8 Best Split King Mattresses of 2024, Tested by Experts
Because you both deserve a good night's rest!
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Shopping for a split king mattress? Whether you're investing in a split king adjustable bed or are sick of looking for mattress you and your partner will both like, we've got you covered. While not quite as life-altering as a sleep divorce, when you opt for a split king mattress, you can share the bed and have your own mattress. After all, sometimes even the best mattresses for couples aren't enough.
What's the best Split King mattress for most people? Our top-tested Split King mattress is the Saatva Classic Mattress. It's great for a wide range of sleepers, has earned high praise from real users and comes with full-service setup at no additional cost. If you prefer a boxed mattress to set up on your own time or are looking to spend around $500, we recommend the Allswell Luxe Hybrid.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been testing home products (including the best mattresses) for more than 120 years. Our expert analysts evaluate every aspect, from the initial ordering and setup process to long-term comfort, support and perceived effect on sleep quality, with the help of hundreds of at-home consumer testers. Plus, we surveyed more than 10,000 mattress owners for added insight into the best bed for every type of sleeper.
Remember: A Split King mattress is simply two Twin XL mattresses put together. Not all mattress brands offer a Split King, since it's not as popular as a standard Queen or King, but many carry Twin XL, so you can build your own Split King set.
Saatva's Classic Mattress delivers top-notch support without compromising on comfort. It's designed with two different coil systems for extra breathability, and the edge support is phenomenal. Best of all, the brand provides classic white-glove delivery at no extra cost, which is rare nowadays: Most online brands ship their mattresses in a box for self setup. Plus, Saatva offers a generous 365-day sleep trial — just note: You'll have to pay a $99 pickup fee if you decide to return it.
Over 100 users on our consumer panel praised the overall comfort, support and positive impact on their sleep quality. In fact, one of our testers said, "I feel like I could spend the whole day lying in bed." Long-time users also appreciated the supportive edges, highlighting how easy it was to get in and out of bed.
Our experts agreed: When we first tried out the bed, the edge support and breathable nature outshined the competition, though the solid support results in a firmer feel. Also, if you're planning on pairing the mattress with an adjustable bed, opt for the 11.5-inch variation, as the 14.5-inch model is incompatible.
Who it's best for: Anyone who wants the bounce, breathability and support of a traditional innerspring mattress along with free white-glove delivery and mattress removal.
Who should avoid it: Users who prefer the cradling feel of memory foam; this bed may feel too firm for their liking.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed
Don't let the price fool you: This affordable mattress earned glowing reviews from our tester panel: One user called it "undeniably comfortable," while others compared it to a "plush hotel mattress." The hybrid model combines cushiony memory foam with durable coils for a crowd-pleasing medium firmness that's comfortable yet supportive.
In our surveys, users appreciated the easy unboxing setup process and the bed's comfortable feel. Many especially liked how the foam conformed to their bodies without sinking under their weight. Some also shared that it helped alleviate their back and neck pain.
The caveat was that the edges sunk down a bit, which can be a deal-breaker as it makes getting in and out of bed more difficult. Still, many praised the high-quality feel and pillowy top.
For this pick, purchase two Twin XL mattresses to achieve a Split King. (The pricing listed reflects the total cost.)
Who it's best for: Price-conscious shoppers looking to spend less without sacrificing comfort. In our tests, this bed was also favored by younger adults in their 20s.
Who should avoid it: Older users or those with limited mobility may find the edge support and DIY setup unideal.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Allswell Mattress Review: The Best Budget Bed You Can Buy
Tempur-Pedic's mattresses offer truly one-of-a-kind, tailored support. Take it from our testers and panelists: One tester said, "it contours to the body like no other," while others told us that the luxurious, "cloud-like" feel lives up to the hype. Plus, with the Tempur-Cloud, you'll get the same premium, proprietary foam at a more affordable price point. Just be prepared to unbox the compressed mattress on your own.
Beyond its contouring nature, the pressure-relieving foam delivers precise support, cradling your hips and shoulders to promote neutral alignment. Our testers, especially those who sleep on their sides, appreciated the gentle support, though some were surprised at how firm it felt initially. One shared, "It starts out very firm but gradually gets more and more comfortable."
The drawback with this one is the short 10-inch height, which some users found a bit short. Still, this lower profile, in combination with the foam's flexible nature, make it ideal for pairing with an adjustable base.
Who it's best for: Side sleepers looking for just enough pressure relief for their hips and shoulders and those who want the unique feel of Tempur-Pedic's foam at a more affordable price point.
Who should avoid it: Sleepers, including stomach sleepers, who prefer a firmer surface over conforming memory foam.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tempur-Pedic's Tempur-Cloud Delivers Luxurious Memory Foam to Your Door
This mattress from Bear is the best hybrid mattress we've ever tested. It stands out for its ergonomic design, which features extra cushioning around targeted areas like the hips and back for personalized comfort while promoting spinal alignment. The zonal support made all the difference in at-home sleep testing and won over every consumer tester who's tried it. Compared to other models on our list, this one is on the newer side, but it's been more than impressive thus far.
Our testers gave it top scores for every category from comfort and support to sleep quality. Several dubbed it "nothing short of amazing," and praised the top-notch support. One said, "It feels like my entire body is being supported, regardless of my position." Plus, one of our experts even found herself sleeping through her alarms for the first time in years.
Still, Bear makes some claims on its product listing that we weren't able to verify, specifically about how Celliant fibers use infrared technology to promote recovery.
Who it's best for: Side and back sleepers, those suffering from back pain and anyone who has struggled to find a truly comfortable mattress.
Who should avoid it: Those who prefer firm innerspring mattresses or all-foam models.
As one user told us, "[this mattress was] significantly helpful in relieving back pain for my husband who has scoliosis." While it may sound too good to be true, this is only one of many who've shared that Nolah's foam made all the difference in easing their chronic pain. Compared to typical memory foam, Nolah's comes injected with extra pockets of air, resulting in a more breathable and responsive mattress that doesn't skimp on pressure relief or support.
It's designed for side sleepers, though the versatile medium firmness has proven to be comfortable for back and combination sleepers alike in our tests. One panelist highlighted how the mattress "offers support while still cradling pressure points." Another tester was surprised at how refreshed she felt after the very first night on the all-foam hybrid variation.
The downside to this model is that some of our reviewers, especially those used to firm beds, took longer to adjust to it, despite the benefits. One said, "Although I was experiencing far less back, shoulder and neck pain from this mattress, it still took a few days for me to get used to."
Who it's best for: Users with chronic pain (e.g., back, hip, neck and shoulder pain) in search of a pressure-relieving bed that won't compromise on long-term comfort.
Who should avoid it: Stomach sleepers or those who prefer firm beds may not find this mattress firm enough.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Sleep Testers Swear Nolah's Mattress Alleviates Back Pain
Purple mattresses stand out compared to others on the market for their unique feel and breathable nature. While this model, the brand's original mattress, doesn't feature any specific cooling technology, the GelFlex Grid top layer is both airy and supportive. It has the cradling, motion-isolating nature of memory foam with the springy, responsive texture of latex and, of course, the grid design allows for unparalleled air flow.
Our testers especially like the balance of support and pressure relief: One even said it was "the perfect balance of soft and firm." Beyond that, testers and panelists alike agreed that the bed feels noticeably cooler than other mattresses they've slept on (sometimes even too cool).
The caveat? Several reviewers reported that the delivery took much longer than they expected, though the brand has improved its delivery time in recent years. And though setup isn't too complicated, the mattress was a bit heavier than some expected given its short profile.
Who it's best for: Hot sleepers in search of a more breathable mattress, couples looking for a responsive bed with good motion isolation, or people who want to try something new.
Who should avoid it: Cold sleepers or anyone who prefers a tall mattress (this is our shortest pick at 9.25 inches). Those who prefer to use a mattress pad or topper also won't feel the grid's cooling effects or unique feel.
Compared to other foam, boxed mattresses you'll find, Casper's Original Mattress features zoned support to promote spinal alignment with extra give where you need it the most. The brand is responsible for changing how we shop for mattresses online, with this model being the original "mattress-in-a-box."
Its popularity hasn't waned either; It's one of the most popular amongst our panelists. Of the more than 250 Casper mattress owners, many called attention to how easy it was to order and set up, as well as the excellent customer service.
Several praised the approachable, not-too-tall and not-too-short height. One user highlighted how well the bed "conforms to your body." Users also said it maintains its shape over time. Another said, "It helps with motion transfer much more than the old innerspring mattress I had."
Still, the zoned design results in a higher price than other boxed foam beds. Also note that this original model has been phased out as Casper recently updated its entire mattress assortment.
For this pick, purchase two Twin XL mattresses to achieve a Split King. (The pricing listed reflects the total cost.)
Note: We are currently testing The One model, which is similar to the Original without the zoned support. However, you can still buy the Original (which we've extensively tested) on Amazon.
Who it's best for: Shoppers who prefer the pressure-relieving comfort of memory foam and don't want to wait around for someone to set up their new mattress.
Who should avoid it: People who dislike the cradling feel of foam. It was also less well-liked by testers over 40.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: How to Tell if a Casper Mattress is Right for You
Avocado's Green Mattress proves you don't need to sacrifice comfort when opting for an organic mattress. Beyond its notable certifications from the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS), its resilient and bouncy latex contours beautifully to your body without sinking in like memory foam on top of sturdy pocketed coils. Plus, Avocado offers a generous year-long sleep trial.
Many users told us that they love sleeping on this mattress and applauded its comfortable support. Some even highlighted the even body weight distribution and commended it for how well it's lasted over the years, noting no presence of "dips" or indents. One user shared, "I like that it is supportive and I don't wake up in pain as I have with other mattresses."
Beyond that, we appreciate the brand's commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality without compromising on comfort or quality. Still, while latex is more pricey than memory foam, take note that the Medium and Soft firmness levels cost a bit extra.
For this pick, purchase two Twin XL mattresses to achieve a Split King. (The pricing listed reflects the total cost.)
Who it's best for: Eco-conscious consumers who prefer organic materials to memory foam or those who enjoy the springy, floating feel of latex. It's also a great choice for those who like a firmer feel.
Who should avoid it: Shoppers who prefer the cradling feel of memory foam as latex doesn't offer the same level of pressure relief.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado's Green Mattress is the Best Organic Mattress on the Market
We've rounded up the best split king mattresses that we've tested, but here are other great performers from our evaluations to keep in mind.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been testing home products for over 120 years, so it's no surprise that we've reviewed our fair share of mattresses, including Split King options. As the online mattress industry has boomed over the last decade, our analysts have stayed up-to-date with the latest innovations and tried-and-true models, constantly testing both new and classic styles to see if they're worth the investment.
In recent years, we've surveyed over 10,000 mattress owners (with different sleep preferences, body types and lifestyles) and worked with consumer testers to review hundreds of models firsthand. Over the past year alone, we've tested over 150 mattresses. Additionally, we leverage our scientific backgrounds and categorical expertise when evaluating everything from materials and structure to brand reputation.
Assessing long-term feedback from thousands of panelists and testers rewards us with invaluable insight into each mattress. We're able to learn how the experience with one mattress can vary between a wide range of users to better inform you, our readers, of what truly matters about each model and who it's best-suited to.
Here's a preview of some key aspects we take into account from our feedback surveys:
Whether shopping online or in-store, mattresses are tough to decide on. After all, there's no single mattress that's best for everyone. Here's what to consider as you search for a new bed:
✔️ Firmness level: When looking through our survey data, the biggest concern for users was finding a mattress with the right firmness level. If you're unsure what firmness is best for you, here are some factors to consider in addition to any personal preferences:
✔️ Back pain: A pressure-relieving mattress, like an all-foam or hybrid style, can help provide relief from joint pain. When we interviewed medical experts, many recommended a medium level of firmness for a balance of cushioning and support.
✔️ Temperature: Hot sleepers or anyone experiencing night sweats can benefit from a mattress with cooling properties. Some materials like memory foam are known for trapping heat, so if you're set on a foam or hybrid mattress, search for a hybrid style, which uses coils for ventilation, or a foam bed with cooling technology like phase change materials, copper particles or gel. In comparison, innerspring and latex beds tend to feel cooler, thanks to their breathable design and materials.
✔️ Trial period: Even if you stop by a mattress store or showroom to lie on your new bed first, it's difficult to know whether a mattress is a good fit without actually sleeping on it for a few months. Because of this, most mattress companies offer an any-reason return period of at least 90 nights, so you can try your bed risk-free. But remember to check whether there are any hidden return fees and how the return process works before purchasing, just in case.✔️ Certifications: You'll likely see a few different emblems when shopping. Here are the most common certifications and what they mean:
Yes. While it's important to use a Split King mattress (or two Twin XL mattresses), you also need to make sure the mattress is compatible with an adjustable bed base. Compatible mattresses are available at any firmness level or price point for the most common mattress materials.
Note that certain types, such as adjustable air, memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses, can be more compatible due to the flexibility and durability of their materials. Many innerspring mattresses can also be a good fit, as long as they have individually pocketed coils.
Also take into account the depth of the mattress, as some bases cannot be used with taller beds (e.g., those above 14 inches in thickness). To make sure you'll be able to use a mattress with an adjustable base, it's best to contact the manufacturer.
READ MORE: The Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds, According to Experts
Yes and no. Oftentimes, mattresses only come in one firmness. Even if a brand offers multiple firmness levels, not all Split King mattresses allow you to select different firmness levels for each side. In this case, you may have to buy two Twin XL mattresses at two different firmness levels instead of a Split King to ensure each person has their preferred firmness.
We recommend sticking to the same mattress model at different firmness levels if you're going the Twin XL route. If you opt for two completely different mattresses, pay close attention to the thickness. They should be the same, otherwise, your bed may look uneven.
Split King beds are equivalent to two Twin XL mattresses, so look for a Split King sheet set, which includes two Twin XL fitted sheets, one King-size flat sheet and two King-size pillowcases.
If sheets don't come in a Split King size, check to see if they're available in Twin XL, which works in a pinch, especially if you plan to forgo the flat sheet, or look for a brand that lets you build your own set by purchasing each component separately.
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She regularly evaluates mattresses and adjustable beds, coordinates consumer testing and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. Prior to joining GH, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
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What's the best Split King mattress for most people? Best Overall:Best Value:Best for Side Sleepers:Best Hybrid:Best for Back Pain:Best Cooling:Best in a Box:Best Organic Latex: provides classic white-glove delivery at no extra cost"I feel like I could spend the whole day lying in bed." Who it's best for:Who it's best for:Who should avoid it: READ OUR FULL REVIEW:undeniably comfortableplush hotel mattress.For this pick, purchase two Twin XL mattresses to achieve a Split King. Who it's best for: Who it's best for: Who should avoid it: READ OUR FULL REVIEW: READ OUR FULL REVIEW: one-of-a-kind, tailored support. it contours to the body like no other,It starts out very firm but gradually gets more and more comfortable.Who it's best for:Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:READ OUR FULL REVIEW:extra cushioning around targeted areas like the hips and back for personalized comfort sleeping through her alarms for the first time in years. Who it's best for: Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:[this mattress was] significantly helpful in relieving back pain for my husband who has scoliosis.Who it's best for: Who it's best for: Who should avoid it: Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:READ OUR FULL REVIEW:their unique feel and breathable naturecradling, motion-isolating nature of memory foam with the springy, responsive texture of latexWho it's best for:Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:zoned support to promote spinal alignment with extra give where you need it the mostFor this pick, purchase two Twin XL mattresses to achieve a Split King. Note:Who it's best for: Who it's best for:Who should avoid it: Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado's Green Mattress proves you don't need to sacrifice comfort when opting for an organic mattress, even body weight distributionnoting no presence of "dips" or indents"For this pick, purchase two Twin XL mattresses to achieve a Split King. Who it's best for: Who it's best for: Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:Who should avoid it:READ OUR FULL REVIEW:Best on Amazon: Best Adjustable: Best Firm: Best Soft:Best Split Head: we've surveyed over 10,000 mattress ownersOver the past year alone, we've tested over 150 mattressesOrdering and delivery:Setup: Firmness level: Firmness level: Firmness level:Edge support: Comfort and support: Temperature:Sleep quality:Additional feedback:✔️ Firmness level: ✔️ Firmness level: Sleep position: stomach sleepers side sleepers back or combination sleepersBody type: ✔️✔️Back pain: ✔️✔️Temperature: ✔️✔️Trial period:✔️✔️Certifications: CertiPUR-US The Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)Yes.READ MORE: Yes and no. Twin XL mattresses, Split King sheet set, two Twin XL fitted sheets, one King-size flat sheet and two King-size pillowcasesGrace Wu Best Mattresses Best Mattresses in a Box Best Online Mattresses Best Cheap Mattresses Best Luxury MattressesBest Soft MattressesBest Firm MattressesBest Mattresses for Back PainBest Pillow-Top MattressesBest Memory Foam Mattresses Best Hybrid Mattresses Best Hybrid Mattresses in a BoxBest Innerspring MattressesBest Organic MattressesBest Latex MattressesBest Mattresses for Heavy People Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Best Mattresses for Stomach SleepersBest Mattresses for Stomach SleepersBest Cooling MattressesBest Smart MattressesBest Mattresses for Adjustable Beds