Split mattresses are beds that are basically two separate mattresses next to each other. Split beds are great for couples for a lot of reasons:
- Couples don’t have to worry about waking each other up with tossing and turning, since the beds are technically separate
- If the bed comes in multiple firmnesses, each sleeper can choose the feel that works best for them, which is great for couples with very different needs
- Couples can spend time together near the middle of the bed when they want and feel like they have more of their own space when they sleep
Split king mattresses are the most common split mattress size. They’re a king size bed (76” x 80”) split into two mattresses, which is basically two twin XL mattresses (38” x 80”) side by side. If you have the right bed frame or foundation, you can technically make a split king bed with any two twin XL mattresses. You may have to worry about matching the heights of the beds and finding sheets that will work for both if you try to pair up two different beds.
Split beds are also popular with adjustable beds, since they allow sleepers to raise or lower their beds and heads independently, without bothering their partners.
A downside is that since split kings are two separate beds, it may be harder to sleep near the “middle” of the two mattresses without good edge support.