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Best Mattress for Lightweight People
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
Lightweight individuals have the same requirements as other sleepers — a supportive and comfortable mattress. However, a model that provides this balance looks different for sleepers within this weight group. The wrong mattress can create pressure points or cause the spine to curve, leading to aches or discomfort.
We’ll cover mattress construction and performance, which models best suit different sleep positions, and what to consider when shopping for a mattress. We also review and update our top picks consistently to reflect the best models on the market for lightweight sleepers.
The Best Mattress for Lightweight People
- Best Mattress Overall – Helix Sunset
- Most Comfortable Mattress – Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid Mattress – Plush
- Best Value Mattress – Silk & Snow Mattress
- Best Luxury Mattress – Saatva Classic
- Best Mattress for Back Pain – WinkBed
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution 15
- Best Temperature-Regulating Mattress – Nectar Premier
- Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Couples – Layla Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Mattress Pressure Relief – Puffy Cloud Mattress
Weight Disclaimer
Please note: For the purposes of this page, we are talking about individuals who weigh 130 pounds or less. Although we use the terms light or lightweight for brevity and convenience on this page 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 130 or fewer pounds as a practical standard of size when discussing how mattresses interact with sleepers’ bodies. We have found that individuals who weigh under 130 pounds will have similar needs for a mattress in terms of firmness, thickness, and other factors with small individual variations.
In-Depth Reviews
One of the softest hybrids in Helix’s lineup, the Sunset delivers deep cushioning and cradling for people who weigh less than 130 pounds. Our tests show the mattress is particularly well suited to side sleepers in this weight range.
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Pros
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Foam comfort system effectively isolates motion
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Memory foam offers deep pressure relief
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Below-average pricing for a hybrid mattress
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Cons
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Limited edge support compared to other hybrids
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Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds may need more support
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Soft (3)
Price Range
$749 – $1,399
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
Why It’s Best Overall
The Helix Sunset has the soft (3) feel preferred by many lightweight sleepers with the additional benefit of a pocketed coil support system. The comfort system includes plush foam formulated with lightweight sleepers in mind, providing pressure relief and deep cushioning.
What It’s Made Of
The Sunset begins with a breathable, stretchy cover made from polyester and a comfort system that includes three foam layers. The top layer consists of a soft memory foam engineered to compress easily, making it more effective at relieving pressure points for lightweight sleepers. A polyfoam transitional layer creates a comfortable buffer between the memory foam and support core, preventing sleepers from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
The support core includes 8 inches of pocketed coils that provide responsive support. Individually wrapped coils that move independently from one another reduce motion transfer. Additionally, a reinforced perimeter provides increased edge support. A thin, durable layer of polyfoam completes the base.
How It Performed
Side and combination sleepers are likely to enjoy this mattress the most, as the memory foam comfort system hugs the body to prevent and address pressure points. However, the Sunset might not provide enough support for stomach sleepers, who may feel as if they’re sinking into the bed.
In addition to pressure relief, this model excels at isolating motion. The wrapped coils and foam layers work together to absorb movement, preventing disturbances from partners who toss and turn.
Helix backs the Sunset with a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial. Free shipping is available to shoppers in the contiguous U.S.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid Mattress – Plush
20% off mattresses + free pillows at Leesa
$1,343 at Leesa
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Who it’s best for
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People who prefer exceptionally soft sleep surfaces
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Hot sleepers
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Couples
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Highlights
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Copper and cooling gel infusions help offset heat absorption in the foam layers
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Zoned coils provide extra support beneath the hips and along the perimeter
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Above-average motion isolation for a hybrid
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4)
Price Range
$1,259 – $2,039
Trial Period
100 nights (30 night requirement)
Our tests have shown time and again that sleepers under 130 pounds tend to feel most comfortable on soft, adaptive mattresses. Leesa’s Oasis Chill Hybrid is available in two firmness levels, including a medium soft (4) option that deeply cushions the body for even weight distribution, optimal alignment, and excellent pressure relief. These qualities make the mattress a good fit for anyone who has found other hybrids too firm or stiff.
What It’s Made of
The Oasis Chill Hybrid’s comfort system consists of three individual layers encased in a Euro-top cover. A top layer of plush polyfoam gives the surface an adaptive feel, while two underlying memory foam layers add cushioning while keeping your body on an even plane. Cooling gel and copper infusions reduce heat retention to help you stay cool.
Pocketed coils and high-density base foam make up the support core. The coils are zoned to provide extra reinforcement beneath the hips — an area where many people carry a disproportionate amount of weight. Thicker coils also line the perimeter to push back against your weight when you sleep close to the edges or get in and out of bed. The cover is made from a breathable poly-rayon fabric blend.
How It Performed
The Oasis Chill Hybrid – Plush earned stellar ratings from our side sleepers under 130 pounds — a group that’s notoriously hard to please when it comes to hybrid models. Thanks to an exceptionally soft feel, the mattress also received high marks for motion isolation. The foam layers absorb movement well, and our testers noticed little to no motion transfer when lying side by side.
Heat retention may be an issue for some, but the cooling infusions in the top two foam layers help the mattress stay fairly cool. Sinkage along the edges shouldn’t be an issue for people under 130 pounds, but heavier individuals are likely to have a harder time getting in and out of bed.
Competitive pricing, free shipping to all 50 states, and two complimentary pillows with each order make the Oasis Chill Hybrid a great option for budget-conscious shoppers. Your purchase includes a sleep trial that runs for 100 nights. If you decide to keep the mattress after the return period ends, you’ll also receive a manufacturer’s warranty covering structural and material defects for up to 10 years.
Silk & Snow’s all-foam mattress consists of three layers with a plush, pressure-relieving surface and dense support core. Our tests show this mattress excels at motion isolation and pressure relief, and cooling gel infused into the top layer delivers above-average temperature control.
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Pros
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Dense foam layers offer even contouring and cushioning without sacrificing support
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Excellent motion isolation and no noise
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Cover is removable and machine-washable
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Cons
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Edges tend to buckle and sink when weight is applied
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Foam layers can hinder movements across the surface
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium (5)
Price Range
$600 – $900
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
The Silk & Snow features an all-foam design and medium (5) feel geared toward lightweight sleepers, along with an affordable sticker price for shoppers with tight budgets. Three layers of dense foam create a plush, adaptive surface with strong reinforcement to limit sinkage beneath heavier areas of your body. During our tests, the mattress proved especially popular with our team members who weigh less than 130 pounds. This is a great choice for people seeking a cheap mattress that also performs at a high level.
What It’s Made of
The mattress’ triple-layer design begins with a top layer of memory foam. A cooling gel infusion helps reduce heat buildup to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep. The transitional and base layers are made of high-density polyfoam, a material that stabilizes the mattress well and prevents lightweight sleepers from sinking too deeply. The cover is a stretchy poly-spandex blend. You can remove and machine wash the cover whenever a cleaning is needed. Comparatively, most mattresses sold today have non-removable covers that can only be spot cleaned.
How It Performed
In addition to our testers under 130 pounds, the Silk & Snow Mattress earned favorable ratings from side sleepers up to 230 pounds during our hands-on tests. Another strong performance area was motion isolation. Our testers noticed little to no transfer when lying side by side, and we found that the memory foam responds slowly to compression. Temperature control was above-average, as indicated by our thermal body sensors, and most of us experienced minimal – if any – pressure buildup.
Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. The mattress comes with a 100-night trial period, during which you may return it after testing it out for at least 30 nights. Those who keep the mattress also receive a 15-year warranty against structural defects.
The uber-popular Saatva Classic offers a springy coil-on-coil design with gentle cushioning and a stable base. We’ve found most lightweight sleepers prefer the soft version of this luxury innerspring, but medium firm and firm options are available if you want extra support for your sleep surface.
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Pros
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Increased lumbar support helps alleviate back pain
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Innerspring construction provides a responsive surface
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Quilted Euro-top offers plush sleeping surface
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Cons
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Strong bounce may produce motion transfer and disrupt sleep for couples
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All returns incur a $99 fee
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$995 – $2,710
Trial Period
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Product Details
The Saatva Classic is a premium innerspring mattress available in three firmness levels. Each model targets a different type of sleeper, though they all perform exceptionally well in various categories, including support, pressure relief, responsiveness, and durability. Though this model has an above-average price-point, the added cost may be worth it to shoppers who want a high-end model that’s likely to have a longer lifespan.
What It’s Made Of
While materials and specifications vary slightly between models, they all share the same basic construction. The Classic’s top layer consists of a Euro-top with polyfoam quilted directly into its organic cotton cover. With a memory foam layer below, the mattress provides cushioning and a plush feel. A patented spinal zone active wire and increased lumbar support are designed to keep your spine evenly aligned and help prevent back pain.
The support core features a coil-on-coil design that includes pocketed microcoils and innersprings surrounded by polyfoam that heightens edge support. The individually wrapped microcoils better adapt to your body’s unique movements and help prevent excess motion transfer.
How It Performed
The Saatva Classic’s thoughtful design resulted in it excelling during our in-house performance testing. The innersprings keep the mattress responsive, and the wrapped coils and memory foam give it above-average motion isolation. Air flows easily through the mattress core, helping to keep hot sleepers cool.
With three firmness levels to choose from, lightweight sleepers of all body types should be able to find a compatible model. Lighter side sleepers should consider the soft (3) feel, while the medium firm (6) option best suits stomach and back sleepers. However, many lightweight sleepers may find that they don’t weigh enough to compress the firm (8) model’s layers.
Saatva provides free White Glove delivery to shoppers in the contiguous U.S. Those wishing to take part in the 365-night sleep trial should note that they will be charged a $99 fee to return their mattress. Each Classic carries a lifetime warranty.
The WinkBed uses the tried-and-true combo of plush comfort layers and robust, multi-zone coils that provide targeted support for heavier areas of the body. People who weigh less than 130 pounds should consider the medium soft design, but three firmer options are available for those seeking a more subtle contour.
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Pros
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Luxurious hybrid with a robust support system
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Breathable Tencel cover and steady internal airflow help ensure excellent temperature control
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Available in four firmness levels to accommodate different sleep positions and preferences
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Cons
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Foam layers emit strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights
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Those seeking an exceptionally soft mattress may find all four options too firm
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,149 – $2,049
Trial Period
120 nights (30 night requirement)
Product Details
The WinkBed is a foam hybrid available in four firmness levels. This diversity ensures most people who weigh less than 130 pounds will find a design that feels comfortable. Thoughtful construction and a sturdy support core have made the mattress a strong performer across different categories of our hands-on testing.
What It’s Made of
The WinkBed’s Softer (4), Luxury Firm (6), and Firmer (7) models all share similar designs, beginning with a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover. The foam contours to the body without the “hugging” sensation some people dislike about memory foam. A polyfoam transitional layer provides additional cushioning while serving as a buffer between your body and the support core, which contains pocketed coils. The coils are divided into different zones based on gauge, or thickness, to reinforce the midsection and gently cradle lighter areas of the body. Additional zoning around the perimeter helps ensure sufficient pushback when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed.
The WinkBed Plus (8) swaps out the transitional polyfoam for a layer of latex, giving this model a much more responsive and bouncy feel than its counterparts. The latex is designed with seven different zones to create enhanced support for the torso and hips. The Plus is specifically designed for people who weigh at least 230 pounds. All versions of the WinkBed are encased in a cover made of moisture-wicking Tencel fabric derived from eucalyptus.
How It Performed
We’ve tested all four of the WinkBed’s firmness levels in our lab. The Softer WinkBed – a medium soft (4) model – was popular among our side and back sleepers in this weight range. The lightweight back and stomach sleepers on our team also awarded favorable ratings to the Luxury Firm WinkBed, which is medium firm (6). If you sleep best on ultra-supportive mattresses, then the Firmer WinkBed (7) or WinkBed Plus (8) might be more in line with your personal preferences.
Edge support and ease of movement are two areas where the WinkBed excelled. The zoned coils protect the edges from sinkage and minimize sinkage, allowing you to move from the perimeter to the middle of the mattress without feeling trapped or stuck. A breathable cover and steady air circulation through the coil layer also helps the mattress sleep cool.
The WinkBed and WinkBed Plus are competitively priced for hybrid models, though the latter is slightly more expensive. Customers in the contiguous U.S. receive free ground shipping with their order. WinkBeds backs each purchase with a generous trial and exchange policy. If you aren’t satisfied with your initial firmness selection, you may exchange the original mattress for a replacement model at no extra cost. Owners also receive lifetime warranties against structural defects in the mattress.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Evolution 15
35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows at Nolah
$1,624 at Nolah Sleep
Nolah’s Evolution 15 is a luxury hybrid with four individual foam layers, each one denser than the last. This construction ensures a plush surface when you get into bed and firm cushioning for your shoulders and hips as your body settles — an ideal combo for side sleeping.
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Pros
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Available in three firmness levels
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Zoned coils provide targeted support for heavier areas of the body
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Graphite-infused comfort layer dissipates body heat
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Cons
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Thick profile requires a fitted sheet with deep pockets
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$99 fee deducted from all returns
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,004 – $2,143
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
The Nolah Evolution 15’s foam comfort system and luxurious Euro-top excel offer an exceptionally plush and comfortable feel, and the breathable materials regulate temperature year-round. The Evolution 15 comes in three firmness options – medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) – with the medium feel performing best among sleepers under 130 pounds.
What It’s Made of
A cover made from proprietary ArcticTex fabric encases the mattress, and is meant to keep the surface cool. The mattress contains a layer of polyfoam quilted into the Euro-top that provides a plush initial feel. The comfort system also includes a layer of graphite-infused polyfoam. This layer cradles the body to relieve pressure, while the graphite is engineered to conduct heat away from the body.
Next is a polyfoam transitional layer that evenly distributes your weight and keeps you from sinking too much. The support core features pocketed coils, which are reinforced in the center to support the midsection and around the perimeter to protect the edges from sinkage. The coils rest on a base layer made from plant-based fiber for extra stability. The bottom half of the encasement has handles so you can easily move the mattress.
How It Performed
The medium feel proved highly comfortable for side and back sleepers under 130 pounds, but the medium firm model is also a strong option for back sleepers in this weight category. A plusher feel should allow these sleepers to comfortably sink into the mattress, while foam comfort layers contour the body to relieve pressure buildup.
Thanks to a responsive feel and high marks in edge support and ease of movement, all three models performed well in the sex category. Couples should move freely across the whole mattress without excessive sinkage. The breathable materials also help regulate temperature for couples. Co-sleepers who value motion isolation may want to opt for the medium feel, which absorbs more movement transfer to prevent sleep interruptions.
Nolah ships free to the contiguous U.S. Shoppers have the option to opt out of the 120-night sleep trial for a discount of up to $160. Nolah Evolution 15 purchases are also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Best Temperature-Regulating Mattress
Nectar Premier
Up to 40% off mattresses at Nectar
$949 at Nectar
Unlike many other all-foam models on the market, the Nectar Premier manages to contour deeply without retaining too much heat. This makes it a solid choice if pressure relief and temperature regulation are your top priorities as a mattress shopper.
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Pros
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Phase change and gel infusions dissipate heat from the surface
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Excellent motion isolation for couples
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All orders include a 365-night sleep trial
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Cons
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Limited edge support can lead to excessive sinkage
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Foam layers restrict movement on the surface
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$699 – $1,598
Trial Period
365 nights
Product Details
Many mattresses that provide enough cushioning for lightweight sleepers also have a tendency to absorb and trap heat, causing the sleep surface to feel uncomfortably warm. With the Nectar Premier, you get the best of both worlds. The mattress is highly adaptive thanks to a thick comfort layer, yet our tests show minimal heat buildup compared to other all-foam models.
What It’s Made of
The Nectar Premier’s three-layer design begins with 3 inches of memory foam, creating a plush surface when you get into bed. The dense, underlying polyfoam layers are denser and more supportive, so you shouldn’t sink excessively as your body settles into the mattress. We’ve rated the Premier as a medium firm (6), but you should expect a deep contour from head to toe. At 13 inches thick, the mattress is considered a high-profile model.
Cooling gel and phase change material infused into the topmost layer help maintain a comfortable surface at all times, even on hot or humid nights. The transitional layer is convoluted to promote steady airflow throughout the interior, and a breathable cover also contributes to the Premier’s above-average temperature control.
How It Performed
The Premier earned positive ratings from our testers across most weight and sleep position groups, but the most favorable marks came from our side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. The mattress also excelled during our tests for motion isolation and pressure relief, and heat buildup was minimal when we used thermal sensors to test the Premier for temperature control.
The Premier’s high-end price-point reflects its luxurious design, but shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Nectar’s 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest return periods in the online mattress industry, ensuring plenty of time for you to test out the Premier and decide if it’s right for you. Should you choose to keep the mattress, you’ll receive a lifetime warranty for extra peace of mind.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Save 25% sitewide at Brooklyn Bedding
$999 at Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid delivers strong support and plenty of bounce, allowing you to change sleep positions with ease. If you weigh less than 130 pounds, the medium soft design will most likely meet your needs, but you can also choose medium firm and firm options if you wish.
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Pros
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Foam comfort layers cushion and contour to your body’s unique dimensions
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Available in three firmness levels to accommodate different sleep positions
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Durable hybrid design at an affordable price-point
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Cons
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Strong initial off-gassing can occur after the mattress is unboxed
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Trial period does not allow firmness exchanges
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$499 – $1,199
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
No mattress is “universally comfortable,” but the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes closer than most thanks to its wide firmness selection. You can choose from medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8) designs, all with distinct contouring levels. Below-average prices also make the mattress a great deal for value seekers.
What It’s Made of
All three Signature Hybrids begin with comfort layers of TitanFlex polyfoam, a proprietary material that conforms to the body without the deep hug of memory foam. VariFlex transitional foam provides extra cushioning while acting as a barrier between your body and the support core, which contains pocketed coils and high-density base foam. A breathable cotton cover encases the mattress.
For an additional fee, you can add a “Cloud Pillow Top” to your Signature Hybrid. This extra foam layer makes the surface feel noticeably plusher, and a GlacioTex phase change cover creates bursts of cooling. We recommend this add-on if you’re an exceptionally hot sleeper. The Cloud may also be useful if you struggle with night-to-night aches and pains in your shoulders, lumbar region, or hips.
How It Performed
Our tests show the medium soft option is best suited to lightweight side sleepers, whereas the lighter back and stomach sleepers on our team preferred the medium firm, but you should consider the firm model if you need extra support to sleep comfortably. The two softest designs earned favorable ratings for pressure relief and motion isolation. If edge support and ease of movement are high priorities, we recommend the medium firm or firm models.
The Signature Hybrid is available in 14 different sizes. These include standard mattress dimensions, a split California king for couples with adjustable beds, and several RV options. All are affordably priced compared to the average hybrid. Standard ground shipping is free of charge for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Your sleep trial runs for 120 nights, and those who decide to keep their mattress also receive 10-year manufacturer’s warranties. Please note firmness exchanges are not allowed during the trial period.
Best Mattress for Couples
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
$160 off + 2 free pillows at Layla. Use code: Sleepy10
$949 at Layla
The all-foam Layla Memory Foam Mattress features reversible construction with a different firmness level on each side. You’ll likely prefer the medium soft side if you weigh less than 130 pounds, but you can change to the firm surface with a simple flip.
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Pros
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Flippable design with two firmness levels
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Zoned support system targets back pain
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Copper-infused memory foam engineered to draw heat away from the body
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Cons
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People seeking a medium firm feel may not be satisfied with either side
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High odor potential for the first few nights
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Price Range
$749 – $1,249
Trial Period
120 nights
Product Details
Couples will likely enjoy the Layla Mattress’ versatility as well as its motion isolation. People who toss and turn are unlikely to wake their partner on the Layla because it absorbs movement rather than allowing it to move across the bed’s surface. The flippable design also makes it easy for couples to switch between firmness levels according to personal preference.
What It’s Made Of
The medium soft (4) side uses two comfort layers — memory foam infused with copper and cooling gel and zoned polyfoam. The 3 inches of memory foam cradle your body to alleviate pressure points, and the copper and gel are designed to wick away heat. The zoned polyfoam provides enhanced support beneath your midsection and lower back while providing extra cushioning to your shoulders and legs.
The firm (7) side has a 1-inch layer of copper and gel-infused memory foam, offering subtle contouring and acts as a comfortable buffer above the polyfoam support core. The mattress is wrapped in a breathable polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend cover meant to prevent heat retention.
How It Performed
The flippable Layla Mattress has two distinct feels that lend themselves well to lightweight sleepers of every sleep position. The medium soft side includes foam layers that provide pressure-point relief for side sleepers, while the firm side offers more robust support for back and stomach sleepers. Most foam mattresses in our testing lab tend to trap heat, but the Layla stays quite cool. This makes it a great choice for hot sleepers who like the close body hug of a memory foam mattress.
Layla provides free shipping and returns for customers in the contiguous U.S. Shoppers have up to 120 nights to test the mattress. A generous lifetime warranty covers manufacturer defects.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Puffy Cloud Mattress
$750 off + free accessories at Puffy
$1,049 at Puffy
The Puffy Cloud delivers the plush, pressure-relieving design many lightweight sleepers prefer. Cushy memory foam creates a cloud-like surface, while denser support layers prevent excessive sinkage for back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
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Pros
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Gel-infused memory foam offers a deep body hug
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Medium (5) feel results in outstanding motion isolation
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Conforming surface helps alleviate pressure points
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Cons
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May lack adequate support for lightweight stomach sleepers
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Edges tend to sink when compressed
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium (5)
Price Range
$599 – $1,498
Trial Period
101 Nights
Product Details
While all memory foam beds are known for their contouring, the Puffy Mattress’ above-average plushness sets it apart from other foam mattresses on the market. If you need a bed with strong pressure relief to alleviate aches and pains, the Puffy is a worthwhile option that cradles the shoulders, hips, and spine.
What It’s Made of
The Puffy Mattress features an all-foam construction with a top layer of memory foam. This foam cradles your body closely and is infused with gel intended to reduce heat retention. A transitional layer of cooling polyfoam enhances the cushioning but also has a firmer feel for support. The base layer is composed of high-density polyfoam to stabilize the bed. The mattress is encased in a stain-resistant polyester cover, which is removable and machine washable.
How It Performed
Overall the mattress has a medium feel, rating 5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This is softer than the average foam bed you’ll find, so it’s a good fit for people who need extra cushioning. The foam layers closely cradle your joints, which helps ease pressure off sore spots and promote spinal alignment for side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. The Puffy Mattress also has outstanding motion isolation, making it particularly suitable for people who are easily awoken by their partner’s movements.
Puffy gives customers 101 nights to try out the mattress, after which it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. Mattresses ship free to all 50 states.
Data-Driven Results You Can Trust
Our team of sleep experts at Sleep Foundation includes a wide range of body types, including lightweight sleepers. We’ve reviewed hundreds of mattresses over the years, performing numerous tests on each one. While we take all our testers’ rankings into account, the mattresses we’ve highlighted received the highest scores from lightweight sleepers.
In addition to lying down on each mattress and testing their physical feel and support level, we also rate them in a number of categories, including pressure relief — an important factor for lightweight sleepers. We use pressure point mapping to indicate whether or not a mattress is likely to cause hot spots or discomfort. We also review new mattresses often to ensure our readers are presented with the most thorough and up-to-date information available.
Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides
If you want to expand your search for a new mattress beyond these suggestions, you can check out our collection of mattress guides categorized by sleeping styles.
Best Mattress by Sleeper Type
- Best Mattress for Athletes
- Best Mattress for Couples
- Best Mattress for Kids
- Best Mattress for Toddlers
- Best Mattress for Seniors
- Best Mattress for Teenagers
- Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers
- Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
How Does Body Weight Affect the Support of a Mattress?
Maintaining proper spinal alignment is crucial for a comfortable and pain-free night’s sleep. Even spinal support from a mattress will ideally keep your spine in alignment, meaning your mattress supports your spine without allowing your body to sink too deeply at the midsection.
Both body weight and mattress firmness can affect your spine’s position. Sinking too deeply into a mattress will cause your back to curve, likely resulting in discomfort or pain. Since lightweight sleepers don’t compress their mattress as much as heavier sleepers do, they typically don’t require a robust support system. A softer mattress allows lighter sleepers to rest comfortably and get the most from each layer.
Your preferred sleeping position also factors into how much support you need from a bed. Side sleepers often prefer softer mattresses, as one that’s too firm can cause pressure points in the hips and shoulders. A mattress that’s too soft for stomach sleepers can cause their midsection to sink into the bed. Back sleepers usually enjoy a firmness level in between that adequately supports the lower back.
What is the Best Firmness for Lightweight Sleepers?
The best firmness level for lightweight sleepers will depend on their preferred sleeping position, but typically a firmness level between soft (3) and medium firm (6) offers the best support. While personal preference will affect which model you choose, mattresses softer than a 3 on the firmness scale can cause the spine to fall out of alignment. A firm or extra firm mattress can create pressure points in lightweight sleepers due to the lack of contouring on the surface.
Our Firmness Scale and Sleepers Under 130 Pounds
We use a 10 point firmness scale to rank each mattress we review, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The majority of sleepers prefer a mattress that falls between 5 and 7 on the firmness scale. However, this is different for lightweight sleepers.
Most lightweight sleepers prefer a softer mattress, as they compress easier than firm mattresses and are less likely to cause pressure points. As a result, many lightweight sleepers enjoy a mattress that falls between 3 and 6 on the firmness scale.
How to Choose a Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
There are a number of factors to consider when shopping for a new mattress. Lightweight sleepers should primarily consider whether the support level is appropriate and whether the surface provides adequate pressure relief.
We’ll explore what to look for in a mattress and give you the tools to help determine whether or not a particular model is a good fit for your individual needs.
What to Look For in a Mattress
Choosing a mattress that accommodates your sleep habits is the best way to ensure that you end up with a comfortable mattress. With so many mattresses available today, it can be an overwhelming decision to choose the right one for you. While there are many features to weigh, your sleep position and weight will be the most important factor in determining which mattress to buy.
Price
Mattress costs can vary widely. Shoppers wishing to save should consider buying from an online retailer. These “mattress in a box” prices are often lower because the mattress ships directly from the manufacturer. Many companies also offer significant discounts during holiday periods.
Sleeping Position
Your primary sleeping position will have the greatest impact on which firmness level you choose. Side sleepers typically prefer a plush mattress, while stomach sleepers prefer one with increased support. Back sleepers typically enjoy a firmness level between the two. The wrong support level can lead to pressure buildup or back pain.
Quality Materials
Many manufacturers use patented materials in their mattresses, but it’s important to examine whether or not they’ll hold up over time. Customer reviews often give an indication of how well a material will last. Durability testing from professional reviewers can be invaluable in determining a mattress’ lifespan as well.
Firmness Level
Lightweight sleepers will want to choose a firmness level that’s compatible with their weight. On the 1 to 10 firmness scale, this typically correlates to a mattress between 3 and 6 — which is softer than what people who weigh above 130 pounds generally prefer.
Pressure Relief
While all sleepers can experience pressure points, side and lightweight sleepers can be the most prone to it. Spending extended time on the same parts of your body on a mattress that doesn’t allow enough contouring can cause discomfort beneath the heavier parts of the body, such as the hips, shoulders, and back. A mattress that targets pressure relief can help significantly.
Motion Isolation
Movement can travel across a mattress that lacks substantial motion isolation. People who share a bed can benefit from a mattress that absorbs motion rather than one that allows motion to transfer across the surface, as couples are less likely to be disturbed by any movement.
Temperature Regulation
A mattress that allows air to flow freely through its core is less likely to retain heat, allowing hot sleepers to sleep cooler. Some mattresses also include cooling features like gel-infused foam or phase change materials that are designed to wick away heat and moisture. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses generally offer better temperature regulation.
Edge Support
Edge support can make a difference for people who struggle to get in and out of bed, as well as couples who prefer using the entire mattress. Reinforcing a bed’s perimeter can increase edge support significantly and allow people to sit or sleep on the edge of their mattress without it sagging.
Contouring
Many mattresses that include foam in the comfort system have some level of contouring. A mattress with deep contouring will give sleepers a hugging sensation that often feels as if they’re sleeping in the mattress. Those who prefer sleeping on their mattress should choose a mattress that offers less contouring.
Mattress Type
Today, shoppers have the option of choosing between a wide range of mattress constructions. Each sleeper has different needs and preferences. People who prioritize responsiveness and temperature regulation may prefer an innerspring or hybrid. Those seeking enhanced pressure relief may enjoy a foam or latex model, while airbeds might be a better option for shoppers who want maximum customization.
What Type of Mattress is Best for Lightweight Sleepers?
While each mattress within a particular style shares broad characteristics, their exact specifications can differ greatly from one another. We’ll examine the most common mattress constructions and discuss how they can benefit lightweight sleepers.
Foam
These mattresses usually have a construction made up of multiple foam layers. The two most popular types of foam are memory foam and polyfoam, both of which can be formulated with different densities to give sleepers varying levels of support and cushioning. Foam mattresses generally excel at relieving pressure, an added benefit for lightweight sleepers.
Foam also absorbs motion well, making it an excellent choice for couples wanting fewer disturbances from their partner’s movements. Foam mattresses that don’t have temperature regulating features can sleep hotter than other mattress constructions, as the foam tends to trap body heat.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses blend the constructions of multiple mattress types — innerspring, foam, and latex. This style uses a support core made from coils that provide the bounce and responsiveness for which innerspring mattresses are known.
However, on top of the coils, hybrids often include comfort systems that incorporate foam, latex, or wool. Hybrid manufacturers mix and match these materials to create a distinct feel and performance. They also tend to sleep cool, since air circulates freely within the mattress core.
Latex
Similar to foam models, latex mattresses provide sleepers with pressure relief, but with increased responsiveness. This type of mattress is an excellent choice for hot sleepers, as it tends to not trap heat. Latex is also a great option for sleepers who want to alleviate discomfort stemming from pressure buildup, but not at the expense of a mattress’ durability. However, latex mattresses can be heavy and unwieldy, and moving one may require help.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses have support cores made from coils that flex and compress as weight is applied. Today’s models are designed to offer responsive support. Unlike older models, you’re unlikely to have an excessively squeaky bed or springs poking out from the core in a modern innerspring mattress.
Innersprings generally incorporate a layer above the coils to create a comfortable surface. These materials generally include pillow-tops, foam, or wool, creating a buffer between your body and the mattress springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Memory foam mattresses can be an excellent choice for lightweight sleepers, since they relieve pressure buildup so well. Memory foam offers contouring and provides a hugging sensation, helping to evenly disperse weight across the mattress.
Softer memory foam models feature thicker layers of memory foam that are formulated to be less dense. This type of surface offers substantial give and creates a plush feel, giving lightweight sleepers heightened contouring and pressure relief.
For lightweight sleepers, a thicker mattress model can be a better option since a mattress typically becomes softer with additional layers. If there aren't many layers between a mattress' core and your body, the surface is likely to feel firmer. When comfort systems and transitional layers are added to a mattress, it can soften its overall feel and give you a plusher surface to sleep on. Your weight and sleep style also have an impact on which firmness level will likely work best for you.
Lightweight sleepers often require a softer mattress because they don’t place enough weight on a firm mattress for it to compress. This can result in pressure points or an uneven spinal posture. However, the sleeping position you prefer also affects which firmness level you should consider.
Stomach sleepers need the most robust support to keep the spine properly aligned, while side sleepers require a softer mattress that cushions their hips and shoulders. Back sleepers generally prefer a mattress in the middle that offers a combination of support and pressure relief.
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Jeremy is a sleep product tester with a passion for methodology and data collection.