Choosing a bed as a couple can feel like a compromise, but the WinkBed makes it easier. With four different firmness options and decent motion control, it’s designed to meet the needs of both partners.
Our Tester’s Take
Whether one of you prefers a softer, more cushioned feel or the other needs a bit of support, there’s a version of the WinkBed that’s likely to hit the mark. (And it’s probably the Luxury Firm model.) The hybrid design, blending foam and coils, gives a responsive feel that’s both sturdy and accommodating.
In our testing, the WinkBed proved to be a solid performer in the motion control department, especially for such a bouncy bed. Our tester found that small disturbances—like a partner shifting positions—didn’t send much motion through the mattress. However, the motion isolation gets a bit dicey as the movements get larger. Basically, if your partner is a bit restless during the night, you’re unlikely to notice, but if you have completely different sleep schedules, you might feel it when they climb in or out of bed.
That’s where the edge support comes in. The edges of the mattress are reinforced with firmer coils, so you get a stable, secure feeling even when you’re perched on (or pushed to) the edge. Our tester sat on the edge and only sank in three inches, compared to the standard four to five. This means more usable space for both partners—a crucial feature if you’re tired of feeling cramped.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is designed for side sleepers who crave a mattress that offers both pressure relief and a buoyant, supportive feel.
Our Tester’s Take
Side sleepers need a mix of give and support (plus a pillow with a high loft to keep the neck in alignment). Too much give and you sink into the coils, but too much rigidness and you’ll have no pressure relief. With multiple firmness options to choose from, this mattress can be tailored to suit different sleeping preferences, but it really shines for those who need that extra cushioning around the hips and shoulders. When we mapped the pressure while laying down, very little built up in any area, and we were especially pleased with the support around the hips. Our tester, a combination sleeper, found this mattress to be an excellent match to accommodate as they shifted between their side and back.
Our testers loved that it provided excellent support without feeling too firm. The top foam layers wrap around the body, easing pressure points, while the coil system beneath adds just the right amount of lift, preventing that dreaded sinking sensation that makes it hard to move. However, this bed isn’t the most responsive, so it can be difficult to move around on, but it’s not a dealbreaker unless you have mobility issues that require an incredibly responsive bed.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe isn’t just another mattress with cooling claims—which is pretty much every mattress these days—it’s the real deal for hot sleepers. Engineered with advanced cooling tech, this hybrid mattress will keep even the hottest sleepers comfortable.
Our Tester’s Take
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe makes a strong first impression, especially for anyone who’s ever woken up in a sweat. The cooling effect is noticeable right from the start. “This mattress feels downright ICY to the touch,” our tester notes (in a good way), but this wasn’t just a fleeting sensation—it lasts all night. This cooling sensation comes from a combination of a phase-change material in the cover (what the brand calls GlacioTex), which actively pulls heat away from the body, and gel-infused foam layers that work together to maintain a cool surface through the night.
Our testers found that the mattress balances this temperature control with support and comfort, too. (Although you have to pay extra for a pillow-top cover, which we highly recommend.) It feels lofty and tall, but the pocketed coils layered deep in the interior give a balanced feel, even if you opt for the soft firmness.
Firm mattresses get a bad rep—we all like that pillowy goodness—but they’re necessary for many sleepers. The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress delivers on both quality and affordability and provides plenty of support for those who need it.
Our Tester’s Take
Mattresses are expensive, but the difference between spending a few bucks on a Dollar Store-quality mattress versus a grand on a thoroughly vetted brand makes a huge difference. The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress helps you get the most out of every dollar. Our testers found that this mattress offers the kind of support usually reserved for pricier models, with a firm feel that’s particularly well-suited to back and stomach sleepers, who need extra firmness to keep the hips elevated and spine in alignment. It’s not too stiff, but don’t expect the plush sink of a softer mattress; this one’s all about keeping you aligned and supported through the night. Sleepers over 230 pounds may finally feel like they found a match, thanks to zoned coils and high-density foams. Unfortunately, our testers found that it’s very uncomfortable for side sleeping, as they didn’t sink in at all.
The cooling features do their job but they’re not going to win any awards in the hot sleeper category. Still, for most people, the temperature regulation is more than adequate.
The Birch Natural—an eco-friendly option from Helix—comes with natural materials with solid construction, making it as sustainable as it is comfortable.
Our Tester’s Take
The Birch Natural is a mattress that doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to being green—it’s all natural and ethically sourced. Wrapped in organic cotton, layered with natural wool, and topped with sustainable sourced latex, this mattress feels like it was plucked straight from a high-end eco-lodge. But beneath its rustic charm lies a technically sound—even elegant—king-size mattress.
Our testers found that it delivers a genuinely comfortable sleep experience, too. “It’s surprisingly comfortable, given its granola appearance,” one says. The medium-firm feel strikes a nice balance for those who want both support and a touch of plushness. The latex provides a bit of bounce, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking, while the wool adds a layer of breathability. If you like to feel on top of your bed, rather than cradled into it, this may be a good option for you.
Unfortunately, our testing found two weaknesses: motion transfer and pressure support. If you wake up easily when your partner moves, it may not be the best choice because of the springy latex. Similarly, if you sleep on your side, you’ll probably get restless and feel too much pressure on your hips. These qualities that make it unsuited for some also make it ridiculously durable, so you know you’ll get a mattress that won’t sag overtime.
Let’s Compare the Costs of These King-Size Mattresses
Here are the pre-discount prices for the best king-size mattresses:
How We Tested King-Size Mattresses
Remember the days when mattress shopping meant awkwardly lying down on display beds in a showroom, trying to gauge its comfort in just a few minutes? Thankfully, those days are over. You can now buy nearly any mattress online, and it will be delivered right to your door. But despite the convenience, you need a little more insight when you buy, so we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation so you can hone in on what’s important to you.
