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Livvi DiCicco is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach. She has been writing, editing, and researching sleep-based content for over a year. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in English & Creative Writing, she decided to work in the digital marketing field, continuing her creative works on the side. Her other interests (besides napping and writing) include digital art, history, and boba tea.
Dan is a Performance Editor and Certified Sleep Coach at Sleepopolis, where he writes and edits mattress roundups to give readers the most up-to-date information on sleep products. In 2020, Dan earned his MFA In Playwriting from UT Austin, and his plays have been seen around the country in Chicago, Austin, Washington D.C., and elsewhere. He’s also a pop-culture fanatic, having written for publications such as The A.V. Club, Consequence, Pitchfork, and Vox. He co-hosts two popular horror podcasts on the Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network — The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast and Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast. When he’s not catching up on the latest King novel, you can find Dan in and around Brooklyn walking his dog Hank, seeing a play with his wife, and going to way too many concerts.
Dan is a Performance Editor and Certified Sleep Coach at Sleepopolis, where he writes and edits mattress roundups to give readers the most up-to-date information on sleep products. In 2020, Dan earned his MFA In Playwriting from UT Austin, and his plays have been seen around the country in Chicago, Austin, Washington D.C., and elsewhere. He’s also a pop-culture fanatic, having written for publications such as The A.V. Club, Consequence, Pitchfork, and Vox. He co-hosts two popular horror podcasts on the Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network — The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast and Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast. When he’s not catching up on the latest King novel, you can find Dan in and around Brooklyn walking his dog Hank, seeing a play with his wife, and going to way too many concerts.
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleepopolis and a certified sleep science coach. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing. Lewis also has had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
When it comes to finding the best mattress for heavy people, there are several important factors to consider, as these sleepers put more pressure on a bed’s layers than lightweight or average-weight sleepers.
According to Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, sleepers weighing over 230 pounds should “look for a mattress that uses thick and durable materials. A mattress for heavier sleepers should offer strong support throughout, with medium to firm thickness and reinforced edges to prevent sagging.”
They’ll also want a bed with a higher-than-average weight capacity. Across the mattress market, most queen and king beds we’ve seen are designed to support 250 pounds on each side for a total weight limit of 500 pounds. This may not accommodate all heavy sleepers, especially heavyweight couples. That’s why we picked beds with weight limits ranging from 600 to 1,500 pounds.
Over the years we’ve been in operation, we’ve helped over 60,000 people find a new mattress, with about 15,622 matches made in 2024 alone. When finding the best mattresses for heavier people, we took great care in selecting mattresses based on the opinions of folks with larger body types, including notes from our heavier testers.
Weight Disclaimer: We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 230 pounds). As a general takeaway, lighter-weight sleepers don’t require as much support as average-weight sleepers, and mattresses will tend to feel firmer to them. On the other hand, heavyweight sleepers tend to need more support than average-weight sleepers and tend to sink into the mattress more.
Our Top Pick
Among the hundreds of mattresses we’ve tested, the Titan Plus Luxe stands out for its sturdy, supportive nature (due partly to its extra-tall layer of coils) and luxury touches, including a cover quilted with gel memory foam.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What I Looked for in a Mattress for Heavy People
We look at everything from construction to performance when evaluating beds. When it comes to those for heavy people, we had to zero in on a few important categories that these folks should prioritize in their search for a new mattress.
Pressure relief. As heavier sleepers tend to compress more of a mattress’s layers, I searched for options that provide adequate pressure relief. Finding beds with thicker and denser comfort layers better ensures that the best mattresses for heavy people properly contour any areas prone to pressure buildup and help relieve sensitive joints.
Weight capacity. Some mattresses offer better support than others, and many aren’t adequately designed to support a body weight of 230 or more pounds. When selecting the models for this roundup, our experts ensured that each mattress manufacturer’s listed weight capacity is more than enough to support a heavy sleeper who snoozes alone or with a partner. Our team finds that beds with quality materials, taller heights, and stronger support layers typically hold more weight and support proper spinal alignment throughout the night.
Cooling. Heavier sleepers tend to overheat during sleep, as they have more body mass, which generates more heat. Because of this, I took special care to include more cooling mattresses. Beds with coils, such as hybrids, allow air to move through more freely than those made with dense foams, making the mattress more breathable. However, brands also include many cooling features while manufacturing, from cooling gel infusions to phase change material, which is thermoregulating.
Firmness. Heavier sleepers will likely feel that mattresses are softer than the average sleeper perceives. Because of this, I filled this roundup with firmer beds with added support. Our experts suggest mattresses between a 6.5 to 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale, depending on your sleeping position.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at our top picks for plus-size sleepers.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
Firm, Supportive Feel
Built For Heavy People
Quilted Cover
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
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Hybrid, combining soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Titan Plus Luxe as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it has a true medium-firm feel.
Price
$899–$2,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Heavy Sleepers
If you weigh 250 pounds or more, the Titan Plus Luxe should provide adequate comfort and support.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation and its medium-firm feel means it can work for mixed-weight couples.
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Titan Plus Luxe provides sturdy support for spinal alignment.
Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe
This bed isolates motion well, meaning you shouldn’t feel movement from a partner or pet
It also has sturdy edge support, a bonus for heavier people and for couples
The Titan Plus Luxe is easy to move around on, making it a solid choice for combination sleepers
Compared to other beds for heavy sleepers, the Titan Plus Luxe is fairly affordable
Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe
Despite being overall supportive, the Titan Plus Luxe still is likely too soft for heavy stomach sleepers, check out our best mattresses for heavy people
This bed doesn’t offer deep sinkage or body contouring, which can help with pressure relief, check out our best memory foam mattresses
Full refund within the trial period. Brooklyn Bedding does charge a $99 pick-up fee for returns.
The Titan Plus Luxe provides a sturdy and supportive, but still comfortable and luxurious sleep experience for heavy sleepers. The medium-firm feel can work for heavy back and side sleepers, but can also work for some light and average weight folks too. This means mixed-weight couples particularly might enjoy this mattress, especially since it has excellent motion isolation and strong edge support. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you’re a heavy sleeper looking for a bed made of high-quality materials, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for you. It’s built to last and should do a great job supporting heavier sleepers, especially back, side, and combination sleepers.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
Brooklyn Bedding designed its Titan Plus mattress specifically for heavier sleepers over 230 pounds, and the Luxe is an upgraded version of the sturdy original model. It comes outfitted with durable coils and foams and luxury touches like a quilted cover made with gel memory foam. We rated this mattress at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, just a touch firmer than the industry standard of medium-firm. This bed can also support up to 1,000 pounds, which should work great for heavier sleepers (and their partners). It earned an overall score of 4.2 out of 5, as well as a 4 out of 5 for cooling and 4 out of 5 for back-sleeping pressure relief.
My fellow tester, writer, and certified sleep science coach Sosha Lewis falls in the average-weight sleeper category. She enjoyed the Titan Plus Luxe in every sleeping position, though she was especially impressed by how it felt on her side. She said, “The soft foams at the top give it enough contouring that I didn’t feel much pressure on my shoulders and hips, and my spine was definitely aligned.” Our heavyweight tester Marten Carlson also preferred this bed on his back, saying, “I don’t feel any extra pressure. I feel aligned and balanced.” It’s also worth noting that since this bed is made for heavyweight sleepers, it’s unlikely that most lightweight sleepers will reap the same pressure relief on the bed’s firmer surface.
The Titan Plus Luxe in the Sleepopolis studio.
The Titan Plus Luxe also excelled in quite a few more performance categories. It earned perfect scores in motion isolation and response, which is impressive given that these categories are usually at odds with one another. This means that couples shouldn’t feel each other’s movements but should be able to move around on the surface easily. The bed also performed well during our temperature tests, with the surface temperature increasing from 64.2 degrees to only 70 degrees (barely a 6-degree increase) after a tester lay on it for five minutes.
Unfortunately, the Titan Plus Luxe did falter in our edge support test. Sosha described the edges as “Jell-O-like,” especially when lying at the perimeter on her side. Though you probably won’t slide out of this bed, it may be too much sinkage for older folks or those with mobility concerns, so we gave it a 3.6 out of 5 score for edge support.
Want a Titan bed with better edge support? Check out the Titan Plus Elite, which is also on this list. You can also read more in our full Titan Plus Luxe review.
Helix Plus – Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Best Cooling
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Helix
Helix Plus Mattress
Firm Comfort
Built for Heavy People
Sturdy Foams & Springs
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
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Hybrid, combining soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
The Helix Plus was designed for heavy sleepers over 230 pounds, and it should feel like a 6 out of 10 for them on our mattress firmness scale.
Price
$812–$1,812 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Heavy Sleepers
The Helix Plus was specifically designed for folks over 230 pounds.
Back Sleepers
Heavy back sleepers should get the support they need on the Helix Plus, and we think average weight back sleepers should enjoy it as well.
Side Sleepers
If you’re a side sleeper over 230 pounds, you should get plenty of softness and contouring at the shoulders and hips.
Pros of the Helix Plus
The Helix Plus has a soft and breathable Tencel cover, plus a support layer of coils that keep the mattress cool.
For proper support, the Helix Plus is built with dense foams and sturdy materials that should help it last 10 years or more.
Mattresses built for heavy people are usually firm, but the Helix Plus has a rare sinking feeling associated with memory foam.
Cons of the Helix Plus
Heavy and average weight stomach sleepers probably aren’t going to get enough firmness and support from the Helix Plus, and should check out our best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Heavy combination sleepers might feel stuck in the mattress material and should instead look for a mattress that is best for combination sleepers.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Returns
Helix offers free refunds after 30 days, as long as it’s still within the 100-night trial period.
As a company, Helix is famous for creating high-quality hybrid mattresses for affordable prices. The Helix Plus is that rare mattress that was designed for heavy people, but still has a lot of softness. This allows it to appeal to some sleepers of average weight, as well as larger body types. Read more about it in our full Helix Plus video review.
What our tester says:
“I think heavy back sleepers should love how the Helix Plus provides support for spinal alignment, but also plush comfort in the top layer. Also, those who sit or sleep along the edge of the bed should enjoy the Helix Plus’s sturdy edge support.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
If you find yourself overheating at night and waking up sweaty, you may be a hot sleeper. These folks should look for a mattress that, like our choice for the best cooling mattress for heavy sleepers, the Helix Plus, is packed with cooling technology that promotes plenty of airflow. We chose this mattress because it’s supportive enough for heavy bodies and contains temperature-regulating materials like a breathable Tencel cover, gel-infused memory foam, open-cell foam, and pocketed coils that promote airflow. For reference, we gave it a 4 out of 5 in our cooling tests and an overall score of 4.5 out of 5. The bed also has a 500-pound weight capacity for each side.
As for how the bed feels, we rated this mattress at a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, so it should feel medium-firm for most heavier sleepers. One of our guest heavyweight testers, weightlifter Paulie Steinman, described his experience on the Helix Plus, saying, “I loved how the Helix Plus provided enough support for spinal alignment, but also plush comfort in the top layer. I got to sink in a bit.”
Allowing heavier sleepers like Paulie to sink in enough to enjoy contouring while keeping him from pushing too far through the layers helped this bed earn a 4 out of 5 on our pressure relief tests. The balanced feel of this bed should be suitable for larger-bodied back and stomach sleepers, but some stomach sleepers may prefer something a bit firmer.
My fellow tester Amelia Jerden also rated the Helix Plus a 4.5 out of 5 for responsiveness. She said, “Moving around on the Helix Plus, I felt this bed was quite responsive. It’s decently bouncy, and I really had no issue changing between sleeping positions.” Heavier combination sleepers and sexually active couples should benefit from this ease of movement on the bed’s surface. Sleepers should also appreciate the bed’s unflagging edge support, for which it earned a 4.5 out of 5. The perimeter dipped just a smidge when sitting on it, but lying down had us feeling secure.
Thermal images of the Helix Plus
As for potential downsides, we should mention that the bed’s motion isolation didn’t exactly wow us. During our water test, where we filled a large clear cup with water and placed it on one side of the bed and then evaluated the water’s splashing, we noticed a good bit of rippling and jostling. This is a good indication that motion will travel easily across this bed’s surface. Restless couples may want to look for something with less bounce and more cushioning foams on top.
Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy People
Best Memory Foam
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Medium-Firm
Cooling Cover and Foam
CertiPUR-US Certified
Memory Foam
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free shipping
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We rated the Nectar as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm
Price
$931–$2,121 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
The Nectar is that rare foam mattress that’s supportive enough for stomach sleepers, and should keep their hips aligned with their shoulders.
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a balanced feel, with contouring and support in equal measure.
Back sleepers should feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
Couples shouldn’t be too disturbed by movement, as the Nectar isolates motion well.
Cons of the Nectar
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more. While heavy side sleepers might be comfortable, heavy back sleepers with chronic pain will need something softer and heavy stomach sleepers will probably need something firmer.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Many all-foam beds tend to lack support for heavier people, leaving them sinking too deeply into the bed to receive adequate joint and back support. However, l tested the Nectar Classic and found this bed to have solid comfort and support that should work for larger body types. We rated this bed at a 6.5 out of 10, medium-firm on our scale, but it doesn’t have the same super-squishy feel of typical memory foam mattresses. It still scored 4 out of 5 for pressure relief for both back and side sleepers. As a plus, it also performed well across the board for an overall score of 4.3 out of 5 and comes in at a reasonable price.
Our heavyweight tester, Caine Wilkes, appreciated this bed on his side during the pressure relief test. He said, “It feels more supportive than I was expecting.” When he switched to his back, he noted, “My hips are slightly lower than my shoulders, but it feels comfortable.” Although I am not considered a heavy-weight sleeper, I agreed with his results after testing this mattress, finding the Nectar suited to these two positions.
My fellow tester and staff writer Kenny Timper is a strict stomach sleeper and didn’t like the bed in this position, but I found it just supportive enough in this position. However, Kenny and I are average-weight sleepers, and I think plus-size stomach sleepers may prefer something firmer. Memory foam mattresses aren’t always the best choice for these sleepers, anyway, since it’s easier to sink through the cushier layers, regardless of weight.
Memory foam mattresses are also known to trap heat, but the Nectar mattress is swaddled in a cooling cover to combat this. We found that the mattress heated up only 5 degrees after a tester lay down on it for five minutes, and though it wasn’t cool-to-the-touch, it didn’t retain heat around our body either. We gave it a score of 4.5 out of 5 for cooling.
Similarly, foam mattresses tend to have less-than-stellar edge support, but this wasn’t the case with the Nectar. Sitting caused the edges to sag a bit, but lying down at the perimeter was more secure, contributing to the bed’s overall score of 4 out of 5 in this category.
Nectar Thermal Comparison
Motion isolation is a hallmark of memory foam mattresses, and the Nectar Classic checks this box too. I helped Kenny with the motion isolation test, and he said, “I could feel Livvi jump into bed but had trouble figuring out if she was switching positions, which is great. I only felt her get in and out of bed.” The bed scored a near-perfect 4.7 out of 5 in this category. I thought the surface was a little too doughy to move around on, but Kenny disagreed, saying that the firmness helped make it more responsive and easier to change positions.
Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Heavy People
Best Innerspring
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Saatva
Saatva Classic
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling Mattress
Strong Edge Support
Innerspring
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free white glove delivery
Limited Time Offer
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Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm.
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend the Saatva HD.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
When testing mattresses, we’ve found that innerspring mattresses are often a good match for heavy people because the coils offer more support than all-foam mattresses. So it’s no surprise that Saatva — a brand known for creating luxury mattresses filled mostly with coils — created a bed that suits plenty of sleepers, including those with bigger bodies. The Saatva Classic has the brand’s signature coil-on-coil construction, with just a bit of memory foam at the top for cushioning. I’m not considered a plus-size sleeper, but I sleep on a Saatva every night, and support is the name of the game here. Let’s see why this bed earned an overall score of 4.2 out of 5 — I’m inclined to believe it’s the bed’s high scores in response (5 out of 5) and edge support (4.8 out of 5).
This bed comes in three different firmnesses, so sleepers can choose the best option for their preferred sleeping position. For heavy people, I recommend the Luxury Firm or Firm models. We rated the Luxury Firm at a 7.5 out of 10, for reference, which is already pretty firm. It gives the mattress an “on-top” feel, even as the pillow top offers some cushioning. I can find comfort in any position on my Luxury Firm Saatva. My fellow tester and writer Kenny Timper wanted to see more contouring on his side, but I’d say heavier side sleepers could find the pressure relief they need.
Side-sleeping and back-sleeping pressure maps of the Saatva mattress
Where the Saatva Classic really shines is its responsiveness. As a particularly restless combination sleeper, I have never been able to thrash so easily on a bed without feeling “stuck.” Kenny agreed and scored this bed at a perfect 5 out 5 for response. The edges of this mattress are also rock-solid, as I can sleep with one leg off the side of the bed with no problem. Kenny agreed, saying, “I don’t think the edge budged when I sat on it, pressed down, and stood up.”
My one qualm with this bed is motion isolation. I’m a light sleeper, so I already tend to feel everything from the other side of the bed. However, the Saatva’s springiness takes it all to the next level, almost amplifying it. You’d feel it if your partner were to twitch in this bed. That’s why it only earned a 2.7 out of 5 in this category. However, if you and your partner sleep like the dead, the Saatva Classic could be an excellent mattress for you both.
WinkBed Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers
Best for Back Sleeping
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the WinkBed Plus a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. Since it’s designed for heavyweight sleepers, it’s appropriate that this mattress has a firmer feel.
Price
$1,349–$2,199 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Heavy Sleepers
This mattress was designed for them, and should give them the support they need.
Back Sleepers
Specifically average-weight and heavyweight back sleepers will find plenty of support.
Couples
The WinkBed Plus isolates motion quite well, especially for a responsive hybrid mattress.
Pros of the WinkBed Plus
Designed specifically to support heavy people
Bouncy surface accommodates combination sleepers, who often toss and turn throughout the night
It isolates motion quite well, making it a good option for couples
The WinkBed Plus is a firm, hybrid mattress designed specifically to accommodate heavyweight sleepers. Through our testing, we found it works best for back sleepers, particularly those over 250 pounds. It also does a good job of isolating motion, which will likely appeal to you if you sleep with a partner. If you want to learn more about the WinkBed Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“This mattress was designed for heavier people and it really is a fantastic bed for these individuals. Heavy people fed up with unsupportive mattresses will find a lot to love about this luxury mattress.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
A balance between support and pressure relief is key when it comes to back sleeping. Back sleepers require enough support to keep their spine in neutral alignment and stave off back pain, especially if they’re a heavier sleeper who needs extra support and lift. Fortunately, WinkBeds has a specialized version of their flagship hybrid, the WinkBed Plus, which is built for these sleepers. When testing out back-sleeping on the WinkBed Plus, our heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes announced, “I’m lying on a cloud right now,” and subsequently rated the pressure relief in this position at a perfect 5 out of 5 score. This mattress also earned a pretty high overall score of 4.6 due to its overall high performance.
Pressure maps of a heavwieght sleeper on the WinkBed Plus
My colleague Kenny Timper especially enjoyed the mattress in the back-sleeping position, saying, “I think this bed is awesome for back sleepers. It filled out my lower back and kept me feeling aligned throughout. I would describe everything as ‘even.’” He rated this bed at a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, a true medium firm that should also attract heavyweight side sleepers looking for a bed that they can comfortably sink into.
I also tested this bed and found it to be a touch firmer than Kenny’s rating, so I especially loved it on my stomach, as the pressure relief (for which the bed earned 4.7 scores for back and side-sleeping) also helped cushion my chest and belly. This bed can work for a wide range of sleeper types, not just heavier folks. Hot sleepers, for example, should also appreciate that this bed only rose 3.4 degrees during our cooling test, which is rare and helped the bed earn a coveted 5-out-of-5 score.
This is all good news if your partner is a different size, since couples should also like the WinkBed Plus. I was Kenny’s partner for the motion isolation test, where I moved around on the other side of the bed, and he noted, “I could feel Livvi here and there, but I couldn’t really make out what she was doing. I didn’t even notice when she got out of bed during this test.”
The bed earned an impressive 4.3 out of 5 in this category, which is surprising given its perfect response score. A springy bed like the WinkBed Plus would usually mean a lot of motion transfer, but you should be able to move around on the surface easily and without disturbing your partner.
It’s challenging to find something to complain about when it comes to the WinkBed Plus’s overall performance and construction. One issue is that it might be a bit too tall for some folks, especially if they have concerns about getting in and out of bed, as it’s got a lofty 14-inch profile and puffy pillow top. (This can be a boon for heavier sleepers, however, as it means more mattress to sink into.) It also costs a pretty penny, nearly $2,000 for a queen-size. However, it’s definitely worth the money.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.9
Brooklyn Bedding
Titan Plus Elite
Medium-Firm Feel
Built For Heavy People
Cloud Pillow Top
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
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Hybrid, combining soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Titan Plus Elite as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it has a true medium-firm feel. Note that lighter-weight sleepers tend to experience mattresses as firmer, while heavy people experience them as softer.
Price
$1,648–$2,648 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, California king, RV king
Heavy Sleepers
If you weigh 250 pounds or more, the Titan Plus Elite should provide adequate comfort and support.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation and its medium-firm feel means it can work for mixed-weight couples.
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Titan Plus Luxe provides sturdy support for spinal alignment.
Stomach Sleepers
They should get plenty of support on the Titan Plus Elite, with their hips lifted and properly aligned with their shoulders.
Pros of the Titan Plus Elite
This mattress has sturdy edge support, a bonus for heavier people and for couples.
We think couples will also appreciate the Plus Elite’s cooling capabilities and sturdy support. It should have no problem keeping two bodies adequately lifted.
The Titan Plus Elite is easy to move around on, making it a solid choice for combination sleepers.
Cons of the Titan Plus Elite
As the luxury upgrade of the original Titan Plus and the Titan Plus Luxe, the Titan Plus Elite is more expensive than some of the other mattresses on this list.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the trial period. Brooklyn Bedding does charge a $99 pick-up fee for returns.
The Titan Plus Elite provides a sturdy and supportive, but still comfortable and luxurious sleeping experience for heavy sleepers. The medium-firm feel can work for heavy sleepers of all sleeping positions, but can also work for some light and average weight folks too. This means mixed-weight couples particularly might enjoy this mattress, especially since it has strong edge support and good cooling capabilities. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“This bed is made with heavier sleepers in mind, and it truly delivers. Heavy back, side, and stomach sleepers should all feel supported and comfortable on this mighty mattress. I also think most average and lightweight sleepers will enjoy [it]. Back and stomach sleepers in these weight categories should get ample support from this bed to maintain healthy spinal alignment.” – Kenny Timper, staff writer
I chose the Titan Plus Elite as the best luxury mattress on this list because it’s made for heavier folks like the rest of the beds in the Titan family but with even more luxurious touches — including a taller height of 14.5 inches, a cushy pillow top, and GlacioTex cooling cover. This bed scored impressively in areas that should interest luxury shoppers, including a 4.5 out of 5 in pressure relief and a 5 out of 5 in cooling. It also earned an impressive overall score of 4.9 out of 5. Finally, like its lower-end models, it supports up to 1,000 pounds, up to 500 on each side of the mattress.
Despite being made for heavier folks, the Titan Plus Elite doesn’t have the same unyielding feel as most other plus-size mattresses. We rated it at a 6.5 out of 10, so it’s a classic medium-firm mattress that can appeal to various sleepers, regardless of size or preferred sleeping position.
My fellow mattress expert and staff writer Kenny Timper bought this bed for himself. He said, “Heavy back, side, and stomach sleepers will find it provides ample support and comfort, while average and lightweight back and stomach sleepers will also benefit from its firmness and pressure relief.” Kenny also added, “After taking this mattress for a spin, I was impressed with its cooling performance, solid edge support, and motion isolation.”
In our cooling tests, the bed only increased by a paltry 5 degrees after our tester lay on the surface for five minutes, below our average of 6.5 degrees. Sitting and lying at the edge of the mattress was also no problem for Kenny, as he never felt like he was at risk of slipping or falling off the bed. So it’s no surprise the bed scored high here as well, with 4.5 out of 5 for edge support.
Despite the bed’s springy surface (earning 5 out of 5 for response), it also absorbed motion like a champ (4.5 out of 5 for this category as well), and these two features don’t often go hand in hand. We didn’t notice much motion transfer when fellow testers moved around on the other side of the bed. We also didn’t see much rippling in the large glass of water we filled and sat on one side as testers moved about. After conducting both of these tests, I feel confident you should only notice when your partner gets in and out of bed.
Water test on the Titan Plus Elite
We’re hard-pressed to find something negative to say about this mattress. The most obvious downside would be the price. As a luxury mattress and the top-of-the-line for Brooklyn Bedding’s Titan models, it’s unsurprising that it costs over $2,000 for a queen. If you’re on a tight budget, we’d recommend using coupons or waiting for a sale.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Medium-Firm Comfort
Budget-Friendly
Responsive Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
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The Medium mattress is too firm for side sleepers
and too soft for stomach sleepers
(though the Soft or Firm model may work, respectively)
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Heavier side sleepers need thicker, more supportive layers to prevent them from sinking too far into the material. Still, there needs to be a balance of pressure relief so their shoulder and hip joints — the areas of the body where they put the most pressure — are well-cushioned. These sleepers can find this balance in my pick for the best mattress for heavy side sleepers, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. The mattress comes in three different firmness levels, and I think the Medium model, which we rated at 6.5 out of 10, might give heavy side sleepers the softness they need around their hips and shoulders. The bed came in at an overall score of 3.8 out of 5, but we’ll explore why it earned particularly high marks in cooling (4.5 out of 5) and edge support (4.3 out of 5).
Our heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes liked the Signature Hybrid on his side, saying, “I feel supported throughout. My hips feel aligned with my spine.” He didn’t enjoy it as much on his back because of the uneven sinkage in his shoulders and lower half.
As an average-weight sleeper, I enjoyed this bed in both positions, something to keep in mind if you share the bed with a differently sized partner. I also found it a touch too soft for stomach-sleeping. Despite these results, the Signature Hybrid did score a bit low in our pressure relief tests, though this score was mainly brought down by our lightweight testers not enjoying the mattress on their side and back, which is not surprising for a mattress that works so well for larger-bodied side sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature’s pressure map results.
As mentioned, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid scored highly in the cooling and edge support categories, earning 4.5 and 4.3 out of 5 respectively — both of which should be important for heavier sleepers. In our cooling test, the bed’s temperature only rose 6 degrees after Kenny laid down on it for five minutes. He noted, “I didn’t feel it heat up too much while testing it.” For the perimeter of the mattress, he generally felt secure lying down and sitting at the edge of the bed. The pillow top did sag a bit, but the coils underneath supported it.
We tested motion isolation on this mattress by having one tester move on one side of the bed while another was lying down blindfolded on the other side. This ended with the Signature Hybrid earning a relatively average score of 3.7 out of 5. Kenny could feel my movements, including when I got in and out of bed, but it wasn’t enough to make the experience unpleasant. Some couples may be able to sleep side by side without much disturbance transferring across the surface, but if one or both sleep lightly, this may not be the best choice for you
Although the pillow top impeded my movement slightly when I tested how easy it was to reposition, I still thought it was decently bouncy. It wasn’t particularly difficult to move around on, and despite the lower 3-out-of-5 responsiveness score, this bed should satisfy most combination sleepers.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Nolah
Nolah Evolution Comfort+
Medium-Firm Comfort
Built For Heavy People
Extra-Tall Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Sale
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This mattress has a true medium firmness (6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale).
Price
$1,499–$3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king
Back Sleepers
The mattress is ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Hot Sleepers
Thanks to the phase change material in its cover, this foam mattress sleeps cooler than most.
Side Sleepers
The Evolution Comfort+ works well for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution Comfort+
Couples should appreciate that this bed excels in cooling, responsiveness, edge support, and motion isolation.
This mattress has enough support for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds.
The medium-firm feel is ideal for back and side sleepers of most body types.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution Comfort+
Stomach sleepers won’t receive the proper firmness to keep the hips lifted.
Because it’s a luxury mattress, it’s not the best choice for budget shoppers.
Shipping
Free shipping to all states except AK and HI
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You can return within the 120-night trial period for a full refund, but you’ll be charged a $99 pick-up fee.
A mattress made for sleepers weighing 250+ pounds, the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ utilizes individually pocketed coils and other quality materials to create one of the most supportive beds on the market. Still, it tested incredibly for pressure relief, and should provide pain alleviation for back and side sleepers battling back, shoulder, and hip pain. This luxury option features lots of cooling features as well. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“As a mattress designed for heavy people, who weigh 250 pounds or more, I think the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ really succeeds. It is highly supportive, responsive, and yet also offers plush comfort. I particularly appreciate how it could work to relieve pressure points for heavy side sleepers — many mattresses for heavy folks are on the firmer side and don’t provide tons of cushioning.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
When selecting the best hybrid mattress for heavy people, we looked for a bed that takes quality and comfort to the next level. The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ fits the bill perfectly. This luxury mattress has a hybrid construction of proprietary cushioning foam and a Euro top for extra pressure relief (a category in which the bed earned a 4.5 out of 5). It also earned an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 and can support up to 1,000 pounds.
Product tester Amelia Jerden summed up the bed nicely, stating, “The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is a sturdy bed that should easily support the weight of heavy sleepers — though I think it can appeal to light and average-weight folks, too.”
As for who will enjoy the Nolah Evolution Comfort+, I agree with Amelia that this bed can appeal to many sleepers. We rated the mattress at a balanced and versatile medium-firm (6.5 out of 10). Amelia particularly liked it on her side, saying, “I felt a nice amount of pressure relief on my shoulder and hip, and since heavier folks will sink into the foams even more, I think it’ll be a great bed for them.” This should also work for heavy back sleepers who need some softness and support for proper alignment.
Pressure map of the Nolah Evolution Comfort+
Heavier sleepers should appreciate the bed’s sturdy edges, which not only are a sign of the bed’s overall durability but should also allow them to spread out on the bed’s surface comfortably. The bed also has a variety of cooling technology for plus-size sleepers who might overheat, including breathable, aerated foams and a gusset that will allow excess heat to escape. Both of these categories scored an impressive 4.5 out of 5. The Evolution Comfort+ also scored the same in response, which is to be expected of a hybrid mattress, thanks to its coil construction. It has a lifted feel that makes it easy to move around on the surface.
The downside to the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is that, as a hybrid, it lacks a bit in motion isolation. The springy surface causes motion to carry, rather than stopping it before it travels across the surface, causing you to feel your partner’s movements from the other side of the bed. You may also want to keep in mind that luxury beds come with higher prices, so they may not be ideal for budget shoppers. Even after sales, the Evolution Comfort+ is nearly $2,000 for a queen-size mattress.
Read more about this bed in our full Nolah Evolution Comfort+ review. If you’re looking for a firmer mattress, I’d recommend checking out the Firm model of the original Nolah Evolution, which also scored better in our motion isolation tests.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Extra-Firm Feel
Flippable Design
Supportive Foams
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping
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The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with a different firmness option on each side. We score firmest with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, and the Plank Firm features a Firm side (7.5/10) and an Ultra Firm side (8.5/10).
Price
$749–$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short full, short queen, Olympic queen, short king, RV king
Back pain
Support for those living with back pain.
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Pros of the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm often appears on many of our roundups pertaining to spinal health and back pain.
This mattress is a good choice for couples; it scored 4 out 5 or more for motion isolation, edge support, and cooling.
The quality materials, from its firm cover to its high-density foams, make it an extremely durable option.
Cons of the Plank Firm
Side sleepers won’t receive the proper cushioning or contouring on the Plank Firm. They should look at our best mattresses for side sleepers
instead.
It’s not the best mattress for alleviating joint pain because of its firmer feel — take a look at our best soft mattresses
for alternative options
Shipping
Free within the contiguous US, but $125 for AK and HI
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
There is a $99 return fee.
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
We generally recommend firmer mattresses to heavier sleepers; they can feel more comfortable for these folks than for average and lightweight sleepers, because it helps to support their bodies better and keep them from sinking too far into the mattress. When it comes to firm mattresses, they don’t get firmer than the all-foam Plank Firm.
Created by Brooklyn Bedding, this is a flippable all-foam mattress with two sides: a firm side and an extra-firm side. The regular firm side fell around a 7 to 8 out of 10 on our firmness scale, while the extra-firm side skewed further to 9 out of 10. The Plank Firm earned an overall score of about 4.2 out of 5, bolstered by its high response score (5 out of 5) and edge support score (4.4 out of 5).
The mattress maintains its strong support from the seven inches of high-density foam in the middle of the construction. It has a quilted foam cover on both sides for a bit of pressure relief. The firm side has more quilted foam on top and the extra-firm side has less. Even heavyweight sleepers may find the extra-firm side too unyielding.
My fellow tester, writer, and certified sleep science coach Sosha Lewis, enjoyed the traditional firm side on her stomach the most, saying, “The firmness and the soft upper layer made this bed fantastic for stomach sleepers. It kept my spine straight.” Our heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes also liked this bed on his back, saying it “feels really good” and properly supportive.
One performance highlight of the Plank Firm is its responsiveness. Our testers reported that it was easy to move around on with near-to no resistance. So, it’s no surprise that it earned a perfect score in this category. And on top of that, it could still absorb some motion. We felt it the most when our testing partner got out of bed or aggressively switched positions, so it earned a 4.3 out of 5 for motion isolation.
Water test on the Plank Firm Luxe
The edges also held up well for a foam mattress, likely thanks to the firm, dense construction of the bed. If you rely on the perimeter of your mattress to get in and out of bed, you should be safe with the Plank Firm.
Since this mattress is so firm on either side, I can’t recommend it in good faith to side sleepers or those of a lighter weight. I don’t want to beat around the bush about this mattress: it’s firm and it’s really firm. It’s more of a specialty mattress for those constantly let down by so-called firm beds. If this sounds like you, then you may have found your match.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Designed for Athletes
Soft Feel
Luxurious Foams
Hybrid mattress
120 nights
Free shipping
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As a luxury mattress with many special features, the Bear Elite Hybrid is priced higher. Budget shoppers may want to check out the best cheap mattresses
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
If you return within the 120-night trial period, you can get a full refund.
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
If you’re plus-size and share the bed with a partner, you’re going to want to find a bed that’s comfortable, supportive, and conducive to both your needs. Let me introduce you to the Bear Elite Hybrid. This luxurious hybrid mattress comes in multiple firmness levels and scored 4s and above in our cooling, edge support, motion isolation, and response tests — areas that should be of interest to both couples and heavier sleepers. This helped give the mattress its overall score of 4.2 out of 5.
With a height of 14 inches, the Bear Elite Hybrid is also thicker than many other beds, which bodes well for a mattress that supports heavier people. During testing, we found that the Medium model of this mattress should provide a good balance of comfort and support for heavier side sleepers and back sleepers. Our heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes said, “I feel no extra pressure lying on this mattress.”
My fellow tester, writer, and certified sleep science coach Sosha Lewis noted that the Medium firmness option she tested may not be firm enough for heavier stomach sleepers. She recommended these folks stick to the Firm model of the mattress.
Motion isolation is likely one of the most important factors for couples to consider, as it refers to whether or not you can feel your partner’s movements across the mattress. After performing our partner test, Sosha said, “I could tell when my partner sat down and got back up, but it was minimal. This bed had good overall motion isolation.”
The overall rating for this category was a near-perfect 4.7 out of 5. With this score, we’d expect the bed to lack responsiveness, but that wasn’t the case. Sosha found it easy to switch positions at the surface, with only a touch of resistance from the soft pillow top, and scored it at a 4 out of 5.
The bed also kept relatively cool, which should be a plus if you or your partner tend to overheat. Sosha claimed that the bed felt cool to the touch before laying down on it. Our thermal gun only recorded a 5-degree increase, which is pretty impressive, hence our 4.5 out of 5 score.
Sosha also appreciated the bed’s edge support, especially when lying down on the bed, saying, “There was minimal to no sinkage and I felt very secure.” She did note, however, that it may be difficult for some folks with mobility issues to get on top of this taller mattress or easily get in and out.
Thermal images of the Bear Elite Hybrid
Read more in our Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. Bear also offers a memory foam mattress with a firmer feel, the Bear Original, if you’re looking for a less lofty bed with more support for stomach sleepers.
There are many mattresses out there built to accommodate bigger folks, but there are only so many spots on our list. Here are some beds that didn’t make the final cut but still work for many heavy sleepers.
Big Fig stands for “Bigger Figure,” and this bed was designed to support heavier people. Not only did it score high in our support tests, but it also excelled in edge support, pressure relief, motion isolation, and cooling. It’s a well-rounded bed that’s great for heavy couples and has a firm, supportive feel. Just note it’s not the cheapest option out there, even if you’re paying for quality. Read more in our dedicated Big Fig mattress review.
The Saatva Classic can be found on many of our roundups, but did you know that the brand offers a bed specifically for bigger bodies? The Saatva HD is a luxury innerspring that can support sleepers weighing up to 500 lbs, with an overall weight capacity of 1,000 lbs. It actually scored pretty similarly to the Classic and even has a similar firmness to their Luxury Firm model at 7 out of 10. Yet even for a high-end bed, it costs a pretty penny (about $4,000 for a queen-size mattress), so we opted for the Classic in our list. Read more in our Saatva HD review.
The Plank Firm is featured on this list as a flippable, firm foam bed (try saying that three times), but its upgraded hybrid version, the Plank Firm Luxe, is equally solid. This bed is also flippable and features a lifted, supportive feel that should work best for heavier back and stomach sleepers. Just note it costs a bit more than the Plank Firm. Read about it in our Plank Firm Luxe review.
How We Picked and Tested These Mattresses
When testing the best mattresses for heavy people, we pay special attention to firmness and support. We want to feel lifted when lying on the bed — a sign that the materials are sturdy enough to prop up additional weight. Most importantly, we try to bring in someone with a larger body type to test out how good a particular mattress might be for heavy people. With all this in mind, let’s dive into more detail about what we kept at the forefront when selecting the best mattresses for heavy people.
Pressure Relief
It’s not enough for a mattress to be firm and supportive. If a bed is too firm, even for a bigger person, it can cause discomfort as they sink into the bed. That’s why you want to find a mattress that balances support with pressure relief. As Dr. Raj Dasgupta suggests, “Pressure relief is achieved with contouring materials like foam and latex, which cradles sensitive areas and pressure points, ultimately staving off discomfort and joint pain.”
Pressure map example
To make sure that most body types are accounted for, we test pressure relief in all weight categories, including those above 230 pounds. First, we’ll lay a mat on top of the bed’s surface. As our tester lies down on their back and side, the mat records where pressure builds up through a color-coded map of their body. Blue and green are signs of low pressure, whereas yellow and red are signs of high pressure. The mat also records the overall average pressure across the surface. We’ll combine these results with first-hand opinions from our tester to determine whether or not a bed is pressure-relieving for that sleeper and that position.
Weight Capacity
The typical mattress is designed to support a body weight of 230 pounds. Weight limits usually refer to one person sleeping on one side of the mattress and can be doubled to estimate the total weight the mattress will support. Though many of these mattresses can support more weight, going above the advertised limit may void the warranty.
If you weigh more than 230 pounds or if you and your partner weigh more than 500 pounds, you may look into a specialty or bariatric mattress. The thickness of these mattresses is less important than their interior construction. Bariatric and specialty mattresses utilize a supportive innerspring base coupled with memory foam or latex comfort layers for pressure relief. These types of mattresses typically fall into the hybrid category and are usually available in queen — or king-size.
If you’re unsure about a mattress’s weight limit, call the manufacturer or check out the brand’s website. Some mattress manufacturers specifically state that their products do not have a weight limit.
Cooling
Cooling is an important factor for heavy sleepers since the more body mass in the bed, the more heat is generated, and the more likely you are to overheat. We consider a couple of factors when evaluating a mattress’s cooling abilities.
We cut a cross-section into the side of the mattress to study the mattress’s construction. As a rule of thumb, latex and innerspring mattresses tend to sleep the coolest, followed by hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses. Memory foam mattresses usually sleep the hottest because the material is so dense that it doesn’t leave much space for air to flow through the bed.
In our cooling tests, we first feel the mattress to see whether or not it’s cool to the touch. We’ll then perform a more formal test by checking the mattress’s surface temperature with a thermal gun. This device uses thermal imaging to show how much a bed heats up after one of our testers lies down on it for five minutes. We score based on how much the temperature increases: more than 15 15-degree increase indicates poor cooling capabilities. 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, and less than 5 degrees indicates excellent cooling. We compare this with how it felt lying on the bed and conclude our final score.
Thermal image comparison
Firmness
At Sleepopolis, we measure firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being as soft as a cloud and 10 like sleeping on a rock. While the firmness of your mattress does not directly indicate how supportive it will be, firmer mattresses are generally more supportive, while softer mattresses are usually more contouring. Firmness can be subjective; for lighter folks, a mattress may feel firmer than for heavier folks. This is important to think about when considering your body type and weight.
For folks who weigh 230 pounds or more, a mattress may not feel as firm, so for those looking for more support, spinal alignment, and a sturdier feel, we recommend a mattress that falls between a 7 and a 9 on our firmness scale. If you weigh between 180 and 230 pounds, we recommend still going for something firmer, but you may get the support you are looking for with something closer to a 7 or 8 on the firmness scale. If you weigh between 140 and 180 pounds, you can likely rely on industry standards for firmness guides, and if you weigh less than 130 pounds, you may want to opt for something softer.
What Else to Consider for Mattresses for Heavy People
When shopping for a new mattress, consider particular personal preferences alongside your body type that might influence your final decision. Let’s go over some often-overlooked categories that can help you decide on the right mattress for you.
Mattress Type
The construction and materials in a mattress greatly influence the overall firmness, support, and temperature regulation of a structure. This is crucial for heavy sleepers, who may need additional structural support and cooling features. Let’s review some of the most common mattress types.
Take a Closer Look at the Different Mattress Materials
Foam
Foam mattresses are made solely of memory foam or other synthetic foams. Depending on the manufacturer and construction, they may be soft or very firm. These beds can help relieve pressure points by providing consistent, contouring support. Depending on their construction, they may work great for heavier sleepers. However, they’re also known for trapping heat, which can be a downside for bigger folks who sleep hot.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses utilize interior coils to provide support. This sturdy interior construction makes these beds appropriate for heavier sleepers. Foam tends to sink under body weight, but innerspring mattresses have a firmer core structure that prevents deep sinkage. Innerspring mattresses also offer better edge support than foam ones. This is great for larger people who sleep close to the edge of the mattress. However, these beds tend to have thinner comfort layers, which can make them uncomfortable for heavy side sleepers.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses utilize coils and foam layers, and the benefits are similar to those of innerspring mattresses. Coils create space inside a bed, encouraging increased airflow and breathability. They also offer support and bounce. The thicker comfort layers on top can also relieve pressure for those who sleep on their back and side. They’re an excellent pick for heavyweight sleepers as they’re pretty much the most diverse and versatile mattress type out there.
Latex
Latex mattresses can be made with coils or from latex foam and other cushioning materials. Latex foam is a natural product made from the sap of the rubber tree. Unlike memory foam, it offers gentle cushioning without pronounced sinkage. This is beneficial for heavy sleepers who need pressure relief without sacrificing support. Latex mattresses typically have a buoyant medium to medium-firm feel, so they’re great for heavy back and combination sleepers. The material is also naturally cooling and ideal for hot sleepers.
Sleeping Position
If you weigh more than 200 pounds, your sleeping position has an even greater impact on your mattress choice. For instance, stomach sleeping puts more pressure on a mattress than back or side sleeping, so these folks usually require more support. Here’s what we recommend for each sleeping position if you’ve got a bigger body:
Heavy back sleepers may prefer a medium-firm to firmer mattress that prevents the hips and shoulders from sinking out of alignment.
Heavy stomach sleepers usually need extra support, so they should consider a firm or extra-firm mattress to prevent curvature of the lower back.
Heavy side sleepers tend to want a softer mattress, so it can cushion their shoulder and hip, but not too soft that they sink in too far.
Edge Support
If you frequently sit on the edge of your bed, edge support will be much more important. A mattress with strong and stable sides can also help prevent significant sagging or collapse when you sleep near the edge of the mattress. You might also be an older adult or someone with mobility concerns when getting in and out of bed. This becomes even more important if you have a larger body type.
Strong edge support is also important for heavier couples. A more supportive edge allows each partner to sleep closer to the side and use the full surface area of the mattress. Edge support is a more common feature in mattresses with edge-to-edge support coils or a perimeter made of high-density poly foam.
We test edge support by getting in and out of bed, sitting at the perimeter, and lying down on it. In each position, we’ll judge how secure we feel and how likely we are to slip off the side of the bed. Sometimes, we’ll even measure the sinkage depth with a tape measure for a precise reading.
Testing edge support
Responsiveness
Responsiveness in a mattress refers to its ability to quickly adapt to changes in position and pressure, which is crucial for heavy people, especially if they’re combination sleepers. Additionally, a responsive mattress enhances comfort during activities like sex, providing the support needed for movement. A responsive mattress significantly improves overall sleep quality for heavier individuals by minimizing sagging and promoting even weight distribution. If you’re looking for a responsive mattress, check out a bed with coils or one that contains latex.
Our tester Kenny Timper rolling around on the Saatva to test its responsiveness.
We test responsiveness by moving around on the mattress and switching positions to see how seamless it feels. We can also press down on the surface of the bed and time how long it takes to spring back into position. Finally, we drop a ball onto the bed’s surface and measure how high it bounces. All of these tests factor into our overall response score.
Motion Isolation
Dr. Raj Dasgupta says, “Motion isolation is one of the hallmarks of a high-quality mattress since it’s a sign of dense, well-constructed materials that are able to absorb motion.” Co-sleepers especially prize this ability. If you’re a light sleeper like me, the last thing you want is to feel your partner moving on the other side of the bed. These people should prioritize finding a bed with low motion transfer.
We test a bed’s motion isolation in two ways. First, we put a container of water on one side of the bed, moving around on the other side to see how the water inside behaves. The more rippling, the worse the motion absorption on the surface is. We also try out the bed with a fellow tester, with one person lying down blindfolded while the other moves around, gets in and out of bed, etc. We’ll raise our hand when we feel each movement. Sometimes, we’ll get very precise and use a seismograph app to record disturbance across the surface. We then compile these results to determine our final score for this category.
Two of our mattress experts getting a read on the Avocado Green’s motion isolation by performing the “partner test.”
Mattress Thickness
Mattresses are generally 6 to 14 inches thick, though there are some outliers. Beds made primarily of latex or memory foam are on the lower end of thickness, while hybrid and coil mattresses are usually on the higher end. Heavy sleepers usually benefit from a thicker mattress as there’s less chance of them sinking in too far and “bottoming out” on the support layer(s)..
Durability
The highest quality mattresses last around seven to ten years. The durability of a mattress varies by the types of materials used in its construction. Dr. Raj Dasgupta also touts the importance of finding a durable mattress if you’re a heavy sleeper. He says, “Heavier sleepers should look for a mattress with thick and durable materials. These beds should offer strong support, a thick profile, and reinforced edges to keep the bed from sagging.”
Pay special attention to durability since more weight can put more pressure on a mattress’s layers, leading to faster softening or sagging. That’s why we recommend they consider a mattress with a ton of support, or a model that was made especially for larger body types.
A mattress warranty can also be a great way to gauge how long the brand believes its bed will last. Most will offer the standard 10-year warranty, but longer ones (even some that last a lifetime) can better guarantee longevity, enhanced durability, and long-term support.
Price
The best mattresses for heavy people tend to run a bit more expensive than other beds. If the mattress was specifically designed for heavy people (as many of the ones on this list are), the materials are usually going to be extra-durable, and thus more costly. However, there are also some mattresses not designed for heavy people that still have enough firmness and support for larger folks. These will be the less expensive options.
For context, the mattresses on this list range from around $953 to around $3,300 for a queen size before discounts. So there’s a pretty wide price range, and something here for several different budgets.
FAQs
What type of mattress is best for heavy people?
We recommend a mattress with plenty of support for heavy people, such as one with coils or a strong foam core. Look for medium-firm to firm mattresses, especially those that are extra-thick, roughly 12 inches or more. Here are just some examples: the Saatva HD, WinkBed Plus, and Bear Elite Hybrid.
What is the weight limit for a mattress?
Most mattresses tend to have a weight limit of around 500 pounds. However, beds constructed for those with bigger bodies can accommodate this amount on each side, leading to a total weight limit of 1,000 pounds.
Is a memory foam mattress good for a 300-pound person?
Memory foam can be a good mattress material for folks over 300 pounds with dense, high-quality layers, including a sturdy support core. You may want to consider beds that are on the firmer side to ensure you don’t sink too far into the foams and “bottom out” on the uncomfortable support layers.
Sources
Kawasaki, Y., Kitamura, E., & Kasai, T. (2023). Impact of Body Composition on Sleep and Its Relationship with Sleep Disorders: Current Insights. Nature and science of sleep, 15, 375–388. https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S340946
Livvi DiCicco
Staff Writer
About Author
Livvi DiCicco is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach. She has been writing, editing, and researching sleep-based content for over a year. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in English & Creative Writing, she decided to work in the digital marketing field, continuing her creative works on the side. Her other interests (besides napping and writing) include digital art, history, and boba tea.