Best Mattress for Lightweight People

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.

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.

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 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.

If you’re a “hot sleeper,” you may need a mattress with cooling properties to sleep comfortably. The Hush Arctic Luxe Hybrid lives up to its name thanks to a temperature-regulating design featuring a cover woven with phase change material, which is engineered to dissipate heat on contact and help the cover remain cool to the touch at all times. A foam layer infused with graphite and pocketed coils that promote steady airflow add to the breathable construction.

What It’s Made of

The Arctic Luxe Hybrid features a memory foam comfort layer encased in a pillow-top, giving the mattress an initially plush feel when you get into bed, but the transitional polyfoam and coil layers provide sturdy support and make the mattress medium firm (6). Thicker coils rest beneath your midsection to reinforce the torso and hips — areas where people tend to carry more weight — while thinner coils cradle the head and legs. 

How It Performed

Our tests show the mattress isolates motion well and should cut down on movement-related disruptions for couples. Pressure relief was another testing highlight, as the foam layers contour evenly to align the spine and alleviate discomfort in the shoulders, lower back, and hips. The coils provide enough bounce to ease movement on the surface, and sinkage along the perimeter was minimal during our edge support tests. Overall, the mattress offers a good balance of cushioning and stability.

The Arctic Luxe Hybrid is reasonably priced compared to other hybrids on the market, and shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. You’ll also receive two Hush pillows with your order at no extra cost. Each purchase comes with a 100-night trial period. If you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects, and you can purchase an accident protection plan covering stains and other physical damage that runs up to 10 years.

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 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.

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.

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.

Other 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.

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.