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Best Mattress for Heavy People: 12 Picks for Optimal Sleep

TSA reviewer Connie Hack

Written By Connie Hack

Sleep Advisor

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How We Test

Our testing process

a featured image of best mattress for heavy people

18 March 2024 8 min read

People come in all shapes and sizes, and so do mattresses. So, today we're going to hone in on one specific category and talk about the best mattress for heavy people.

For way too long we have ignored the importance of a quality mattress for heavy people but no more. Improving the quality of your sleep should be your number one priority, especially if you weigh a bit more than the average bloke.

After all, an improper mattress can lead to a worse sleep quality, a worse sleep quality can influence weight gain, and weight gain can further decrease your sleep quality. It's a vicious cycle!

And with over 60% of people in the UK being overweight or obese, quite a few people need to know how to pick out a proper mattress! So, to find the best mattress for a heavier person, you need to account for their weight as well as their sleeping position, as this will dictate the firmness level of their ideal mattress.

Don't worry, we'll explain in more detail later on. But first, let's go over some of our personal picks for the best mattresses for heavier people and then we can break down the science after that.

Our top picks

As we promised, we're first going to go over our picks for the best mattresses for heavier sleepers. And, as you'll quickly notice, every mattress is the best in one specific category. So, hopefully, you can find one that checks all of your boxes!
    Mattresses 1
    Product image of Emma NextGen premium mattress.
    Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
    Best Overall
    Mattresses 2
    a product image of Vesgantti Pro Hybrid 5FT King Size Mattress
    Vesgantti Pro Hybrid Mattress
    Best Value
    Mattresses 3
    Product image of the Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 Pocket Mattress
    Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 Pocket Mattress
    Best Flippable
    Mattresses 4
    An image of a TSA reviewer sitting on a Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress
    Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress
    Best Cooling
    Mattresses 5
    Person lying on the Hypnia Essential Hybrid Mattress as a back sleeper.
    Hypnia Essential Hybrid Mattress
    Best for Couples
    Mattresses 6
    a product image of Emma Original Mattress
    Emma Original
    Best Memory Foam
    Mattresses 7
    a product image of Silentnight - Miracoil Ortho Mattress
    Silentnight Miracoil Ortho Mattress
    Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers
    Mattresses 8
    Product image of Simba Hybrid Essential
    Simba Hybrid Essential
    Best for Side Sleepers
    Mattresses 9
    Product image of the Sealy Waltham Latex Advantage Mattress
    Sealy Waltham Latex Advantage Mattress
    Best for Shoulder Pain
    Mattresses 10
    An image of a TSA reviewer sitting on the nectar memory foam mattress
    Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
    Best for Hip Pain
    Mattresses 11
    a product image of Rest Assured - Adleborough 1400 Pocket Ortho Mattress
    Rest Assured Adleborough 1400 Pocket Ortho
    Best for Back Pain
    Mattresses 12
    a product image of Relyon-Memory Superior Ortho Support 1500 Pocket Mattress
    Relyon Memory Superior Ortho Support 1500 Pocket
    Best for Motion Isolation

Best Overall: Emma NextGen Premium Mattress

For our number one pick, we had to go with the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress as it should satisfy the vast majority of sleepers!
Best Overall
Product image of Emma NextGen premium mattress.

Even if you're on the heavier side, side sleepers should get a medium or medium firm mattress. And the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress is our favourite pick.

For one, it has a layer of Halo memory foam that can provide some much-needed pressure relief and comfort. However, the mattress is also rather breathable, so, you don't have to worry about overheating either.

But what makes this mattress especially good for larger individuals is the spring layer. The NextGen Premium has extremely large and durable pocket springs that outperform the vast majority of the competition.

And this means that the mattress is likely going to stap in tip-top shape for longer, providing your body all the support it could ever need. So, while it's not ideal for heavier stomach sleepers, we'd still say this mattress is generally the best for heavier individuals.

To learn more, read our full review of the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Double, EU Queen
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Foam and pocket springs

Advantages

An icon depicting a spring
Extra large pocket springs
These springs offer excellent support and durability.
An icon depicting an overweight man
Ideal for side sleepers
As a medium firm mattress, it's ideal for most side sleepers.
An icon depicting air passing through a fabric
Breathable
No need to worry about overheating.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a stomach sleeper, illustrating product is not stomach sleeper friendly
Not ideal for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers might need a firmer mattress.

Best Value: Vesgantti Pro Hybrid Mattress

If you’re in the market for something cheap, but valuable, here’s one for you!
Best Value
a product image of Vesgantti Pro Hybrid 5FT King Size Mattress

The Vesgantti Pro Hybrid Mattress might not be as fancy as some of the other mattresses on this list but when it comes to getting a good deal – it's the king!

Being more than half the price of most hybrid mattresses, the Vesgantti Pro Hybrid Mattress still has a lot to offer.

For one, you're still getting pocket springs – so, both the motion isolation and the support are pretty good. Plus, multilayer foam that adds some pressure relief and comfort into the mix.

And with this being a medium firm mattress, heavier side sleepers should get all the support they could ever need. Plus, you have a 100-night trial, which is extremely generous given how affordable this mattress is!

Click here to read our full review of the Vesgantti Pro Hybrid Mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Medium firm
  • Size: Single, Small Single, Double, Small Double, UK King, Super King, EU (90×200 cm), EU (120 x 200 cm), EU (140 x200 cm), EU (160 x 200 cm), EU (100 x 200 cm), EU (80 x 200 cm).
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Foam and springs

Advantages

an icon depicting a money bag, illustrating an affordable product
Affordable
Extremely cheap, especially for a hybrid mattress.
An icon depicting an overweight man
Ideal for heavier side sleepers
The mattress can easily support heavier side sleepers.

Disadvantages

An icon representing a non-removable cover
Non-removable cover
The cover is not removable.

Best Flippable: Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 Pocket Mattress

If you're worried about your mattress becoming too lumpy, a double-sided mattress is the way to go!
Best Flippable
Product image of the Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 Pocket Mattress

All mattresses fall to wear and tear. And, for heavier people, it might even come a bit sooner than expected as their mattress has to support a larger body weight. However, a flippable mattress makes this a much less significant problem.

And the Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 Pocket Mattress is our favourite in this category. For one, the combination of 4000 individually-nested pocket springs and a hand-tufted upper layer gives this mattress excellent durability.

This is likely also why it comes with both a 10-year guarantee and even a 60-night trial period. Plus, the wool filling combined with the side vents means that even the hottest of sleepers shouldn't have to worry.

And with a medium to firm rating, heavier side sleepers should feel right at home, as well as slightly lighter back and stomach sleepers.

To learn more, read our full review of the Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000 Pocket Mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Pocket spring
  • Firmness: Medium firm
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, European King, Superking
  • Cover material: Cotton-viscose
  • Layer(s) material: Hampshire fleece wool

Advantages

An icon depicting two arrows indicating two sides
Double sided
Just turn your mattress from time to time and prolong its lifespan.
An icon depicting a magnifier indicating high quality
High-quality and durable
The mattress is made of high-quality materials and has a long lifespan.

Disadvantages

An icon representing a non-removable cover
Non-removable cover
The biggest con is that you cannot remove the hand tufted cover.

Best Cooling: Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress

If you’re one of those that sleep hot – you might want to check this one out!
Best Cooling
An image of a TSA reviewer sitting on a Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress

The Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress has won plenty of awards in plenty of categories in our books. After all, it will leave just about anyone happy.

And heavier sleepers might be especially happy since this high-end hybrid comes with a whopping 5000 pocket springs. So, both the durability and the support the mattress can offer are top-tier!

And with it being a medium-firm mattress, most heavier side sleepers should be more than well-supported. Plus, you get a free mattress protector that can make the mattress feel a bit firmer if needed.

But the Simba Hybrid's cooling system takes central stage. With a nice and luxurious wool layer, open-cell Simbatex foam and a knitted top cover, it should be virtually impossible to overheat on this mattress.

Read our full review of the Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress to learn more.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Medium firm
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Double, EU Queen
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Memory foam and pocket springs

Advantages

an icon depicting that the product is supportive
Excellent support
With 5000 springs, your body will be properly supported.
An icon depicting a magnifier indicating high quality
High-quality materials
This mattress features premium materials like wool.
An icon depicting good cooling properties
Very cool
The wool layer, knitted cover, and open-cell foam all provide cooling.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Expensive
This mattress is not ideal for budget-oriented sleepers.

Best for Couples: Hypnia Essential Hybrid Mattress

Whether both you and your partner are on the heavier side or one is bigger than the other, this mattress should keep you both happy!
Best for Couples
Person lying on the Hypnia Essential Hybrid Mattress as a back sleeper.

Getting a mattress for a couple can be difficult, as there's a solid chance that the two of you will need different kinds of mattresses. However, we think that the Hypnia Essential Hybrid Mattress should keep everyone happy.

For one, the memory foam used has shown great results in our testing, feeling very soft initially but with a firm, stable support underneath. So, we'd wager that both a heavier and a lighter sleeper should find the support and comfort they're looking for.

It also helps that the mattress has zoned pocket spring support. So, even if it's a bit softer or firmer than you'd might like, your joints and spine will still be supported.

Lastly, and this is a must-have feature for any couple, the Hypnia Essential Hybrid Mattress has excellent motion isolation. So, just because your partner woke up doesn't mean you also have to.

To learn more, read our full review of the Hypnia Essential Hybrid Mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Firmness: 7/10
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Memory foam and pocket springs

Advantages

An icon depicting the product that is soft to touch
Very nice to the touch
The upper layer is very soft and nice to the touch.
an icon depicting that the product is supportive
Zoned support
Your back and joints will get the support they need.
An icon presenting perpetual motion balls indicating low motion transfer
Great motion isolation
There is no motion transfer so it's ideal for couples who share the bed.

Disadvantages

a hand holding to a handle, indicating side handle
No side handles
This makes moving the mattress a bit more difficult.

Best Memory Foam: Emma Original

One of the best foam mattresses on the market – especially if you're a heavy sleeper.
Best Memory Foam
a product image of Emma Original Mattress

The Emma Original is one of the most popular mattresses on the UK market and for a very good reason.

It's a great, memory foam mattress that will transform your life. It boasts an amazing, 7-zone support system that distributes weight and pressure in a way so that everyone, no matter how heavy, can enjoy it.

Aside from support, the high-quality build makes the Emma Original mattress very comfortable, as well as quite cool and breathable.

In addition to all of that, it comes with a removable cover so you can easily refresh your mattress any time you want.

Read our review of the Emma Original Mattress to learn more.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Memory foam
  • Firmness: 6/10
  • Size: UK Single, UK Small Double, UK Double, UK King Size, Super King Size
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Memory foam

Advantages

An icon depicting good cooling properties
Cooling
Thanks to the innovative technology, you stay cool during the hot summer.
An icon depicting different groups of people
Good for all sleepers
The mattress is a perfect choice for side, back and stomach sleepers.
An icon depicting trial or warranty
200 nights trail period
Try the mattress for 200 nights and return it if you don't like it.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a non motion isolating product
Couples may not like it
Some couples may not like it due to slight motion transfer.

Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers: Silentnight Miracoil Ortho Mattress

The best mattress for heavy side sleepers the UK market has to offer!
Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers
a product image of Silentnight - Miracoil Ortho Mattress

Miracoil Ortho mattress is another mattress from Silentnight on our list. In front of us, we have another wonderful, thick mattress that utilises Silentnight's Miracoil innerspring tech, to provide you with the ultimate zoned support and comfort.

Naturally, the supportive coils are covered by a breathable and very comfortable Eco Comfort layer for added support.

This one is extra firm, so it’s ideal for heavier back sleepers as they don't want their hips to sink too deep into the mattress

. In addition to all of that, this one is also hypoallergenic so you don’t have to worry about dust mites and other allergens.

Check our review of the Silentnight Miracoil Ortho mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Pocket spring
  • Firmness: Extra firm
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Eco Comfort Fibres

Advantages

An icon depicting a back sleeper
Great for back
Heavier back sleepers will need an extra firm mattress like this one.
An icon depicting a leaf indicating hypoallergenic properties
Hypoallergenic
People with allergies will get a good night's sleep with this one.
An icon depicting chain links indicating durability
Sturdy & heavy duty
The mattress has a sturdy structure. It will last a long time.

Disadvantages

An icon representing a non-removable cover
Cover is not removable
You cannot remove the cover, which makes maintenance more difficult.

Best for Side Sleepers: Simba Hybrid Essential

Quite possibly the comfiest mattress for side sleepers!
Best for Side Sleepers
Product image of Simba Hybrid Essential

The Simba Hybrid Essential is one of the best heavy mattresses money can buy. It's a hybrid mattress that's pretty much suitable for every person on the planet.

It offers more than great support regardless of what position you’re sleeping in, it’s quite comfortable and breathable, hypoallergenic and offers some great value.

After all, the cooling cover and the Simbatex foam layer will keep you cool, the memory foam will keep you comfortable, and the Aerocoil will help support your body.

And with this being a medium-firm mattress, any average or heavy sleeper should feel right at home! But if you're still not sold, don't worry, you get a 200-night trial to test this baby out.

Check our Simba Hybrid Essential mattress review.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Firmness: 7/10
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Foam and springs

Advantages

An icon depicting a leaf indicating hypoallergenic properties
Hypoallergenic
Sleepers will allergies can sleep peacefully on this one.
An icon representing an eco-friendly & sustainable concept
Eco-friendly
Produced in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. Zero waste.
An icon depicting a medal indicating a warranty
10 years warranty
You get 10-year warranty protection plan.

Disadvantages

An icon representing a non-removable cover
Non-removable cover
Though hypoallergenic and high-quality, the cover is not removable.
An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
High price tag
Very expensive, when compared to similar mattresses.

Best for Shoulder Pain: Sealy Waltham Latex Advantage Mattress

If your shoulder has been bothering you lately – maybe this mattress can help!
Best for Shoulder Pain
Product image of the Sealy Waltham Latex Advantage Mattress

Naturally, when you don't have a good mattress and when you're heavy and you sleep on your side – your shoulder starts bothering you. But with the Inofia mattress, you get wonderful contouring and pressure relief from the first time you lay on this mattress, which makes it ideal for those of you that are constantly aching.

And it's important to note that for some heavier sleepers, latex might feel a lot more comforting than memory foam. This is because it's a bit firmer and bouncier.

The difference is especially noticeable when the mattress has natural latex like the Sealy Waltham Latex Advantage Mattress. This bumps up the pressure relief even further and can help with all kinds of aches.

Lastly, you do get a 60-night trial period. So, if you're not convinced anything can beat memory foam, give natural latex a try and see whether you still feel that way!

 

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Latex
  • Firmness: Medium firm
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Latex

Advantages

An icon depicting a latex material
Highly quality latex
High quality latex ensures unparalleled comfort.
An icon depicting a man suffering from a neck pain, illustrating a product that is good for back pain treatment
Pressure reliving
Forget any neck, back or shoulder pain as it will soothe it.
An icon depicting trial or warranty
Decent trial
You can try the mattress out before comitting.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Expensive
Natural latex is not a budget-friendly material.

Best for Hip Pain: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

Just like with shoulder pain, hip pain is best deal with via pressure relief. And few do it better than Nectar!
Best for Hip Pain
An image of a TSA reviewer sitting on the nectar memory foam mattress

If your hips are hurting – you need a new mattress. All of us know that hips don't lie, so, when they're telling you something you better listen.

This time around, they're telling us that we should give the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress a try. This memory foam mattress focuses on pressure and pain relief by equally distributing body weight thanks to the zoned support and a couple of amazing supportive layers.

The comfort is unparalleled, especially if you sleep on your side, and you can be certain that your hip will stop aching after only a few nights on this mattress.

On top of that, Nectar offers a lifetime warranty! So, not only is it one of the best mattresses for heavier sleepers right now, it will likely still hold this title in a few decades!

Click here to read our full review of the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Memory foam
  • Firmness: Medium firm
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Memory foam

Advantages

An icon presenting perpetual motion balls indicating low motion transfer
No motion transfer
A major plus if you're sharing the bed with someone.
An icon depicting a medal indicating a warranty
Forever warranty
This mattress might stick with you for the rest of time.
An icon depicting a man suffering from a neck pain, illustrating a product that is good for back pain treatment
Pressure reliving
Fantastic pressure relieving properties will sooth any pain.

Disadvantages

a hand holding to a handle, indicating side handle
No side handles
This makes moving the mattress more difficult.

Best for Back Pain: Rest Assured Adleborough 1400 Pocket Ortho

Get rid of back pain with this ortho-pocket mattress!
Best for Back Pain
a product image of Rest Assured - Adleborough 1400 Pocket Ortho Mattress

The Rest Assured Adleborough 1400 pocket ortho mattress comes as the perfect pick for heavy sleepers who want to treat their back pain.

1400 individual pocket springs are the backbone of this extra firm mattress that contains no toxic chemicals in its structure at all.

The polyester fill, in combination with air vents, ensures optimal breathability so you won't get hot.

And the Damask cover keeps the top layer fresh and hostile towards bacteria or dust mite growth so it is a suitable pick for hypoallergenic overweight sleepers as well.

Check our Rest Assured Adleborough 1400 Pocket Ortho mattress review.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Pocket spring
  • Firmness: Extra firm
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super king
  • Cover material: Polyester
  • Layer(s) material: Soft white fibres

Advantages

An icon depicting a medal indicating a warranty
5 years warranty
You get 5-year warranty protection plan.
An icon depicting a man with pain in back
Great for back pain
If you suffer from back pain, this mattress will take it away.

Disadvantages

An icon representing a non-removable cover
Non-removable cover
You cannot remove the cover.
An icon depicting two arrows pointing to left and right illustrating a single-side mattress
Single sided
The mattress has only a single side, which reduces the durability significantly.

Best for Motion Isolation: Relyon Memory Superior Ortho Support 1500 Pocket

If motion isolation is the most important feature for you, this mattress is bound to be on your radar.
Best for Motion Isolation
a product image of Relyon-Memory Superior Ortho Support 1500 Pocket Mattress

The last of our “pain-killers” is the Relyon Superior Ortho Support mattress. For one, as the name suggets, it provides orthopaedic support, meaning that it keeps your spine straight and healthy.

Plus, it's an extra firm mattress, meaning that heavier individuals will benefit the most from this mattress! And since it's a whopping 32cm thick, you can also rest assured that it's going to stick around for quite a while, regardless of who's sleeping on it.

And while 1500 isn't nearly the highest number we've seen for pocket springs, they are high quality and offer amazing motion isolation.

The mattress also features a cotton filling as well as a Damask cover, which keep the sleeping surface nice and cool. So, an excellent pick for hot sleepers as well.

 

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Pocket spring
  • Firmness: Extra firm
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super king
  • Cover material: Damask
  • Layer(s) material: Cotton

Advantages

An icon presenting perpetual motion balls indicating low motion transfer
Great motion isolation
You can move around freely without disturbing your partner.
An icon depicting a leaf indicating hypoallergenic properties
Hypoallergenic
Allergy sufferers can have a healthy night's sleep.
An icon depicting air passing through a fabric
Breathable
Both the cover and filling are very breathable.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting the product is not side sleeper friendly
Too firm for some side sleepers
Some side sleepers may find it too firm.
An icon representing a non-removable cover
No removable cover
No cover can make it more difficult to keep clean.

What to consider when buying the best mattress for heavy people

Now that we've gone over our top 12 picks, we'd like to discuss exactly what you should look out for when buying a mattress for a heavier person. After all, mattresses can be quite expensive, so you'd want to find the perfect one!

So, here are some general guidelines that we stick to when finding the perfect pick. However, we will point out that these things vary from person to person, and trying out the mattress yourself is the only surefire way to know if it suits you and your body.

The type of mattress

Naturally, the first thing you should pay attention to when selecting a mattress is the type. In general, there are four main types of mattresses – a hybrid, memory foam, innerspring and latex.

And while things can vary from model to model, certain mattress types excel in certain categories. Memory foam mattresses, for instance, are known for their pressure relief, solid support and contouring of the body. Innerspring mattresses, the ones with coils, are the best option for those looking for some extra firmness and bounciness

Latex mattresses are great for pain relief, as well as for natural cooling of the body, so heavy sleepers could enjoy them a lot. Finally, hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds bringing forth the ideal balance between firmness, support and comfort. At least, the good ones do.

Support & comfort

An overweight woman on a bed

How supportive and comfortable the mattress will be is not defined by a single feature. You can't rate comfort and support without taking everything else into consideration. Also, both of these are fairly subjective, meaning, what's supportive for a light person might be too soft for a heavy person and the same thing applies to comfort.

When looking for these features, you'll have to consider everything else that we'll talk about in just a second. The best tip we could give you when looking for the best mattress for overweight people is to focus on firmness, your sleeping position and the type of mattress. Those three should give you a general idea of how supportive and comfortable the mattress will be for you.

How thick your mattress is & the number of layers

Most great mattresses for heavy people will be layered. Now, some will come in 2 and the others will come in 10 layers. Finding the right balance won’t be simple, but it’s doable. Layering is mostly done with support and comfort in mind. In most cases, you can expect an outer layer of about 7 to 10 cm to be the “comfort” layer and the rest of the layers underneath to be the “support” layers.

As far as thickness goes, ideally, a mattress should be 18-20 cm thick. Now, there are no rules saying that the mattress can’t be thinner or thicker than that, but we wouldn’t recommend going south of 15 cm, as you’d probably sacrifice comfort at that point. As far as going upwards goes – we find 30 cm to be the upper limit. Everything above that would be just a gimmick.

Edge support

One of the often-overlooked features of a mattress for heavy people is the edge support. Essentially, edge support refers to the amount of resistance provided around the edges of the mattress. You can think of it as the frame of a mattress.

The purpose of edge support is to, well, offer additional support. This is especially important if you’re a restless sleeper and you toss and turn during the night. For heavy sleepers, edge support is very important, as it will offer a lot more resistance near the edges of the mattress which is especially important if you’re sleeping with a partner and near the edge of the bed.

Sleeping position

A heavy person in Different sleeping positions

Your sleeping position will greatly affect what kind of mattress you’ll need. As you already know, not everyone sleeps in the same position. Some sleep on their stomach, some on their backs, some sleep sideways and some sleep however they feel at a particular moment.

This plays a major role when selecting a mattress for heavy people because relative to how you sleep, your mattress should keep your body properly aligned and supported. For instance, stomach sleepers benefit from firm mattresses and people sleeping on their sides enjoy softer mattresses. It’s all about alignment and optimal support in proper places like hips or shoulders.

Which firmness level is ideal for heavier people?

Firmness is something you should also consider when buying a new mattress. Now, if you're a heavy person, you will ideally want to look for a mattress that's medium-firm or higher. So, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest, you want to look for mattresses in the range of 6 to 8. As you've maybe noticed, all the mattresses we've selected fall into that range.

Aside from body weight, your sleeping position will also affect how firm your mattress should be, as we've previously mentioned, but keep that in mind as well, because, if you're a stomach sleeper and you're packing some extra weight, a medium-firm mattress might not be enough for you.

So, take a look at the table below to figure out the exact firmness rating that will work for you.

An infographic showcasing different mattress firmness levels

Cooling

Many people sleep hot, which is a problem, considering that your body temperature needs to drop a little bit in order for you to sleep soundly. When you're a bit overweight, you tend to get hotter a bit more often. That's why it's important to find a mattress that's going to support your weight and now allow you to sink in it and get hot immediately.

As far as cooling goes, you'll want to pay attention to the type of mattress and the materials used. Latex mattresses are in general the best mattresses to keep you cool, but the other types, as well, can be more than pleasant, if the cover material is good and breathable.

Do mattresses have weight limits?

In general, most mattresses are designed in a way so they can properly support people weighing up to 115 kg. But even if you happen to weigh more than that, fear not. After all, there are many mattresses specifically designed to handle sleepers who way 250kg or even more.

In most cases, hybrid and innerspring mattresses (also called open coil mattresses) perform the best under pressure because of the supportive innerspring coil base, but some memory foam mattresses can, as well, be quite supportive. However, if you're over 115 kg of body weight, we'd suggest sticking to hybrid and innerspring mattresses, just to be safe.

But why do mattresses have a weight limit to begin with? Well, more often than not, this concernes the mattress warranty. The more pressure that's put on the mattress, the more quickly it will lose its shape. Foam will sink and springs will lose their bounce. So, some manufacturers specify in their warranty that a person has to be lighter than 2 stone to be eligible for a return if something goes wrong.

This isn't universal and some mattresses have no weight limit at all. But this has more to do with the warranty than the mattress itself. In other words, we'd suggest not stressing over the weight limit if you're over 115kg. However, we do recommend carefully reading the warranty conditions so that you're not in for a nasty surprise in the future.

Tips for buying and using the best mattress for heavy people

In addition to key features, we wanted to share a couple of additional tips when it comes to buying and using mattresses for heavy people.
First up, understand the weight limit. For instance, if a single-sized mattress has a 115kg weight limit, that same mattress, only king-sized, can withstand twice as much weight.

Secondly, if you're extra heavy, you might feel uncomfortable on a mattress that's firm enough to support your body weight. In that case, you can use a mattress topper for additional comfort without sacrificing the much-needed support.

Finally, make sure you find a mattress with a long-term warranty and a money-back trial period. This is because finding the perfect mattress is a bit more difficult for heavier sleepers since most mattress manufacturers cater to the average Joe. So, you might not find the perfect one on your first try.

The advantages of owning the best mattress for heavy people

The advantages of owning a quality mattress are numerous. It’s hardly ever just about comfort, especially when it comes to heavy sleepers, so, let’s check out some additional advantages.

It’s not a secret that heavy people are more prone to snoring if they sleep on a bad mattress. When you’re heavy, you sink into the mattress and that can put a strain on your body and restrict your airflow which could cause you to snore. With a quality mattress, on the other hand, you’re properly aligned, which makes breathing a lot easier and thus helps with snoring. Although, if the snoring comes from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the solution isn't as simple.

Secondly, the best mattress for a heavy person can actually help them lose weight (be it in a roundabout way). When you're well-rested, your metabolism functions better, which ultimately leads to you burning more calories, ergo, losing weight.

Finally, a night of quality sleep is known to act as a great motivator. When you’re well-rested, you become more productive and willing to tackle whichever problem and task you might have for the day.

Conclusion

And that's all you need to know to find the best mattress for heavy people! So, if you are on the larger side, just make sure to get the correct firmness level for your weight and sleeping position to get the high-quality sleep you deserve.

And let's just be clear, the point of this article isn't to shame anyone. We bring up weight because it fundamentally affects how the mattress will perform and support your body. Otherwise, as long as you're happy and healthy, your weight shouldn't play any significant role in your life.

FAQs about your new mattresses for heavy people

Sometimes, you can know all there is to know about a certain product, but you still have some additional questions. On that note, we’ve decided to cover some of the most frequently asked questions about the best mattress for heavy person to make the shopping process even easier. Here’s what we’ve found out about.

What type of mattress is the best for heavy people?

A firm, innerspring or hybrid mattress, is the best type of mattress for a heavy person.

Do mattresses have weight limits?

Yes. In general, all mattresses have an upper weight limit.

Does any specific type of mattress have a weight limit?

Yes, there are specially made mattresses that can support a lot more weight than you might usually expect.

How do I stop my memory foam mattress from sinking?

You can decrease the level of the sinking of a memory foam mattress by adding a memory foam mattress topper on top. You can also get a double-sided mattress and flip it over every 3-6 months.

What thickness of the mattress is best for heavy people?

Generally speaking, you should aim for a mattress that's about 25 cm thick if you’re a heavier person.

Are platform beds good for heavy people?

Yes, due to the steel slats that eliminate the need for a box-spring.

What firmness is the best for heavy people?

Medium-firmness mattresses are the best choices for heavyweight persons. Still, every person is different and stomach sleepers will likely need a firm or extra firm mattress.

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About the author

Connie Hack
As a CPD certified Sleep Consultant I know how important sleep is. And as a combination sleeper, I have found it difficult to get products to suit my sleep style. I have more than 2 years product testing experience with The Sleep Advisors which means I have slept on, with and under more than 500 products with varying degrees of success. This is added to more than 2 years experience as a product reviewer for Closer, Heat and Grazia magazines, so I've got a rigorous process. I love sharing my sleep testimonials with our readers and hearing their experiences too.
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