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Finding a suitable mattress can be an important factor in improving sleep quality. People with heavier bodies will likely require a mattress that can comfortably accommodate and distribute their body weight and offer appropriate spinal support.
A quick look at the 8 best mattresses for heavy people:
- Best for foundation or metal frames: Saatva HD | Skip to review
- Best for taller people: Helix Plus | Skip to review
- Best for staying in place: The Nectar Mattress | Skip to review
- Best for cooling: The WinkBed | Skip to review
- Best for easy setup: The DreamCloud | Skip to review
- Best hypoallergenic: Purple Plus | Skip to review
- Best for maintaining body temperature: Titan Plus Luxe | Skip to review
- Best for all sleep styles: Nolah Evolution 15 | Skip to review
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Firmness [only applicable to some products]: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
- Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All product information presented here is purely research-based.
Best for foundation or metal frames: Saatva HD
- Price: $3,295
- Type: hybrid
- Sizes: twin-California king
- Height: 15.5 inches (in)
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Warranty: lifetime
The innerspring Saatva HD mattress is suitable for people who weigh 300–500 pounds (lb).
Read our review of Saatva here.
It features different layers:
- an organic cotton cover that is breathable and hypoallergenic
- natural latex
- comfort foam
- edge support that provides a bigger sleep surface
- tempered recycled steel coils that reduce motion transfer
The zoned comfort layer of latex offers precision support and pressure relief.
Learn more about the best latex mattresses here.
The mattress also has hand-tufted finishing that secures all the layers in place, so that it does not produce wrinkles over time. The brand also says its recycled steel coils are stronger than the industry standard, which can help prevent dipping and sagging.
Pros
- It has edge support, making it easy for people to get in or off the mattress.
- It limits motion transfer making it suitable for couples.
- The mattress has a layer of natural latex, which should not cause a reaction in people with a latex allergy, according to the company.
- According to customer reviews on Trustpilot, Saatva has good customer support.
Cons
- It is a very thick mattress, so it can be difficult for some people to get on or off the bed.
- Some reviewers note it is too firm and causes stiffness when waking up.
- The mattress is not compatible with slatted bed frames, regular foundations, and box springs.
Best for taller people: Helix Plus
- Price: $1,498.80
- Type: hybrid
- Sizes: twin-California king
- Height: 11.5 in
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Warranty: 10-15 years
The manufacturer’s design of the Helix Plus mattress is specifically for tall people with heavier body weights.
Read our Helix review here.
The 11.5-in hybrid mattress uses high-density foam layers, memory foam, and individually wrapped coils to balance comfort and support.
Discover the best hybrid mattresses here.
This mattress may be a good option for couples, as coils and edge-to-edge reinforcement suggest little motion transfer from one sleeper to another.
Pros
- The mattress is responsive and features pressure-relieving properties.
- People can opt for a cooling cover, making it suitable for hot sleepers.
- Customers can opt for monthly installments starting at $61 per month.
- Some reviews mention a pain-free sleeping experience.
Cons
- Reviewers state that the middle of the mattress sags, causing back pain.
- Some customer reviews mention long shipping lines.
- Others say that the cooling features are ineffective.
Best for staying in place: The Nectar Mattress
- Price: $1,049
- Type: memory foam
- Sizes: twin-split king
- Height: 12 in
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Warranty: lifetime
This 12-in memory foam mattress features five layers, including a quilted, cooling mattress cover and an adaptive memory foam layer. The manufacturers say this may help relieve pressure and reduce movement transfer, possibly making it suitable for co-sleeping.
Learn more about the best memory foam mattresses here.
The bottom layer is a shift-resistant cover that helps keep the mattress in place, regardless of how much individuals jump on it.
This is a more affordable mattress, and people can add a cooling pillow, sheet set, and mattress protector at a small additional charge.
They can also opt for additional accessories like an adjustable base or foundation.
This product is carbon neutral and supports all bed frames.
Read our Nectar mattress review here.
Pros
- The mattress is suitable for people with smaller budgets.
- It has motion isolation features, making it suitable for couples.
- It is compatible with many bed frames.
- Customer reviews mention a cost-effective, comfortable, and pain-free sleeping experience.
Cons
- According to reviews, the mattress is firmer than what the company describes on the website.
- Customers note that the mattress may not be very durable.
- Some reviewers state that it traps heat.
Best for cooling: The WinkBed
- Price: from $1,799
- Type: hybrid
- Sizes: twin-California king
- Height: 13.5 in
- Firmness: soft, luxury firm, firm, and plus
- Warranty: lifetime
The Plus WinkBed hybrid mattress is specifically for people with heavier bodies.
It comes in different firmness options and features a layer of zoned inner springs that target and relieve pressure points and reinforced support at the outer edges.
The company makes the Tencel cover from a fabric it produces from the eucalyptus plant. The foam also contains gel to increase cushioning and ease muscle tension.
Learn more about WinkBed mattresses here.
Pros
- The mattress is available in four firmness levels, making it suitable for most sleeping styles.
- It has an anti-sag design, meaning the edges will not dip when sleeping.
- It has heat-wicking layers, preventing overheating during sleep.
- Online reviews state that the mattress helped reduce their joint, shoulder, and back pain.
Cons
- People may experience shipping delays.
- According to reviews, the product may worsen back pain.
- Some models may be too firm, making it difficult to change positions during sleep.
Best for easy setup: The DreamCloud
- Price: $1,332
- Type: hybrid
- Sizes: twin-split king
- Height: 14 in
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Warranty: lifetime
The DreamCloud luxury hybrid mattress has six layers. These include low motion transfer support foam, an innerspring coil system that provides edge support, and a pressure-relieving gel memory foam.
Read our DreamCloud review here.
There is also a cashmere blend cover for wicking away sweat and cooling hot sleepers.
Discover the best cooling mattresses here.
A person can add a mattress foundation, a headboard, or an adjustable base to their order. These are available at an additional cost. They can also buy a cooling pillow, a set of sheets, and a mattress protector.
Pros
- The mattress has handles, which makes it easier for people to move it around.
- The cover is breathable, and the mattress contains gel-memory foam, reducing overheating during sleep.
- The mattress features individually wrapped coils, which dynamically adapt to a person’s movement.
Cons
- Some customers state the customer care team takes a long time to reply and does not offer adequate help.
- Reviewers note that the mattress may not suit side sleepers as it may cause more hip pain.
- Some people may find it difficult to change position while using this mattress.
Best hypoallergenic: Purple Plus
- Price: $1,895
- Type: foam
- Sizes: twin-split king
- Height: 11 in
- Firmness: medium
- Warranty: 10 years
This mattress comes with a five-layer system. It has a softflex cover that is breathable and stretchable, a GelFlex grid that draws heat away from the body, and an edge support foam that supports durability.
Read our Purple review here.
There is also a layer of ultra-comfort foam and dual-base support foam that offer stability and temperature balance.
In addition, the mattress has a responsive design. It may be a good purchase for those who sleep with a partner, as it adapts to the body’s movements.
The website states this mattress is hypoallergenic, nontoxic, and made in the United States.
Pros
- It is hypoallergenic.
- It regulates body temperature, which may benefit hot sleepers.
- It holds the Clean Air GOLD certification.
Cons
- It contains acrylic latex, which may produce an unpleasant smell.
- There may be indentations after a few months.
- According to some reviewers it may sag, cause back pain, and worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
Best for maintaining body temperature: Titan Plus Luxe
- Price: $1,599 for a queen size
- Type: hybrid
- Sizes: twin-split California king
- Height: 13 in
- Firmness: medium
- Warranty: 10 years
This mattress by Titan is available in seven different sizes. Individuals can choose to add a cooling top cover, which the company says can moderate temperature and provide immediate cooling.
The mattress features gel memory foam, a transition layer, and a quilted top that offer pressure point relief and a contouring and deeper compression support. It also has individually encased coils that extend the product’s durability and limit motion transfer.
Pros
- The coil system reduces motion transfer, making it suitable for those who co-sleep.
- It supports a weight of up to 1,000 lb.
Cons
- According to reviews, the product is not as firm as the company advertises.
- A heavier weight may cause the edges to sag.
- It does not come with handles, which make it difficult for individuals to move or setup their mattress.
Best for all sleep styles: Nolah Evolution 15
- Price: $2,499 for a queen size
- Type: hybrid
- Sizes: twin-split king
- Height: 15 in
- Firmness: plush, luxury firm, and firm
- Warranty: lifetime
Nolah’s mattress has seven layers that include a cooling organic cotton cover, a quilted topper with cooling foam, and a high-density foam.
It also consists of individually wrapped coils to help with movement support and weight distribution. The product also features microscopic air bubbles to relieve pressure points. It has a maximum user weight of 350 lb per side.
A person can choose the plush, luxury firm, or firm option.
The cooling feature traps moisture and heat and disbands it downward, keeping the body cool.
It is available in various sizes, has a lifetime warranty, and supports all sleep types.
In 2022, this 15-in mattress received an award for its cooling properties and help with spinal alignment.
Pros
- The mattress is suitable for all sleep positions.
- It has received the Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment award.
Cons
- The mattress is very tall, which may make it difficult to find fitted sheets.
- It does not have as much edge support as other mattresses, according to review.
Here is how the above products compare to each other.
| Firmness | Height | Maximum weight support | Warranty | Trial | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva | medium-firm | 15.5 in | 500 lb | lifetime | 365 nights | $3,295 |
| Helix | medium-firm | 11.5 in | 1,000 lb | 10– 15 years | 100 nights | $1,498.80 |
| Nectar | medium-firm | 12 in | 650 lb | lifetime | 365 nights | $1,049 |
| WinkBed | • soft • luxury firm • firm • plus | 13.5 in | over 250 lb | lifetime | 120 nights | $1,799 |
| DreamCloud | medium-firm | 14 in | 1,000 lb | lifetime | 365 nights | $1,332 |
| Purple | medium | 11 in | 600 lb | 10 years | 100 nights | $1,895 |
| Titan | medium | 13 in | 1,000 lb | 10 years | 120 nights | $1,599 |
| Nolah | • plush • luxury firm • firm | 15 in | 350 lb | lifetime | 120 nights | $2,499 |
All companies offer free delivery and payment plans, and all mattresses come in various sizes.
Comfort, nighttime temperature, support, and whether or not a person co-sleeps are all factors to consider when purchasing a mattress.
One 2015 review suggests that a medium-firm, self-adjusted mattress may be the best option for promoting sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment.
The following elements are some other key factors in choosing the most suitable mattress:
- size
- durability
- construction
- warranty
A 2019 study suggests that due to people’s increasing weight and height, manufacturers should make beds and mattresses capable of offering suitable support.
Many mattress manufacturers recommend that those weighing around 230 lb or more try to look for a hybrid mattress that is medium-firm to firm.
However, individuals and couples with higher weights may wish to consider some specific mattress qualities when exploring their options. These may include:
- Structure: A durable structure, such as steel coils, may help ensure a long lasting product that can also provide support and minimal motion transfer when co-sleeping.
- Temperature control: Those with heavier bodies may experience
increased heat stress . Choosing a mattress that has more airflow or cooling gel infusions may help a person’s body better regulate heat. - Repositioning space: Allowing enough space for a person to comfortably reposition themselves may help them avoid unnecessary prolonged pressure on the shoulders, back, and hips during sleep.
Regular inadequate sleep can raise the risk of serious medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Both of these conditions are associated with carrying more body weight.
Using a mattress that improves sleep duration and quality may help reduce the risk of developing either condition.
Being overweight can also increase the likelihood of excessive sweating. One
Choosing a mattress with wicking properties or a thermal cooling layer may help increase comfort and improve overall sleep quality.
A 2018 review suggests that there may be a link between obesity and sleep deprivation. A 2020 study notes a connection between obesity and chronic pain. Nearly half of people with obesity have chronic pain, and this is usually more severe than the pain a person without obesity experiences.