Best Mattresses for Heavy People based on consumer ratings, reports & personal experience

Our List of the Best Mattress for Heavy People

Editor’s Choice - Titan by Brooklyn Bedding

Highlights

• hybrid construction for balanced support and cradling;
• breathable Tencel cover for cooler sleep;
• extra firm for reliable support, would work even for stomach sleepers;
• high profile makes it easier to get in and out of this bed.

If you are searching for a perfect bed for you and your partner, you might like this part of the list of the best mattresses for heavy people. The Titan promises plus-size sleep for plus-size people, and it seems like this bed can keep the promise.

As this is a hybrid mattress, it combines pocketed coils and multiple layers of foam. There’s a dense foam base underneath the coils to boost the support levels and provide more stability. The top foam layer is gel-infused for a cooling effect. As for the transition layer, it uses the patented Titanflex material, which is dense polyfoam that offers a bit faster response and precise pressure relief.

Overall, this mattress is a rare find. It combines sturdy support, good motion isolation, and strong edges, which makes it ideal for heavier couples.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy Sleepers — AS5 by Amerisleep

Another model that deserves to be among the best mattresses for heavier sleepers is the AS5 by Amerisleep, and there are many reasons behind this pick. This is a conforming mattress that has a smart support system. The AS5 uses a special HIVE layer that features different zones and responds according to applied pressure from different body parts.

Thanks to that, the AS5 can keep the spine aligned and thus, may reduce tension. I could really feel that when testing the AS5 after straining my back carrying heavy boxes around the house. Only after a couple of nights, the Amerisleep helped my back with tension release, and I started waking up pain-free.

Read our full Amerisleep AS5 mattress review for more information.

Our Methodology - Why I Picked These Mattresses

When choosing the best mattress for heavy people, I tested mattresses for firmness and ability to stay comfortable despite the extra support. I test firmness by measuring sinkage while sitting on the edge and gauging how well my lumbar is supported while lying in the middle of the mattress. A mattress’ comfort levels are usually measured by how well I find it provides pressure relief and sinkage while lying on my back, side, and stomach.

As a typical rule of thumb, my review methodology mixes hands-on experience and extensive knowledge in the field to give you the best insight into what mattress for heavy people would work best for you.

What Type of Mattress Is Best for a Heavy Person Based on Consumer Ratings & Reports?

Traditionally, innerspring and hybrid mattresses are believed to be the best for heavy sleepers. They are the most supportive and able to withstand a larger weight without sagging for a longer time.  But here’s the deal: Whether this or that mattress will work for a heavy person doesn’t depend solely on its type. What matters is all the materials used. So, let’s see what materials you can come across in each mattress type and what materials characteristics are important for supporting a heavy individual.

Memory Foam

Let me warn you right away: memory foam beds are not typically considered to be suitable mattresses for heavy people. They are usually on the softer side and might not always provide enough support. However, there are firmer options that are stiff enough to support a larger person (above 230 pounds). That’s when you need to pay attention to the material density. Measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), it influences the overall feel and the supportive properties of a mattress. For memory foam, anything from 4 to 6 PCF would be fairly good for heavier sleepers. Density over 6 PCF is even better, especially if you want a more durable mattress, but such density levels are mainly found in base layers only. Now, what makes memory foam popular among many users is its pressure-relieving properties. It closely conforms to one’s body and adapts to the curves, gently hugging them and reducing tension. If you pick the proper density, you will benefit from the combination of consistent support and cradling.  However, larger users need to be careful with memory foam. Since it allows for a great deal of sinkage, memory foam can make you feel like you’re stuck in your mattress. And while some users like that quicksand feeling, heavier sleepers might not appreciate it. Additionally, you shouldn’t forget that memory foam tends to trap heat. This means such a mattress can make you sleep hot. For heavier sleepers, it is recommended to pick models that have gel-infused foam layers. The open-cell structure of the material in comfort layers might also help with air circulation, but gel still tends to be more effective when it comes to cooling.

Polyfoam

Polyfoam is generally denser than memory foam, which is why it’s often used as the base to provide stable support (combined with memory foam comfort layers). Some models use polyfoam for comfort layers too, especially firmer mattresses. It is a bit bouncier and offers a faster response. Sleeping on polyfoam, you are less likely to feel stuck in your bed while still enjoying a good amount of cradling. Now, as for the proper density, polyfoam differs from memory foam. Typically, anything below 1.2 PCF is considered to be low-density and might not be suitable for larger sleepers. Anything between 1.8 and 2.5 PCF is supposed to offer good support levels for heavier individuals. 

Polyfoam is often used to reinforce edge support. This may come in handy if you share your bed with a partner or tend to roll close to the edge during sleep.

Innerspring

When browsing through innerspring mattresses, you may come across two build types:

• Coils + foam. In this case, manufacturers use a spring base for support and thinner layers of foam (both memory and polyurethane foam are popular) for comfort. The top foam layers add a bit of a cushioning to balance the bouncy and rigid feel of coils. However, they are typically quite thin, so the overall feel of the mattress remains firm and responsive.
• Coil-on-coil. This technology involves a sturdy coil base and thinner coils on top as a comfort layer. The latter contributes to pressure relief and consistent support throughout the mattress surface.

Both types can offer sturdiness and a bouncy feel, which makes innerspring beds one of the best options for heavy people. This type of mattress also belongs to the cheaper category, which makes it a popular option for sleepers on a budget. Additionally, such beds don’t sleep hot thanks to the unobstructed air movement between the springs. One of the biggest complaints concerning innerspring beds for heavy people is limited durability. While they can last for around 7-10 years, some models can fail to provide enough support earlier, especially if you weigh more than 230 pounds. In this case, thicker coils would be more suitable since they can withstand more pressure longer. Now, the thickness of the coils in the mattress industry is referred to as coil gauge. It ranges between 12 and 18, with 12 being the thickest option. Thicker gauge coils tend to be more durable and offer firmer support. Another concern about spring mattresses is their bouncy feel. If you’re a solo sleeper, that shouldn’t be a problem. But if you share your bed with a partner and one of you is a larger sleeper, the other side of the bed will be easily disturbed when moving.

Hybrid

Hybrid beds combine the sturdiness of coils and the cushioning of foam, which makes them a great option for heavier users. Some models use latex on top of the coils, but such mattresses tend to be more expensive. Generally, hybrid beds are thicker than other options and can go up to 16-18 inches in height. That’s one of the reasons this type is suited for heavier folks and makes one of the best mattresses for 400-pound persons. They usually don’t sleep hot and have strong edges. Many of them offer decent motion isolation, which makes them suitable for heavier couples.  At the same time, hybrid mattresses are not perfect for everyone. They are more expensive and may not be suitable for users on a budget. Additionally, they can be very heavy and hard to move.  When shopping for a hybrid bed, you need to pay attention to the materials used. Don’t forget to check the coil gauge and the foam density. While not all manufacturers reveal this info online, you can always contact the customer service and make an inquiry. 

Latex

Latex is favored by numerous heavy users for many reasons. This material can allow you to enjoy good pressure relief without sacrificing uniform support. Additionally, latex mattresses are famous for their durability. So, for shoppers who are seeking a good mattress even for a 400-pound person, latex might be the right choice due to its impressive lifespan. Another aspect worth mentioning is the cooling properties of this material. Latex doesn’t trap heat, which is great news for people who tend to sleep hot. Plus, it has a faster response to pressure, which means your latex bed won’t let you sink in too deeply, preventing you from sweating during the night.  One of the biggest concerns about latex mattresses is their price. They are among the most expensive and luxurious options. Another thing you should keep in mind is edge support, which doesn’t allow latex beds to be called the best mattresses for couples. 

There are two types of latex you can come across: Talalay and Dunlop. Dunlop is slightly denser, which makes it a more popular option for larger individuals.

Now, just like in foam mattresses, latex density is measured in PCF (pound per cubic foot):

Also Read: The Best Mattresses Made in the USA

What Mattress Firmness Is Best for Heavy Sleepers?

Industry experts generally advise those who weigh 230 pounds or more to choose medium-firm to firm mattresses (2), as these firmness levels will help prevent excessive sinkage and misalignment.

But here’s a tricky part: 

What may be described and marketed as a medium-firm mattress might actually feel soft to you.

You see, being a larger sleeper, you will sink in deeper into your mattress, which means you need to pick a proper firmness level for your body type.

Now, this aspect will depend on your preferred sleeping position. Since each of them requires a different firmness level, the way you sleep should determine the feel of your bed:

• On your back. For back sleepers, it’s important to find the right balance between lumbar support and decent cradling for the hips. Typically, larger back sleepers feel the most comfortable on a medium-firm to firm mattress, which is around 7-8 on the firmness scale (with 10 being the firmest).
• On your side. Side sleepers require a decent amount of cradling for the protruding parts of their body. However, for heavier individuals, an overly cradling mattress might not provide sufficient support. So, if you weigh more than 230 pounds, you may want to consider a medium-firm mattress, which is around 6-7 on the firmness scale. 
• On your stomach. When sleeping on your stomach, your pelvis may sink uncomfortably deep into the mattress, creating an unwanted curve in the spine. Therefore, for this sleeping position, an extra firm mattress would be the most optimal choice, especially if you carry the most of your weight in your abdomen and hips. A rating around 8-9 should be suitable in most cases.

 Even though there are ways to make an old mattress feel firmer, this might not guarantee your restful sleep and spinal health, especially if you’re a heavier user who needs more support.

Also Read: Tempurpedic Alternatives (Beds Like Tempurpedic But Cheaper)

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Does Thickness Matter?

When looking for a comfortable mattress, many users overlook such a factor as thickness.

And that can be a mistake, especially if you are larger than average.

You see, a mattress for heavier sleepers will take on more pressure due to increased weight. Therefore, a thicker option would offer better compression support and, consequently, would feel more comfortable.

Now, mattress thickness may vary depending on the materials used. Typically, foam beds tend to be thinner than, let’s say, hybrid mattresses. In general, you may find mattresses ranging from 6 to 18 inches. For heavier users, anything higher than 10 inches should suffice in most cases. Here are more detailed recommendations:

Here’s the deal, though:

Even if your mattress is 16 inches thick, it won’t be able to properly support your body if its layers are made of soft foam. Just like that, a 10-inch hybrid with strong coils and dense foam comfort layers could do a great job. So, as mentioned before, it’s better to look at the materials first before considering the thickness of your mattress and all the other factors.

The most common issue that heavier users experience with their mattresses is sagging, especially if the bed is not supportive enough. To prevent that, you may want to rotate your mattress from time to time. Or, initially opt for a mattress with an anti-sagging design.

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