The 9 Best Split King Mattresses for 2024

Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester

Our Testing Process

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process.

In This Article

Explore our picks for the Best Split King Mattresses, tested and curated by our sleep experts.

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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 – Best Split King Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Emma Original – Best Memory Foam Split King Mattress
• Nolah Evolution – Best Soft Split King Mattress
• DreamCloud – Best Luxury Split King Mattress
• Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Split King Mattress for Back Pain
• Titan Plus – Best Split King Mattress for Heavier Sleepers

Watch Our Video Review of the Best Split King Mattresses

	Saatva Mattress	Nectar Mattress	Helix Midnight Mattress	Emma Mattress	Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress	DreamCloud Original Mattress	Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress	Titan Plus	Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Rating	4.8/5	4.7/5	4.5/5	4.6/5	4.8/5	4.6/5	4.5/5	4.7/5	4.7/5
Firmness	Multiple firmness options	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Medium-firm: 6/10	Medium: 5/10	Multiple firmness options	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Medium-firm: 6/10	Firm: 7.5/10	Multiple firmness options
Material	Innerspring	Foam	Hybrid	Foam	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid
Cooling		—	—		—			—	—
Warranty	Lifetime warranty	Lifetime warranty	10-year 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	Free shipping
Trial Period	365 nights	365 nights	100 nights	365 nights	120 nights	365 nights	120 nights	120 nights	120 nights
Best For	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain	Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers	Hot Sleepers, Kids, Back Sleepers	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain	Couples, Back Sleepers
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology

Saatva Classic – Editor’s Pick

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.

What’s the Saatva Classic Made Of?

The Saatva Classic is available in two heights (11.5 and 14.5 inches) and three firmnesses (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm).

My Take: The Saatva Classic delivers a luxurious sleep experience with enough features to satisfy any customer seeking a high-quality, comfortable bed. The two coil units in this mattress amp up its support and durability, allowing it to last long without any sagging.

What I Liked

• Something for everyone – With two height and three firmness options, it’s easy to tailor the Saatva Classic to your tastes. If you’re choosing a Split King to cater to your and your partner’s differing preferences, you can even order two Twin XLs in different firmnesses.
• White glove delivery – Saatva offers free white glove delivery with all their mattresses. They’ll send a team of workers to set up your mattress—and take away your old one if need be.

Potential Drawbacks

• Returns cost extra – Despite Saatva offering premium delivery, if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you’ll have to pay to send it back. Returns will run you about $99, so take care if you like to try before you buy.
• Could isolate motion better – The Saatva Classic is pretty bouncy; I noticed it definitely didn’t isolate motion as well as an all-foam bed. Having a Split King should mostly mitigate this problem, though.

Customer Reviews of the Saatva Classic

The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One negative aspect customers found with the Saatva Classic mattress is that it may feel too firm for some users, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, providing durability and support.

Interested in more information? Check out our full Saatva Classic review, or browse our list of the best mattresses available.

Nectar – Best Affordable Split King Mattress

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.”

What’s the Nectar Made Of?

The Nectar mattress is a 12-inch-high memory foam bed with five layers, including the top and bottom cover. 

My Take: I think the Nectar is great for all-foam fans who love to sink into the comfy layers of their bed. This bed offers delightful pressure relief at a budget-friendly price, so your joints and your wallet can benefit.

What I Liked

• Foam that pleases back and side sleepers – “I mostly sleep on my stomach but am trying to transition to my back. I’ve noticed it’s been easier to fall asleep on my back with the Nectar,” said Sleep Advisor’s editor, Jill. But even as the Nectar’s foams provide the stability that back sleepers crave, they also cozily cushion the hips and shoulders if you sleep on your side. During my own testing experience, I also thought the Nectar delivered stellar pressure relief.
• Great motion isolation – Nectar knocks it out of the park in terms of motion isolation. Both Emma and Jill tested this bed with someone lying next to them and found that it capably absorbed movement. If you sleep next to a partner, you likely won’t be able to feel their fidgeting during the night.

Potential Drawbacks

• It’s not springy – Given its all-foam design, I noticed that there isn’t a lot of bounce to the Nectar. Emma agreed with me, saying, “If you would rather sleep on the bed rather than sinking into the bed, this one might not be up your alley.”
• It could be cooler – “[The Nectar] didn’t provide as much cooling as we hoped, [which is] standard for beds without innersprings,” said Jill. “But it’s still something to keep in mind if you don’t have air conditioning.”

Customer Reviews of the Nectar Mattress

With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. One common customer complaint about the Nectar mattress is its longer-than-average break-in period, while many customers praise its excellent value and comfort once fully settled.

Want to learn more? Read our full Nectar mattress review, or explore our list of the best cheap mattresses.

Helix Midnight – Best Split King Mattress for Side Sleepers

Why the Helix Midnight Earned Best Split King Mattress for Side Sleepers

The Helix Midnight 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 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.

What’s the Helix Midnight Made Of?

The Helix Midnight is 11.5 inches tall with six total layers. All foams used in its construction are CertiPUR-US® certified.

Our Take: “Most couples will love the Helix Midnight. The high-performing edge support combined with limited motion transfer makes this a great option for people who share their bed, whether that’s with a partner or the family dog.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Lots of bounce – The combination of strong coils and responsive foams on top make this bed super springy. You should be able to move around and reposition without feeling “stuck” in its layers.
• Great motion isolation – Given its bounce, we were impressed with the Helix Midnight’s ability to prevent motion transfer across its surface. 

Potential Drawbacks

• Not super cradling on top – There are foams on top of the Helix Midnight, but not enough to mimic the sink that an all-foam mattress will give you. It’s something to consider if you prefer being “hugged” by your bed.
• Not for stomach sleepers – This bed should support side and back sleepers fine, but we don’t think it’ll keep stomach sleepers lifted enough to prevent misalignment.

Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight

The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on Helix’s website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great night’s sleep and some pain relief.

Want to know more? Check out our full Helix Midnight review or our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Emma Original – Best Memory Foam Split King Mattress

Why the Emma Original Earned Best Memory Foam Split King Mattress

If you’re a fan of memory foam, look no further than the Emma Original. This bed is sumptuously soft for pressure relief and constructed with durable foam layers to last you a long time.

Though there’s no Split King option listed on the site, you can purchase two Twin XLs to easily “build” one yourself. Emma’s frequent sales make the cost comparable to the price of their standard king.

What’s the Emma Original Made Of?

At 10 inches thick, the Emma Original mattress has three foam layers plus a cover.

Our Take: If you’re looking for hugging foams at a decent price, Emma has you covered. The zoned support base at the bottom of the mattress should also keep you elevated and properly aligned, preventing uncomfortable sinkage.

What We Liked

• Little motion transfer – This bed’s all-foam construction means it has plenty of layers to absorb any motion caused by tossing and turning.
• Durable – The materials in this bed should add to its longevity, bolstered by the super dense layer at the bottom.

Potential Drawbacks

• Lacking edge support – The Emma Original doesn’t have any reinforcement along the perimeter, so it’s more likely to buckle under any weight. If you like to sit or sleep near the edges of the bed, they may not hold you up very well.
• Not the coolest option – Even though the Airgocell® foam sounds cool, it won’t be as conducive to airflow as a hybrid mattress with spaced coils. If you’re not set on foam and sleep hot, check out the hybrid beds on this list.

Customer Reviews for the Emma Original

On the Emma website, reviews of their original mattress put it at 4.7 out of 5 stars. One negative aspect of the Emma Original mattress, according to some customers, is its firmness level, while a positive aspect highlighted by many customers is its excellent motion isolation.

Looking for more? Read our Emma Original review or peruse the best memory foam mattresses.

Nolah Evolution – Best Soft Split King Mattress

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.

What’s the Nolah Evolution Made Of?

The Nolah Evolution has eight layers in its 15-inch-thick construction. It’s available in Plush, Luxury Firm, or Firm.

Our Take: “The Evolution is packed with soft layers for plush relief… When I crawled into this bed, I could really feel it gently cradle my body.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Has some bounce – The layers of foam on top make this bed uber-soft, but they don’t dampen too much of the bounce from the coils underneath. You can have the comfortable cradle of foam without sacrificing ease of movement.
• Cooling capability – The Nolah Evolution was designed with hot sleepers in mind. The hybrid construction means there will be airflow through the coils, and most of the foam layers are infused with gels or specifically engineered to run cooler than traditional foam. There’s even a “gusset” on top to let air escape. 

Potential Drawbacks

• Too soft for some – There’s a reason this bed earned the “soft” spot on this list. It might be too plush for sleepers who need more support, like stomach sleepers or folks over 200 pounds.
• High price point – The Nolah Evolution is one of Nolah’s higher-end mattresses, so it may not be the best budget pick—especially for a Split King, which costs a little over $3,000 before sales and coupons.

Customer Reviews of the Nolah Evolution

The Nolah Evolution rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on Nolah’s website. Customers frequently commend the Nolah Evolution mattress for its exceptional pressure relief and cooling properties, but some have observed that it may produce slight off-gassing upon unboxing.

Check out more: Read our full Nolah Evolution review, or peruse more of our recommendations for the best soft mattresses.

DreamCloud – Best Luxury Split King Mattress

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.

What’s the DreamCloud Made Of?

The DreamCloud uses CertiPUR-US® certified foams in its 14-inch, seven-layer construction.

My Take: The DreamCloud is consistently one of my top mattresses to recommend and one of my personal favorites. It’s also pretty affordable; sales and coupons are frequent on DreamCloud’s site, so you can knock off dollars without worrying about sacrificing any quality.

What I Liked

• Affordable luxury – Luxury mattresses will usually cost you closer to $3,000 for a specialized bed like a Split King, but the DreamCloud model retails for around $2,000. It also comes with a generous year-long trial and lifetime warranty.
• Lifted feeling – I tried out every position on this mattress and felt supported properly in each one. The DreamCloud definitely keeps you aloft, so you’ll feel like you’re on top of this mattress rather than sinking into it.

Potential Drawbacks

• Not super contouring – This lifted feeling doesn’t lend itself well to the contouring cushion typical of most foams. You won’t feel swaddled by the foam layers on top, but they’ll still provide some comfort and pressure relief.
• Lacking edge support – The DreamCloud has reinforced edges that hold up when you lay near them, but when it comes to sitting, it’s a no-go. They sank pretty far under my weight.

Customer Reviews for the DreamCloud

The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. While some customers appreciate the value and affordability of the DreamCloud Original mattress, others find it to be on the heavier side, which could make moving or rotating the mattress more challenging.

Curious for more? Check out our DreamCloud review or our picks for the best luxury mattress.

Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Split King Mattress for Back Pain

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.

What’s the Bear Elite Hybrid Made Of?

The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14 inches thick with five layers. It’s available in Firm, Medium, or Soft models.

Our Take: “Sleepers with back, hip, or shoulder pain will love the zoned coil system. It is built to relieve pressure in the areas you sleep on and support the areas that need a little extra boost, specifically the lumbar area.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Cooling champ – The Bear Elite Hybrid has plenty of features that regulate temperature and make it a great fit for hot sleepers. The cooling cover, copper-infused foam, and pocketed coils all work to keep the bed from overheating.
• Strong edges – Stuart found out during testing that “the edges are extra-reinforced by the zoned coil system, so you can really take advantage of the entire surface of the bed.”

Potential Drawbacks

• Wait for a sale – The Bear Elite Hybrid is considered a luxury mattress and therefore has a high price. Before any markdowns, it will cost you nearly $4,000 for a Split King.
• Not for stomach sleepers – Though the Bear Elite Hybrid has some springs and supportive foams, we don’t think it’d be a good fit for stomach sleepers—they’re liable to sink too low. 

Customer Reviews for the Bear Elite Hybrid

According to Bear’s website, the Bear Elite scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some customers find the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress too firm for their liking, but it receives praise in its reviews for its advanced cooling technology and pressure relief.

Need to know more? Read our Bear Elite Hybrid review, or check out the best mattresses for back pain.

Titan Plus – Best Split King Mattress for Heavier Sleepers

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.

What’s the Titan Plus Made Of?

The Titan Plus has four layers and is 11 inches tall.

Our Take: “I definitely sink in a little bit, but this mattress feels supportive enough that I don’t feel stuck at all. Unlike many mattresses that I have tried, my weight is evenly distributed over this surface and I feel extremely comfortable.” – Patrick, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Isolates motion well – We noticed during testing that this bed could absorb movement despite its sturdy construction. Patrick said, “For as much bounce as this bed has, it contains motion pretty well. Restless sleepers probably won’t wake up their sleeping partners.”
• Versatile – This bed was designed for plus-size folks, and they’ll be happy to know that it can support you in any sleeping position. Side sleepers should find some pressure relief, back sleepers should remain aligned, and stomach sleepers won’t sink in too far.

Potential Drawbacks

• Not for lightweight sleepers – Though heavier folks should rest easy, if your partner is on the petite side, they might find the bed too firm and unyielding.
• Cooling costs extra – The Titan Plus’s individually wrapped coils allow for some air to flow through the mattress, but if you want that coolness to reach the surface, you may want to pay extra for the GlacioTex™ cover. 

Customer Reviews for the Titan Plus

Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers find the Titan Plus mattress to offer exceptional durability and support, but some mention that it might be too firm for those who prefer a softer feel.

Still thinking? Take a look at our Titan Plus review or our picks for the best mattresses for heavy people.

Why the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Earned Best Split King Hybrid Mattress

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a solid choice for shoppers seeking an affordable, versatile, and simple but effective bed. Its firm profile should support a variety of positions and promote proper alignment.

Couples looking for a Split King should consider this hybrid’s combined advantages: a bouncy surface for nighttime activities, decent motion isolation, and solidly reinforced edges, all at a pretty attractive price.

What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Made Of?

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is 12 inches tall with five layers. It’s available in Soft, Medium, and Firm models.

Our Take: “If you’re looking for a basic bed that does the job well, this is it.” – Emma, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Reasonably priced – The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a popular budget option here at Sleep Advisor, and the same holds true for a Split King. Before sales and coupons, it retails for about $1,600.
• Solid edges – During testing, we found that the edges of the bed held up when lying and sitting on them. You’ll be able to make use of the full surface area.

Potential Drawbacks

• No bells or whistles – As we’ve said, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a pretty standard bed at a fair price. If you’re looking for something with trendier features, consider upgrading to a more specialized bed.
• Too firm for side sleepers – There are some foams up top to add cushion, but nothing to the level of “cradling.” It’s going to be a more lifted feeling. Side sleepers looking for pressure relief may want to look elsewhere.

Customer Reviews for the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has 4.7 out of 5 stars. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress receives praise from customers for its versatility with different firmness options, but some have mentioned that it may produce slight noise when bearing weight.

Want to know more? Check out our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review and our best hybrid mattress article.

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 to ensure you’re getting the best bed for you and your partner. 

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 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Cooling 

Cooling features are crucial for hot sleepers who struggle to find a cool spot on the mattress. 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.

Motion Isolation 

Motion isolation is a mattress’ capability to keep motion isolated and prevent it from moving to other parts of the mattress. Usually, memory foam beds are the best for this. The upside to a Split King bed, however, is that it’s separated in the middle, which means you shouldn’t feel a partner’s movement anyway. 

See More: Best Beds for Couples

Sex 

Sexually active couples usually look for a bouncy 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

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. 

More: Best Mattress for Pressure Relief

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. 

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 often to buy two Twin XL sets.

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

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