has a slightly faster response to applied pressure and more resilience to it. Still, this material effectively absorbs shock from motion and would be suitable for restless sleepers. Just keep in mind that polyfoam is more resilient than memory foam and would not hug your body as deeply.
- Latex. Derived from the sap of rubber trees, Latex is quite springy and responds fast to pressure. This material can adapt to your body curves, but it won’t allow as much sinkage as foam would. However, despite being rather bouncy, latex isolates motion well. It might not absorb 100% of it, but your partner won’t be likely to wake up if you move on a latex mattress.
- Hybrid. Hybrid mattresses use a combination of materials. For support, manufacturers usually give their preference to sturdy coils. For comfort layers, they use either foam or latex. Also, a combination of both can be found in some models. Plus, some hybrids use micro-coils for comfort. Whatever the case is, hybrids are generally bouncier than foam or latex mattresses. Now, most modern hybrids use pocketed coils, which reduce motion transfer. And if the comfort layers are thick enough, such a bed can be considered a good mattress for restless partners. However, don’t expect 100% motion isolation. Some transfer will still take place, but if the hybrid mattress has thick enough comfort layers, the disturbance on the other side of the bed will be minimal or hard to notice in most cases.
- Innerspring. Let me warn you right away: innerspring mattresses aren’t that good for restless couples. Even if the coils are individually wrapped for pinpoint support, they will still allow for motion transfer. Of course, the levels will be lower in this case, when compared with offset or Bonnell coils, for example. But if you want to minimize the chances of waking your partner up in the middle of the night, you might want to steer away from spring mattresses (the same rule applies to airbeds, by the way).

Source: https://www.tsishipping.com/blog/moving/7-common-mattress-types-and-how-move-them
How to Find the Best Mattress for Restless Partnered Sleepers: Buyer’s Guide
I know, shopping can be frustrating sometimes, especially when you don’t know how to narrow all the options down.
Here’s the deal: when looking for a good mattress for restless sleepers, there are certain factors that play primary roles. Once you consider all of them, it will be easier for you to make a final choice:
- Motion Isolation. This one is obvious, but shoppers need to remember the main rules when looking for a motion-absorbing mattress. First of all, it has to respond slowly to applied pressure (that’s when memory foam shines the brightest). If shoppers are considering a hybrid model, the coils have to be wrapped in fabric, and the comfort layers need to be thick and cradling (to absorb shock from movement). Sleeper should also remember that softer mattresses usually perform better in terms of motion isolation than firmer models (as the former are more hugging).
- Sleeping position. When shopping for a mattress, don’t think only about how not to disturb your partner. Both of you have to feel comfortable and supported when sleeping. That’s why you need to choose the firmness of the mattress according to your most common sleeping position. For instance, side sleepers require a generous amount of sinkage for their shoulders and hips, so they are recommended to choose softer mattresses. However, the bed shouldn’t be too soft, as it must provide enough support for the spine. Therefore, if you are a side sleeper, try to avoid extremely plushy beds that may sag too much under your weight. Back sleepers need a decent amount of cradling for the hips and buttocks. In this case, a medium mattress would work. And stomach sleepers require sturdy support all across the surface, which means they are advised to pick firm mattresses. We all have our preferred sleeping positions and getting the right mattress that makes us comfortable in our sleeping positions is crucial. Whether you are a side sleeper, or a front or back sleeper, there is a mattress specially designed for you.
- Weight. Aside from the way you sleep, you should also consider your weight. Petite users (below 130 pounds) don’t always sink deep enough through the comfort layers and can’t enjoy proper contouring. Therefore, such sleepers should pick softer mattresses. As for heavier folks, they require more support to maintain a healthy sleeping posture and a neutral spine. Therefore, larger individuals (over 230 pounds) are advised to pick firmer mattresses. Different mattresses are designed to carry a maximum amount of weight without failing. Individuals can check for the weight limit for any mattress since you will be sleeping on it with your partner. There are now mattresses that have been designed to hold large weights.
- Quality materials. The value we get from our mattress is down to the quality of the material with which it was made. Mattresses made with quality materials will provide their owners with the best value for an extended period of time. When it comes to foam mattresses, it’s better to choose models that use high-density foams (3 PCF and up for memory foam and 1.5 PCF and up for polyfoam). In hybrid models, the thickness of the coils matters too. It is measured in gauge, and lower numbers typically signify thicker coils. So, the lower the gauge, the longer the mattress will be likely to serve. As for latex models, they are considered the most durable mattress type.Quality materials in mattresses will be able to stand the wear and tear imposed by a restless partner. You can also always look out for certifications that adjudge the quality of the materials used to make the mattress.
- Customizable comfort. Another interesting factor you might want to consider is dual firmness. If you and your partner have different comfort preferences or, for instance, have a big weight difference, you can look at the mattress brands that offer customizable firmness on two sides of the bed. This way, both you and your significant other can enjoy the optimal support and increased comfort during sleep.
- Size. The most popular choice among couples is Queen, of course. It is large enough to give two adults enough room without occupying that much space in the bedroom. Another popular option is King. It is ideal for partners who require more space to feel comfortable during sleep. Additionally, using a King mattress can reduce the chances of motion transfer (as shock from movement simply might not reach the other side of the bed). However, this mattress size requires more space in the room and doesn’t work for smaller apartments.
Couples can also try a Split King size. It combines two Twin XL mattresses, which eliminates the motion transfer issue. Plus, many companies allow shoppers to choose different firmness levels for the two halves of Split King. Therefore, each partner can pick the most comfortable option for themselves without the need to find a compromise
- Temperature regulation. Thermoregulation is crucial when it comes to restful slumber. After all, no one wants to wake up all sweaty because their mattress is too warm. Now, overheating is a common issue for foam mattresses, so it’s better to choose models that have an open-cell structure or use cooling components (such as gel). Hybrid models are breathable and don’t typically sleep hot unless they have overly cradling foam comfort layers. Again, gel infusion would come in handy in this case. And latex mattresses are not likely to cause heat build-up. They aren’t overly hugging and don’t tend to accumulate excess heat.
- Sex. .Figuring out how to manage a bed with a restless partner and yet getting good bed support for amorous couples can be a bit tricky. As the best motion isolating mattresses, memory foams are a bit lacking in bounce. And bounce, on the other hand, is a great plus for couples during sex. If you and your partner prefer a bit more bounciness and response from the bed for sex, you may want to consider hybrids or at least latex mattresses (as foam tends to make users feel trapped in the mattress material).
- Price. Now, this factor depends solely on you and how much you are willing to invest in your new bed. Keep in mind that high-density memory foam mattresses are more expensive than polyfoam models. Latex is also quite pricey due to its natural origin and durability. Hybrid mattresses vary from brand to brand, but the ones using quality materials would cost at least $1,000.
- Warranty and trial. The rules are simple: the longer the sleep trial, the more time you will have to get used to your new bed and test how it works for you and your partner. Keep in mind that some brands have a mandatory break-in period, during which you cannot return the mattress, even if you feel like it’s not suited for you. This is done because mattress materials usually need time to adapt to your body curves. Rule number two: the longer the warranty period, the more confidence the manufacturer has in their product. However, you should always check the conditions and read the fine print to see what the warranty covers.
F.A.Q.
How do I stop motion transfer in bed?
You can try adding a motion-isolating topper, such as foam or latex. Changing a mattress is also a good idea, if your budget allows for it.
What is the best mattress for restless sleepers?
If you are a restless sleeper who shares their bed with a partner, a good motion-isolating mattress would be ideal. Consider foam and latex beds, or a hybrid with thick comfort layers. If you want a bed that would not restrict your movements too much, give your preference to latex. However, if you prefer foam, consider models that use both polyfoam and memory foam (as the former is more responsive and can help combat the quicksand feeling).
What mattress type is the best for couples?
Memory foam shows the best results when it comes to motion isolation. However, if you want more responsiveness for sex, you can look at latex or hybrid mattresses.
How to sleep better with a restless partner?
The first thing you should do is try to understand the reason behind your partner’s restlessness. Encourage them to talk to their doctor to find out what prevents them from sleeping well. If their movements wake you up, consider investing in a good motion-isolating mattress. If your budget is a bit tight at the moment, you can try using a memory foam topper with your old mattress.
How do I stop fidgeting in bed?
There are many ways to calm down and reduce fidgeting in bed, including taking a warm shower before sleep, using mindfulness activities to relax (such as meditation or yoga), massaging your legs and feet gently before sleep, stretching, or taking melatonin supplements (don’t forget to consult your doctor first).
Conclusion
Restless sleepers are often not the only ones who don’t get enough sleep. Their partners get affected too. However, a new bed can make a difference.
When looking for the best motion-isolating mattress, remember to pay attention to the construction and materials. As you already know, not all beds work for restless couples. Also, consider your (and your partner’s) sleeping position to pick the most comfortable option. Don’t forget that most mattresses come with a sleep trial. So you can test a couple of options to find the best one.
And if you are looking for suggestions, I would love to recommend the Puffy Mattress. This model can give you and your partner a chance to shift in bed as much as you want without disturbing each other. Additionally, the Puffy is well-made and can ensure an optimal combination of support and pressure alleviation. This model is a rare example of a mattress that has pretty much everything sleepers might need. And I’m sure it can make you as happy as it made me!
What do you think makes a great mattress for partnered sleep? And which model managed to catch your attention? Share your thoughts in the comments!
References
- Michael J. Breus Ph.D. (April 10, 2020). The Effects of Cortisol on Your Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/202004/the-effects-cortisol-your-sleep
- Valencia Higuera (July 15, 2019). What You Should Know About Difficulty Sleeping. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty
- Ian Clark, Hans Peter Landolt (January 30, 2016). Coffee, caffeine, and sleep: A systematic review of epidemiological studies and randomized controlled trials. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087079216000150
- Sharon Liao (n.d.). Why Can’t I Stay Asleep? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/surprising-sleep-wreckers
- Nicole K. Y. Tang (September 2008). Insomnia Co-Occurring with Chronic Pain: Clinical Features, Interaction, Assessments and Possible Interventions. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4589931/
- Mayo Clinic Staff (July 28, 2020). Sleep apnea. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
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