Best Motion-Isolating Mattresses for Restless Partnered Sleepers

Best for Stomach Sleepers — Amerisleep AS3 Mattress

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.

Read our full Amerisleep AS3 mattress review for more information.

What Is the Best Mattress Type for Restless Partnered Sleepers?

• 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.

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!