Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
If you’re going to share a King-size mattress, you may as well ensure that your side feels just the way you like it. This kind of customizability is possible with a Split King — traditionally, two Twin XL mattresses positioned side by side. Because the sides of the bed are distinct, you’re free to have a softer or firmer sleep space than your partner’s. If you have an adjustable bed frame, you’ll also be able to move your side into new positions independently.
What makes a great Split King mattress? Awesome edge support, a few different firmness options to choose from, and that crucial balance of softness and spine-aligning features. Informed by our testing, I’ve gathered the best Split King beds around for this list.
Our Top Pick for The Best Split King Mattress
The Saatva Classic is our top pick for the best Split King bed due to its unmatched edge support, customizable firmness options, and pressure relief.
Best Split King Mattresses
- Saatva Classic – Editor’s Pick
- Nectar – Best Affordable Split King Mattress
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Split King Mattress for Side Sleepers
- DreamCloud – Best Luxury Split King Mattress
- Nolah Evolution – Best Soft Split King Mattress
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Split King Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Split King Mattress
- Titan Plus – Best Split King Mattress for Heavier Sleepers
Watch Our Video Review of the Best Split King Mattresses
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| Saatva Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 8/10 |
| Material | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. Our team of testers hosts a variety of body types and sleeping preferences, so we’re able to get a truly comprehensive understanding of how a mattress performs. We test in every sleeping position and for a swath of performance categories.
For this roundup, we focused on the best mattresses for those looking for a Split King bed. We took several factors into account when devising our list, including different sleeping positions, cooling elements, pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support.
We’ll dive into it more below, but read our full testing methodology here.
What We Want to See in a Split King Mattress
Features Good for Couples
Split Kings are usually marketed toward couples who can’t seem to compromise on a bed. So, it’s important that these Split King mattresses have other features that should benefit co-sleepers. We looked at things like motion isolation, responsiveness, and cooling to judge whether or not this bed is a good fit for folks who share the bed.
Multiple Firmness Options
Since most shoppers considering a Split King are looking to satisfy differing needs, we tried to find options for you. Some of the mattresses on this list offer multiple firmness models. If you need a soft bed but your partner needs a firm, buying two Twin XL mattresses in the appropriate feels can result in a well-tailored Split King bed.
Solid Edges
Since a Split King is essentially two beds put together, edge support can be useful to avoid creating a noticeable divot or gap in the center of the mattress. We tried to pick beds with edges that won’t egregiously sag to avoid this issue.
The Best Split King Mattresses
Saatva Classic – Editor’s Pick
Saatva Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Couples Score | Firmness Options | Edge Support Score |
| 4 | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm | 5 |
Why the Saatva Classic Earned Editor’s Pick
Saatva marries luxury and value in all their mattresses, including their flagship Classic model. It’s plenty customizable for couples looking for the perfect Split King mattress, with two different heights and three firmnesses to choose from. (Please note, however, that only the 11.5-inch height is compatible with an adjustable bed frame.)
The Classic excels in responsiveness, pressure relief, and support, while also featuring strong edges so sleepers can make use of the bed’s full surface area. Tack on generous policies and a long-lasting structure, and it’s no surprise that the Saatva Classic earned the title of the best Split King bed.
Nectar – Best Affordable Split King Mattress
Nectar Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Couples Score | Firmness Options | Edge Support Score |
| 4 | Medium-Firm | 4 |
Why the Nectar Earned Best Affordable Split King Mattress
Nectar is rightfully considered one of the first online mattress pioneers. Their original model is a mainstay on the bed-in-a-box market, but even so, they haven’t let the design grow stagnant. Instead, they’ve updated it multiple times to incorporate feedback and new features, all while preserving their commitment to affordability.
The Nectar’s reliable performance and welcoming price point make it a wonderful option for a reasonably priced Split King bed. As Emma, one of our expert mattress reviewers put it: “It’s truly a luxury feel at a lower cost.”
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Split King Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Couples Score | Firmness Options | Edge Support Score |
| 4 | Medium-Firm | 4 |
Why the Helix Midnight Luxe Earned Best Split King Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid mattress built to accommodate a variety of sleepers, but it works especially well for side sleepers because it boasts soft, pressure-relieving foams above its strong coils. This combination cushions problem areas while keeping you lifted and properly aligned.
Though Helix doesn’t offer the Midnight Luxe in a Split King option, you can easily make one by buying two Twin XL mattresses and pushing them together. Co-sleepers should also appreciate the breathability and bounciness that comes from the hybrid’s coils.
DreamCloud – Best Luxury Split King Mattress
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Couples Score | Firmness Options | Edge Support Score |
| 4 | Medium-Firm | 3 |
Why the DreamCloud Earned Best Luxury Split King Mattress
It’s hard to believe that a high-end mattress like the DreamCloud could come at such a dreamy price. This bed is a hybrid with a super-lifted feel, topped with cashmere for a luxurious finish. It should work for nearly all sleeping positions and body types, so I call it a “jack of all trades” type of bed.
Folks wanting a Split King should appreciate that DreamCloud offers such a model, along with an adjustable bed frame to totally customize the experience.
Nolah Evolution – Best Soft Split King Mattress
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Couples Score | Firmness Options | Edge Support Score |
| 5 | Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm | 5 |
Why the Nolah Evolution Earned Best Soft Split King Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress, so it’s impressive that it feels so soft. Its coils sit beneath five foam layers that give the bed its cushiony, plush top. The gentle cradle should benefit anyone who needs pressure relief but doesn’t want to feel too “stuck” in their mattress.
The Split King model should work well for couples who want a soft mattress with some adjustability and an extra bit of motion isolation. You can also purchase two Twin XL mattresses if you want different firmnesses.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Split King Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Couples Score | Firmness Options | Edge Support Score |
| 4 | Soft, Medium, and Firm | 4 |
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid Earned Best Split King Mattress for Back Pain
When it comes to back pain, sleepers are going to need a bed that gives them proper support but doesn’t feel so firm that it exacerbates pressure buildup. The Bear Elite Hybrid has cushioning foams on top for some cradling and a zoned coil unit to keep the lower back lifted.
Couples wanting a Split King should also appreciate that the bed’s sturdy edges strengthen the perimeter, so there should be little to no sinking near the sides or center.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Split King Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Couples Score | Firmness Options | Edge Support Score |
| 4 | Soft, Medium, and Firm | 4 |
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Earned Best Cooling Split King Mattress
Even on a Split King, you might feel your partner’s heat from the other side of the bed—or perhaps you’re just prone to overheating. No need to fear, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is here. This luxurious hybrid works to keep the temperature down with a plethora of cooling features.
Titan Plus – Best Split King Mattress for Heavier Sleepers
Titan Plus
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Couples Score | Firmness Options | Edge Support Score |
| 5 | Slightly Firm | 5 |
Why the Titan Plus Earned Best Split King Mattress for Heavier Sleepers
Folks over 200 pounds often contend with sagging mattresses that don’t give them the proper support. The Titan Plus was designed specifically for these sleepers, so there’s no need to worry about sinking too deep.
The coil unit should evenly distribute weight while maintaining lift, and the foam layers on top should provide just the right amount of cushioning comfort. The Titan Plus is designed to hold up to 1,000 pounds, and a Split King should maximize this ability by acting like two separate mattresses.
Though Titan doesn’t offer the Plus in a Split King option, you can easily make one by buying two Twin XL mattresses and pushing them together.
What Is a Split King Mattress?
A Split King mattress is the same size as a King mattress, measuring 76 by 80 inches. However, the difference is in the structure itself because a Split King is actually split in half, hence the name. This makes it look like two Twin XL mattresses next to one another.
Each of these two beds measures 38 by 80 inches. The Split-King design allows partners to better customize their side of the bed based on their specific needs.
What to Look for in a Split King Mattress
A Split King mattress is an exceptionally versatile option for partners with different sleeping habits. Many types are available, and there are certain factors to consider before purchasing a Split King bed to ensure you’re getting the best bed for you and your partner.
Good Features for Couples
If you’re getting a Split King bed, odds are you are part of a couple, which is why a good Split King mattress should have features ideal for co-sleepers. Specifically, we consider good motion isolation, responsiveness, and cooling to be beneficial to most couples.
- Motion isolation – Motion isolation is a mattress’s capability to keep motion isolated and prevent it from moving to other parts of the mattress. This can help prevent one partner from being awakened by the other’s tossing and turning. While you’re a lot less likely to feel anything on a Split King, it still doesn’t hurt to have this feature. See More: Best Beds for Couples
- Responsiveness – Sexually active couples usually look for a bouncy, responsive bed, but with a Split King, things can get a bit complicated. In other words, the middle of the bed can be a little uncomfortable for some people. This is where the two mattresses come together, and the middle can have stitching that’s sometimes bulky. Whether or not this is comfortable and suitable for sex depends on the particular model you buy. Learn More: Best Mattress for Sex
- Cooling – If you’re sleeping beside someone, that extra body heat can quickly turn a cool sleep space warm. Cooling mattresses can include specialized features such as cooling covers, gels, copper, and breathable materials like cotton and coils. It’s also important to mention that some mattress types are naturally more cooling than others. For example, latex and hybrid beds are more cooling than all-foam mattresses. However, many memory foam beds now come with gel infused into their foam to help with cooling.
Firmness
Firmness reflects how soft or hard a mattress feels, and a Split King can make it possible to have two in one. In other words, you can have one side softer than the other if needed.
Think about your weight and preferred sleeping position when choosing a firmness, and make sure the other side is a good fit for your partner’s weight and sleeping position.
That said, you should confirm that a particular mattress provides different firmness options for each side because not all brands allow this.
Edge Support
Edge support is always important for people who like to spread out and often sleep near the edge of the bed. Most companies reinforce this area in different ways, but how good the edge support is will depend on the particular bed and its materials. Hybrids often have stronger edges, but even memory foam and latex beds can do a good job if there’s reinforced foam around the perimeter.
Type of Mattress
Innerspring Mattresses
An innerspring mattress has coils acting as the main support layer. These beds usually have only one comfort layer and fabric that covers the coils. This is the oldest and most traditional type of mattress. They’re usually beneficial for those who don’t need a lot of cushioning and prefer bouncy beds.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid beds also have coils but are different than innerspring mattresses because they have more comfort layers. This type is essentially a combination of innerspring and all-foam beds, so it’s often on the pricey side. A hybrid mattress provides excellent support thanks to the coils, but it also has comfort foams for added cushioning and pressure relief.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are popular due to their pressure-relieving properties. These combine several foam layers, usually with memory foam on top for pressure relief and denser poly foam below for support. Although they don’t have much bounce, they’re excellent at isolating motion, which means motion won’t travel across the mattress when someone moves around. That said, couples don’t need to worry about this with Split King beds as the mattresses are separated.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses provide pressure relief similar to memory foam models, but they’re bouncier. Often, latex beds are made with natural or organic latex, as well as other eco-friendly materials. They are also naturally cool, so they don’t retain heat like memory foam does. Latex beds are usually more costly, but they are highly durable as well.
Other Considerations When Shopping for a Split King Mattress
Adjustable Base Compatibility
If you have an adjustable base, a Split King mattress could be a perfect addition to enhance the overall experience.
However, it’s important that your adjustable base is also a Split King so that each partner can lift or lower their individual side as desired. Another thing to consider is whether your Split King mattress is compatible with an adjustable base since not all mattresses work with adjustable bases.
Looking for your perfect bed frame? Check out our list of the best adjustable bases.
Sleeping Position
If you usually sleep on your stomach, you probably need a firmer bed than your partner, especially if they’re a side sleeper. This is where a Split King mattress can help as it allows you to have two mattresses in one. You can choose one side that fits your sleeping position and the other that’s more comfortable for your partner’s sleeping position.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
How much you and your partner weigh is also an important factor that affects a mattress’ overall support and comfort. For example, lighter-weight people often prefer softer beds that allow them to sink in more to receive enough pressure. Conversely, heavier sleepers often need firmer mattresses that can do a better job of keeping them lifted for good spine alignment.
A Split King mattress allows you to have different firmness and support levels on each side to accommodate different body types.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is a major factor for many people, especially those who sleep on their side. Side sleepers need maximum pressure relief around the shoulders and hips, which is why they often go for softer mattresses with comfort layers made from memory foam or latex.
Budget
Regardless of the specific model you choose, a Split King size will always be more costly because it’s one of the larger bed sizes. However, the price is often the same as a King-size of the same brand.
To help you save money, consider shopping during major mattress sales. Additionally, shopping online means you’re buying directly from the manufacturer, which helps cut overhead costs.
Bed Frames for Split King Mattresses
A Split King mattress is the same size as a King mattress, which means you can use a King-size frame with both models. However, you’ll have a small gap between the two Twin XL beds that make up a Split King.
In the case of adjustable bed frames, it’s helpful to get a Split King adjustable base rather than a King size. This way, if one partner wants to sleep on an incline and the other doesn’t, there’s no issue.
Explore our picks for the best bed frames here.
Tips for Keeping Split King Mattresses from Separating
After a while, you may notice your Split King mattress separating. This is easy to spot by checking the gap in the middle. To help with this, you can tie the two beds together with any of the following items:
- Zip ties
- Velcro straps
- Bungee cords
- Connecting straps
Split King vs. Other Mattress Sizes
Split King vs. King Mattresses
A Split King mattress is the same size as a King mattress; the only difference is that a Split King is separated in the middle. This means you’re actually getting two beds in one.
Although the size remains the same, a Split King is a bit more versatile and suitable for partners with very different sleeping habits. For example, if your partner often turns during the night, you’re unlikely to feel this on a Split King mattress because there’s a gap between your side and their side.
Browse the Best King Mattress picks, tested by our experts.
Split King vs. California King Mattresses
A California King mattress is larger than a Split-King or regular King bed.
Some brands also offer a Split California King option, which is the same as a standard California King, but again, there’s a gap in the middle.
Explore our picks for the Best California King Beds.
Best Split King Mattress FAQs
How much does a Split King mattress cost?
A Split King mattress is one of the more expensive sizes because it’s also among the largest options. However, in most cases, the price of a Split King model is the same as the King-size one.
How big are Split King mattresses?
A Split King mattress measures 76 by 80 inches, which means it has two Twin XL mattresses measuring 38 by 80 inches individually. In some cases, you may notice an inch or two difference, but that depends on the brand.
Can I use King-size sheets on a Split King bed?
You can use King-size sheets on a Split King mattress if you already have King-size sheets. This will also help to cover the gap between the two beds to make it more aesthetically pleasing. That said, if you and your partner often struggle with pulling the covers, you also have the option to buy two Twin XL sets.
Compare Prices of the Best Split King Mattresses
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Split King) | Review |
| Saatva Classic | Editor’s Pick | $2,990 | Saatva Mattress Review |
| Nectar | Affordable | $1,798 | Nectar Mattress Review |
Helix Midnight Luxe | Side Sleepers | $2,122.60 (two Twin XLs) | Helix Midnight Luxe Review |
| DreamCloud | Luxury | $2,178 | DreamCloud Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Soft | $3,198 | Nolah Evolution Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Back Pain | $3,920 | Bear Elite Hybrid Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Cooling | $2.464 (two Twin XLs) | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavier Sleepers | $1,598 (two Twin XLs) | Titan Plus Review |
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper