- The cost of a split king mattress varies based on construction and materials. The models in this roundup have prices between about $1,100 and about $3,900.
- For those who share a bed, a split king mattress allows for personalized firmness on both sides. That means no compromising on comfort.
- The Handbook Team tested split king mattresses from various brands using a 42-question standardized test to find best-in-class models for a variety of sleep styles and preferences.
You’re not alone if you are struggling to find the best split king mattress for you and your partner’s differing sleep needs. Whether it’s back pain, restless nights, or different firmness preferences, it can be difficult to get a restful night’s sleep when there are two of you in bed. A split king mattress allows couples to customize their sleeping preferences on each side of the bed. This mattress setup is comparable to two twin XL mattresses pushed together, which eliminates the need to compromise on firmness. Instead, both partners can choose the firmness that suits their body type and sleep style. Plus, split kings help minimize motion, which can mean fewer nighttime disruptions if you have a restless sleep partner. In our 2024 guide, the HelpGuide Handbook Team narrows your search to the best split king mattress options for cooling, customization, luxury, affordability, and more.
Best split king mattress overall
The Saatva Classic is our pick of the best split king mattress overall because of its versatility. It’s available in a choice of three firmness levels and two heights. Couples enjoy advanced pressure relief with the Saatva Classic’s dual-coil system and lumbar support. For added peace of mind, Saatva offers free white-glove delivery and a lifetime warranty.
Our pick of the best split king mattress
- Saatva Classic: Best overall
- Nectar: Most affordable
- Titan Plus: Best for heavy people
- DreamCloud: Best for luxury
- Nolah Evolution: Most customizable
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best cooling
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: Best for back sleepers
The Handbook
Keep these features in mind while comparing split king mattresses:
If you will use an adjustable base with your split king mattress, ensure compatibility first.
Keep an eye out for split king mattress models that let you personalize the firmness levels on each side.
Strong motion isolation prevents you from feeling your partner’s movements, like restless legs or tossing and turning.
Look for generous trial periods and warranties that show confidence in the mattress’s quality.
Compare the best split king mattresses
| Price | $2,790 | $1,098 | $1,600 | $1,090 | $3,198 | $3,920 | $2,930 |
| Firmness | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best for | Back sleepers* | Side sleepers | Heavy back, stomach, and combination sleepers | Side, stomach, and back sleepers | Back, side, and combination sleepers | Back, side, and combination sleepers | Back and stomach sleepers |
The best split king mattresses reviews
Best split king mattress overall: Saatva Classic
Our final verdict on the Saatva Classic
Saatva Classic’s customization options stand out to our mattress testers. Whether you’re a side sleeper seeking plush comfort or a stomach sleeper in need of firmer support, the mattress offers a tailored solution. Buyers can choose from three firmness levels (plush soft, luxury firm, and firm), catering to a wide range of sleep preferences. We’ve tested the luxury firm model. We are impressed to find that the mattress also comes in two height options, 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches, accommodating both taller sleepers and those looking for a lower profile.
The mattress also stands out for its dual-coil system, which includes individually wrapped coils and a traditional innerspring unit. This design gives sleepers personalized pressure relief and consistent support—ensuring comfort and spine alignment while sleeping.
The Saatva Classic’s lumbar support also makes it the best mattress for back pain in our lineup. There’s extra cushioning around the center of the bed’s pillow top to lift and support your midsection. One of our mattress testers shares that her midsection felt “perfectly lifted” while lying on either her back or stomach.
The Saatva Classic’s commitment to luxury extends beyond its construction. Our testers appreciate the brand’s attention to detail when it comes to customer experience. With free white-glove delivery, Saatva ensures a seamless setup and even removes your old mattress. The company’s policies, including a one-year-long sleep trial, reflect confidence in the product’s quality and durability.
To learn more, read our Saatva mattress review.
Most affordable: Nectar
Our final verdict on Nectar
For those seeking an affordable and supportive split king mattress, Nectar is a smart pick. It’s also low risk, with a one-year trial, lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns. For less than $1,100, you’ll get a 12-inch split king mattress with single-action cooling. Upgrade options are available for an extra inch of height and dual-action cooling. For either model, you can choose between memory foam and hybrid materials.
Our testers find the top layers of the foam model offer a soft, cradling sensation, making it ideal for side and back sleepers. One tester specifically appreciates the pressure relief on her joints while testing. That said, our stomach-sleeper testers notice midsection sinking and a lack of lumbar support. This could be a concern for stomach sleepers and higher-weight people, who might not feel enough support, especially with the memory foam model that has no springs.
From our tester
“Since these layers are pretty dense, they're able to stifle the feeling of motion pretty well. If you sleep with a partner and move around a lot, this helps ensure you're not shaking them awake. They also do a pretty good job with pressure relief, keeping the most sensitive joints from feeling all of the weight bearing down on them.”
The Nectar split king mattress is a good fit for those who want to sleep soundly through a bedmate’s movements like restless leg syndrome. In our testing notes, we consistently find that its memory foam absorbs movement easily—even for larger movements like a partner repositioning or getting in and out of bed.
Despite its breathable top cooling layer, the Nectar’s base model may not be the top choice for hot sleepers. All-foam mattress models tend to trap heat while hybrid mattresses (foam and coils) allow more airflow and cooling. Those prioritizing temperature regulation might upgrade to Nectar’s hybrid split king mattress model.
Learn more in our Nectar mattress review.
Best for heavy people: Titan Plus
Our final verdict on the Titan Plus
The Titan Plus split king mattress offers robust construction to support higher-weight sleepers. It’s made of an 11-inch profile and five layers, including an optional GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover. The top layer is a one-inch quilted gel memory foam that resists body impressions and provides cooling comfort. The second layer is a two-inch TitanFlex™ foam, offering responsive contouring and targeted pressure point relief. The core is a six-inch layer of individually encased coils, providing industrial support and top-notch motion isolation. The base is a durable, two-inch high-density foam.
From our tester
“Bottom line: for all plus-size sleepers, there should be plenty of support and pressure relief regardless of your sleeping position.”
Our testers praise Titan Plus’ firm yet pressure-relieving feel and feel comfortable in various sleeping positions. The mattress’ edge support is also noteworthy with strong coils creating a stable surface. This means you can safely spread out at night without the fear of sagging edges. If your partner tosses and turns, the Titan Plus has great motion isolation, providing disturbance-free sleep for those with restless partners.
Those who run hot at night will appreciate the cooling features of the Titan Plus. The combination of gel-infused memory foam and its breathable coil structure helps regulate temperature throughout the night. For those with back pain or sciatica, the Titan Plus offers support and alignment. Its proprietary foams and extra-strong coils work together to lift and support the body, providing relief without sacrificing comfort.
Not sure if the plus-size is for you?
Not sure if this plus-size mattress is for you? On the Titan Plus product page, 2,500+ verified customers share their opinions, alongside their age, weight range, sleep style, and solo versus couple sleeping status.
Best for luxury: DreamCloud
Our final verdict on the DreamCloud
The DreamCloud split king mattress offers affordable luxury with quality construction. Our testers like the medium-firm feel with a balance between soft pressure relief and solid support. They notice consistent support across different sleep positions, whether sleeping on their side, stomach, or back.
You can choose between a memory foam and hybrid model. With eight mattress layers (the most of any of our top picks) and a combination of CertiPUR-US® certified foams and individually wrapped coils, its hybrid model delivers an especially luxurious experience. Its gel-infused memory foam helps with temperature regulation while its cashmere blend cover adds a cozy touch.
As far as drawbacks, DreamCloud’s edges have reinforced coils but still show some weakness during testing, and the mattress might not suit those seeking a deep contour or a softer, hugging experience. That said, the mattress’s responsiveness and motion isolation make it a great choice for couples and combo sleepers.
From our tester
“It supports all sleep positions and does a great job of supporting spinal alignment and absorbing the feeling of motion.
We are pleasantly surprised to realize the best luxury mattress on our list is also the second most affordable. The DreamCloud split king is a hybrid (with a memory foam alternative) that supports a variety of sleep positions. With strong support, responsiveness, and motion isolation, it’s a top choice for luxury on a budget.
To learn more, read our DreamCloud mattress review.
Most customizable: Nolah Evolution
Our final verdict on the Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution split king offers an indulgent sleep experience with customizations perfect for a shared sleeping space. Couples can personalize firmness for both sides of their split king mattress with plush, luxury firm, and firm variations.
Our testers have tried the luxury firm model and find the mattress to be soft yet springy with above-average motion isolation. “Even though it’s got some plush and sink to it, I am still able to move around and reposition easily without feeling like I am being sucked in by quicksand,” one tester says. In other words, Nolah offers above-average responsiveness.
Our testers also praise its edge support. Even with a tall 15-inch profile, the mattress is easy to get in and out of due to its durable perimeter coils. In fact, the Nolah Evolution mattress has 25 percent more coils than traditional spring mattress systems.
Temperature regulation is another strength—the Nolah Evolution has several cooling strategies up its sleeve. Those who overheat will appreciate its breathable foams and fabrics and hybrid construction for better airflow.
Our back- and side-sleeper testers enjoy sinking into the Nolah Evolution’s soft Euro topper. But the Nolah Evolution split king’s plush texture and subpar hip support don’t offer the best support for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers might opt for the firm mattress model for the most support. Another alternative is the Nolah Evolution Comfort+, a highly supportive mattress catering to individuals weighing over 300 pounds.
Best cooling: Bear Elite Hybrid
Our final verdict on the Bear Elite Hybird
Sleepers who run hot will appreciate the Bear Elite Hybrid split king mattress’s cooling technology and next-generation materials. According to our testers, its cooling effect is noticeable as soon as you lay down due to its hybrid coil construction, phase change material (PCM) cover, and copper-infused memory foam.
The Bear Elite Hybrid’s coils help cool air circulate during the night. Meanwhile, the PCM absorbs excess body heat, and the copper-infused foam whisks away unwanted heat. The mattress also uses Celliant® fibers, a textile that encourages temperature regulation and muscle recovery—ideal for couples who are active during the day.
From our tester
“The cooling was immediately noticeable as I laid down on the bed, and I’m pretty sure that it would do a good job of keeping anyone cool throughout the night.”
While many hybrids trade plushness for springiness, the Bear Elite Hybrid split king offers both softness and support. Our testers enjoy its plush feel, citing comfortable contouring around hips and shoulders. The mattress may also benefit sleepers with back, shoulder, or hip pain. Its zoned coil system offers targeted pressure relief, especially in the lumbar area. Its supportive design is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
Couples will appreciate the minimal motion transfer of this mattress, allowing for undisturbed sleep even if one partner moves during the night. Its reinforced edge coils also provide ample support, allowing both partners to utilize the entire surface of the bed comfortably.
Couples can choose between soft, medium, and firm mattresses, and our testers have tried the medium model. While the Bear Elite Hybrid offers luxurious comfort and support, its plush foam layers may not suit all sleepers. Stomach sleepers and higher-weight sleepers may prefer the firmer model for the best support.
Best for back sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Our final verdict on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe split king mattress is our top recommendation for couples who sleep on their backs. This 13-inch mattress yields some impressive stats during testing. It shows excellent spine alignment and support, particularly for back sleepers, scoring 5/5. Bounce and responsiveness also receives a perfect 5/5, which is ideal for combination sleepers.
Our testers give the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe split king mattress a firmness rating of 7.5/10, noting that it provides comfortable back-sleeping support without feeling too rigid. That said, lightweight back sleepers may opt for the softer end of the mattress’s firmness options (soft, medium, and firm). Our testers do note that there are some stability issues when sitting on the edge, and the motion isolation on this model isn’t great.
Our testers find the mattress to be cool to the touch. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a good mattress for couples who run hot at night but want an affordable alternative to our top cooling pick, the Bear Elite Hybrid. The Aurora Luxe mattress excels in cooling due to its cooling cover, cooling-infused foam, and airflow from its hybrid foam-and-coil construction.
The Aurora Luxe also has an optional two-inch Cloud Pillow top. With dual-foam layers, cooling fibers, and body contouring, it’s said to offer extra pressure point relief.
What is a split king mattress?
Split king mattresses are simply two twin XL mattresses placed side by side. Twin XL mattresses measure 38” x 80,” while a standard king is 76” x 80.” While some brands sell split kings specifically, in most cases, customers who want a split king will need to order two twin XL mattresses.
How to choose a split king mattress
If you’re shopping for a split king mattress, it’s important to keep key considerations in mind.
Mattress firmness
The beauty of a split king mattress is the personalized firmness on both sides of the bed. The right firmness for you depends on your sleep style and body type, and many brands offer a choice of firm mattresses, soft mattresses, and medium-firm mattresses (the most popular option).
Price
The cost of a split king mattress can vary significantly depending on construction, materials, and upgrades. You can spend just over $1,000 to well over $3,000. If you’re on a budget, start with affordable mattress brands and try to time your purchase to major holidays for promotional pricing. The same is true if you’re shopping for a luxury mattress.
Compatibility with adjustable beds
The best adjustable beds add more opportunities for personalizing your sleep. If adjustability is a feature that’s important to you, make sure your split king mattress is compatible before purchasing.
Mattress type
Split king mattresses come in a range of mattress types.
- Hybrid mattresses: Hybrid mattresses combine a supportive coil layer with comfort layers made from foam or latex. They tend to have a balanced feel that works well for different sleep styles, excellent edge support, and the coils promote airflow.
- Innerspring mattresses: Comparable to hybrid mattresses in that they combine innersprings with thin comfort layers. Innerspring mattresses have a bouncy, traditional mattress feel.
- Memory foam mattresses: Providing pressure relief and contouring, memory foam mattresses cradle your body as you sleep, but the foam has a tendency to retain body heat.
- Latex mattresses: Offering similar pressure relief to memory foam, latex mattresses are temperature-neutral and have a more buoyant sensation.
Sleep position
Your sleep style can point you toward an appropriate mattress firmness and construction. Side sleepers benefit from a softer mattress that won’t create pressure in the hips and shoulders. Back and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to ensure support in areas of deep compression for proper spinal alignment.
Body type
Body weight influences how soft or firm a mattress feels. Lightweight sleepers tend to perceive mattresses as firmer than they are, while heavier sleepers find them to be softer (and often benefit from a mattress for heavy people). Keeping your body type in mind can help you choose a mattress that feels the way you want it to.
Motion isolation
For couples, even those in a split king, motion isolation is an important consideration. The best mattress for couples minimizes motion transfer so one partner isn’t disturbed if the other changes position during the night. Motion isolation is also an ideal feature in mattresses for kids.
Our split king mattress testing
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress. For example, we record:
- Firmness score and whether the mattress is best for back, side, or stomach sleepers.
- Starting temperature of the mattress and how much it heats up after two testers lie on the mattress for five minutes.
- How many times a 10-pound ball bounces on the mattress after dropping from a height of 2 feet in order to arrive at a mattress bounce score.
To test split king mattresses, we considered factors that apply when two people share a bed. In addition to firmness options, we prioritized features like motion isolation, cooling upgrades, and edge support.
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “family” scores.
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This includes price, features, and the set-up process. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress, as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
As our testers evaluate each brand and its features, we consider why many people choose a new mattress in the first place. Of our respondents, 42 percent decide to purchase a new mattress for “improved comfort and support for better sleep,” while only 7 percent do so for “pain relief and targeted support.” The most common pain respondents want to relieve is lower back pain.
According to our survey
According to our survey, about 80 percent of all respondents say their new mattress helps them sleep better, and 65 percent report improved mental health.
Despite only 42 percent of respondents prioritizing comfort and support for better sleep when shopping for a new mattress, 68 percent report they sleep longer on their new mattress, 49 percent say their stress has improved, and 45 percent say their anxiety has improved after switching to their new mattress. Almost all mattress owners we surveyed (95 percent) are at least somewhat satisfied with their new mattress. We consult sleep experts, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists to understand what mattresses offer that make an overwhelmingly positive impact.
In order to focus on the mattresses themselves, we structure our test designs to objectively rank each one based on a range of criteria. For example, we test things like bounce, edge support (the sturdiness of your mattress edge), and cooling capabilities the same way on each mattress and compare the results. This way we can accurately compare each mattress’s score in an unbiased way while also sharing our subjective point of view as mattress testers and experts.
Lastly, we compare warranty lengths, trial periods, and white glove delivery (in-home delivery and setup) options. While most brands offer warranties, not all are comprehensive. And many brands on the market don’t have free white glove delivery. This could be a deal-breaker if you’re nervous to invest in a new mattress because you’re worried the bed won’t get set up properly or offer what you need.
A tip from our testers
Split king mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases, allowing even more customization to accommodate different sleep styles and preferences. Other bed frames, including foundations and platforms, also work well with split king mattresses.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, a split king mattress is a versatile solution for couples with different mattress preferences. Both sides of a split king mattress can be adjusted independently, allowing both people to choose a mattress type and firmness level that suits their needs. The best split king mattresses prioritize personalization for both mattress sides.
Look for sheets labeled as “split king” or “adjustable king” to ensure the right fit for your split king mattress. Split king mattresses consist of two twin XL mattresses side by side, so you’ll need appropriately sized fitted sheets. Also, consider thread count and material, but that boils down to your personal preference.
Split king mattresses are typically 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. A split king mattress essentially combines two twin-XL mattresses, placing them side by side. Once the two twin-XL mattresses are combined, they’re the same size as a regular king-size bed.
The Saatva Classic split king mattress is our top pick among the best split king mattresses with two height options and three firmness levels. Couples appreciate its advanced pressure relief and lumbar support. Saatva also comes with perks like free white-glove delivery, a one-year trial, and a lifetime warranty.
- Scott, A.J., Webb, T.L., Martyn-St James, M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. Link
- Titan. (2024). Titan Plus Hybrid Mattress: Customer Reviews. Titan by Brooklyn Bedding. Link
- Aoife, O. (2021, January 28). What is a split king bed? Nolah. Link