When one partner is unable to get comfortable during the night, their tossing and turning can keep their partner awake. This disruption is known as ‘partner disturbance’, and it can be addressed by investing in a mattress that allows you to get comfortable and enjoy a good night’s rest.
Our guide examines the features that make a mattress ideal for preventing partner disturbance, along with tips for buying a mattress where you don’t feel as much movement, and sharing a mattress as a couple.
What makes a mattress best for preventing partner disturbance
Some movement during sleep is normal. When both partners are sleeping well, small amounts of movement and gentle shifting on the mattress are unlikely to wake the other person.
However, if one partner is uncomfortable, they may begin to toss and turn, trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. This movement can become frequent and disruptive, causing the other person to wake up or experience disturbed sleep.
While there are a range of mattresses designed to minimise the effects of partner disturbance, it may be helpful to address the cause of the tossing and turning as a first step.
Addressing tossing and turning
Tossing and turning during the night can be caused by a number of things, from external stressors and worries to physical injuries and medical conditions. For many people, however, tossing and turning is a symptom of discomfort and an improper mattress.
As an example, people who sleep on their side place significant pressure on the heaviest parts of the body (the hips and shoulders). These sleepers need softer comfort layers to allow for free blood flow, otherwise their hips, shoulders and limbs may become numb or sore. In turn, this leads to tossing and turning as the person tries to change position and alleviate their discomfort.
Your mattress should have correct support for spinal alignment, as well as targeted pressure relief. The right comfort layers will prevent you from shifting position frequently during the night in an effort to get comfortable, and reduce the amount of movement felt by your partner.
Preventing partner disturbance
Of course, it is impossible to prevent movement entirely, especially if your partner’s tossing and turning is caused by external factors. That is why it is important to choose a mattress that minimises movement felt across the surface when your partner shifts position or gets in and out of bed.
The best mattress for preventing partner disturbance is one that is designed with this issue in mind. The support system (such as foam or spring) should support your body and promote spinal alignment while minimising motion transfer.
At Sealy, we perform partner disturbance testing to ensure our mattresses are up to the task. We use weighted rollers to measure the amount of disturbance caused by one partner shifting or moving. We take this information and design beds for minimised disturbance and improved rest, using coils that operate independently of one another. The coils sense and respond individually to movements on the surface of the mattress, so that one partner can lie still while the other rolls over or changes position.
Learn more about How We Test Our Mattresses.
Looking for the perfect partner disturbance mattress?
Sealy Posturepedic mattresses are designed to offer targeted pressure relief. The comfort layers are arranged with architectural principles in mind — they work together harmoniously for the right feel, whether it be plush, medium or firm. All of our comfort layer materials are tested rigorously for quality and long-lasting durability. Browse some of our best mattresses below where you are less likely to feel movement.
Wake up every day feeling your best after the natural rejuvenation of quality, unbroken rest.
| Support | Revolutionary three-stage RestSUPPORT® coil system reacts to your contours, senses your weight and responds. This deep down support helps to maintain your body’s natural alignment and assists in ensuring a deep, restorative sleep. |
| Comfort | Exotic natural fibres combined with layer upon layer of deep, pressure relieving materials allow tired muscles to relax and recover. An exclusive ComfortBridge is embedded with hundreds of micro-coils for enhanced pressure relief. Incorporated air vents for enhance breathability. |
| Edge | UniCased®XT provides a fuller sleep surface, increased stability and support to the very edge of the mattress. |
| Fabric | Opulent fibres, with SmarTex® to cool and regulate temperature, are hand-tufted with lavish comfort layers, bringing a bespoke elegance and ensuring lasting comfort with a signature feel. |
| Mark H ★★★★★ May 2022 I’ve always enjoyed a great night sleep that comes from a good bed however this new bed is so supportive and lux in comfort that ensures a beautiful night sleep ! |
| Jo, South East QLD ★★★★★ January 2022 We have had a Sealy Crown Jewel amazing product -for many years, it has stood the test of time. Comfort and luxury all at once, no back issues – a comfortable sleep every single night. Well Done Sealy, you have a premium product. |
Heather, Greater Melbourne VIC |
Success starts the night before. Enjoy a better night’s sleep and wake up ready to take on the day.
| Support | Revolutionary three-stage RestSUPPORT® coil system reacts to your contours, senses your weight and responds. This deep down support helps to maintain your body’s natural alignment and assists in ensuring a deep, restorative sleep. |
| Comfort | ComfortCore® Plus and Gel Infused Visco Elastic provide maximum comfort and enhanced pressure relief on your lower back. |
| Edge | UniCased®XT provides a fuller sleep surface, increased stability and support to the very edge of the mattress. |
| Fabric | Features premium stretch knit fabric with a Wool Fibre blend quilt. SmarTex® fabrics cool and regulate your sleep climate while HealthShield® maintains a clean and hygienic surface. |
| Emma, Perth WA
★★★★★
February 2022 We tried a lot a mattresses before settling on the Sealy Exquisite in King size and it hasn’t disappointed! It’s the perfect combination of support for myself and soft comfort for my husband. My husband and I are both sleeping better. Highly recommend! |
| Janeen, South East QLD
★★★★★
December 2021 This bed is deliciously comfortable! I have the medium mattress and wake up rested with no aches or pains. Just loving it, every night I feel like I’m in a luxury hotel! |
Liz, South East QLD
★★★★★
July 2021 |
What innovation feels like. Your body and mind elevated, thanks to the natural rejuvenation of unbroken, quality sleep.
| Support | The intuitive two-stage AlignSupport® coil system senses your weight and responds with the support needed to help maintain your body’s natural alignment. |
| Comfort | ComfortCore® with Gel memory foam provides comfort and pressure relief on your lower back. [Ultra model] |
| Edge | UniCased®XT provides a fuller sleep surface, increased stability and support to the very edge of the mattress. [Ultra model] |
| Fabric | Features premium stretch knit fabric with a Wool Fibre blend quilt. SmarTex® fabrics cool and regulate your sleep climate while HealthShield® maintains a clean and hygienic surface. |
| Yvonne, Hunter Region NSW ★★★★★ June 2022 I recently purchased a mattress for our guest room which has received wide praise from our guests for comfort and support. Having bought Sealy beds since 1985 and always being very happy with the comfort and support I had no hesitation to stick with the brand I trust. Thoroughly recommend to anyone needing to purchase a new bed. |
| Joseph, Sydney NSW ★★★★★ July 2021 We chose the Sealy Posturepedic Elevate Ultra plush mattresses, I have slept in this bed for four nights now and initially after reading reviews I had prepared myself for at least a 3 to 4 weeks breaking in period based on many of the reviews. Well I can honestly say that I have just had the four best nights sleep and rest, I can’t remember when I rested so well it’s been so long. Initially I was going to purchase the firm and my wife went with the plush, I am so glad I changed my mind and went with the plush as well. After the first night sleep I got up and I felt fantastic, no aches no pains I simply could not beleive the way I felt and each morning since has been the same. |
Ting Y |
How to choose the best mattress for couples
When choosing a mattress as a couple, it is important to take into account your differing mattress preferences. Take the time to understand what is important for both of you, from aesthetics and design to materials and comfort levels.
Sleep position
There is often an overlap when it comes to sleep positions and the ideal comfort level. For example, if one partner is a back sleeper and enjoys a firm mattress, and the other sleeps on their side and enjoys a plush feel, you may find that a medium comfort is suitable for both parties. It is important to keep in mind, however, that every person’s sleep requirements are unique. Our Mattress Selector can help to tailor a recommendation based on your responses as a couple.
Mattress size
The choice of mattress size is often dependent on the space available in your bedroom. We have a guide to help you determine which size is right for you. When it comes to partner disturbance, however, you may wish to opt for a larger-sized bed. With more room to stretch out, you are less likely to feel the movement of someone else as they shift throughout the night.
Try in-store
We suggest trying your mattress in-store wherever possible. A Sealy Posturepedic sales consultant can assess both you and your partner’s needs, and help guide you through a tailored tour of a few different beds to try. A trained consultant can ensure that both of you have correct spinal support and sufficient comfort. For more tips, read our guide on How to Test a Mattress In-Store.
Tips on sleeping peacefully as a couple
In addition to having the right mattress, there are some ways to help mitigate partner disturbance and improve the quality of your sleep as a couple. We have included some tips below, but you may wish to read our Guide to Sharing a Bed With a Partner.
- Create a restful sleep environment that is cool, dark and free of clutter and distractions. By setting up a space that is dedicated to rest, you are more likely to enjoy deeper and more refreshing sleep at night.
- Practice healthy sleep habits including a regular sleep schedule. You may need to limit your naps, and consider the impact of diet and exercise on your overall sleep health.
- Ensure you both get enough sleep. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep on a regular basis is crucial to your physical and mental wellbeing.
MATTRESS SELECTOR
Not sure which mattress is right for you?
Discover your perfect Sealy by using our personalised mattress selector tool.
FAQs about partner disturbance
What mattresses don't feel movement?
You are less likely to feel movement on a mattress that considers partner disturbance in its design. Sealy mattresses use coils that operate independently of one another, allowing one partner to lie still while the other rolls over.
How do I stop feeling my partner move in bed?
Your partner may be moving in bed (or tossing and turning) as a result of discomfort. Consider whether your mattress offers adequate pressure relief and support. You can prevent feeling movement with a mattress designed to minimise the effects of partner disturbance.
Does memory foam stop motion transfer?
Memory foam does prevent motion transfer, however a foam mattress may not have sufficient support for your back. Memory foam can also retain heat throughout the night.
What is the best mattress for someone who tosses and turns?
The best mattress for someone who tosses and turns is one that provides targeted pressure relief. A poorly made mattress or a bed that is too firm can restrict blood flow and increase pressure, causing soreness and triggering you to move frequently in an attempt to get comfortable.
