Best Mattress for Heavy People

Each mattress has a thickness, firmness, and material composition that makes it feel more comfortable for people with certain body types, and less so for others. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, our hands-on testing has shown a medium firm (6 out of 10 on the firmness scale) or firm (7-8) mattress with minimal cushioning layers and a strong support system will probably feel most comfortable.

That said, mattress preferences are subjective. We make general recommendations based on feedback from sleepers in different weight groups, but ultimately you are the best judge of the most comfortable mattress for your body.

Our team of mattress experts has tested hundreds of mattresses for different performance areas, including suitability for different body types. For this list, we focused on feedback and ratings from testers who weigh more than 230 pounds. We also considered factors that most impact sleep experiences for people in this weight range, such as edge support, ease of movement, pressure relief, and temperature neutrality. The picks below reflect these discussions.

Best Mattress for Heavy People Video

Watch our video below to learn more about our lab’s top mattress picks for heavy people.

All of these mattresses scored reasonably well with our testers who weigh more than 230 pounds, though some of our top picks also earned favorable ratings from sleepers in other weight groups. Check out our detailed descriptions below to learn more about each selection. Further down, you’ll find a detailed buyer’s guide. Topics we’ll cover include mattress types and firmness levels, which mattresses are most comfortable for people who weigh more than 230 pounds, and how to determine which mattress is best for you. While you’re shopping around, you can also head over to our list of Best Firm Mattresses to seek out beds with strong support.

Weight Disclaimer

Please note: For the purposes of this page, we are talking about individuals who weigh 230 pounds or more. Although we use the term heavy for brevity and convenience to describe sleepers, we do not use weight categories such as “average” or “overweight” as they can be misleading and dependent on the individual. We use 230 or more pounds as a practical standard of size when discussing how mattresses interact with sleepers’ bodies. We have found that individuals who weigh more than 230 pounds will have similar needs for a mattress in terms of firmness, thickness, and other factors with small individual variations.

Product Details

The Titan Plus Luxe from Brooklyn Bedding — previously known as the Titan Luxe Hybrid — strikes a nice balance between surface-level contouring and overall stability. Multiple foam layers cushion your body, evenly distribute your weight, and reduce pressure along the spine, but we noticed excellent support and minimal sinkage during our hands-on mattress tests.

How It Performed

Our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds awarded the Plus Luxe excellent ratings. The medium firm (6) feel and deep foam layers provided ample cushioning for the hips and shoulders — two common pressure buildup areas for people who use this position — but none of us reported excessive sinkage. Our back and stomach sleepers in this weight range also felt adequately supported, as did back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.

We found cooling to be one of the Plus Luxe’s biggest strengths. Thanks to the breathable foam layers and steady airflow through the coil layer, we noticed little heat buildup when our team tested the mattress for temperature control. The coils were also sturdy and responsive enough to earn the Plus Luxe high marks during our edge support and ease of movement tests.

What It’s Made of

The Plus Luxe features a Euro-top cushioned with memory foam quilted into the cover for a bit of plushness on the surface. The comfort layer of proprietary TitanFlex foam is designed to mimic the responsiveness of latex, so you’ll notice a gentle bounce when getting into bed. A polyfoam transitional layer serves as a buffer between your body and the support core while providing additional cushioning.

Pocketed coils over high-density base foam provide excellent overall stability for the mattress, reinforcing the springy feel without generating too much motion transfer. A polyester cover encases the mattress. For an added fee, you can upgrade to a cover made of GlacioTex infused with phase change material. This fabric dissipates heat on contact to help maintain a cool sleep surface at all times.

The Plus Luxe is available in seven sizes, including a split California king for couples with adjustable beds. Competitive pricing and free shipping within the contiguous U.S. makes the mattress a good option if you’re shopping on a budget. Brooklyn Bedding also offers a 120-night sleep trial with each purchase, and those who keep their Plus Luxe receive a 10-year warranty.

Read our Full Titan Plus Luxe Review to learn more

The DreamCloud Mattress costs far less than the average luxury hybrid yet still manages to perform at the same level as many competing models in terms of pressure relief, temperature control, and overall support. Our sleep testers weighing more than 230 pounds were impressed with the deep contouring and lack of sinkage, as mattresses with thick foam layers tend to feel less stable.

How It Performed

Our team’s strongest ratings for the DreamCloud came from side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but the mattress also earned favorable marks from our heavier testers across all three position groups. The thick comfort system delivered much-needed cushioning for our side sleepers’ sensitive areas — shoulders and hips in particular. Meanwhile, the robust coil system kept our back and stomach sleepers on a mostly even plane.

Most hybrids we’ve tested perform well for temperature control due to gel-infused comfort layers and consistent internal airflow. The DreamCloud raises the bar with an additional cooling component: a cover made from a breathable, moisture-wicking cashmere blend. Heat buildup was not an issue for any of our testers. The thick foam layers also earned the mattress above-average ratings for pressure relief and motion isolation compared to other hybrid models.

What It’s Made of

Polyfoam quilted into the DreamCloud’s cover gives the surface an invitingly plush feel. Gel-infused memory foam and transitional polyfoam reinforce this gentle cushioning, but each layer is progressively denser to help your body settle without sinking too much. Pocketed coils and high-density base foam provide a sturdy support system for the mattress.

The cashmere-blend cover resists overheating and feels luxuriously soft. We’ve rated the DreamCloud as medium firm (6), but expect more contouring from this mattress than you’d normally find on a model with this firmness level. We attribute this to the thick 14-inch profile ensuring plenty of space for a deep comfort system and robust coil support.

In addition to its relatively low price tag, the DreamCloud qualifies for free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s 365-night sleep trial is among the longest in the online mattress industry, and those who keep their DreamCloud receive a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

Read our Full DreamCloud Mattress Review to learn more

The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid available in four firmness levels. The firmest option is the WinkBed Plus (8), one of the only mattresses on the market designed with heavier individuals in mind. Our testers found the mattress’ zoned comfort and support layers provide enhanced reinforcement from head to toe and noticed significant pushback around the torso and hips — two areas where people tend to carry a disproportionate amount of weight.

How It Performed

As expected, the WinkBed Plus earned strong ratings from our testers weighing more than 230 pounds across all three position groups. However, the mattress was also quite popular among side and back sleepers between 130 to 230 pounds. Gentle cushioning from the latex comfort layer combined with three-zone coil support helped ensure plenty of pushback and reinforcement for these team members.

We also gave the WinkBed Plus high marks for temperature control, as these tests revealed minimal heat buildup on the surface. Edge support tests were another highlight. The extra perimeter reinforcement allowed us to sit and lie along the edges of the mattress without feelings of “roll-off,” which we liken to being ejected by the mattress as it buckles beneath your weight.

What It’s Made of

The WinkBed Plus differs in construction from the other three WinkBed models. A Euro-top cushioned with adaptive foam creates some light cushioning on the surface, but the zoned latex comfort layer responds quickly to compression and keeps you on an even plane. The latex feels firmer and more supportive beneath your chest, stomach, and hips. In the support core, the coils are arranged similarly with thicker springs beneath your midsection for extra pushback. A cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel encases the mattress.

The Firmer WinkBed (7) also fared well among our heavier testers, earning “excellent” ratings from side, back, and stomach sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds. Our back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also felt comfortable and sufficiently supported on this mattress.

WinkBeds’ 120-night sleep trial includes a free exchange option. If you aren’t satisfied with your WinkBed Plus and want to test a softer model, you can swap your original mattress for another WinkBed at no extra cost. The replacement mattress comes with an additional 60-night trial. All WinkBed mattresses are backed by lifetime warranties, and shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S.

Read our Full WinkBed Plus Review to learn more

Designed with heavier sleepers in mind, the Helix Plus is one of Helix Sleep’s firmest and most supportive mattresses. This firm (7) luxury hybrid delivers a comfortable experience to its intended audience with dense foam over thick coils. This is a tried-and-true combination for people over 230 pounds who tend to sink excessively on softer mattresses with less robust support systems.

How It Performed

The Helix Plus was a hit among our testers weighing more than 230 pounds and received stellar ratings from all three sleep position groups. Our back and stomach sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds were also impressed with the mattress’ ability to cushion and support their bodies in equal measure.

Due to the thick foam layers, we found the Helix Plus performed well in areas where hybrid models tend to fall short. Our testers noticed minimal transfer when lying side by side to test for edge support, and we detected little pressure buildup in most of our testers during the pressure relief tests. At the same time, the mattress felt responsive enough for us to move across the surface without feeling stuck, and our edge support tests revealed solid pushback along the perimeter.

What It’s Made of

The Helix Plus’ comfort system consists of three foam layers. High-density memory foam cushions the surface, contouring to your body closely and evenly to distribute your weight, followed by polyfoam and memory foam layers that provide additional cushioning while keeping you on an even plane. The support core contains pocketed coils, extra perimeter reinforcement and a high-density foam base layer. The cover is composed of breathable Tencel fabric. You can order a GlacioTex phase change cover for an additional fee that dissipates body heat on contact.

Other Helix Sleep hybrids earned positive ratings from our heavier mattress testers. These include the Helix Twilight and Twilight Luxe (7), which was most popular among our side and back sleepers over 230 pounds, and the Dawn and Dawn Luxe (8), which earned high marks from our back and stomach sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds.

Helix Sleep ships mattresses free of charge to customers in all 50 states, and each order includes two down alternative pillows at no extra cost. The Helix Plus comes with a 100-night trial period. Should you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll also receive a 15-year warranty against structural defects.

Read our Full Helix Plus Review to learn more

The luxurious Saatva Classic changed the game upon its release in 2011 and continues to impress sleepers of all shapes and sizes. Three firmness options and two profiles ensure most people can find a comfortable design regardless of how much they weigh or which sleep position they prefer, but our testing has found those over 230 pounds receive the most support from the firm (8) feel and 14.5-inch height.

How It Performed

During our hands-on tests, the firm Saatva Classic earned excellent ratings from our testers weighing more than 230 pounds across all three sleep positions. Back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also enjoyed this firmness level. Additionally, back sleepers in this mid-level weight range felt adequately supported on the medium firm (6) Saatva Classic.

As a mattress with two coil layers, the Classic delivers consistent cooling thanks to steady airflow throughout the interior. The two firmest models are responsive enough for sex, and none of our testers encountered deep sinkage or resistance when moving across the surface. Edge support is another major strength due to extra perimeter reinforcement in the lower coil chamber.

What It’s Made of

The Saatva Classic begins with a Euro-top cover. Adaptive foam and fiberfill cushions the surface, while a memory foam pad offers extra padding for the lumbar region, but we never found the mattress too soft. Transitional minicoils provide additional contouring, while the support core contains low-gauge hourglass coils for great overall stability. A breathable organic cotton cover encases the entire mattress.

The hourglass coils measure 4 inches thick for the 11.5-inch profile and 7 inches thick for the 14.5-inch profile, so the latter is more supportive. If you weigh more than 230 pounds and prefer deep contouring from your mattress, then the soft (3) design may be the best fit.

The Saatva Classic’s sticker price is quite reasonable given its luxurious design and premium materials. If you reside in the contiguous U.S., you’ll also receive free White Glove delivery with your purchase. This service — which typically costs at least $100 — includes full assembly in a room of your choice and removal of your old mattress and box spring upon request. All orders are backed by generous 365-night sleep trials and lifetime manufacturer’s warranties.

Read our Full Saatva Classic Review to learn more

Side sleepers often place undue pressure on the shoulders and hips because these areas bear weight from the rest of their body. As a result, people who use this position generally need more padding than back or stomach sleepers. The Nolah Evolution 15 is designed with four foam layers to cushion and cradle sore spots along the spine, but three firmness options and a zoned support system ensure most people who weigh more than 230 pounds won’t sink to an excessive degree.

How It Performed

Our testers weighing more than 230 pounds were divided about which Nolah Evolution 15 firmness level felt most comfortable. For our side sleepers in this weight range, the medium firm (6) model provided ample cushioning around the shoulders and hips while maintaining even support for the entire body. Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds preferred the firm (8) option. This model contours less, and the zoned coils prevented uncomfortable sinkage around the torso and hips.

Temperature control proved a major strength of the Evolution 15 during our tests, as we detected minimal heat buildup using thermal body sensors. This can be attributed to the breathable open-cell foam layers, steady circulation through the coils, and a cover that feels cool to the touch. Due to the thick comfort system, the mattress also earned high marks for motion isolation and pressure relief — two testing areas where hybrids often underperform.

What It’s Made of

The Evolution 15 features a Euro-top cushioned with adaptive foam quilted into the cover. The three subsequent foam layers are progressively denser, so you’ll notice a plush feel when you get into bed and increased support as your body settles into the surface. Pocketed coils in the support core are arranged into different zones based on gauge or thickness. The strongest coils are located beneath your midsection to push back against extra weight in the chest, stomach, and hips and along the perimeter to prevent excessive sinkage. Thinner coils ensure a gentler feel for lighter areas of the body.

A cover made of cooling ArcticTex fabric encases the Evolution 15. Measuring 15 inches thick, the mattress is among the thickest models we’ve personally tested. While our tests show the medium firm or firm models were most comfortable for heavier people on our team, the medium (5) feel may be more suitable if you prefer closer contouring from your mattress.

The mattress comes in seven sizes, including a split king size for adjustable beds. Customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping with their Evolution 15 purchase. Nolah’s sleep trial runs for 120 nights, but you can opt out to reduce the cost of your order — though this will void your ability to return the mattress at any point. A lifetime warranty against structural defects backs your purchase, and you can buy an accident protection plan covering stains and other physical damage.

Read our Full Nolah Evolution 15 Review to learn more

Many mattresses sold today are suitable for people weighing more than 230 pounds, but the Titan Plus by Brooklyn Bedding is specifically designed for this sleeper demographic. A firm (8) model, our tests showed the Plus contours very little and maintains a flat, even sleep surface even for heavier individuals.

How It Performed

Our testers were divided about the Titan Plus, but it was a big hit among those weighing more than 230 pounds. The mattress received stellar ratings from all of our testers in this weight range across the side, back, stomach, and combination sleeping groups. Back and stomach sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds also found the Plus fairly comfortable, albeit too firm for their liking. The slightly softer Titan Plus Luxe may be a better fit if you need more conforming and less coil support.

As an exceptionally firm mattress, the Plus performed well in some areas where softer hybrids tend to struggle. We noticed little to no sinkage while testing the mattress for edge support by lying along the perimeter and mimicking the movements of getting in and out of bed. Ease of movement was another strong point, as none of our testers felt “stuck” moving across the surface. During the temperature control tests, our thermal sensors detected minimal heat buildup — we attribute this to the cooling cotton-knit cover and steady airflow through the coils.

What It’s Made of

The Plus’ comfort system consists of two layers. Adaptive, gel-infused memory foam is sewn into the bottom of the cover to give the surface some gentle cushioning. The second layer is responsive, latex-like TitanFlex polyfoam that supports the spine and produces a light bounce when you get into bed. The support core contains pocketed coils over high-density base foam. Altogether, the Plus measures 11 inches thick.

A cotton-knit cover encases the mattress. While this breathable material helps promote air circulation, some may still notice heat retention in the foam layers. These sleepers are good candidates for the GlacioTex cover, which contains a phase change panel engineered to dissipate heat on contact and maintain a cool-to-the-touch feel. Adding the GlacioTex will increase the sticker price by $100 to $200, depending on your chosen size.

The Titan Plus is affordably priced for a hybrid, and shipping is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night sleep trial with each purchase. If you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.

Read our Full Titan Plus Review to learn more

If you weigh more than 230 pounds and tend to sleep hot, you should consider a mattress with a relatively firm feel and cooling components to help you remain comfortable throughout the night. The Nectar Premier Copper checks both boxes and performs well in other areas such as pressure relief and motion isolation.

How It Performed

Our side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds awarded the Premier Copper its highest ratings, remarking how the foam layers adapted evenly without sinking to keep their bodies aloft and reduce pressure in the shoulders and hips. Despite the medium firm (6) design, this mattress was a bit too soft for back sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds and stomach sleepers of at least 130 pounds. Based on our tests, we recommend a firmer mattress for these individuals.

We detected a low amount of heat buildup during our temperature control tests, especially compared to other all-foam beds we’ve evaluated firsthand. This can be attributed to a cooling gel infusion in the top layer, as well as phase change material that dissipates heat on contact. Copper fibers in the cover provide additional cooling. Our tests also showed the mattress reduces motion transfer to a significant extent.

What It’s Made of

The Premier Copper’s triple-layer design begins with 4 inches of memory foam, creating a highly adaptive surface that responds slowly to your body when you get into bed. Dense polyfoam transitional and base layers create a sturdy support system without making the mattress feel too stiff.

The cover is made of polyester, polyethylene, and nylon woven with copper fibers. This highly durable blend also helps your sleep surface stay cool. At 14 inches thick, the Premier Copper is one of the thickest all-foam mattresses we’ve tested.

Nectar Sleep offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each order includes a year-long sleep trial, giving you plenty of time to test the Premier Copper and decide whether to return or keep the mattress. Should you opt for the latter, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty covering excessive sinkage and other structural defects for as long as you retain original ownership.

Read our Full Nectar Premier Copper Review to learn more

Hybrids are popular among sleepers for their balance of cushioning and support, but some couples find that coil systems produce too much motion transfer and lead to sleep disruptions for both people. The Emma CliMax Hybrid takes a different approach to hybrid construction, opting for mini-coils and a thick, high-density foam base layer. The result is a mattress that provides great overall support without feeling overly springy.

How It Performed

During our hands-on tests, the CliMax Hybrid proved comfortable and sufficiently supportive for our side and back sleepers across all weight groups. Those weighing more than 230 pounds didn’t sink excessively due to the zoned transitional layer and robust base layers, while our lighter testers received even contouring for their shoulders, hips, and other sensitive areas along their spines.

Since the CliMax uses mini-coils instead of standard-height coils, our motion isolation tests detected very little motion transfer. Using thermal body sensors for our pressure relief tests, we also found minimal pressure buildup for testers lying on their sides and backs. We recommend the mattress to anyone who normally feels excess pressure on hybrids or finds these models too bouncy.

What It’s Made of

The CliMax Hybrid’s top layer is composed of adaptive polyfoam, giving the surface a plush feel without too much sink. A memory foam transitional layer provides additional cushioning. This layer is divided into five firmness zones for extra support beneath your chest, stomach, and hips, and a plusher feel for the head and legs.

The CliMax Hybrid’s pocketed mini-coils measure 4.7 inches thick and are encased in high-density perimeter foam. The mattress’ base layer is also made of dense foam. We noticed little to no responsiveness, but the mattress still felt supportive for most of our side and back sleepers. Our team has rated the mattress medium firm (6).

The CliMax Hybrid is competitively priced and Emma offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a generous trial period allowing you to test out the mattress for up to a year before deciding whether to return it or keep it. If you choose the latter, you’ll also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.

Read our Full Emma CliMax Hybrid Review to learn more

Bear is an online mattress and bedding brand known for incorporating Celliant fabric in its products. The Bear Elite Hybrid stands out for its balanced construction and sturdy feel. Regardless of their primary sleep position, people of all body types should receive enough cushioning along the spine to alleviate pressure without sinking too much.

How It Performed

The mattress is available in three firmness options that correspond to medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) on our firmness scale. All models have a pocketed coil system that offers robust support. The coils provide sturdy pushback along the perimeter, so anyone who sleeps near the edges of their mattress or struggles getting in and out of bed should feel secure. Back and side sleepers preferred the medium and medium firm models, while stomach sleepers gravitated toward the firm model for its stronger support.

What It’s Made of

The Bear Elite Hybrid begins with a layer of copper-infused memory foam under a Euro-top, followed by a polyfoam transitional layer. Celliant and phase change material in the cover are engineered to convert body heat into infrared energy, then transmit this energy back into your body through your skin. This process is intended to regulate temperature and help with physical recovery during the night, making the Bear Elite Hybrid especially suitable for athletes, generally active individuals, and people with physically demanding jobs. 

Ground shipping is free of charge for all orders within the contiguous U.S., and delivery rates for Alaska and Hawaii are lower than average. The mattress has a generous 365-night sleep trial. Those who keep the mattress beyond the trial will receive a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty against certain defects, such as excessive sagging.

Read our Full Bear Elite Hybrid Review to learn more

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Other Mattress Guides

If you’re still not sure which type of mattress would suit you best, you can take a look at our other recommendations categorized by sleeper type.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These Mattresses

Each mattress we review undergoes a series of hands-on tests. This quantitative assessment gives our team a firsthand look at the mattress’ strengths and weaknesses. The tests consist of eight performance categories, and we collect the same data for all mattresses to ensure consistent results. Our testers and external evaluators use this data to assign performance ratings, make mattress recommendations, and determine suitable accolades for the mattresses featured in our commercial guides.

Check out the detailed descriptions below to learn more about our product research methodology.

• Motion Isolation: Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress absorbs movement on one side of the bed and prevents it from transferring elsewhere. Mattresses with thick, adaptive comfort layers tend to isolate more motion than those with thinner, more responsive layers. Our motion isolation tests involve two people lying side by side on the mattress to gauge how much movement they feel when the other person moves. We also use weight drops and a seismograph to measure motion transfer levels across the surface.
• Temperature Control: A mattress that provides good temperature control feels neither too hot nor too cold. Some mattresses control temperature with active cooling and heating technology, but most rely on breathable material components that promote airflow and absorb minimal body heat. For our temperature control tests, we first use a heat gun after someone lies on the mattress to determine the specific temperature and cooling duration. We then repeat this process, but with a water bottle heated to 98 degrees instead of a human body. This is meant to help us account for variations in a sleeper’s body temperature.
• Pressure Relief: Pressure points may build up in your shoulders, lower back, and hips if your mattress does not adequately support your spine. Mattresses can reduce pressure by evenly distributing your weight, ensuring plenty of reinforcement for the torso and midsection while gently cradling lighter areas of the body. During our pressure relief tests, we place a “pressure pad” on top of the mattress. This pad shows us areas where pressure occurs for each tester.
• Off-Gassing: Off-gassing refers to “new mattress smells” you may notice after removing a new mattress from its shipping box. Mattresses with foam layers emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that carry a chemical odor many people liken to plastic. Other materials like latex and wool don’t release VOCs, but emit smells of their own. We test for off-gassing using a VOC meter that measures the level of particles in the air. We also rely on subjective smell tests from our team members.
• Ease of Movement: Ease of movement refers to how responsive a mattress feels on the surface. We’ve found mattresses with bouncier, firmer surfaces are easier to move across without sinking than those with softer, more adaptive surfaces. Our team’s tests for this performance category involve a series of body movements and weight drops to measure how much sinkage occurs between the edges and center of the mattress.
• Edge Support: Each mattress is designed to bear a certain amount of weight along its edges. Some are designed with reinforced coils, perimeter foam encasements, and other components designed to strengthen the edges, while others lack supportive features and sink excessively beneath your weight when you get in and out of bed. We test edge support by placing weights at various points along the mattress’ perimeter and measuring how much sinkage occurs.
• Sex: While sleep is the primary concern when choosing a mattress, sex is another important consideration for many. We base our ratings for sex on a combination of findings in other performance categories, namely temperature control, ease of movement, and edge support.
• Body Weight: Body weight plays a major role in which mattresses feel comfortable for any given sleeper. As we’ll discuss further in this buyer’s guide, most people who weigh more than 230 pounds should prioritize mattresses with strong support systems that won’t sink excessively beneath their bodies.

What Mattress Firmness Is Best for Heavy Sleepers

We measure mattress firmness using a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Most beds sold today fall between 3 (soft) and 8 (firm).

Firmness preferences are subjective, but we’ve found most heavy people sleep comfortably on medium firm (6) and firm (7-8) mattresses. With these models, the materials provide some body-contouring and pressure relief but the body won’t sink too much. An extra firm mattress (9-10) may be the better option for those who want a flush, practically non-conforming sleep surface.

In addition to body type, our research shows sleep position is another factor that can affect which firmness you prefer. If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll probably need more cushioning to align your spine and alleviate pressure, whereas back and stomach sleepers need less padding and more support to avoid lower back and hip pain.

Which Mattress Thickness Is Best for Heavy Sleepers?

What type of mattress is best for heavy sleepers? As we’ve frequently seen during hands-on testing, the answer to this question depends on a lot of factors. For example, the thickness (or profile) can affect how a mattress feels for sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. Mattresses sold today fall into three profile categories:

• Beds that measure less than 10 inches thick are considered low-profile.
• Beds that measure 10 to 12 inches thick are considered medium-profile.
• Beds that measure more than 12 inches thick are considered high-profile.

While the thickness of a mattress itself doesn’t necessarily determine the feel of a mattress, a higher-profile mattress has more room for layers and materials that affect the feel of a bed. For example, while a low-profile mattress has to be firm enough to prevent sleepers from sinking into the support core, high-profile mattresses have enough height for substantial comfort layers on top of the support core, allowing for a soft mattress that’s still supportive.

Thus, most specialty mattresses designed for heavier sleepers are medium- or high-profile in order to provide the support and specific feel they’re intended to have. That being said, some firmer low-profile mattresses have also earned high ratings from our testers over 230 pounds.

Which Mattress Features Are Important for Heavy Sleepers?

Certain features can strengthen and stabilize a mattress, resulting in even support and comfortable conforming for sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. Some mattress brands tout their models with misleading descriptions, claiming the beds offer “universal comfort” or are suitable for people of any body type. However, as we’ve seen time and time again during our mattress testing, each mattress model is constructed with materials that make the bed a better fit for different kinds of sleepers.

Rather than relying on marketing claims from mattress brands, we encourage heavy sleepers to focus on the following attributes when choosing a new bed.

How Much Does a Mattress for Heavy People Cost?

A new mattress may cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand. The type of mattress you choose plays a major role in how much you pay. While each mattress is unique in terms of construction, we’ve found most models fall into one of five general categories.

The most affordable mattress types on average are all-foam models and innersprings. Both typically fall between $700 and $1,200 for a queen size. Hybrids and all-latex mattresses tend to be pricier. Expect one of these models to cost between $1,500 and $2,200 in a queen. Airbeds are the most expensive mattress type on average, with a baseline queen size price of $2,000 and sometimes upwards of $4,000.

Size is another factor. The difference in cost between a twin or twin XL and a king or California king can amount to hundreds of dollars. Brands with more recognition may also charge higher prices for mattresses than lesser-known sellers. Lastly, buying a mattress online is often cheaper than purchasing one from a brick-and-mortar mattress store. Online brands face lower overhead costs because they don’t operate physical locations, and can afford to charge less than their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Why Do People Buy New Mattresses?

There are many reasons to consider buying a new mattress. Maybe your current mattress is at least 7 years old and beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Perhaps you’ve tried a newer model for a year or two but it isn’t working out, and you’re looking for something more comfortable or a mattress made with different materials. You may also need a mattress to outfit a guest room, or if you have a child transitioning out of a toddler bed. 

We’ve asked new mattress buyers to explain the reasons behind their purchases. The graphic below reflects the results of these surveys.

What Type of Mattress Is Best for Heavy Sleepers?

Most mattresses sold today fall into one of five categories: hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, or foam. Despite some smaller variations and notable outlier models, our testing has shown that the mattresses in each category share consistent features, characteristics, performance ratings, and price ranges.

Hybrid

Definition: Hybrids are constructed with substantial comfort layers of memory foam, polyfoam, and/or latex over a pocketed coil support core. They are designed to cushion and conform to the body, but the coils usually give the surface a fairly supportive and responsive feel. Hybrids usually perform well for six to seven years.

Innerspring

Definition: Most innerspring mattresses have relatively thin polyfoam or fabric comfort layers and a support core with non-pocketed Bonnell, offset, or continuous wire coils. Some have transitional minicoils, as well. Innersprings don’t conform very closely, and they feel responsive and bouncy. The average innerspring lasts for five to seven years.

Latex

Definition: Latex is produced from the sap of rubber trees. The material is naturally responsive. It also contours to sleepers, but usually not to the same extent as foam. Latex is very durable, as well, and all-latex beds usually have a lifespan of at least eight years.

Airbed

Definition: Airbeds are designed with adjustable air chambers in their support cores. Owners can add or release air from the chambers to change the firmness of the mattress. Airbeds may also have foam, memory foam, and/or latex comfort layers. The average airbed will perform for at least eight years if properly maintained.

Foam

Definition: Foam beds may have polyfoam and/or memory foam comfort and transitional layers, along with a support core of high-density polyfoam. These beds tend to conform more closely and alleviate pressure better than other mattress types. The comfort layers also absorb and isolate motion transfer for couples, and the beds are virtually silent.

What to Avoid When Buying a Mattress for Heavy People

When shopping for new beds, it’s tempting to gravitate toward certain kinds of mattresses. Plush beds might seem inviting, or beds with higher price tags may seem to offer better construction. This is not always the case, though. Soft beds often lack the support that heavy sleepers need, and expensive beds are not always higher quality. In the video below, we offer five tips on what not to do when shopping for a mattress. 

Heavier Sleepers, Pillows, Mattress Toppers, and Bed Supports

In addition to choosing the right mattress, you can optimize your sleep environment with certain bedding accessories. These include pillows, mattress toppers, and a suitable support system for your bed.

Pillows

Even the best pillows can sometimes take a backseat to mattresses when we talk about comfort and support, but our product tests have demonstrated that they’re a crucial component of any bedding setup. The right pillow can support the spine’s alignment, alleviate pressure, and improve sleep quality and duration. The wrong pillow, on the other hand, can lead to added discomfort along the neck and shoulders, and may also contribute to spinal misalignment.

You should consider several factors when shopping for a pillow. Arguably the most important variable is loft, or thickness. Pillows may be low loft (shorter than 3 inches), medium loft (3 to 5 inches), or high loft (more than 5 inches). The pillow should pad the areas between your head, neck, and shoulders to support your spine. For this reason, the best pillow loft for a given sleeper primarily depends on their sleep position. We’ve matched the pillow lofts we recommend for different sleeping positions in the table below.

Sleeping Position	Pillow Loft Recommended
Back	Medium (3″ to 5″)
Side	Medium (3″ to 5″) or High (3″ to 5″)
Stomach	Low (less than 3″)

The pillow fill and density are also crucial. When we say fill, we’re referring to the material used to pad the pillow’s interior. These materials vary in terms of head and neck support. Some resist sinking and feel fairly stable, while others conform closely for more of a cradling sensation. Density – measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF) – refers to how compact and heavy the fill material feels. High-density memory foam, for instance, will maintain a fuller shape and provide better support than foam with a medium or low density.

Common pillow materials include the following:

Memory Foam: Memory foam pillows may contain a single piece of memory foam. We’ve found these pillows to be fairly dense and capable of maintaining their shape fairly well, especially pillows with denser foam. Other models contain shredded memory foam. Shredded foam does not feel as firm or dense, but you can often add or remove foam to adjust the loft and improve support as needed.

Feather/Down: Feathers are coarse outer plumage found on ducks and geese, while down is the softer inner plumage from the same animals. Most down and feather pillows we’ve tested firsthand feel very light and soft, and they do not provide strong support for the head, neck, and shoulders. As a result, you may not feel as comfortable on feather/down pillows if you weigh more than 230 pounds.

Buckwheat: Buckwheat pillows are filled with hulls, the hard outer shells of buckwheat kernels. These pillows have proven especially popular among the testers on our team over 230 pounds. Buckwheat hulls feel exceptionally firm and offer strong, long-lasting spinal support. Their loft can be adjusted by adding or removing hulls, as well.

Polyfill: Polyfill pillows include those with down alternative, a polyester material designed to mimic the softness and lightness of authentic down. These pillows are a bit more stable than their natural counterparts but still tend to sink a bit. Another polyfill variety is interlocking polyester, which is designed to retain a fuller shape.

Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper is a cushioning layer placed on top of a mattress surface to change the bed’s overall feel. Most toppers are designed to make mattresses feel softer, but we’ve also tested some toppers that feel fairly firm and can be used on soft beds. Toppers usually measure 1 to 4 inches thick. Most of the toppers we’ve evaluated in our lab are made from materials such as memory foam, latex, convoluted (egg-crate) polyfoam, wool, and feathers/down.

You may benefit from a topper if your mattress offers good support but feels a bit too firm for your liking. Alternatively, a firmer topper may be useful if your mattress is excessively soft. We encourage using a topper as a cost-effective way to adjust the firmness of a mattress compared to buying a new bed altogether. That said, we consider toppers to be a temporary – not long-term – solution. Toppers do not provide as much pressure relief due to their lower profiles, and they’re also far less durable than mattresses.

Bed Platforms, Foundations, and Box Springs

You can choose from different support systems for your bed. A traditional box spring features a wooden frame with steel springs and a cloth cover, which is placed on top of a bed frame. Box springs support mattresses with a flush surface so the mattress won’t sag, and the springs absorb shock from you and the bed. This makes them ideal for innerspring mattresses. We’ve found that box springs provide decent stability for heavy sleepers, provided they’re well-made.

Foundations usually consist of a fabric-encased frame with slatted sides and a flush surface. They do not contain steel coils like box springs, but their surfaces tend to feel firmer and they offer adequate support for any mattress type. Foundations are also placed on a bed frame with the mattress on top.

Platform beds feature a wooden or metal frame with evenly spaced slats to support the mattress, rather than a flush surface, along with legs and center support bars. Slat dimensions are crucial for platform beds because heavier mattresses will sag between the cracks if the slats are too widely spaced, resulting in loss of support and less durability. This problem may be compounded if you weigh more than 230 pounds. Platform beds with properly spaced slats, however, can offer the same support as box springs and foundations. 

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