Sex on Memory Foam Mattress: Is Memory Foam Good for Sex? Yes & No

Can a mattress affect your sex life? Certainly! When it comes to spicing things up in the bedroom, we often think of factors like communication, foreplay, and giving new techniques a try. However, one crucial thing that most active couples overlook is the impact of a mattress on their sex life. Believe it or not, the quality of your mattress can significantly influence your sexual experiences. 

In fact, making love on any surface that isn’t 100% comfortable can obstruct your energy flow, making sexual encounters less fun over time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore whether memory foam beds are the perfect pick for sex and delve into the key features that make certain beds stand out. From cooling properties to bounce, we’ll guide you through the best mattresses for active couples. Let’s dive in!

Sleeping on the wrong mattress will make you toss and turn throughout the night, which results in sleep deprivation. According to numerous sleep studies, sleep deprivation has been linked with reduced sexual desire in women. Plus, a lack of sleep could lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders, making it hard to even initiate sex.

The Wrong Mattress Won’t Provide Adequate Support

Support is a crucial element for restorative sleep, but it’s equally important for a breathtaking sexual experience. A mattress that’s too soft lacks the necessary support which leads to sinking and makes it quite challenging to maintain movement and find a comfortable posture during sex. That said, make sure you go for a model with a perfect mattress firmness level that delivers a balance of support and comfort.

A Poor Mattress May Increase the Risk of Allergies and Irritations

Everything in your sleep environment contributes to a pleasurable intimacy, from a clean and nice-smelling bed to a tidy and inviting bedroom. Having sex on an old, smelly, and dusty mattress could increase the risk of allergies and irritations, which result in sexual dissatisfaction. Imagine making out on a smelly mattress full of accumulated sweat, dead skin, and food stains, or sneezing from time to time during the act. Quite a turn off isn’t it? Even a new mattress can still disrupt your sexual relations, especially if it’s made of toxic chemicals that don’t suit you and your spouse. Sometimes, airing out your mattress may not help, so you may need to invest in a model that allows you to have a memorable time with your partner.

The Wrong Mattress Might Get Too Warm for Comfort

It’s no secret that sexual encounters can be hot and steamy, which, in turn, leads to constant sweating. And let’s face it, nobody wants to rest in a pool of sweat after hours of pleasure. This can quickly kill the mood, making it quite challenging to initiate sex and even enjoy post-coital cuddles.

Sex and Memory Foam Mattresses

While memory foam isn’t as bouncy and responsive as other materials, it boasts several features that still make it an ideal pick, especially for memory foam mattress lovers. For starters, memory foam provides excellent pressure relief. It molds to the unique shape of your body and adapts to your curves as it cushions the joints to reduce pressure points. This means you won’t have to worry about experiencing joint discomfort or sore muscles after sexual activities. 

Another thing that we love about memory foam mattresses is that they’re quiet and noise-free. Unlike a traditional spring bed that can be unpleasantly noisy, especially during sex, a memory foam model is virtually silent. So, no more disruptive noises during intercourse, which is really beneficial for couples who like to keep things discrete.

Memory foam mattresses also excel at motion isolation. They limit motion transfer across the upper surface, so you’ll sleep undisturbed even if your partner tends to move frequently at night. You can rest assured of having a peaceful night after your fun.

Why Memory Foam Is Bad for Sex

We aren't going to lie, there's less to love about having sex on memory foam than there is to dislike. Most people have a bit of a bounce preference, and memory foam just doesn't offer that. Here are some of the most important cons of having sex on memory foam traditional mattress models.

No bounce = Less Fun

As we mentioned, a memory foam mattress has almost no bounce. And while this is ultimately up to personal preference, almost everyone we asked said they preferred a little pushback from the mattress. In addition to making sexual activities more difficult, the lack of bounce can hyper-extend the lower spine and put unwanted strain on the lower back. While you can try to resolve this by adding some pillows under your partner’s hip region, it might still kill the rhythm and momentum as you’ll have to pull yourself back up.

Elasticity Discourages Mobility

If you've tried moving around on a memory foam bed you know what we're talking about. Memory foam is designed to absorb movement, and because of that, you tend to sink in when you try to move. This can make it harder to move around.

If it Isn't Gel, You're Going to Get Hot

...and not in a good way. While a little heat in the bedroom can be a good thing, a traditional memory foam mattress tends to hold in heat, which could make for an uncomfortably sweaty experience overall.

Other Mattress Materials and Sex Ratings 

Now that we have an idea of how memory foam mattresses perform when it comes to sexual activities, let’s take a look at other material’s suitability for sex.

Latex Mattresses

One of the things that active couples love about latex is that it’s very bouncy. This allows it to react to your movements, which further helps improve your sexual experience. Additionally, latex mattresses are naturally breathable, allowing for maximum temperature regulation. This is really beneficial for individuals who may generate more heat during intimate moments. Another thing that we love about latex is that it’s very responsive, making it easier to move on when switching positions.

With a latex mattress, you won’t have to worry about feeling stuck whenever you turn in bed. Plus, latex mattresses are virtually silent and they offer cushioning, so couples are less likely to develop pressure points, irrespective of the position. Best of all, this material is highly resilient and maintains its original shape over time. This durability and longevity ensure consistent body support, even with frequent vigorous sex.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses feature supportive, springy coils and a thin pillow top or fabric cover. Combined, these materials work together to deliver bounce, temperature neutrality, and ease of movement, which are the most coveted features in the best mattress for sex. With an innerspring mattress, the coil system offers above-average bounce and responsiveness, allowing you to move and change positions easily.

Plus, the bed pushes you back anytime you push down, which keeps you in the rhythm and gives you an easy time to concentrate on intimate moments. Innerspring beds also tend to be stiffer around the edges, offering better support when lying or sitting at the bed’s perimeter. This stability enhances sexual experiences. We also love the breathability of innerspring mattresses and how they help regulate temperature. So, if you often get hot when making out, the airflow offered by these beds can be beneficial.

Hybrid Mattresses

Like innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses combine the bounciness and responsiveness of innerspring beds, making it easier to move and change positions during intimacy. Despite the bounce, many hybrid beds also deliver excellent motion isolation thanks to their individually wrapped coils. This means you’re less likely to feel any body movements across the hybrid mattress, which promotes an uninterrupted sexual experience.

The foam layers above the pocketed coils deliver pressure relief and conform to the shape of the body, offering a comfortable and cushioning environment that can enhance the sex experience. Other features that make hybrid mattresses suitable for sex include temperature regulation, strong edge support, and durability.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mattress for Sex

When mattress shopping for an ideal bed for intimacy, there are numerous factors to consider to create a comfortable and enticing sleep environment for you and your spouse. Below are some crucial points to keep in mind: 

Temperature Neutrality

The best bed for sex is one that is engineered to cool you and your partner down as things start to heat up. Here, you don’t want to opt for a model that’s notorious for trapping excess heat, making it more challenging to get comfortable after intimacy. Your best options include a hybrid, innerspring, or latex mattress that can enhance maximum air circulation to keep you cool and sweat-free. Memory foam mattresses with gel or copper infusions can also help regulate body temperature for a more comfortable sleep environment.

Mattress Firmness

Finding the right firmness level is vital for both support and comfort. An overly soft mattress has compromised support, which may make you sink deep into the surface during intercourse. On the other hand, an overly firm mattress doesn’t offer enough pressure relief, making intercourse in certain positions painful and uncomfortable from the impact of the surface on your body. We often recommend a medium-firm mattress, as this firmness level offers the perfect balance of support and body cushioning. This helps the mattress accommodate various positions and movements. You can also go for a customizable mattress that allows you to adjust your side of the bed to suit your preference.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation is also a vital factor to consider when searching for high quality mattresses for sex. Generally, your mattress should be able to localize movement such that when your partner moves frequently at night or gets out of bed, you won't be disturbed by that motion. This is especially helpful during vigorous intimate activities, as it enables both you and your spouse to focus on pleasure without distractions. Light individuals who are usually awakened by their partner’s movements also stand to benefit from a mattress with excellent motion isolation.

Body Contouring

Contouring basically measures the degree to which your sleep surface cradles the body. While a mattress that contours closely to the body delivers exceptional pressure relief, it may impede movement during intercourse, as it allows you to sink deep into the surface. Your best bet is to opt for a mattress with moderate contouring as it offers the needed traction and cushioning while preventing traditional memory foam’s sinking sensation that can make couples feel stuck in the mattress.

Body Weight 

A person’s body weight is essential when choosing a mattress for sex because it can directly affect the comfort, support, and longevity of the mattress. Your weight determines the amount of pressure you exert on your mattress. For instance, if you’re a heavyweight sleeper, a mattress that’s too soft may not offer adequate support, leading to spinal misalignment and discomfort during intimacy.

Conversely, an extremely firm mattress may not deliver enough cushioning for lightweight individuals, resulting in painful pressure points around your hips and shoulders. Heavier weights can also cause more wear and tear, leading to premature sagging. That said, always ensure you choose a mattress that can withstand your weight and that of your partner to enhance sleep quality and the durability of your mattress.

Pressure Relief

A good mattress should offer pressure relief to prevent pain and discomfort in sensitive body parts like the hips, shoulders, and lower back. Plus, it should also help maintain proper spinal alignment during intimacy as it conforms to your body’s natural curves while supporting your spine and minimizing the risk of waking up with lower back pain. If you change positions frequently when making out, you’ll also want a mattress with excellent pressure relief that will quickly adapt to these changes, offering consistent comfort and support irrespective of your position.

Ease of Movement 

As we’ve mentioned earlier, a responsive bed quickly rebounds as the sleeper moves around and shifts positions, springing back to its shape when weight is removed from it. This allows you to switch positions comfortably and maintain rhythm easily so you can rest assured of smooth transitions during intimate moments.

Noise 

Some beds can be noisy, especially when bearing excess weight, which can be an issue for active couples who stay with other roommates and need to be discreet. Squeaking is a common issue in coil-based and innerspring mattresses, though these models may make less noise if the coils are pocketed or if they feature a thick comfort system. Hybrid mattresses are unbeatable when it comes to avoiding excess noise without compromising on responsiveness.

Edge Support

A mattress with good edge support ensures that the perimeter of your bed remains sturdy and supportive. It keeps the surface from sagging, allowing you to utilize the entire mattress surface without feeling like you might accidentally roll off. This keeps more possibilities open, enabling you to explore more positions without being limited to only one section of the bed.

Easy Cleaning 

We also recommend choosing a mattress that’s easy to clean as it helps you maintain a hygienic sleep environment. Let’s face it, sexual activities can leave sweat, bodily fluids, and lubricants all over your mattress, and having an easy-to-clean bed ensures that these fluids don’t accumulate on the surface, leading to bacteria growth and unpleasant smells. This also helps extend the useful lifespan of your mattress by keeping stains from damaging the inner materials.

What’s more, a clean mattress greatly contributes to the aesthetic appeal of your sleep environment, which enhances relaxation and creates a conducive space for intimate activities. That said, consider mattresses with removable and washable top covers or fabrics that can be easily spot-cleaned.

Can You Improve Your Bed's Suitability for Sex?

So, what should you do when you realize that your mattress is hurting your sex life? Is there a way you can spice things up or will you have to ditch your old mattress? Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

Change the Bed Frame

A sturdy bed frame can impact your bed’s suitability for sex in so many ways. For starters, a sturdy bed frame offers a solid foundation for your mattress, preventing unnecessary movement, rocking, and instability during sexual activities. This ensures your mattress remains in place the entire time, enhancing comfort, safety, and performance. With a well-constructed bed frame, you won’t have to stress about squeaking and creaking sounds from noisy furniture. This helps reduce disturbances, creating a more pleasurable experience.

What’s more, a mattress foundation that doesn't wobble allows you to move comfortably without feeling restricted. Whether it’s cuddling or switching styles, ease of movement will contribute to enjoyable intimate moments. That said, if you think your old bed frame is the culprit, consider investing in a solid wood or steel model that can hold your weight and is specially designed for active lifestyles.

Use Better Bedding

There’s no better way to kill the mood than with old, smelly sheets and mattresses. Generally, you want your sleep environment to be as erotically inspired as possible and this includes how your mattress looks. If you want an inviting setting for sexual activities, consider using soft sheets with even textures that inspire relaxation. Breathable models can also come in handy when things start getting steamy and you need something to help wick away excess moisture.

Invest in a New Mattress

In most cases, couples often stop having sex frequently because of an uncomfortable and unsupportive mattress. If you fall into this category, it may be time to invest in a new mattress to save your spark. Generally, you want to opt for a model that complements the most intimate experiences of your life without compromising on comfort, as we’ll discuss further below.

The Best Mattress for Sex

It’s simple, if you’ve tried all the tricks in the book but things are still not working out for you and your partner, it may be time for an upgrade. Considering the above-mentioned factors, here are our top picks for sexually active couples.

PlushBeds Botanical Bliss - Best Latex Mattress

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate intimacy and sleep experience, allow us to introduce you to the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss - a luxurious latex mattress that will help you satisfy your sexual desires and have you both sleeping like royalty all night long. This mattress was specially designed with couples in mind. It features a natural latex comfort layer that strikes the perfect balance between therapeutic support and comfort. This means that the surface will adapt to your unique needs, allowing you to wake up refreshed and rejuvenated each morning.

Other features that made us recommend this latex mattress to active couples include:

• Talalay latex transition layer - naturally taut and bouncy, making it super easy to move around on and switch positions.
• Customizable firmness options and thickness options - allow couples to adjust their mattress to their specific needs.
• Good temperature neutrality - naturally breathable latex encourages airflow, allowing active couples to stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.

In addition to the comfort, support, and bounce this latex mattress offers, it comes with peace of mind. Each purchase is backed by a lifetime warranty, and if you’re not satisfied with your product, a 100-night sleep trial period means you can return the mattress for a refund.

Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress - Best Memory Foam Hybrid

Memory foam hybrid mattresses aren't exactly known for being bouncy but this model from PlushBeds is a notable exception. If you and your spouse enjoy bouncy surfaces for intimacy, the Nolah Evolution 15" should deliver just the right amount of pushback without transferring motion as you move around on the surface. While the foam layers are a bit responsive, the springy nature majorly comes from the bed’s sturdy pocketed coils.

Other features that make the Nolah Evolution 15 ideal for intimacy include:

• Deep foam layers - create cloud-like cushioning for sexual activities.
• Robust coil system - keeps couples from sinking deep into the mattress during sex.
• Breathable ArcticTex fabric cover - resists heat buildup for a cool and sweat-free experience.

During our tests, the Nolah Evolution 15 earned excellent ratings from side sleeping partners across all 3 weight categories. Our stomach and back sleepers weighing 230 pounds felt more comfortable on the firm version, whereas the medium-firm model was ideal for those weighing less than 130 pounds. Nolah’s generous sleep trial period runs for 120 nights, giving couples ample time to test their beds and decide whether it’s right for them. A lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects further covers your purchase.

How Else Can You Improve Sex?

Sometimes, you don’t have to buy another mattress or invest in new sheets to improve your sex life. Many issues can be resolved by simply twerking your bedroom environment. All you need to do is establish why you’re not satisfied with your bed’s current performance and work towards resolving the issue.

Let’s take a look at some of the simple tricks you can use to get back your spark:

Keep Your Bedroom Clean and Aerated

Neglecting the cleanliness of your bedding could easily undermine your sex life. Considering we spend a lot of time in bed every night, the importance of regular bed sheet washing is a crucial component of sexual health. We recommend washing your pillowcases and sheets at least once a week and keeping your room aerated for a clean sleep environment that can improve your sex life and sleep quality. You can also use a mattress protector to keep dust mites, dead skin cells, and sweat from accumulating on your mattress.

Avoid Bad Bedtime Habits

You need to pay close attention to the things you do before they also come back to bite you. That said, avoid working in bed, letting your furry friends into bed, and talking about stressful topics, such as a hard time at work or pending bills. All these habits can kill the mood, making it challenging to even initiate sex.

More Sleep = More Sex

Finally, you want to ensure that you get as much rest as possible. Remember, sleep deprivation has been linked with reduced sexual desires, especially in women. A lack of sleep has also been associated with a high risk of erectile dysfunction in men. That said, work on improving your sleep hygiene by making your bedroom inviting, eliminating sources of disruption, and establishing a sleep routine that stays consistent. This way, you’ll get the sleep you need each day, which paves the way for sexual fulfillment.

Here’s to a Vibrant Sex Life!

Overall, memory foam tends to get a bad reputation when it comes to sex. The best thing you can do is find a mattress manufacturer that will allow an in-home trial and see how you like it. Most reputable mattresses (especially ones you can buy online) offer competitive return policies to help make the sale. Use this to your advantage and get to work testing out a new mattress. Plus, don’t hesitate to try something new like sex toys and new positions during intimacy. Work with your spouse to figure out what works for both of you for the most unforgettable sex ever!