Mattresses And Sex: What Works Best

Memory Foam

Memory foam is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable mattress types for sleeping, but opinion is divided when it comes to sex. The same motion-absorbing properties that prevent sleep disturbance can also restrict movement during intimacy.

Advantages for sex:

• Fewer pressure points, reducing the risk of sore elbows, knees, or hands
• Extremely comfortable for both partners
• Quiet, with no springs to produce noise
• The lack of bounce means less wasted energy, and some users report reaching climax sooner
• The foam grips the body, reducing slipping
• Durable under sustained use without sagging

Disadvantages:

• The foam absorbs body heat, and as temperatures rise during sex it can feel uncomfortably soft
• The motion-absorbing properties can restrict movement and make it harder to change position
• Couples who prefer more active movement may feel constrained

Roughly 60% of memory foam owners are happy with their mattress for this purpose. The remaining 40% find the movement restriction too limiting. For more on how memory foam works, see our memory foam guide.

Latex

Latex mattresses share many of memory foam's advantages but with one important difference: they do not heat up as much during use.

• No pressure points, comfortable and quiet
• Non-slip surface with good durability
• Less heat retention than memory foam
• More responsive and bouncier than memory foam, making position changes easier

If you like the idea of foam comfort but want more freedom of movement, latex is worth considering. Our latex guide covers the differences in more detail.

Innerspring And Pocket Sprung

Innerspring mattresses are the traditional choice, and research suggests they are preferred by around 68% of people for sex. The active spring support returns energy to the user, which many couples find helpful.

• Easy to move around on, as the firm surface prevents sinking
• The bounce can help with rhythm and momentum
• Reasonably comfortable, with only minor pressure on body parts

On the other hand:

• Spring mattresses can be noisy, with squeaking from the coils
• They tend to wear out faster than foam alternatives
• The bounce works against you as well as for you, requiring more effort to maintain close contact

For couples, pocket sprung mattresses offer a compromise: the independent springs reduce noise and motion transfer while still providing bounce.

Waterbeds

Waterbeds became popular in the 1960s and offer a completely different experience.

The warm water can be relaxing during foreplay and helps stimulate circulation. The bed's movement creates a rolling sensation that many couples enjoy, and it is said that for every movement you make, the water returns an extra one.

Key considerations:

• Choose a sloshy mattress for more active movement, or a firmer one for slower, more controlled intimacy
• Achieving leverage is harder on a waterbed. Placing a firm pillow under each knee helps.
• It takes practice to work with the bed's rhythm rather than against it
• Never use anything sharp near the bed. Waterbeds can puncture and leak.

Which Type Is Best

The honest answer is that personal preference matters more than mattress type. What works well for one couple may not suit another. If possible, choose a mattress that works for both sleeping and intimacy rather than compromising on one.

For help choosing the right mattress type and firmness, see our memory foam vs pocket sprung comparison and our firmness guide.