Best Mattresses for Lightweight Sleepers

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories. Learn more

Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top mattresses for lightweight sleeper picks and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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Perhaps the three most important things to think about before buying a mattress are firmness, sleeping position, and body type. In the mattress world, if you’re 130 pounds or less, then you should be looking for one of the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers. Our team at Sleepopolis tested hundreds of products utilizing a strict review and analysis process. This procedure was essential to building this very roundup. Let’s get into our top 10 picks for the best mattress for lightweight sleepers!

Our Top Pick for Lightweight Sleepers

We chose the DreamCloud as the best mattress for lightweight sleepers because of its versatility. Its multiple layers of soft memory foam and individually wrapped coils conform to the body, making the bed a good match for several different sleeping positions.

The Best Mattresses for Lightweight Sleepers 2023

• Best Overall – DreamCloud
• Best Cooling Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers – WinkBed
• Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers with Joint Pain – Helix Sunset
• Best Mattress for Lightweight Couples – Nectar Hybrid
• Best Mattress for Lightweight Stomach Sleepers – Saatva
• Best Hybrid Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers – Bear
• Best Flippable Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers – Layla
• Best Mattress for Lightweight Side Sleepers – Puffy Lux Hybrid
• Best Organic Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers – Zenhaven

Compare Best Mattresses for Lightweight Sleepers

Best Overall – DreamCloud

Expert Opinion

The DreamCloud is our best overall pick because it works well for lightweight sleepers in most sleeping positions. When we tested it out, we got just enough pressure relief from the top layers of foam, while still experiencing an on-top-of-the-bed feel. Overall, it’s a supportive and responsive mattress with some luxury touches such as a soft cashmere blend cover.

What our tester says: “I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the DreamCloud is Best for

• Back sleepers: They should get the proper balance of comfort and support, thanks to the mattress’ combination of cushy foams and coils.
• Stomach sleepers: When we tested out the DreamCloud on our stomach, we felt our hips lifted and properly aligned with our shoulders. This is key to preventing back pain.
• Combination sleepers: The DreamCloud is responsive and bouncy enough for combo sleepers to easily switch positions.

Who Should Avoid the DreamCloud

• Strict side sleepers: If you’re a lightweight side sleeper who occasionally sleeps on their back or stomach, you should be comfortable on the DreamCloud. But if you sleep exclusively on your side, you may need a bed with more contouring.

Think the DreamCloud is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full DreamCloud mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses. 

Best Cooling – WinkBed

Expert Opinion

The WinkBed’s most notable feature is an extra-tall section of coils. These don’t just give the mattress a traditional innerspring feel, but leave plenty of space for air to flow through the hybrid construction. The layer of memory foam above the coils also has an infusion of gel for added cooling. Both of these features helped us keep a low temperature as soon as we laid down on the WinkBed; it should be an excellent choice for hot sleepers. Another highlight? The mattress has three firmness options: Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. This means lightweight sleepers can choose the best firmness for their needs and preferences. 

What our tester says: “I really like the bouncy support this mattress offers. It should be a hit with combination sleepers who need some mobility to change positions at night. Anyone who likes a more traditional innerspring feel should find a lot to love in the WinkBed.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the WinkBed is Best for

• All sleeping positions: We tested the Luxury Firm version and think it’s the best fit for lightweight back sleepers. Stomach sleepers who need more support should love the Firmer model, and side sleepers should opt for the Soft model. There’s also the WinkBed Plus, which is meant for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds.
• Combination sleepers: They should love the WinkBed’s responsive feel and find it easy to change positions.
• Fans of innerspring mattresses: Even the Soft model has an innerspring feel reminiscent of a high-end hotel bed.

Who Should Avoid the WinkBled

• Lovers of memory foam: If you’re a lightweight sleeper who loves the slow-sinking feel of memory foam, you likely won’t find it on the WinkBed.

Think the WinkBed is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full WinkBed mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best cooling mattresses. 

Best for Joint Pain – Helix Sunset

Expert Opinion

At a 5.5/10 on our mattress firmness scale, the Helix Sunset is a softer bed. This not only provides wonderful cushioning for lightweight sleepers, but also pressure relief for those experiencing joint pain. To test out the bed’s pain relief performance, we used a device called a pressure map — a mat that we lay across the bed that measures how much pressure our body experiences in different sleeping positions. Unsurprisingly, the map showed little to no pressure at our shoulders, hips, and back. 

What our tester says: “The Sunset is a great option for side sleepers. The firmness level means that there should be plenty of plush pressure relief for these folks.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Helix Sunset is Best for

• Back sleepers: Although the Helix Sunset is soft, lightweight back sleepers should still get the support they need from the layer of coils at the bottom of the mattress.
• Side sleepers: Per our pressure map results, they should experience deep pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
• Hot sleepers: Helix’s hybrid mattresses tend to be good options for cooling because the coils leave so much room for airflow. The Sunset is no different, although if you sleep especially hot, you may want to opt for the Helix Sunset Luxe, a luxury upgrade that includes more cooling materials. 

Who Should Avoid the Helix Sunset

• Stomach sleepers: Even lightweight stomach sleepers are probably going to need something firmer and more supportive than the Sunset.

Think the Helix Sunset is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Helix Sunset mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for shoulder pain. 

Best for Couples – Nectar Hybrid

Expert Opinion

Lightweight couples require a mattress that’s cooling, durable, and able to isolate motion. We found that the Nectar Hybrid checked all of these boxes, making it a great option for lightweight couples. To test out its motion isolation, we dropped steel balls of different weights onto the mattress and used a seismometer to measure their vibrations. The vibrations were all very low, which tells us that you and your partner are unlikely to feel each other’s movements at night. 

What our tester says: “I really like how I felt comfortable sleeping on my back and side on this mattress. The top foams have a slower-moving feel, which is great for pressure relief, and the coils bring added support and durability to the bed.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Nectar Hybrid is Best for

• Lightweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers: With its medium-firm construction, the Nectar Hybrid should give these folks the support they need.
• Hot sleepers: The mattress’ cooling features include a soft and breathable cover, an infusion of gel in the foam comfort layer, and coils that promote airflow.
• Those looking for a long-term investment: The Nectar Hybrid has strong edge support, meaning you can spread out and use the whole surface of the mattress without feeling like you’re going to fall off. This is another plus for couples and also helps the bed last longer — at least 7 to 10 years.

Who Should Avoid the Nectar Hybrid

• Average weight stomach sleepers: While the Nectar Hybrid is a good fit for lightweight stomach sleepers, it probably won’t be supportive enough for stomach sleepers over 150 pounds.

Think the Nectar Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nectar Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for couples. 

Best for Stomach Sleepers – Saatva

Expert Opinion

It can be difficult to find a great mattress for stomach sleepers. Even lightweight sleepers put more pressure on a bed than other sleeping positions, so they need something that’s going to provide comfort without letting the hips sink into the material, which can throw the spine out of alignment. Luckily, the Saatva has three firmnesses. We tested out the Luxury Firm model and felt very supported on its coil-on-coil construction. Lightweight stomach sleepers should enjoy its traditional innerspring feel, as it helps keep their hips lifted and in line with the shoulders. Additionally, a 3″ Euro-top provides just enough pressure relief. 

What our tester says: “I’d recommend trying the Firm model if you’re a strict stomach sleeper. A firm mattress helps keep the hips and shoulders aligned, which is important for avoiding back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Saatva is Best for

• All sleeping positions and weights: Because there are several different firmnesses to choose from, even average weight back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers should be able to find something they like. There’s also the Saatva HD — bed built just for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds. 
• Sleepers looking for an investment: The Saatva is one of the most durable mattresses out there, boasting incredible edge support and high-quality materials.
• Hot sleepers: Since the Saatva has a double-layer of coils, there’s more room than usual for air to flow through the mattress.

Who Should Avoid the Saatva

• Memory foam fans: Even the softest model of the Saatva is going to make you feel more on top of the mattress than in it. If you’re a lightweight sleeper who loves the slow, sinking feel of memory foam, you should look elsewhere.

Think the Saatva is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Saatva mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for stomach sleepers. 

Best Hybrid – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Expert Opinion

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid combines individually wrapped coils with comforting foam. The company uses their patented TitanFlex foam, which we felt delivered the feel of traditional memory foam, but with more responsiveness and cooling. Brooklyn Bedding also sells their mattresses in three firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm. We recommend the Medium version to lightweight back and stomach sleepers, while side sleepers should appreciate the Soft model.

What our tester says: “I really like how the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels. It allows for all kinds of sleepers to find the right fit for them.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is Best for

• Hot sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding really did do a good job making their TitanFlex foam more breathable than standard memory foam. Coupled with the airflow-promoting coils, it helps the mattress sleep cool.
• Budget shoppers: Because Brooklyn Bedding owns their own factory, they can sell their mattresses at a value price. You can  often find a queen size Signature Hybrid for less than $1,000 after sales and discounts.
• Couples: They should appreciate how well the Signature Hybrid isolates motion, as well as its strong edge support.

Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

• Luxury shoppers: The design of the Signature Hybrid is fairly simple, so there aren’t a ton of bells and whistles in its construction.

Think the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best hybrid mattresses. 

Best Memory Foam – Bear

Expert Opinion

If you’re a lightweight sleeper who’s not crazy about the firmer feel of a hybrid or innerspring, you might be biased toward the hugging feel of memory foam. The all-foam Bear includes two inches of this material, which contours and relieves tension from sensitive areas. As comfortable as memory foam is, it can sometimes cause sleepers to sink too far into the bed. However, the Bear prevents this with a bottom layer of high-density support foam. When we tested out the mattress, we felt fully supported and on top of the bed. 

What our tester says: “I really appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it an great option for back sleepers struggling with back pain. I also really like the Bear’s Celliant cover!” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Bear is Best for

• Back sleepers: They should enjoy the balance of comfort and support on the Bear. 
• Side sleepers: Lightweight side sleepers will only sink into the top layers, so they should receive plenty of pressure relief from the comfort layer.
• Athletes: Bear actually designs their mattresses for sleepers with an active lifestyle. There’s an infusion of gel in the memory foam to help you keep cool after a workout, and the cover is made of a material called Celliant that may assist with recovery and blood flow.

Who Should Avoid the Bear

• Heavy sleepers: If you have a larger body type and are over 250 pounds, you may not get the support you need from the Bear.

Think the Bear is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Bear mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best memory foam mattresses. 

Best Flippable – Layla

Expert Opinion

A flippable mattress, the all-foam Layla has a Soft side (5.5/10 on the firmness scale) and a Firm side (7.5/10). You can flip to the side that best suits your body type, sleeping position, and personal preferences. When we tested it out, we found that the two sides truly were different. On the Firm side, we felt more on top of the mattress, while on the Soft side, we felt ourselves slowly sinking into the material and getting some deep pressure relief. For lightweight sleepers, the side they choose will depend on their preferences and sleeping position (more on that below).

What our tester says: “I think side sleepers will prefer the soft side and stomach sleepers will be better off on the firm side. Many back sleepers should feel comfortable, so long as they don’t mind a super soft or super firm feel.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Layla is Best for

• Side sleepers: Lightweight side sleepers should enjoy the softer side, as it will give them contouring at the shoulders and hips.
• Stomach sleepers: The firm side is ideal for these folks, as it will help them prevent back pain by keeping their hips lifted and aligned with their shoulders.
• Back sleepers: Lightweight back sleepers should also go for the firm side. Its more supportive foams should help keep their spine neutrally aligned. 

Who Should Avoid the Layla

• Sleepers looking for a medium feel: The different sides of the Layla operate on extremes, with one being very firm and one being very soft. If you want something more in the middle, you should look for a medium-firm mattress.

Think the Layla is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Layla mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best flippable mattresses. 

Best for Side Sleepers – Puffy Lux Hybrid 

Expert Opinion

Lightweight side sleepers should seek out a mattress with top-tier pressure relief — a mattress like the Puffy Lux Hybrid. When we tested it out on our side, we felt its two layers of plush foam contouring our shoulders and ships and letting us sink in. But the support layer of coils kept us from sinking too far into the layers.  

What our tester says: “I really appreciate the balance of pressure relief and bounce this mattress offers. The Lux Hybrid is also fairly responsive, thanks to the pocketed innerspring coils beneath the foam layers, which allow you to switch sleeping positions without feeling ‘stuck’ in the mattress.” – Logan Block, former content director

Who the Puffy Lux Hybrid is Best for

• Hot sleepers: The mattress contains a proprietary material called Cooling Cloud foam, which works against the trapping of heat. And the coils leave plenty of room for airflow.
• Lightweight back sleepers: As long as they prefer a softer mattress, they should feel comfortable and supported on the Puffy Lux Hybrid.
• Lightweight couples: The Puffy Lux Hybrid performed fairly well on our motion isolation test. If you and your partner both weigh under 150 pounds, you’re unlikely to wake each other up with your movements.

Who Should Avoid the Puffy Lux Hybrid

• Stomach sleepers: Even if you’re a lighter stomach sleeper under 150 pounds, you may not get the support you need on the Puffy Lux Hybrid.

Think this is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for side sleepers. 

Best Organic Mattress – Zenhaven 

Expert Opinion

Eco-conscious lightweight sleepers of all sleeping positions should be drawn to the all-foam Zenhaven. It’s made with environmentally friendly materials such as an organic cotton and wool cover, as well as several comfort layers with naturally sourced Talalay latex. Also, the Zenhaven is flippable, with a Luxury Plush side and a Gentle Firm side. When testing it out, we scored the Luxury Plush a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale and the Gentle Firm a 7.5 out of 10.

What our tester says: “I really appreciate the Zenhaven’s durability. The all-natural latex in this bed shouldn’t sag quickly, so the Zenhaven should last you a long time.” – Logan Block, former content director

Who the Zenhaven is Best for

• Hot sleepers: As a material, latex is naturally cooling, so hot sleepers should be comfortable on the Zenhaven.
• Back sleepers and stomach sleepers: We recommend that lightweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers choose the more supportive Gentle Firm side.
• Side sleepers: Lightweight side sleepers should be most comfortable on the Luxury Plush side, getting the pressure relief and contouring they need at the shoulders and hips.

Who Should Avoid the Zenhaven

• Some couples: Because latex is naturally bouncy and responsive, it tends to have high motion transfer. If you or your partner is a light sleeper, there’s a chance you might wake each other up with your movements on the Zenhaven.

Think the Zenhaven is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Zenhaven mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best organic mattresses. 

How Do I Know If I’m a Lightweight Sleeper?

Lightweight sleepers: 130 pounds or less

Average weight sleepers: 130 pounds–230 pounds

Heavier sleepers: 230 pounds or above

How to Choose a Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers

Firmness

Lightweight sleepers can select from a variety of firmnesses. However, most lean towards softer mattresses. They don’t require the same support as heavier sleepers. So, a soft mattress still provides adequate sturdiness and comfort. If you’re a lightweight sleeper who prefers a firmer mattress, then look for a thin comfort layer. The thinner comfort layer allows you to compress into the firmer part of the construction.

Sleeping Position

Keep in mind that it’s important to consider sleeping position in conjunction with body type. Heavyweight side sleepers are going to need a much firmer and more supportive mattress than lightweight sleepers, because heavyweight sleepers use more weight to press into the mattress layers.

Side sleepers: Pressure relief is the most important thing to remember about a good mattress for side sleepers. With the way they position their bodies, pressure builds up around the hips and shoulders. A mattress with a softer construction or a thicker comfort layer can ease these pain points and ensure a restful sleep.

Back sleepers: A balance of comfort and support is essential for back sleepers. They require support to prevent sinkage, but also need pressure relief at the hips and lumbar region. Most mattress types should work well for these sleepers, as long as they’re not super-soft or super-firm.

Stomach sleepers: These folks require a firmer, more supportive mattress for proper spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers need their hips to remain lifted, so it’s crucial to find a bed that’s going to prevent the waist from bowing and the back from arching. Innersprings, latex beds, and firmer hybrids do this especially well. However, lightweight stomach sleepers can get away with many foam beds, since they don’t require as much support.

Combination sleepers: Because they switch positions at night, they’ll want a bed that makes it easy to move around on. Look for a responsive, bouncy construction. These can most often be found in latex, innerspring, or hybrid mattresses. However, some memory foam beds include transition layers that prevent excess sinkage and help with ease of movement.

Material

Each mattress has a different construction and utilizes different materials. With that said, it comes down to your individual wants and needs when selecting the best mattress for lightweight sleepers. As a general rule, softer mattresses (like memory foam mattresses) are going to be better for lightweight sleepers; they simply don’t need the support of a hybrid, latex, or innerspring, as heavy sleepers do. 

If you’re a lightweight sleeper who wants a firmer feel, consider a firm mattress with a thinner comfort layer. Lightweight sleepers don’t sink as far into the mattress layers, so a thinner comfort layer allows them to press into the support layer and feel the firmness a bit more.

Alright, let’s get into some of the most commonly used mattress materials:

Memory Foam: Memory foam is stellar at contouring and pressure relief. This should appeal to lightweight side sleepers who require cushioning at the shoulders and hips. While some foams tend to trap heat and sag easily, companies have created cooling foams and high-density foams to work around these challenges.

Innerspring: These beds are known for providing unparalleled support, thanks to the inclusion of sturdy coils. For this reason, they’re fantastic for heavier sleepers or stomach sleepers. The coils allow for cooling as well, making this construction ideal for hot sleepers. Innerspring beds are often great for back pain because they offer firmer support, but since they don’t have the same level of pressure relief as a memory foam bed, they’re not the best for joint pain.

Hybrid: If you want a mixture of memory foam and innerspring features, opt for a hybrid. It’s the best of both worlds, including foam for pressure relief with sturdy coils at the base. Because every company has a different construction style for their hybrid mattresses, they range in firmness. Overall, these mattresses are durable, cooling, and more balanced in feel.

Latex: For an environmentally friendly option, try latex. Mattresses can include latex in the comfort layers for cushioning, or even in the base of the mattress for support. This material is incredibly durable, and naturally cooling. While they tend to be more expensive, the quality of these beds is impressive and often worth the cost.

Other Mattress Considerations

Cooling

If you sleep with a partner, experience hot flashes, or just want to avoid overheating in bed, opt for a cooling mattress. There are a number of options available for reasonable price points. Generally, a hybrid mattress or innerspring mattress is best. The coils used provide lots of airflow. While memory foam mattresses are known for trapping heat, many companies include cooling technology to combat this.

Durability

Mattresses are an investment, which makes purchasing a durable mattress all the more important.

• Memory foam mattresses tend to last five to seven years.
• Innerspring mattresses tend to last seven to 10 years.
• Hybrid mattresses tend to last seven to 10 years.
• Latex mattresses tend to last 10 to 15 years.

However, it all comes down to the mattress construction and quality of materials. Many high-density foam mattresses can last up to 10 years, while those with weaker foams sag much faster. 

Motion Isolation

Are you a light sleeper who shares the bed with a partner or pet? If so, ensure that you take motion isolation into consideration. If a bed has high motion transfer, it’s not as likely to isolate movement. Memory foam beds or mattresses with thick comfort layers tend to be the best at motion isolation.

Buying a Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers

Average Cost

Most mattresses should cost around $1,500. Those on the cheaper end of the scale are going to be priced around $800–$1,000, while luxury mattresses often cost around $2,000. Keep in mind that a super-cheap mattress may not have quality materials that provide proper support and durability. At the same time, ridiculously expensive mattresses may not give you any more perks than a luxury mattress costing a few hundred dollars less. 

Coupons and Deals

For exclusive discounts, check out our page for mattress coupons and promo codes.

Warranties and Sleep Trials

Warranties serve as a promise to customers that if a defective or damaged product is delivered, it will be replaced. Every company has different conditions, so it’s important to pay attention to the policy’s fine print. 

Sleep trials are a set amount of time for the customer to test out the mattress. Make sure to use this sleep trial to its fullest potential, paying close attention to whether or not it suits your needs and preferences. Is the mattress truly best for your back pain? Is it cooling enough? Does it provide adequate comfort for both you and your spouse?

FAQs

What is the best mattress for a light person?

While the best mattress for lightweight sleepers relies on your individual needs and preferences, the DreamCloud is our personal favorite. It should work well for lightweight sleepers in all sleeping positions, including combination sleepers. Most hot sleepers, those with back pain, and couples should be satisfied with its many features.

Do lighter people need softer mattresses?

Firmer mattresses are great for heavier sleepers or those who need more support, since they press through more of the mattress layers. Softer mattresses tend to be more comfortable for lightweight sleepers because they don’t sink too far into the surface. A softer option lets lightweight sleepers compress into the comfort layer and firmer layer to receive a necessary amount of comfort and support. That said, every sleeper is different; side sleepers need a softer mattress for pressure relief, while stomach sleepers require a firmer bed to keep the spine aligned.

What is considered a lightweight sleeper?

We consider those weighing under 130 lb to be lightweight sleepers. Those between 150 pounds and 250 pounds are average weight sleepers, and folks above 250 pounds are categorized as heavier sleepers.

How We Chose These Mattresses

We’ve reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

When determining the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers, we only picked products that have a trial period of 120 nights or longer. That way, lightweight sleepers will have plenty of time to determine if the mattress chosen best suits them. Click here to learn more about our methodology.

Recap: Best Mattresses for Lightweight Sleepers 2023