Best Mattresses for Heavy People

Mattress Nerd consulted Julia LeBlanc, PT/DPT to ensure that this article met our editorial standards

Written by Loren Bullock, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed hundreds of mattresses and sleep products for over eight years using hands-on testing. We assess each sleep product for comfort, support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
Learn more.

In This Article

We’ll share our our top choices for the best mattresses for heavy people and what factors make a mattress more supportive and pressure relieving for those over 230 lbs. who may feel a mattress firmness level differently than others.

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A variety of factors come into play when finding the perfect mattress for you. Near the top of that list? Your size. This is even more important if you sleep next to a partner.

Larger people, such as tall and plus-sized individuals, have unique needs when it comes to their beds. If you weigh more than about 230 pounds or are six feet or taller, it’s likely that you fall into this category. This simply means that you need a mattress that caters to your size in durability, thickness, and firmness. For example, someone putting more pressure on a mattress may experience it as softer than someone else does.

After considering over twenty products for this category, let’s see which made the cut for the best mattresses for heavyweight sleepers.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress for Heavy People?

Our expert mattress testers chose the Helix Plus as the Nerd’s Pick for the best mattress for heavy people due to its affordable price tag, top of the line support, and its ability to provide pressure relief for average to heavier body types of all sleeping positions. 

The Best Mattresses for Heavy People

• Nerd’s Pick – Helix Plus
• Best Hybrid Mattress for Heavy People – Titan Plus
• Best Mattress for Heavy Couples – Emma Hybrid Comfort
• Best for Heavyweight Side Sleepers – Nectar Premier
• Best Luxury Mattress for Heavy People – Saatva HD
• Best Mattress for Heavyweight Combination Sleepers – Nolah Evolution Comfort+
• Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy People – Plank Firm
• Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People – WinkBed Plus
• Best Mattress for Heavy People and Muscle Recovery – Bear Elite Hybrid
• Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Best Mattress for Heavy People Video

What Do Heavy People Need in a Mattress?

Choosing the right mattress is essential for heavier sleepers to ensure comfort, durability, and support. Here’s a closer look at the critical features:

Firmness

Medium-firm to firm mattresses offer the support needed for heavier sleepers, helping prevent uncomfortable sinkage and promoting spinal alignment. This firmness level maintains the mattress’s shape, providing relief from pressure points and reducing pain in key areas.

Durability and Materials

Increased weight demands a durable mattress, so high-density foam, hybrid, or innerspring constructions are recommended for lasting support. These materials are less prone to sagging and more resilient, making them ideal for long-term use.

Edge Support

Strong edge support maximizes usable sleep space and prevents sagging, which is especially useful for couples. With reinforced edges, heavy sleepers can comfortably lie near the perimeter without feeling unsupported.

The ten selections on this list have the attributes that heavy people often need in a mattress. If you’d like to learn more, read up on our review process.

Nerd’s Pick – Helix Plus

Pros of the Helix Plus

Advanced cooling features will keep hot sleepers cool

Supportive for all sleeping positions

Great pressure relief for back pain

Cons of the Helix Plus

Edge support isn’t the best

Average responsiveness

May feel “stuck” in the top foam layers

Plus-sized back and stomach sleepers typically prefer a firmer, more supportive feel, which the Helix Plus delivers. This mattress has a TENCEL cover, two comfort layers of foam for contouring, and a layer of individually wrapped coils for breathability.  

The beauty of this mattress is in the design of its pocketed coil system. The coils in the center of the mattress are extra tall, helping them support heavier weights and resist sagging. Buoyant yet supportive, the Helix Plus gives big and tall sleepers the comfort they crave while maintaining a healthy spinal alignment.

What our testers say: “The thoughtfulness of its design ensures that it remains durable and comfortable for heavier weight and plus size sleepers in the long term.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Helix Plus

• Stomach sleepers—Regardless of your size, the Helix Plus is firm enough to support the hips and prevent stomach sleepers from sinking.
• Back sleepers—Taller-than-average coils provide enough support for the hips and shoulders to ensure back sleepers get the proper spinal alignment all night.
• Hot sleepers—The Helix Plus’ hybrid composition allows for easier airflow, as well as an added breathable, moisture-wicking cover to keep you cool all night.

Who Might Not Like the Helix Plus

• Light sleepers—If you’re easily woken up, look for a mattress with better motion isolation, like the GhostBed Flex mattress.
• Combination sleepers—The Helix Plus’ responsiveness isn’t the best if you want to change positions with ease throughout the night.

Other User Reviews

With a 4.4 out of 5 stars on Helix’s site, customers mostly seem satisfied and praise the bed for its firmness and ability to relieve pain. However, a few reviews mention an adjustment period or say that the bed is too firm, but comfort can be relative. Others mentioned noticing poor edge support as they tried to get out of bed. But, overall, the response seems to be positive.

See our full Helix Plus mattress review to learn more! If you aren’t interested in the Helix Plus, check out our list of the best mattresses for more great options.

Best Hybrid Mattress: Titan Plus

Pros of the Titan Plus

Good cooling features for hot sleepers

High firmness level delivers support for heavy folks or all sleeping positions

Great price point for budget shoppers

Cons of the Titan Plus

Not the best motion isolation for couples

Edge support isn’t the best

Won’t offer a sinking, cushioning feel if that’s what you’re looking for

The Titan Plus by Brooklyn Bedding is among the most supportive and comfortable mattresses designed for larger sleepers. Contouring foam and pocketed coils provide optimal pressure relief and support, especially for heavy back and stomach sleepers. This mattress is topped with quilted memory foam, providing cooling comfort for those who sleep hot. 

Designed and built by the esteemed Brooklyn Bedding brand, the Titan serves plus-size sleepers comfort and support in equal measure. Best of all, it’s less expensive than other options out there and comes with a 10-year warranty.

What our testers say: “Our testing showed the Titan Plus performs better the heavier you are. So larger people can rest assured that this mattress is very supportive. Plus, the affordable price point makes this option more accessible than many other similar options.“ – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Titan Plus

• Hot sleepers—Gel memory foam and pocketed coils allow for easy airflow and a cool night’s sleep.
• Side sleepers—Heavy side sleepers should sleep soundly as the Titan Plus performs better with more weight, meaning you’ll be properly supported and cushioned.
• Combination sleepers—The Titan Plus has excellent responsiveness, making it a perfect choice for people who toss and turn as they try to find their favorite sleeping position.

Who Might Not Like the Titan Plus

• Couples—The same responsiveness that makes it perfect for those who toss and turn might disrupt sleep between couples as partners move or get out of bed in the middle of the night.
• Those who need a supportive edge—Heavy folks might sink into the edge of this bed as you try to get out of bed in the morning.

Other User Reviews

Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers say that overall, the bed’s firmness holds up. A few complained about the lack of edge support and that their sheets sometimes slide off. Many negative reviews suggest not buying the bedframe that comes with, but the mattress itself works great for them.

See our full Titan Plus Mattress Review to learn more. Not sure the Titan Mattress is for you? Check out more options at our best hybrid mattresses page!

Best Mattress for Heavy Couples: Emma Hybrid Comfort

Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

Responsive and supportive enough for couples

Great option for back, stomach, and combination sleepers

Affordable given the quality

Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

If one partner is a light to average weight side sleeper, they may not be comfortable

Not best for those who prefer a soft mattress

Not best for those looking for a memory foam mattress

The firmness of the Emma Hybrid Comfort is great for couples who are heavier back and stomach sleepers. Thanks to several foam layers and a section of individually wrapped coils, sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs are likely to get the support they need on this bed.

Heavy couples should love the Hybrid Comfort’s excellent responsiveness. This should ensure that partners won’t have trouble switching positions during the night (or during other nighttime activities). Additionally, the good edge support allows partners to make full use of the mattress space, and its breathable hybrid construction should help combat body heat. This bed is often available at a great discount from seasonal sales, but our tests suggest it might not be the longest lasting. Thankfully it does come with a 10-year warranty and 365-night sleep trial.

What our testers say: “The best mattresses for sex are quiet, responsive, and cooling. With that in mind, this mattress has everything you (and your partner) could ask for. “ – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort

• Combination sleepers—The Hybrid Comfort’s responsiveness makes it easy to change positions in the night while still retaining some motion isolation so your partner doesn’t suffer from your tossing and turning.
• Hot sleepers—Airflow through the Hybrid Comfort’s coils and moisture-wicking technology keeps you cool throughout the night.

Who Might Not Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort

• Those who specifically need hip support—Some heavier stomach sleepers may still need an even firmer mattress to specifically tackle the hip area. We’d recommend Nerd’s Pick instead, the Helix Plus mattress.

Other User Reviews

This is a new mattress, so Emma’s site doesn’t have many reviews yet, but early customers already rate it an impressive 5 out of 5 stars. So far, users rave about the mattress’ cooling abilities.

Our full Emma Hybrid Comfort review provides more information on this bed. If you aren’t interested in the Emma Hybrid Comfort, check out our list of the best mattress for couples for more great options.

Best Mattress for Heavyweight Side Sleepers: Nectar Premier

Pros of the Nectar Premier

Localized pressure relief to the shoulders and hips of heavyweight side sleepers

Great motion isolation for couples

Great edge support

Cons of the Nectar Premier

Not the best option for hot sleepers

Not for those who want to stay elevated on the mattress surface

Not supportive enough for stomach sleepers

The Nectar Premier mattress is a good choice for any heavyweight side sleepers looking for a bed that’ll offer proper spinal alignment and good pressure relief. It comes in at a 5.5/10 on the firmness scale, making it fall a bit on the softer side. But that softer firmness level is what makes it good for side sleepers, in particular, because the bed will allow your hips to sink down far enough into the mattress. 

This is a supportive mattress with a slow-responding foam that’s comparable to a TEMPUR-Pedic feel. While it doesn’t work all that well for heavyweight back and stomach sleepers, heavy side sleepers should find what they’re looking for here. 

What our testers say: “This mattress offers a TEMPUR-Pedic feel at a budget-friendly price. Heavier side sleepers will sink into the surface and experience nice cushion to the shoulders and hips.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nectar Premier

• Memory foam lovers—If you don’t want to spend the big bucks on TEMPUR-Pedic and still have some support as a heavyweight sleeper, the Nectar Premier is a great way to get the best of both worlds.
• Couples—Foam makes for a great motion isolator, ensuring that the movements of your sleeping partner don’t wake you up.

Who Might Not Like the Nectar Premier

• Back and stomach sleepers—The Nectar Premier is a bit too soft for heavyweight stomach and back sleepers, who should consider something firmer like Nerd’s Pick, the Helix Plus.
• Hot sleepers—The Nectar Premier is temperature-neutral, so it won’t exactly provide a cooling effect for hotter sleepers.

Other User Reviews

Thousands of reviewers on Nectar’s site have given the Nectar Premiere an overall 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews seem to focus on the bed being too hot or the bed not assisting with back pain. But for the most part, customers seem to find the bed comfortable and supportive.

Check out our Nectar Premier Mattress Review for more details. Not sure the Nectar Premier is for you? Check out our other expert recommendations for the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Best Luxury Mattress for Heavy People: Saatva HD

Pros of the Saatva HD

Great cooling features for hot sleepers

Exceptional responsiveness

Delivers great pressure relief

Cons of the Saatva HD

Pricey

Not the best motion isolation for couples

Not the best for average weight side sleepers

The Saatva HD is our recommendation if you weigh 300 to 500 pounds and want the luxury feel of a traditional, innerspring mattress in a larger size. The combination of 5-zone Talalay latex and steel coils offers unrivaled support and comfort for larger people. 

Designed at a medium-firm firmness level, the Saatva HD aims to serve plus-size sleepers the comfort they desire and need. Also, they offer white glove delivery and free setup for all their customers and have a reputation for providing excellent service before and after purchase. If a luxury buying experience is important to you, this is where you’ll find it.

What our testers say: “The Saatva HD is a stellar luxury pick for plus-size sleepers. I’ve have reviewed many mattresses here at Mattress Nerd for years, and the Saatva HD is definitely in the top tier with a specialized construction that’s designed with the needs of bigger bodies in mind.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Saatva HD

• Those with back pain—With reinforced support, the Saatva HD promotes great spinal alignment to directly help relieve back pain.
• Back sleepers—Even if you don’t suffer from back pain, the supportive design of this mattress allows for even distribution of body weight and cushioning of the hips.

Who Might Not Like the Saatva HD

• Budget shoppers—As a luxury mattress, the Saatva HD comes at a high price point, but there are plenty of other budget-friendly options for heavyweight sleepers in this review.
• Couples—The Saatva HD isn’t the best when it comes to motion isolation, meaning your partners’ movements during the night can be felt on your side of the bed.

Other User Reviews

On Saatva’s site, the Saatva HD has an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars. Reviews are for the most part positive and praise the high quality of the bed, whereas the negatives seem to focus on personal preference for firmness and the occasional gripe about delivery issues.

Interested in reading more, read our in depth Saatva HD Mattress review. If you’re looking for more options check out our best luxury mattresses.

Best Mattress for Heavyweight Combination Sleepers: Nolah Evolution Comfort+

Pros of the Nolah Evolution Comfort+

Made with heavy people in mind

Very responsive

Cooling enough to keep hot sleepers comfortable

Cons of the Nolah Evolution Comfort+

Pricey

May be too firm for heavyweight stomach sleepers

We love the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ for sleepers who toss and turn at night And this particular model particularly targets larger bodies in need of enhanced support, specifically those over 250 pounds. So, if you’re a heavier sleeper that falls asleep in one position and wakes up in another, the eight-inch coils inside Nolah Evolution Comfort+ will help you move about the mattress with minimal effort. This mattress is also incredibly sturdy and features enhanced support, so it will keep your body aligned for years to come.

The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ has a special cooling cover, breathable coils, and a heat escape gusset, all which keep you cool as you sleep. You can try it out for 120 nights—a bit longer than the industry-standard 100-night sleep trial period.

What customers say: “The frame is very sturdy, it has no issue with me, at about 250 pounds. Either one of us can toss and turn and not disturb the other. I have never had a better sleep than I have with the Nolah. It has been a very good investment, and one I would have no trouble recommending to anyone else looking for the same.” – Scott Turner, verified buyer

Who Might Like the Nolah Evolution Comfort+

• Combination sleepers—The Nolah Evolution has great responsiveness for those who need ease of movement when they change positions throughout the night.
• Hot sleepers—This mattress’ composition has cooling features like a heat escape gusset and breathable support coils to ensure a cool night’s sleep for hotter sleepers.

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Evolution Comfort+

• Stomach sleepers—Those who sleep on their stomach, especially heavyweight sleepers, might find the bed too soft to support them.
• Budget shoppers—The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is priced like a luxury mattress, so it can be a bit expensive for budget shoppers

Other User Reviews

Earning a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ seems to be a hit. Negative reviews tend to focus on the firmness being a little bit too much for their liking. But overall, customers are satisfied with the feel and comfort. Many reported their aches and pains disappearing after making the switch to Nolah Evolution Comfort+.

Check out our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers to learn more.

Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy People: Plank Firm

Pros of the Plank Firm

Great option for back and stomach sleepers of all body types

Great pressure relief for back pain

Flippable design allows for personalization

Cons of the Plank Firm

Not the best option for hot sleepers

Not the best for side sleepers

Average motion isolation

The Plank Firm mattress is a flippable firm bed, great for those who know they want a firm mattress, but aren’t sure how firm to go. Firm beds are great for heavyweight sleepers. They are typically more supportive and durable. Both the firm and extra-firm side of Plank Firm is good for back and stomach sleepers of all body types.

The Plank Firm mattress has two firmness levels, so it’s essentially two beds for the price of one. As a bonus, all Brooklyn Bedding mattresses are made in the U.S., so they typically come at a lower cost and arrive at your door quicker than if the production were to be outsourced.

What our testers say: “The Plank Firm is priced on par with its online competition, and significantly lower than luxury name brands—especially considering that it has a firm side and extra-firm side all in one mattress.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Plank Firm

• Stomach and back sleepers—Plank Firm’s extra firm side is just that, providing great support for both heavyweight back and stomach sleepers who sink into other mattresses.
• People who find beds too soft—We compared the Plank Firm as if you were sleeping on the ground with a thin topper, so if you’re dissatisfied with other mattresses that claim they’re firm, look no further.

Who Might Not Like the Plank Firm

• Side sleepers—The mattress is a bit too firm for side sleepers and might not provide proper cushioning where they need it on their shoulders and hips.
• Hot sleepers—Because it lacks breathable coils, the Plank Firm tends to be hot, as is the case with most all-foam beds.

Other User Reviews

On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews tend to say that the bed is either too firm or softer than they expected. But, overall, many people seem satisfied and are finding relief from chronic pain.

See our full Plank Firm mattress review to learn more! Check out our list of the best firm mattresses for other solid options.

Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People: WinkBed Plus

Pros of the WinkBed Plus

Layers of cooling foam and breathable pocketed coils will keep hot sleepers cool

Heavyweight folks of all sleeping positions will be comfortable

Very responsive

Cons of the WinkBed Plus

Not the best motion isolation for couples

Pressure relief isn’t good enough for those with joint pain

Pricey

Foam layers, latex and individually wrapped coils make up the construction of the WinkBed Plus mattress, a bed specifically created with larger folks in mind. Individuals who weigh 300 lbs. or more should feel supported and comfortable on this 13.5” tall mattress. 

The bed earns high marks in edge support and motion isolation, and the top layer of foam in the bed is designed to reduce body impressions and cradle sensitive joints, making it one of the best mattresses for overweight people. The bed is shipped as a bed-in-a-box mattress, and WinkBeds throws in a 120-night sleep trial and a Lifetime warranty. This is great for those who want to try out a new bed without making a commitment.

What our testers say: “The WinkBed Plus is cooling, has excellent edge support, and offers a responsive and lifted feel.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the WinkBed Plus

• Hot sleepers—Several layers of cooling foam and a breathable base layer of pocketed coils make the WinkBed Plus a great choice for hot sleepers looking for cool relief.
• Stomach sleepers—Though good for all sleeping positions, heavyweight stomach sleepers will definitely find support with this mattress’ dense firmness.

Who Might Not Like the WinkBed Plus

• Couples—Though it has decent motion isolation, this mattress’ bounciness makes it not the best choice for those with partners who move around in the night.
• Those with hip pain—The WinkBed Plus might be too firm for those who need pressure relief from hip pain.

Other User Reviews

On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews focus on problems with delivery and removal. But overall, people seem satisfied and consider the bed supportive and sturdy.

See our full WinkBed Plus mattress review to learn more! For more options that keep you from overheating, check out our list of the best cooling mattresses.

Best Mattress for Heavy People and Muscle Recovery: Bear Elite Hybrid

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid

Very supportive for most sleeping positions

Great motion isolation for couples

Cooling features for hot sleepers

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid

Lack of edge support

Budget shoppers may not love the price of this luxury mattress

Heavy stomach sleepers may feel unsupported

The Bear Elite Hybrid is really supportive, which makes it great for heavy sleepers. It is also fairly plush and comes in three different firmness options (Soft, Medium, and Firm), which makes it very comfortable for a wide variety of people. This mattress is particularly attractive to those who live an athletic lifestyle and are interested in optimizing their recovery during sleep.

The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress has Celliant fiber in its cover, an incredibly impressive material. Celliant purportedly helps sleepers and their muscle recovery, blood circulation, and body temperature regulation. With luxurious features, the Elite Hybrid is definitely not the cheapest bed on the market, but it is a worthwhile investment for the right sleeper.

What our testers say: “The Bear Elite is designed to promote muscle recovery and temperature regulation for resting athletes. With a hybrid construction of memory foam, zoned foam, and pocketed coils, you’ll get a balance of softness, airflow, and medium-firmness.” – Ashton, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Bear Elite Hybrid

• Athletes—Designed specifically for athletes, the Bear Elite is outfitted with many features to help you wind down after an active day, such as great pressure relief and cooling technology.
• Back sleepers—The mattress’ comfortable foam conforms to a perfect S shape for maximum comfort for back sleepers.

Who Might Not Like the Bear Elite Hybrid

• Budget shoppers—Earning the name “Elite,” this luxury mattress is a bit on the pricier side for those on a budget.
• Those who need a supportive edge—Elders or those who struggle getting out of bed may find that the edges of the bed don’t hold their shape well enough for easy transfer to your feet.

Other User Reviews

According to Bear’s website, the Bear Elite scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews have customers saying the bed was either too firm or too soft for their personal preference, while others noticed the lack of edge support. Overall, customers say that this bed helped them stay cool at night and helped relieve their pain.

See our full Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more. Looking for other options to relieve your pain? Check out our full list of best mattresses for athletes to start sleeping more comfortably. 

Best Mattress for Heavyweight Back Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Pros of the Aurora Luxe

Good for back sleepers of all sizes

Great temperature regulation

Makes it easy to toss and turn

Cons of the Aurora Luxe

Doesn’t isolate motion too well

Not great for most side sleepers

Our team believes that plus-size back sleepers will feel supported and comforted on this bed, but lightweight and average-weight back sleepers should also find support in the Aurora Luxe, depending on their individual sleeping preferences. We love the Aurora Luxe’s breathable layers, so it’s also a great pick for hot sleepers as well.

The thick profile, cooling features, and luxurious feel gives the same feel as a hotel bed. Heavier sleepers will love the pocketed coils that support their weight and provide mobility at the same time, something great for combination sleepers. Plus, you get 120 nights to try out your mattress followed by a 10-year warranty.

What our testers say: “Back sleepers are the easiest group to accommodate: they just need a mattress supportive enough to maintain their spines’ natural “S” curve. The medium and firm versions of the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe relieve pressure in the low back and easily support lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight sleepers.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe

• Hot sleepers—With cooling gel infused into the foam composition, the Aurora Luxe offers great thermal conduction, meaning it will direct heat away from your body throughout the night.
• Those with back pain—Since it eases pressure on the low back, heavyweight back sleepers may find pain relief from this mattress.

Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe

• Couples—The Aurora Luxe is extremely responsive, which is good for things like changing positions, but not when it comes to isolating motion from the other side of the bed.
• Budget shoppers—With its premium construction, this luxury bed fetches a high price, and there are plenty of other budget-friendly options in this list for the money-conscious!

Other User Reviews

On Brooklyn Bedding’s site, the Aurora Luxe has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews seem to be focused on personal preference when it comes to whether the mattress was too firm or too soft. Overall, customers praise the cooling capabilities and comfortability of the bed.

See our full Aurora Luxe mattress review to learn more! Check out our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers for more great options.

Compare Mattress Nerd’s Scores

Mattress	Mattress Nerd Score
Helix Plus	4.7 out of 5
Titan Plus	4.6 out of 5
Emma Hybrid Comfort	4 out of 5
Nectar Premier	3.6 out of 5
Saatva HD	4.7 out of 5
Nolah Evolution Comfort+	4 out of 5
Plank	4 out of 5
WinkBeds Plus	4.3 out of 5
Bear Elite Hybrid	4.2 out of 5
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	4 out of 5

Mattress Considerations for Heavy People

What makes a mattress great for heavy people? While the main components of a great mattress shouldn’t differ by your size or height, larger individuals must take into account specific design needs in order to get a great night’s sleep at their size.

Read on for the things we recommend considering before you make a decision. Or, for a deeper look, check out our big & tall person’s sleeping guide.

Mattress Thickness

People who weigh less than 200 pounds can typically get by with a thinner mattress, but once this weight threshold is crossed, a thicker mattress is essential for overall support. We recommend narrowing your search to options that are at least 12 inches thick, if not more. The additional weight of large or heavyweight sleepers increases the amount of pressure on the mattress, meaning that traditional mattress thicknesses won’t provide you with the support you would need.

Construction and Durability

Did you know that there’s a correlation between sleeper weight and mattress lifespan? In general, higher weights mean that a mattress lasts fewer years.

This is because more weight results in quicker sagging and deterioration, regardless of the mattress’ brand, price, or quality. Because of this, plus-size mattress shoppers should place extra emphasis on quality construction and durability. Latex mattresses and mattresses with other high-density materials are good to look for when researching the mattress’ makeup.

There are also a number of precautions you can take to help prevent a mattress from sagging. Make sure your rotate it several times per year, and also try and refrain from always sleeping on the same part of the mattress. These strategies will help keep any one area from from experiencing too much pressure for a prolonged period of time. 

Also, consider checking out our list of the best mattresses that won’t sag to learn more about product with impressive durability.

Cooling Properties

Our body weight and body type affect our temperature, which means that heavier people typically sleep hotter. Many plus-sized sleepers desire temperature regulation, in addition, to support for their weight. If this is you, make sure the mattress can keep you cool.

Ideally, the body should reduce its temperature as you enter deeper stages of sleep. Elements that encourage airflow to aid this natural process include open-cell memory foam, gels, and cooling layers, all of which are discussed in greater detail on our best cooling mattresses list. 

Edge Support

Heavy sleepers require extra support, and a mattress’ edges play a key role in this. This is because heavier sleepers naturally take up more room, especially if two tall or overweight individuals are sharing a bed. You’ll want to be able to sprawl out without feeling like you’re falling off the edges. Look for reinforced foam edge support or similar targeted features. Check out our article on the importance of edge support in a mattress to learn more.

Pressure Relief

Pressure buildup around the shoulders and hips can be a serious problem for heavy sleepers. Heavy side sleepers in particular need a mattress that contours to the body to alleviate pain in these areas and prevent long term problems. A hybrid mattress is a good choice because it has foam for contouring and cushion as well as a strong base of coils to support your weight.

Responsiveness

In order to move around comfortably, heavy sleepers need a mattress that is responsive, as it will make changing sleep positions and getting out of bed much easier. Innerspring and latex mattresses are great at providing high responsiveness because the materials are bouncy, yet supportive. For more information, check out our mattress responsiveness page.

Best Mattress Firmness for Heavy People

A soft bed may feel incredible to the touch, but for heavier sleepers, traditionally plush beds may result in too much sinkage into the mattress. If you like a soft feel to your mattress, we recommend a firmer mattress with the addition of a pillow-top for extra comfort. Keep in mind that, the heavier you are, the more sinking you’ll experience, so a firmer mattress will ultimately feel softer to a plus-sized sleeper. Check out our best firm mattress for more options.

To measure a mattress’ firmness, we place it on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being very soft and 10 being very firm. Anything over a 7 is considered firm, which is also right around where you should be looking when considering firmness. For more information, head over to our mattress firmness guide.

Sleeping with a Partner

If you sleep with a partner who has a petite or average body type, then you may need to make some compromises. For example, it is possible that they will prefer something on the softer end of the firmness scale. Consider meeting somewhere in the middle.

There are a ton of medium-firm mattresses (5 to 7 on the firmness scale) that still offer the durability and edge support that you will need as a heavy sleeper.

If you’re both heavyweight, then you’ll want to check the weight limit of your mattress. Your combined weight needs to be less than the max limit of the bed, or else you risk causing damage to your mattress’s support systems.

Want More Options?

If you want to learn more about how and when to purchase a mattress, check out our Best Mattress Buying Guide. For all of our top picks, read our Best Mattress of 2024 guide.

What Type of Mattress is Best for a Heavy Person?

We would say that innerspring and hybrid mattresses are your best bet. The coils used in the construction of these types of mattresses provide a ton of support that memory foam simply doesn’t on its own. That said, memory foam and latex do have their upsides. Let’s take a closer look at each material.

Innerspring Mattresses for Heavy People

Innerspring mattresses use a system of coils at their base to keep sleepers supported throughout the night. These are an excellent choice for heavier people, because of how supportive they are, and what a great job they do keeping the spine aligned.

These mattresses are typically topped with a thin comfort layer, so they are made more comfortable than laying straight on the coils, however, the layer is not thick or usually soft enough to cause any sinkage in the hips of shoulders. Take a peek at our best innerspring mattresses article for more information.

Latex Mattresses for Heavy People

Latex is a great choice for heavy sleepers. These mattresses are bouncy, responsive, supportive, and, as an added bonus, naturally eco-friendly. Good latex mattresses have some cushion, but the main focus of these mattresses is support.

Latex typically sleeps cool, so overheating on these mattresses shouldn’t be a concern. One concern with a latex mattress is that if you do sleep with a partner who tends to move around or shift positions a lot, you may feel a lot of motion transfer. If you’re interested in a latex mattress because of their eco-friendly properties, consider checking out our list of the best organic mattresses.

Memory Foam Mattresses for Heavy People

Memory Foam varies from very soft to very firm, depending on the density of the foam.  These mattresses have a reputation of trapping body heat in the bed, so if you sleep very hot make sure to look for a great memory foam mattress that is infused with cooling properties so that you do not overheat.

If pressure relief is a major concern of yours, this could make memory foam a good option for you. However, I would suggest making sure the mattress you choose does not conform to the body too much. This can make it very difficult to move around on the bed, but you can still find a mattress with a good balance of comfort and support. Make sure you look for mattresses with layers of dense support foam, these can provide better structure than those without.

Hybrid Mattresses for Heavy People

The best hybrid mattresses typically give sleepers the most options when it comes to the support they need, and the type of comfort they want to feel. For instance, heavy sleepers need a more supportive mattress, so you can find a hybrid bed that has a firm coil base, but is topped with a memory foam that allows contouring. Hybrids were made to provide sleepers with the best of both worlds, and no population benefits from that more than heavy sleepers.

Airbeds for Heavy People

Not to be confused with air mattresses, airbeds are similar to traditional mattresses in that they often contain materials like foam and latex, but they also utilize a system of adjustable air chambers that allow you to change the firmness. This is a great option for folks who aren’t quite sure which firmness is right for their body type and sleeping position. 

Sleeping Position

While we have found that firm mattresses usually work better for heavier folks, it isn’t always that simple. There are other factors at play here, one of the most significant being sleeping position. While the majority of heavy people will want to shop within the firm range (7-10) on the firmness scale, some will want to shop around 7 while others may need something closer to 10.

Heavyweight Side Sleepers

We always recommend that side sleepers consider a mattress on the softer end of the spectrum. That is because their shoulders and hips need a good deal of cushioning to ensure proper pressure relief. As a heavier person, the amount of cushion you need is less than that of a petite person, but you still might want to keep softness in mind. Think about looking for a mattresses with a firmness of around 7/7.5. If your current mattress is firmer than that, something from our list of best mattress toppers for side sleepers may help increase the softness just a bit. 

Heavyweight Back Sleepers

Like side sleepers, back sleepers need a bit of sinkage to allow their hips to be slightly cushioned by the mattress. The amount of pressure on their hips, however, is less than that of side sleepers. For heavy back sleepers, a little bit goes a long way. A mattress firmness around 7.5/8 should do you well. Take a look at our list of best mattresses for back sleepers for more information.

Heavyweight Combination Sleepers

Since combination sleepers switch positions often, it is important to identify the position that you favor most when shopping for a mattress. If you don’t favor one single position, then responsiveness will be the most important thing to look our for. A bed with high responsiveness will make it easier to switch out of old positions and settle into new ones, especially for a heavier person. Our article on the best mattress for combinations sleepers has plenty of great info on the subject.

Heavyweight Stomach Sleepers

If you sleep on your stomach, firmness is your friend because you’ll want a mattress that props your hips up. We even suggest that small stomach sleepers stick to the firm end of the scale, so as a heavy sleeper you will definitely want to consider this advice. Around 8-10/10 should give you the support you need. If you sleep on your stomach and want to learn more, head over to our best mattress for stomach sleepers page.

Popular Sleep Accessories for Heavy People

Pillows for Heavy People

Generally speaking, your weight won’t affect the type of pillow that works best for you. Rather, the best pillow comes down to your sleeping position as well as your personal preference. In the most basic terms, side sleepers generally do well with a high-loft pillow, stomach sleepers tend to prefer a flatter pillow, and back sleepers should look for something right in-between. To be safe, consider purchasing an adjustable pillow that allows you to modify its loft to your liking. Check out our list of the best pillows for some of our favorite options.

Mattress Toppers for Heavy People

If you want really customize your mattress feel, a mattress topper may be a great option for you. Mattress toppers are made in every type of material you can imagine; foam, feather, latex, and cotton to name a few. Toppers are usually anywhere from 2 to 5 inches thick. If you have come to the conclusion that you need a firmer mattress to support you, but like the feel of a softer bed, a topper may be a good solution. Looking for that extra support? Check out our best mattress toppers for more options.

Adjustable Beds for Heavy People

Adjustable beds have increased in popularity due to their ability to accommodate such a wide range of sleepers. These are particularly popular with heavy people because they enable you to customize your sleeping position based on where you feel the most pressure and carry the most weight. If you sleep with a partner, whether they are on the lighter or heavier side, a split adjustable bed could be a good investment to ensure each person gets the most out of the mattress and bed every night.

Cooling Comforters for Heavy People

Having larger amounts of muscle mass can lead to overheating at night. If you’re a larger individual and find this to be the case, you may have had trouble finding a blanket that doesn’t make you uncomfortable.

Thankfully, plenty of companies out there offer comforters designed specifically to help keep you cool. Keep an eye out for lightweight products made with materials like merino wool or eucalyptus. For more information, check out our list of the best cooling comforters.  

Best Mattress for Heavy People in Canada

If you live in Canada, you might not have easy access to all of the mattresses on this list. Thankfully, we’ve had our share of Canadian mattresses in our mattress testing lab, and the Douglas mattress stood out as the best option for heavy people.

The Douglas has a medium-firm feel that works especially well for heavy back and stomach sleepers, and does a pretty good job of supporting heavy stomach sleepers. Plus, at only $749 for a Queen this mattress will not put too much strain on your wallet. If you want to learn more, check out our list of the best Canadian mattresses. 

FAQs about the Best Mattresses for Heavy People

Should heavy people use a firm mattress?

Yes. The heavier you are the softer a mattress will feel to you, even one that would feel too firm to a smaller person. A traditionally soft mattress will allow you to sink too far into its layers, where you’ll likely be uncomfortable. We recommend that you look at mattresses with a firmness of around 7/10.

What if my partner is petite, or average-sized?

If you sleep with a partner who has a petite or average body type, then you may need to make some compromises. For example, it is possible that they will prefer something on the softer end of the firmness scale. Consider meeting somewhere in the middle. There are a ton of medium-firm mattresses (5 to 7 on the firmness scale) the still offer that durability and edge support that you will need as a heavy sleeper, like the GhostBed Luxe, for example.

Is there a weight limit for memory foam mattresses?

All mattresses have a weight limit. This limit can vary from 250 to 1000 pounds. If you purchase a mattress that does not support your weight, the support systems will break down faster. In the long run, this will cost you both money and frustration.

What type of mattress is best for a heavy person?

We would say that innerspring and hybrid mattresses are your best bet. The coils used in the construction of these types of mattresses provide a ton of support that memory foam simply doesn’t on its own. That said, memory foam and latex do have their upsides.

Can a heavy person sleep on a bed in a box?

Absolutely! Most of the mattresses on this list come compressed and packaged in a box. Some of them were even designed specifically with plus-size sleepers in mind.

Which mattress material is best for heavy people who sleep hot?

If you sleep hot, we always recommend starting with a hybrid mattress. The layer of coils allows for better breathability than an all-foam mattress. From there, you can choose between a foam hybrid or a latex hybrid. If cooling is your top priority, then we would suggest a latex hybrid. They can be quite pricey, but latex doesn”t retain heat as much as foam does, so it should help keep you from overheating at night. 

Recap of the Top Rated Mattresses for Heavy People

Mattress	Award	Firmness Level
Helix Plus	Nerd’s Pick	Medium-Firm
Titan Plus	Best Hybrid Mattress for Heavy People	Firm
Emma Hybrid Comfort	Best Mattress for Heavy Couples	Medium-Firm
Nectar Premier	Best for Heavyweight Side Sleepers	Medium-Firm
Saatva HD	Best Luxury Mattress	Medium-Firm
Nolah Evolution Comfort+	Best Mattress for Heavyweight Combination Sleepers	Medium-Firm
Plank	Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy People	Extra Firm
WinkBeds Plus	Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People	Medium-Firm
Bear Elite Hybrid	Best for Heavy People and Muscle Recovery	Multiple Firmness Options
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	Best Mattress for Heavy Back Sleepers	Multiple Firmness Options

Julia LeBlanc is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.

Loren Bullock

Lead Mattress Reviewer

About Author

Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.

Combination Sleeper