Because heavier sleepers over 250 pounds put more pressure on a bed’s layers, it’s crucial for them to have the proper mattress infrastructure and find the best mattress for heavy people. Without it, these sleepers may experience discomfort, a flattened mattress core, and a bad night’s sleep. But you definitely don’t have to suffer in silence — here are our mattress picks for plus-size folks.
When selecting the mattresses for this list, we made sure to not just go off of our own opinion, but the opinion of folks with larger body types. As you’ll see, we paid attention to what heavy sleepers are saying online, and even brought in some heavier colleagues to test out the mattresses and offer their insights.
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 250 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, heavy weight sleepers tend to need more support than average weight sleepers and tend to sink into the mattress more.
Our Top Pick for Heavy Sleepers
Even among the 400+ mattresses we’ve tested, the Titan Plus Luxe stands out for its sturdy, supportive nature (due in part to its extra-tall layer of coils). Still, we found from testing this mattress that it’s still a comfortable and pressure-relieving option.
Best Mattresses for Heavy People 2024
- Titan Plus Luxe – Best Overall Mattress for Heavy People
- Helix Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Hot Sleepers
- DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy People
- WinkBed Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Heavy People
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution Comfort+ – Best Luxury Mattress for Heavy People
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers and Muscle Recovery
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People
Best Mattress for Heavy People 2024 Video Review
How we Test the Best Mattresses for Heavy People
Pressure Relief
As heavier sleepers tend to compress through more of a mattress’s layers, we searched for options with adequate pressure relief. By compiling beds with thicker and denser comfort layers, it better ensures that the best mattresses for heavy people properly contour any areas with pressure buildup and help relieve sensitive joints.
Weight Capacity
Some mattresses offer better support than others, and many aren’t properly designed to support a body weight of 250 pounds. While selecting the models for this roundup, our experts ensured each mattress manufacturer’s listed weight capacity is more than enough, whether you’re a heavy sleeper that snoozes alone or with a partner. Our team finds that beds with quality materials, taller heights, and stronger support layers hold more weight and support proper spinal alignment throughout the night.
Cooling
Heavier sleepers have more of a tendency to overheat during sleep, as they have more body mass, which generates more heat. Because of this, we took special care to include more cooling mattresses. Beds with coils, such as hybrid/latex/innerspring beds, have breathable constructions. But there are also a plethora of cooling features that brands include while manufacturing, from cooling gel infusions to Phase Change Material, which is thermoregulating.
Firmness
Heavier sleepers are likely going to feel that mattresses are softer than what the average sleeper perceives. Because of this, we filled this roundup with firmer beds with added support. Our experts suggest mattresses between a 6.5/10 – 9/10 on the firmness scale, depending on your sleeping position.
Compare the Best Mattresses For Heavy People
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| Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Helix Plus Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam | WinkBed Plus Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Comfort+ | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | -- | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach |
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Overall Mattress for Heavy People
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
Expert Opinion
When selecting the best mattress for heavy people, we pay close attention to support, so we carefully analyze the mattress’s materials and construction. Both of these elements need to be durable enough to support larger body types over 250 pounds. Fortunately, Brooklyn Bedding has designed the Titan Plus Luxe with heavy sleepers in mind. Their luxury hybrid mattress is an upgrade from the standard Titan Plus. Both are made with a firmer and more responsive type of memory foam called TitanFlex, supported from below by an extra-tall layer of strong pocketed coils (961 in total). However, the Luxe model includes a transition layer for deeper compression support and better pressure relief.
Since all of our testers all have average body types under 250 pounds, we wanted to make sure that we tested the Titan Plus Luxe with the exact type of person the bed is meant for. So, we brought in our colleague Paulie Steinman, a professional power lifter who has a larger body type. Where as we experienced the Titan Plus Luxe at a 7.5 on our mattress firmness scale, Paulie pressed further into the layers and felt that it was closer to a 6.5. So if you’re a heavier sleeper, you’ll likely find the Titan Plus Luxe to be softer and receive more contouring from its materials.
What our tester says: “I had good support across my body. It felt like I could move around when I needed to. There were also way less pressure points than I’ve felt on other mattresses.” – Paulie Steinman, guest mattress tester
What Customers Say
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Titan Plus Luxe has nearly 1,900 reviews, with many heavy sleepers — especially heavy couples — praising how comfortable and supportive it is. Each review also lists the weight, body type, and age of each reviewer, so you can find someone whose preferences and physicality match your own.
What Is the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress’s Weight Limit?
The Titan Plus Luxe can support up to 1,500 pounds.
Highlights of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress
- This mattress should work for heavy back sleepers and side sleepers — especially those wanting a firmer feel.
- Combination sleepers over 250 pounds should like the responsive nature of the Titan Plus. This makes it easy for them to switch sleeping positions.
- The Titan Plus Luxe’s ability to isolate motion transfer should appeal to heavy couples. A mattress with good isolation keeps you and your partner’s movement from rippling across the bed. The mattress also has strong edge support, allowing couples to use the full surface area of the mattress. And because the the Titan Plus has high responsiveness, it could be a good mattress for sex.
What to Keep in Mind about the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress
- While some average weight sleepers (especially back sleepers and stomach sleepers) might be comfortable on the Titan Plus Luxe, lightweight sleepers who are 130 pounds and under won’t compress the layers enough to get any kind of contouring or pressure relief.
- Our testers didn’t think this mattress isn’t quite firm enough for heavier stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend its standard counterpart, the Titan Plus, which scored a 7.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale and earned a perfect 5 in the category of support.
Click here to get our best deal, or learn more in our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review. Want more options? Check out our picks for the best mattresses of 2024.
Helix Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Hot Sleepers
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
Expert Opinion
When it comes to cooling, shoppers often seek out hybrid mattresses, as their coils leave plenty of room for air to flow through the construction. But if the bed’s going to be a good fit for heavy people, it also needs to have a lot of support and be built with durable materials, which is why we chose the Helix Plus as our best mattress for heavy hot sleepers. The company created a sturdy, medium-firm, and supportive mattress using a variety of foams and a pocketed coil support system. Some of its cooling properties include open-cell foam, a breathable Tencel cover, gel-infused memory foam, and coils to promote airflow.
We once again brought in our friend Paulie to test out this mattress since it was built for heavy sleepers. He found the Helix Plus to be most comfortable while back sleeping, and experienced its firmness level to be about a 6 out of 10 on our mattress scale. He even put the mattress through our pressure-map test. This is when we roll a mat specialized mat across the mattress, which then uses color-coded thermal imaging to show how much pressure is being put on different parts of the body in different sleeping positions. Looking at the results, we think the Helix Plus could be a good option for heavy sleepers with shoulder pain, but not heavy sleepers with back pain or hip pain. You can see the pressure-map results for yourself in our full Helix Plus mattress review.
What our tester says: “I loved love 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.” – Paulie Steinman, guest mattress tester
What Customers Say
On the company’s website, the Helix Plus has almost 2,500 reviews, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. Heavy reviewers consistently praise the soft comfort and durability of its materials. Helix also stands out from several mattress companies by providing you with a sleep test that you can take on their website to see which of their beds might be the best fit. And while they don’t currently have any brick and mortar stores in the United States, they do stock their beds and several brand partner showrooms, where you can go and see their products in person.
What Is the Helix Plus Mattress’s Weight Limit?
The Helix Plus can support up to 1,000 pounds (500 pounds per side).
Highlights of the Helix Plus Mattress
- Even lightweight and average weight back sleepers should find the right mixture of comfort and support on the Helix Plus. They should get enough support for a neutral spinal alignment, as well as some pressure relief at the lumbar region.
- The Helix Plus also provides comfort for lighter sleepers as long as they like a firmer mattress, meaning it can be a great choice for couples of different weights.
- To lightweight and average weight combination sleepers, the Helix Plus should feel fairly responsive, making it easy for them to switch sleeping positions.
What to Keep in Mind about the Helix Plus Mattress
- Some reviews of the Helix Plus describe the mattress as being on the softer end for heavyweight sleepers. This matches up with what Paulie experienced. Remember, the Helix Plus felt like a 6 to him, which would be considered a soft mattress. So if you’re a heavy sleeper who wants something firm, it’s probably not your best choice. You’d be better off with the Helix Dawn, the firmest model in Helix’s original line of hybrid mattresses (a 7.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale). While it wasn’t built specifically for heavy people, heavy back sleepers and heavy side sleepers should feel comfortable and well supported on it.
Get our best deal, or learn more in our full Helix Plus mattress review. Want more options? See our other best cooling mattresses.
DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy People
With its luxurious foams, the DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam gave us the feeling of sleeping in a high-end hotel. In terms of feel, it was medium firm and felt most comfortable in the back-sleeping position. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers should enjoy the medium-firm feel the DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam mattress can provide. It’s a nice mix of comfort and support.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
Since support and durability are crucial in a mattress for heavier people, many mattress models for this body type include coils in the form of a hybrid or innerspring bed. However, these coils typically give the mattress a distinctly firmer, bouncier feel, and it’s certainly not for everyone. Some prefer a more contouring, hugging feel, such as that of memory foam.
If you find yourself in this category, we implore you to consider the DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam mattress. It’s a durable luxury bed with high-quality memory foam that’s unlikely to sag, and should support back and side sleepers. The Premier Rest includes a signature cashmere quilted cover and a thick layer of memory foam for pressure relief, as well as a sturdy eight-inch layer of high-density base foam to keep heavy sleepers supported throughout the night. This blend of comfort and support is designed to provide a balanced feel that should really appeal to those who sleep on their backs and sides.
Note: Make sure to select the memory foam model at checkout, as the Premier Rest comes in a hybrid version as well.
What our tester says: “Similar to back sleepers, some heavy side sleepers may find the DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam mattress cushioning enough for side sleeping, since these folks are more likely to sink into the material.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
There are a number of positive customer reviews of the Premier Rest mattress on DreamCloud’s website, as they total up to over 4 out of 5 stars. However, there were some critiques about how heavy this mattress was to lift. We recommend grabbing a friend to help you with this mattress setup.
What Is the DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam Mattress’s Weight Limit?
The DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam can support up to 1,000 pounds.
Highlights of the DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam Mattress
- We’ve tested many of DreamCloud’s models in our mattress lab, and they always score incredibly well in materials and overall value. The Premier Rest is no exception, costing as little as $1,399 after discounts.
- This mattress should keep hot sleepers’ night sweats at bay, with a number of its layers dedicated to cooling, including its gel-infused foam and breathable cover. It even scored a 4.5 out of 5 for cooling in our mattress lab.
- DreamCloud offers a super generous year-long sleep trial and lifetime warranty, so you can sleep soundly knowing your purchase is protected.
What to Keep in Mind about the DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam Mattress
- We don’t think this mattress is going to be much of a match for heavier stomach sleepers. So, we recommend a firmer mattress for these types of sleepers.
- Those needing extra support might still want to consider a mattress with coils, like the Premier Rest’s hybrid version. We gave it a 4 out of 5 on support and — like the Premier Rest Memory Foam — a score of 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. It’s a particularly good fit for heavy back sleepers and heavy side sleepers.
Check out our full DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam mattress review. You can also see our best deal here. Want more options? See the other best memory foam mattresses.
WinkBed Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers
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
Expert Opinion
Back sleepers already need a good amount of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment. That’s even truer for larger body types, who press more into a mattress’s layers and need a bigger lift to keep them properly elevated. So when deciding on the best mattress for heavy back sleepers, we settled on the WinkBed Plus — a luxury hybrid mattress built for heavy people. They should find all the support they need in a layer of individually wrapped coils and an Extra-Edge Support System. In fact, these coils are so tall, strong, and sturdy that they give the WinkBed Plus a feel that’s similar to a traditional innerspring mattress. For comfort, a Euro top and quilted cover help cushion the lumbar area.
Because the WinkBed Plus was designed specifically for heavy sleepers, we once again brought in our colleague Paulie to test it out. As we expected, he experienced the mattress as being slightly softer than we did. He said the WinkBed Plus felt about a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where we found it to be closer to an 8. This will likely apply to sleepers cross the board: if you’re over 250 pounds, you’ll find the bed to be slightly softer than folks under 250 pounds.
What our tester says: “I experienced the Plus to be firm, but I still sank into it. I gave it a 7.5 out of 10 firmness rating. It’ll probably feel firmer for heavier and lighter sleepers alike.” – Paulie Steinman, guest mattress tester
What Customers Say
Most of the WinkBed Plus reviews on the brand’s website are five stars, with many heavy sleepers remarking how good the mattress has been for their back pain. And if you want to try the mattress in person, WinkBed products are currently available in 14 partner stores in New York, Florida, Virginia, California, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, and Texas. But the most convenient way to order is through the WinkBeds website.
What Is the WinkBed Plus Mattress’s Weight Limit?
The WinkBed Plus can support up to 900 pounds (450 pounds per side).
Highlights of the WinkBed Plus Mattress
- We found little to no motion transfer on the WinkBed Plus, which makes it an excellent mattress for heavy couples.
- With pocketed coils and a cover made of a soft and breathable material called Tencel, heavy hot sleepers should sleep cool on this mattress.
- The WinkBed Plus uses a quick-responding latex foam that, when combined with the coils, makes it easy to switch positions. So heavy combo sleepers should have no problem getting (and staying) comfortable.
What to Keep in Mind about the WinkBed Plus Mattress
- This is a firm mattress, so if you’re a heavy side sleeper, you’ll probably want something a little softer with more pressure relief. The Helix Plus could work, or even the Helix Twilight. We scored the latter a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, but heavy people will likely experience it closer to a 6 or 6.5.
Click here to save big or learn more in our full WinkBed Plus mattress review. Want more options? See our other best mattresses for back sleepers.
Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Heavy People
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
Expert Opinion
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 many heavier sleepers out there. The Saatva has the brand’s signature coil-on-coil construction, with just a little bit of memory foam up top for cushioning. And better yet, this bed comes in three different firmnesses (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm) and two different heights (11.5 inches and 14.5 inches). That way, sleepers can choose the best option for their preferred sleeping position. However, we recommend the Luxury Firm or Firm models, as well as the tallest height option, for the best support.
When we laid down on the Saatva, we experienced a lot of support, responsiveness, and firmness. The Luxury Firm mattress came in at about a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale (for context, the industry standard for medium firm is 6.5), and we found it very easy to move around and switch sleeping positions on its surface.
However, we also brought in a heavier colleague over 250 pounds to test it out. They experienced it as being a touch softer, and found it to have an ideal firmness for heavier back sleepers. They received lots of support while lying on their back. “I sank in a bit, but not too much,” they said.
What our tester says: “I’d highly recommend the Saatva to heavy back sleepers and heavy stomach sleepers. It offers sturdy support and is extremely durable.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
Many reviewers talk about how well-supported they feel on this mattress, with several calling out how it helped soothe their back pain. Also, we should point out that, unlike most of the other mattresses on this list, the Saatva doesn’t arrive rolled up in a box. Instead, the brand offers free white glove delivery and sends someone to your home to set up the mattress, uncompressed and ready to use. Saatva also has a handful of viewing rooms throughout the country in major cities such as Chicago, New York, Boston, and elsewhere in case you want to go and test out — and perhaps purchase — one of their products for yourself.
What Is the Saatva Mattress’s Weight Limit?
The Saatva can support up to 600 pounds (300 pounds per side).
Highlights of the Saatva Mattress
- We’d recommend the Plush Soft model to heavy side sleepers, and the Firm version to heavy stomach sleepers.
- With perfect 5 out of 5 scores in materials, support, and edge support, we feel confident in labeling this bed as one of the best mattresses that won’t sag.
- We found the Saatva has several features that make it a nice mattress for couples, including coils that promote airflow (a plus for cooling) and strong edge support. However, we didn’t receive spectacular results on our motion isolation test, so it’s not an outstanding option for couples who awaken easily from each other’s movements at night.
What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Mattress
- This is definitely a supportive, responsive mattress. So if you’re after that memory-foam feeling where you get lots of contouring and sink into the bed, you should look elsewhere.
- Though Saatva Classic is cheaper, the brand offers a mattress that’s extra supportive and designed specifically for heavy sleepers: the Saatva HD. Although we gave both beds a perfect 5 out of 5 on support, the Saatva HD’s materials are slightly more durable and likely to last a bit longer.
Click here to get our best deal, or learn more in our full Saatva mattress review. Want more options? See our other best innerspring mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
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
Expert Opinion
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 that their shoulder and hip joints — the areas of the body where they put the most pressure — are well-cushioned. They may find this balance in the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. The mattress comes in three different firmness levels, and we think the Medium model, which usually feels medium firm to light and average weight sleepers, might give heavy side sleepers the softness they need. Remember, heavier folks tend to experience mattresses as slightly softer than the average sleepers. The Signature Hybrid’s memory foam layer should contour nicely around pressure points while the individually encased coils support the hips and spine into a neutral alignment.
Of course, we needed to bring in a colleague with a larger body type to actually test out the Signature Hybrid. He found that our predictions were correct when he laid down on the mattress, getting the softness he needed without sacrificing support. “I feel no pressure buildup in the hips,” he said. “It’s really cushy and comfortable.”
What our tester says: “I think heavy side sleepers should like the Signature Hybrid, as they should receive a little bit more sinkage around their shoulders and hips than other sleepers. ” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
One of the most helpful features on Brooklyn Bedding’s website is that each review states the person’s age, body type, and sleeping position. Several heavy side sleepers praised the Signature Hybrid, with a handful of them recommending the pillow top add-on for extra softness at the shoulders and hips. However, note that this comes at an extra charge. Almost all of the reviews we read came from customers who ordered their mattress from Brooklyn Bedding’s website, but the company does have brick and mortar showrooms in many states in case you wanted to check out their mattresses in person.
What Is the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress’s Weight Limit?
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid can support up to 950 pounds.
Highlights of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- Heavy back sleepers who like a softer feel should enjoy the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid; they should still receive adequate support from the coils and transition foam.
- This mattress scored well for motion isolation, sex, cooling, and edge support, which are four of the most important qualities in a mattress for heavy couples (and any couple, really).
- Being a hybrid mattress, the Signature Hybrid has coils that provide a good amount of airflow for hot sleepers. However, if you sleep extra hot, we recommend the cooling cover available for purchase at an additional fee.
What to Keep in Mind about the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- While the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has a quality construction, it is a simple one. If you’re a luxury shopper searching for something with a lot of special features, we recommend one of the best luxury mattresses or the Helix Midnight Luxe — the luxury version of the standard Helix Midnight. Its upgraded features include zoned support and a cushioning pillow top. It should also be supportive enough for heavy back sleepers and heavy side sleepers.
Click here to get our best deal, or learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. Want more options? Check out our picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Nolah Evolution Comfort+ – Best Luxury Mattress for Heavy People
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
Expert Opinion
The word “luxury” gets thrown around quite a bit in the mattress industry. So when we’re selecting the best luxury mattress for heavy people, we’re going to keep a lookout for mattresses that truly take quality and comfort to the next level. The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ — a luxury hybrid mattress — fits this description well.
This mattress utilizes cushioning proprietary foam and a Euro top for extra luxurious pressure relief. There are eight inches of sturdy coils toward the bottom of the mattress, which offer zoned support for targeted spinal support. These coils are reinforced for additional durability and edge support (the strength of a mattress’s perimeter). All of this makes for a sturdy construction should work wonders for heavy sleepers. They should be able to feel the effects of each layer (that means no springs poking into your side at night).
When we brought in a heavy colleague to test out the Nolah Evolution Comfort+, they found it to be quite comfortable. “While it may be on the softer side, I do feel like there is still more than enough support to be gleaned from the mattress,” they said.
What our tester says: “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.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Reviewers have amazing things to say about the outstanding quality of this mattress. Many mention that considering the durable materials, it’s a wonderful value mattress option.
What Is the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ Mattress’s Weight Limit?
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ can support up to 1,000 pounds.
Highlights of the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ Mattress
- There’s a special cooling cover made from breathable cotton and special thermal technology. This should work wonders for hot sleepers.
- Nolah speculates this mattress firmness to be around 6–7 out of 10, meaning it should provide a more balanced feel ideal for back sleeping.
- The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ was made in the USA.
What to Keep in Mind about the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ Mattress
- Being a luxury mattress, the Evolution Comfort+ is priced higher than other options on the market. However, you can find a queen size for under $1,800 after discounts. If that’s still too expensive, though, Nolah does have some less expensive options that could still work for heavy sleepers. The Nolah Evolution, for example, should be comfortable for heavy back sleepers and side sleepers, and runs about $1,000 cheaper.
Check out our full Nolah Evolution Comfort+ review, or see our best deal here. Want more options? See the other best luxury mattresses.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Heavy People and Muscle Recovery
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
Expert Opinion
Over the past few years, we’ve been intrigued by Bear mattresses. Their cover can optionally include a material called Celliant, which is available for a fee. What’s special about Celliant is that it’s designed to absorb body heat, then redirect it back to the sleeper for muscle recovery and blood flow. While we can’t verify these benefits, several independent studies have, and we can testify that Celliant sleeps nice and cool.
At 14 inches in height, the Bear Elite Hybrid is also taller 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. One of our colleagues who happens to be a heavy sleeper had this to say about the bed: “It has great responsiveness and it works for all heavy sleeping positions. 10 out of 10 would recommend.”
What our tester says: “I think heavy back sleepers sleepers should be really comfortable on the Firm model. They should feel supported by the pocketed coils. And heavy side sleepers should sink into the layers the right amount to get some comfort around their hips and shoulders. ” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
Being a newer mattress (at least compared to others on this list), the Bear Elite Hybrid only has about 260 reviews on the Bear website at the time of this writing. But the folks who have reviewed it praise its strong support and high level of firmness. And while the most convenient place to buy a Bear mattress is online, their products are featured in several partner stores (including Brooklyn Bedding’s brick and mortar establishments), where you can test them out in person.
What Is the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress’s Weight Limit?
The Bear Elite Hybrid can support up to 800 pounds (400 pounds per side).
Highlights of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- The potential benefits of its optional Celliant cover have made Bear mattresses popular among those who play sports or live an active lifestyle. So we think the Elite Hybrid is an excellent choice for heavy athletes.
- Although the comfort layer of foam is somewhat soft, the Bear Elite Hybrid is also responsive enough for heavy combination sleepers to switch positions.
- Lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers should all get the optimal mixture of comfort and support on the Bear Elite Hybrid. The mattress is also available in a Soft and Firm model. We think the Soft model is the best fit for average weight side sleepers, and the Firm model is the best fit for average weight stomach sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind about the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- Because this is a luxury mattress, the Bear Elite Hybrid isn’t the most affordable option on the market. Keep this in mind if you’re a budget shopper working within a specific price range. You could opt for the much cheaper Bear Star Hybrid, which can usually be found for under $1,300 after discounts (queen size). We found it to be especially comfortable for heavy back sleepers.
- The Celliant cover, which keeps the bed cool, is not included with the mattress purchase and must be bought at an additional cost of around $130.
Click here to save big on your mattress or learn more in my full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. Want more options? See our other best mattresses for athletes.
Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People
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
Expert Opinion
We often point heavy people toward firm mattresses. Because larger body types create more compression on a sleeping surface, a firm mattress may actually feel more pressure relieving for heavy sleepers than they do for folks of lighter or average weight. And if you need a firm mattress, you can’t get much 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.
When testing out the Plank, we experienced the firm side as a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale and the extra-firm side as an 8 out of 10. The mattress maintains its strong support from the seven inches of high-density base foam in the middle of the construction, with 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.
A heavier colleague of ours tried out the Plank Firm in all three sleeping positions and found it to be a good fit for back sleeping and stomach sleeping. However, they said that “Both sides are much too firm for side sleeping.”
What our tester says: “I think that even heavy stomach sleepers should feel firm support to prevent their hips from sinking into this mattress, particularly on the extra-firm side. ” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
The Plank Firm has nearly 2,700 reviews on its website, with an average star rating of 4.8 out of 5. Unsurprisingly, customers constantly talk about how firm both sides of this bed are. While that feel may not be for everyone, it’s a hands-down winner for anyone who can’t get enough firmness — especially heavy sleepers who are going to experience the Plank as being slightly softer than average weight or light sleepers. If you want to see what the Plank Firm feels like yourself, you can check out one of Brooklyn Bedding’s many showrooms across the country.
What Is the Plank Firm Mattress’s Weight Limit?
The Plank Firm can support up to 950 pounds.
Highlights of the Plank Firm Mattress
- Heavy back sleepers could be comfortable on the firm side.
- As for heavy stomach sleepers, they should be comfortable on the extra-firm side.
- If you’re not a heavy sleeper, but just want a firm feel, the Plank Firm could be a good fit for you. Most body types should be well accommodated in the back- and stomach-sleeping positions.
What to Keep in Mind about the Plank Firm Mattress
- The Plank Firm is going to be too firm for heavy side sleepers, especially those closer to 250 pounds. They may want to try the Saatva Rx — a unique bed whose layers alternate between foam and coils. We scored it a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. It should give heavy side sleepers and equal amount of pressure relief and support.
Click here to get our best deal, or learn more in the full Plank Firm mattress review. Want more options? See our other best firm mattresses.
How We Test the Best Mattresses for Heavy People
When testing the best mattresses for heavy people, we pay special attention to firmness and support. We want to feel lifted when lying down on the bed — a sign that the materials are sturdy enough to prop up additional weight. We also look for mattresses on the firmer side (most of the selections on this list are at least a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale), or ones that come in multiple firmness options.
Most importantly, we try to bring in someone with a larger body type when we can to test out how good a particular mattress might be for heavy people. They lie down on the mattress, then give us their observations about how it felt and what kind of support they received.
Below, you can see our colleague Paulie testing out the WinkBed Plus.
If for some reason, we can’t have a heavy person test out a mattress, we note that a mattress is going to feel half a point to a whole point softer for them than it might for someone with an average body type. Then we can make our recommendations from there.
What to Look for in the Best Mattress for Heavy People
Body weight helps determine the support, thickness, and material of your ideal mattress. The following guide will help you narrow down the many available options and make an educated decision when you’re ready to purchase.
Support and Spinal Alignment
Can the mattress support your weight without sinking or sagging? Larger folks often carry weight in the hips and stomach area, making a mattress’s core and surface support crucial to a comfortable night’s sleep. An internal structure with steel coils should stand up to additional pressure from body weight.
Feel and Preference
Do you like a softer or firmer feel in a mattress? It’s more challenging for heavy sleepers to find a softer mattress with a sturdy core structure. A pillow top mattress can provide a plush comfort layer without compromising support. Those preferring a medium feel might opt for a firmer top layer that’s thick enough to allow some body sinkage. Larger sleepers who like a firm feel can forego a plush comfort layer, but should keep support and pressure relief in mind. A latex surface may work well for this type of sleeper.
To assist your search, take a look at our guide for the Pros and Cons of Firm vs Soft Mattresses.
Sleeping Position
| Sleeping Position | Mattress Firmness Recommendation |
| Side Sleepers | Medium (5) to Medium Firm (6) |
| Back Sleepers | Medium Firm (6) to Firm (8-9) |
| Stomach Sleepers | Firm (7-8) to Extra-Firm (9-10) |
| Combination Sleepers | Soft-Medium (4-5) to Firm (7-8) |
If you weigh more than 200 pounds, your sleeping position has even more impact on your mattress choice. For instance, stomach sleeping puts more pressure on a mattress than back sleeping or side sleeping, so these folks usually require more support. Consider your sleeping position, then decide how firm and sturdy you need your mattress to be.
- Back sleepers may prefer a medium-firm to firmer mattress that prevents the hips and shoulders from sinking out of alignment.
- Stomach sleepers usually need a firm mattress to prevent curvature of the lower back.
- Side sleepers tend to want a mattress that’s softer, so it can cushion their shoulder and hip.
For more information, see our guide for The Best Sleeping Position for Better Health and Sleep.
Edge Support
If you frequently sit on the edge of your bed, edge support will be that 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. This becomes even more important if you have a larger body type.
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 side support coils or additional side structure made of high-density poly foam.
In general, mattresses built from springs, coil-on-coil constructions, or hybrid designs that utilize springs and foam will offer the best edge support. Many foam mattresses have minimal edge support, especially for heavier sleepers. This is less of an issue for thicker foam mattresses, but still important to keep in mind.
Cooling
Cooling is an important factor to consider for heavy sleepers since the more weight that’s in the bed, the more likely it is to heat up. We take a couple of different factors into account when evaluating a mattress’s cooling abilities.
First, we consider the mattress’s construction. We’ll get into more detail about why this is later, but as as rule of thumb, latex mattresses and innerspring mattresses tend to sleep the coolest, followed by hybrid mattresses, then memory foam. Memory foam mattresses usually sleep the hottest because the material is so dense and doesn’t leave a ton of space for air to flow through the bed.
Next, we simply see how cool the mattress feels when we lie down on it. And finally, we perform a more formal test by checking each mattress’s 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. More than 15 degrees Fahrenheit 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.
Below is an example of our thermal gun results for the Helix Plus.
After combining the temperature increase with the mattress’s construction and feel when it comes to temperature, we come up with our final cooling score.
Mattress Thickness
Mattresses are generally six 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 that offers a higher level of support.
Finding The Right Thickness For You
Sleepers weighing less than 200 pounds should find a 10-inch mattress to be sufficient. Because heavier people exert a larger amount of pressure, they sleep best on a thicker mattress offering deep compression support. In some cases, 10-inch mattresses utilize advanced foams or an extra thick comfort layer to improve this type of support.
Durability
The highest quality mattresses last around seven years. The durability of a mattress varies by the types of materials used in its construction. Heavy people, in particular, need to pay special attention to durability since they put more pressure on a mattress’s layers, which can lead 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.
You can read more about the varying mattress materials and which ones have the highest durability in our section titled Best Type of Mattress for Larger Sleepers further down the page.
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 $1,200 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.
How Important are Mattress Warranties and Sleep Trials?
Many mattress companies offer great warranties, such as lifetime warranties, to ensure that you can get your mattress replaced or fixed if it is defective or recalled. These warranties protect you from having to buy a new mattress too soon. Sleep Trials are also extremely beneficial as it allows you to test the mattress for 30-90 days to make sure it has the support, pressure relief and cooling you are looking for so you can feel confident when making your mattress purchase.
Best Type of Mattress for Larger Sleepers
The construction and materials in a mattress do a lot to inform the overall firmness, support, and temperature regulation of a structure. This is crucial for heavy sleepers since they may need additional structural support and cooling features. Some of the most common materials include:
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses may be soft or very firm depending on the manufacturer and construction. These beds help relieve pressure points by providing consistent, contouring support. The material responds to pressure slowly and transfers little to no motion. It’s often a good choice for side sleepers and back sleepers looking for pain relief.
Memory foam has a slight reputation for absorbing and trapping body heat. If you’re someone who sleeps hot at night, you’ll want to look for memory foam with cooling properties, such as gel infusions or open-cell designs.
Another downside to memory foam is its durability. Although it’s longer-lasting than poly foam, it’s susceptible to developing body indentations over time. The foam density makes a difference; low-density foam can form indentations faster, whereas medium and high-density foams break down slower.
Latex
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 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. Latex has a quick response to pressure, making it a bouncier alternative to memory foam or other types of poly foams. It’s worth noting this increase in buoyancy may result in more motion transfer.
Latex is frequently used as a primary mattress material or cushioning layer. It’s less prone to indentations than memory foam, but can soften with use like other materials.
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.
The supportiveness of an innerspring is determined by the number and density of its interior coils. A coil-on-coil construction, for example, uses two layers of springs to improve the feel, support, deep compression, and build quality of the mattress. 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.
Innerspring mattresses are typically some of the most durable beds out there. That said, coils can lose their spring over time and become prone to sagging. That’s why quality is so important. Some lower-quality innerspring mattresses may deteriorate in under three years. Higher-quality innerspring mattresses should last at least seven years.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses utilize both coils and layers of foam, 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. Comfort layers made of latex offer additional bounce, while memory foam layers provide pressure relief and conforming comfort.
Hybrid mattresses tend to offer better edge support than other models, a trait that prevents sagging and increases a mattress’ durability. Another benefit of hybrids is deep compression support, allowing the body to sink into the top layers without digging too deeply into the material. You can read our best hybrid mattress list to see my top picks in the category.
For instance, latex comfort layers are more durable than those made of memory foam. So a latex hybrid mattress is likely to last longer than memory foam, with the latter more prone to indentations, softening, and sagging over time.
What Mattress Firmness Is Best For Heavier People?
You should determine your ideal mattress firmness from what type of sleeper you are and your personal preferences. Mattress firmness is described by a numerical 1–10 scale, from the softest to the firmest. 6.5 is considered the industry standard for medium firmness. Most soft mattresses measure around 4–6 out of 10 on the scale, while firmer mattresses measure around 7–9 out of 10.
Heavier sleepers should look for a mattress on the firm side, although a medium-firm mattress can also work, as it provides enough spinal and joint support, yet relieves pressure around the hips and shoulders.
The heavier you are, the deeper and more pronounced the sinkage. A mattress with an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale might feel like a 7 out of 10 for a sleeper who weighs 250 pounds or more. A heavier sleeper may experience about one to two inches more sinkage than an average weight person.
For more information on mattress firmness, see our official Sleepopolis Firmness Guide.
What Mattress Is Best For Heavier Sleepers Who Sleep Hot?
Poor ventilation in a mattress can make a mattress feel warmer, and so can extra body heat if you share a bed. Studies show that heavier and/or more muscular sleepers have more body mass, which generates more heat. Some mattresses sleep warmer than others. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of how each one performs when it comes to temperature regulation. For more info, check out our guide to the best cooling mattresses.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses typically sleep warmer than innerspring or hybrid mattresses. New mattress innovations addressed the problem of heat retention by utilizing cooling gels, an open-cell structure, or cover materials that absorb heat. We recommend heavier sleepers avoid inexpensive or basic memory foams that are more likely to absorb and retain heat.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses don’t absorb as much body heat because most of their construction is made up of coils. Because springs have a lot more room than foams, air has an easier time flowing throughout the structure, which helps prevent the accumulation of heat.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses also tend to sleep cool, though not quite as cool as innerspring beds. This is due to there still being some foam in the construction — usually in the comfort layer. If it’s a cooling hybrid mattress, the comfort layer is often made of a cooling material such as latex or advanced memory foam to help make the bed a good choice for hot sleepers.
Latex
Latex tends to be an excellent material when it comes to sleeping cool. Its open-cell structure encourages airflow, thus reducing the retention of body heat. Many latex mattresses and toppers contain small holes, permitting additional airflow. Changing positions and moving during sleep help push air through the latex foam structure and disperse even more heat.
When to Replace Your Mattress
A mattress that flattens out or becomes uneven after a few years can curtail comfort and make sleep difficult. Beds that can withstand heavier weight will perform longer than one that is less structurally sound.
The lifespan of a mattress refers to the amount of time before it needs to be replaced. Heavier weight can impact the lifespan of a bed, so the right mattress selection is essential. All mattresses lose shape and support over the years. Common types of deterioration include the following.
Sagging
Sagging is caused by compression and breakdown of the mattress surface and/or interior materials. It primarily results from torso and hip pressure. This type of deterioration can cause misalignment of the spine, irritation of pressure points, and numbness and tingling from impaired circulation. That’s why couples in particular need to make sure they find a durable bed.
For some of our favorite durable mattresses, check out our roundup for the best mattresses that won’t sag.
Sinkage
Sinkage is common with memory foam mattresses but can happen to any mattress over time. This can cause impressions of the body to form on the surface of the mattress and make changing positions more difficult.
Flattening
Flattening of the surface or upper layers of a mattress can occur quickly if the layers are thin or lower in quality. This can occur gradually due to pressure from body weight. Flattening can be especially uncomfortable for heavy people who rely on a pressure-relieving cushioning layer.
Softening
For those who prefer a medium-firm to firm feel in a mattress, softening can be an unwelcome change. Some softening is expected over time, but too much leads to grooves in the mattress surface, increased pressure on joints, and disrupted sleep.
Why Does Buying a Mattress Made for your Body Type Matter?
Buying a mattress made for your body matters because it ensures proper support and alignment, reducing the risk of discomfort and back pain. Additionally, a personalized mattress can improve sleep quality by adapting to your unique sleep preferences and body contours.
Mattress Weight Capacities
The typical mattress is designed to support a body weight of 250 pounds. Weight limits normally 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 250 pounds or if you and your partner together weigh more than 500 pounds, investigate a specialty or bariatric mattress.
What’s a Specialty or Bariatric Mattress?
These beds are specifically designed to support more weight and are often wider than conventional mattresses. Bariatric mattresses typically support up to 1,000 pounds. Like traditional mattresses, specialty and bariatric mattresses vary in price depending on features and manufacturers. They’re widely available online, but are more difficult to find in stores.
The thickness of these mattresses is less important than its 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’ weight limit, call the manufacturer or check out the brand’s website. Some mattress manufacturers such as Casper specifically state that their products do not have a weight limit.
Considerations for Heavier Couples When Buying a Mattress
The weight limit of a mattress is especially important when shopping for a mattress as a heavy couple. A collective weight of more than 500 pounds may make a bariatric or specialty mattress a better choice than a conventional one. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s weight specifications before buying.
Support becomes increasingly important as the weight of each sleeper increases. A foam mattress may be adequate for one 200-pound person, but provides too little support when a partner of a similar size sleeps in the same bed. Innerspring mattresses offer pressure relief and durable support, so they’re great for heavier couples. Interior coils made of lower-gauge steel are thicker and denser. These provide better support for heavier couples than thinner coils made of higher-gauge steel.
Buying a Mattress for Couples of Different Weights
If you and your partner have different sleep needs, consider an adjustable bed. Some mattress brands allow firmness, head elevation, and temperature to be adjusted on each side of the bed, maximizing individual comfort.
One such mattress that comes to mind is the Saatva Solaire. A high-tech airbed, it allows you to choose from 50 different firmness settings via a remote control. That means its firmness fluctuates between a 4 out of 10 and an 8 out of 10 on my mattress firmness scale. Granted, those firmnesses will likely feel different to heavier sleepers. But there are enough options here to keep a wide variety of folks satisfied, including couples with different weights and preferences.
Also, Saatva is known for creating durable luxury mattresses, and the Solaire is no different. In addition to its varying firmness levels, you get to enjoy a Euro pillow top, hypoallergenic cotton cover, a protective moisture barrier, and other luxurious features.
If you’re intrigued by this innovative bed, you can read more about it in our full Saatva Solaire mattress review.
Mattress Accessories for Heavy People
In addition to finding a mattress that’s right for them, heavy people can use various accessories to strengthen their sleep surface and give them the features they need.
Best Mattress Toppers for Heavy People
Mattress toppers can extend the life of an older mattress or provide a plush, cushioning layer on top of a firm bed. The best mattress toppers for heavy people offer pressure relief and durability while still providing support. A mattress topper can also create a cooling barrier over a mattress.
Mattress toppers typically range from two to four inches thick. In general, a thicker topper will offer more support for heavier sleepers. Topper materials usually include:
Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The best memory foam mattress toppers can offer the firm yet plush support many heavy sleepers prefer, but may sleep warmer than other materials. They’re likely to cause overheating if infused with gel or covered with Phase Change Material (specifically designed to absorb and release heat).
Poly foam Mattress Topper
Poly foam, or polyurethane foam, is usually the least expensive of all topper materials. Due to its lower density, it’s the least durable. Poly foam is made from petrochemicals and tends to degrade and lose shape quickly. “Egg crate” toppers are often made from polyurethane and can contain fire retardant additives.
Latex Mattress Topper
Latex is cooling and supportive, but may feel springier than memory foam. It has a faster response time than memory foam and is ideal for combination sleepers. However, it’s worse at isolating motion.
Is There a Best Pillow for Heavy People?
While there are some mattress toppers that work better for heavier sleepers, there’s not really a best pillow for heavy sleepers. What matters far more than your weight is your preferred sleeping position and the broadness of your shoulders. For detailed info on these accessories, check out our guide on how to choose the right pillow, or our best pillows roundup.
A Look Into the Sleepopolis Testing Lab
In order to ensure that we’re recommending the best mattresses to sleepers everywhere, we test each one individually in our mattress lab in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 beds, putting each one through a rigorous testing process that includes measuring a mattress’s motion transfer with a seismometer, tracking its cooling capabilities with a thermal gun, and visualizing its ability to relieve pain with a pressure map.
From there, we give every bed an overall score based on its materials, comfort, support, cooling, edge support, and more. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
We know that sleep is an integral part of your health, which is why we’ve developed such a detailed methodology when testing mattresses and writing our reviews. We also know that every sleeper is different when it comes to body type, sleeping position, and mattress preference. With so many factors at play, we want to give you an informed opinion so you can make an informed purchase.
How We Chose The Best Mattresses for Heavy People
When handpicking the best mattresses for heavy people this roundup, we first and foremost considered the support scores in our Sleepopolis mattress lab. Ideally, beds for larger bodies should excel in support and stability, keeping the sleeper’s hips lifted and the spine in proper alignment throughout the night. When testing each bed, we found that 10 of these mattresses scored at least a 4 in support.
We also made a point to include beds with stellar edge support. The stronger the perimeter of the mattress is, the more weight it should be able to bear. Ideally, heavy sleepers who sleep with a partner or close to the edge of the mattress will want a bed with solid edge support. All 10 mattresses in this roundup received an edge support score at or above 4 out of 5.
FAQs
What type of bed frame is best for heavy people?
When shopping for a bed frame, larger people should look for one designed to support both a mattress and foundation or box spring (if you plan to use one). Bed frames made of hardwood or metal work for bigger people, while softwoods and weaker materials should be avoided. Metal bed frames are typically made of hollow tubes of steel and weigh less than wood frames.
Do I need a foundation or box spring to go with my mattress?
Whether to buy a foundation or box spring depends on personal preference. A good foundation or box spring can extend the life of your mattress and raise it to a comfortable level. A foundation helps to protect your mattress by absorbing your body’s pressure and the movement. It can also help prevent sagging or flattening of the mattress against slats or a platform base. The warranty of some mattresses requires the use of a box spring or platform bed. Some innerspring mattresses perform best on a box spring, which helps preserve the supportive core.
Do memory foam mattresses have a weight limit?
Many memory foam mattresses do not have a weight limit due to their minimal core construction. However, many bed frames, foundations, and box springs do. Familiarize yourself with the weight limit of any product or item of furniture before purchasing.
Can a heavy sleeper sleep on a bed in a box?
It depends on your weight, mattress preference, and sleep position. If you’ve chosen an innerspring mattress, you may be able to buy some brands in a box, though many innerspring mattresses with sturdier and more durable coils aren’t available in bed in a box form.
What is the best mattress for heavy people who sleep with a partner?
We recommend a hybrid mattress for heavy couples, since many models are built to be responsive for sex yet motion isolating. And the breathable coils prevent overheating, since two bodies is hotter than one.
Overall, heavy couples will want a mattress with enhanced edge support and general support in the form of a hybrid’s sturdy coils. This helps couples stay lifted throughout the night, keeping their spines in proper alignment. Keep in mind that it’s important to find a mattress that caters to each partner’s sleeping position, and this might mean going for a split mattress, where each couple customizes their own side.
What kind of mattress is best for a 300-pound person?
Those weighing around 300 pounds should be pleased with models made for heavy people like the Saatva HD, WinkBed Plus, and Bear Elite Hybrid. Overall, we recommend medium-firm to firm mattresses with enhanced support, whether you get it from high-density foam or sturdy coils. We also suggest getting a mattress that’s extra-thick, or roughly 12 inches or more.
What kind of mattress is best for a 400-pound person?
Those weighing around 400 pounds should be pleased with models made for heavy people like the Saatva HD, Titan Plus, and Nolah Evolution Comfort+. Overall, we recommend medium-firm to firm mattresses with enhanced support, whether you get it from high-density foam or sturdy coils. We also suggest getting a mattress that’s extra-thick, or roughly 12 inches or more.
What kind of mattress is best for a 500-pound person?
Those weighing around 500 pounds should be pleased with models made for heavy people like the Titan Plus, Plank Firm, and Nolah Evolution Comfort+. Overall, we recommend medium-firm to firm mattresses with enhanced support, whether you get it from high-density foam or sturdy coils. We also suggest getting a mattress that’s extra-thick, or roughly 12 inches or more.
Best Mattresses for Heavy People
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| Titan Plus Luxe | Overall | $1,599 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Plus | Hot Sleepers | $1,498 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud Premier Rest Memory Foam | Memory Foam | $2,332 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed Plus | Back Sleepers | $1,999 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Innerspring | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Side Sleepers | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution Comfort+ | Luxury | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Athletes | $2,305 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm | Firm | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper
