Motion transfer refers to the transmission of kinetic energy across a mattress, allowing movement to propagate from one side of the bed to the other.
In other words, whenever your partner moves, you get disturbed and your sleep quality suffers.
Organic mattresses are an effective solution for reducing motion transfer because the materials they are made from (such as natural latex) are naturally good at absorbing motion and preventing it from spreading. Those with certain features, such as edge support, are particularly effective.
Not all mattresses offer effective motion isolation. Innerspring mattresses, for example, tend to spread the slightest movement much more easily.
This article explores how organic mattresses minimize motion transfer, compares mattress types, and provides additional strategies for reducing disturbances which can help you achieve better sleep quality.
First, we will examine the types of mattresses that do the best job at reducing or stopping motion transfer altogether.
Contents
The best mattress materials for reducing motion transfer are organic latex, non-toxic memory foam, and natural hybrid.
The following table summarizes the most common types of mattresses on sale in the US and their respective effectiveness at motion isolation.
| Mattress Type | Motion Isolation Rating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Latex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Absorbs motion at contact, highly responsive |
| Hybrid (Pocketed Coils) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Coils individually wrapped, absorbs movement |
| High-Density Memory Foam | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Stable structure, contouring properties |
| Air Mattress | ⭐⭐ | Air shifts in response to movement |
| Low-Density Memory Foam | ⭐⭐ | Less effective absorption due to softer material |
| Innerspring | ⭐ | Transfers movement due to connected coils |
Some retailers such as Saatva, PlushBeds, and Avocado design mattresses to specifically offer superior motion isolation by incorporating unique features such as the following.
Our tests showed that the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss was the best mattress for motion isolation because it incorporates all of the above.
This diagram shows the best mattress types in terms of their ability to minimize motion transfer, and why.
Now let's look at each type in more detail.
Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Organic latex is excellent for reducing motion transfer because it has a naturally dense and responsive structure that effectively absorbs movement at the point of contact.
This ensures any vibrations on one side do not spread across the rest of the bed.
Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A hybrid mattress can be very effective at minimizing motion transfer if it includes features designed to absorb movement, such as Individually pocketed coils and natural latex comfort layers.
Most of the top eco-friendly mattress companies such as PlushBeds, Avocado, and Naturepedic include both these features on all their new mattresses.
Beware of hybrid mattresses that don't have individually wrapped coils as these don't do as good a job of isolating motion.
Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Non-toxic memory foam mattresses help minimize motion transfer by absorbing movement.
For optimal motion isolation, memory foam should feature high-density construction. High-density foam enhances stability, and benefits from contouring properties that allow it to cradle the body and dampen vibrations.
Ensure any memory foam you buy is certified non-toxic. Look for labels like CertiPUR-US® or GREENGUARD Gold to prove it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals.
Innerspring, air mattresses, and futon mattresses are particularly susceptible to motion transfer. If you have a restless partner, these are the mattress types you need to avoid.
Effectiveness: ⭐
Traditional innerspring mattresses are bad at motion isolation because they use connected (Bonnell or continuous) coil systems, which allow movement to travel easily across the entire mattress.
When one person moves, the interlinked coils transfer vibrations across the bed, so it's much more likely that a partner will feel disturbances.
Although hybrid mattresses contain spring coils, the key difference is that they are individually wrapped and not connected.
Regular innerspring mattresses don't have the dense comfort layers contained in hybrids, such as biofoam, memory foam or latex, so there is nothing to help absorb the motion and reduce its spread.
Effectiveness: ⭐⭐
Air mattresses have poor motion isolation because air is highly responsive to movement, so any vibrations travel freely across the surface. Budget air mattresses come with a single internal air chamber which easily shifts with pressure changes, so any movement on one side causes noticeable displacement on the other.
Adding extra air to make the mattress firmer helps reduce motion transfer, but its effect is still limited.
Effectiveness: ⭐⭐
Low-density memory foam mattresses are made from foam with a lower weight per cubic foot (typically under 3 lbs/ft³ or 48 kg/m³), making them less effective at motion isolation.
Their reduced material density means they compress more easily and recover faster, allowing movement to spread rather than being absorbed.
Effectiveness: ⭐⭐
Most futon mattresses are filled with cotton batting or shredded foam, which can compress and shift, allowing movement to spread.
Choosing a futon with denser foam or a hybrid filling helps improve your sleep to an extent, but if disturbances remain a problem you need to consider a different mattress.
While choosing the right mattress is the most effective way to reduce motion transfer, additional adjustments can further enhance motion isolation. The following tips provide additional ways to improve sleep quality.
Choosing the right mattress is the most significant step you can take to stop you or your partner from getting disturbed. But if you feel you need extra help, the following tips can further improve motion isolation and help you get a more restful night's sleep.
If you have space, upgrading to a bigger mattress is a great idea.
The more room you have, the less motion you will feel and the easier it is to stop your partner's movements from disturbing your sleep.
To do this you also need a larger bed size, so make sure that a bigger frame will fit into the available space in your bedroom before you go down this route. If it will, and you have the money, then this is a highly effective solution.
Organic latex or non-toxic memory foam mattress toppers both offer excellent motion isolation.
Mattress toppers add an extra layer that absorbs movements and provides a buffer between you and your partner. They can even go some way towards solving the motion transfer problem on a spring mattress.
If you decide to buy a memory foam topper, make sure it is certified non-toxic to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
A solid bed frame helps reduce motion transfer by providing a stable, non-flexing foundation that prevents unnecessary movement or vibrations from amplifying. Wooden or metal platform frames with a slatted or solid base are best.
Wooden bed frames are often sturdier than metal ones. They don't require a box spring and they minimize bounce and enhance overall mattress stability.
Organic pillows can help reduce motion transfer by absorbing movement and stabilizing the head and neck. Stability prevents sudden shifts that could disturb sleep.
Materials like organic latex or shredded memory foam are particularly effective, as they do the best job of contouring to the sleeper’s shape.
Tightly fitted sheets help keep your mattress stable and can even stop your partner from tossing and turning.
If you currently use synthetic bedding (nylon or polyester), consider upgrading to organic bedding. Organic materials are naturally breathable which helps keep you at the optimum temperature for restful sleep.
Separate comforters can reduce disturbances for partners with different movement patterns. You'll know what I mean if you've ever been disturbed because your partner pulls the comforter with them when they turn.
Adjustable bed bases can help reduce motion transfer by allowing each side of the bed to move independently. They're particularly useful in configurations like split queen or split king mattress models.
Rotating your mattress every three months can help maintain its structure and support.
Mattresses that wear evenly offer better motion isolation.
A weighted blanket can reduce tossing and turning by providing a gentle, even pressure that promotes stillness and calm.
Pets move about just as much as humans do, so if you're getting disturbed it's a good idea not to have them on your bed.
Create a separate sleeping area for pets whenever possible.
Attaching your bed frame to the wall can prevent it from moving and reduce motion transmission.
While it might not be the most romantic solution, sleeping in separate beds is guaranteed to eliminate motion transfer entirely!
A 2024 survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) indicated that 29% of Americans have chosen to sleep in another bed in order to get a good night's sleep.
If your bed shifts due to an uneven floor, it can amplify vibrations and worsen motion transfer. Place your bed on a level sleeping surface to minimize unnecessary movement.
Studies have shown that motion transferred laterally across a mattress is associated with a significant decrease in stage 3/4 sleep, which is the most restorative phase of non-REM (NREM) sleep ("Influence of lateral motion transfer on sleep," J J Wellman et all 1999).
A deficiency of deep sleep (stages 3 and 4) has been linked to various health issues including the following.
Conversely, those who do not suffer disturbances are more likely to achieve 1.5 to 2 hours of deep sleep per night and derive the full restorative benefits it provides.
Motion transfer is caused by the kinetic energy that spreads across a mattress when you or your partner shift position.
Yes, a mattress topper helps minimize motion transfer providing it is made from high-density materials such as natural latex or memory foam that are designed to enhance motion isolation.
To test for motion transfer, lie on the mattress and have someone move around or get in and out of bed. You can also place a glass of water on one side and move on the other. Minimal disturbance in the water indicates good motion isolation.
You can stop your bed from shaking when your partner moves by physically attaching it to the wall.
To stabilize a shaky bed, make sure you place the bed frame on a flat, level surface. Check for loose screws and joints, and that the frame is in a good overall state of repair.
