• We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
  • Our testers evaluated over 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
  • We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 1,200 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process.
  • Since heavier weight people tend to compress mattresses more than average weight people, they often find firmer mattresses to offer the support needed to maintain a neutral spine.

Learn more about how we tested mattresses for heavy people.

Key takeaways

  • The Saatva Classic is our pick for the best mattress for heavy people because of the support and durability provided by the innerspring core. This mattress also has a foam lumbar crown, which cushions the joints while offering ample pressure relief.
  • Based on over 1,000 hours of testing and our survey of 1,200 mattress owners, we found that heavier weight sleepers need a mattress with medium firm to firm support pair with a cushioning cover and foam layers to keep pressure point pain at bay.
  • Mattresses for heavy people can cost around $650 to over $2,700, depending on size, construction, and materials.

Different body types have different needs. Higher-weight people on the hunt for a new mattress will want to make sure they’re buying a mattress that’s built to last and can handle heavier weights. It can be helpful to look for a mattress that’s specifically designed to support more weight. They’re made with higher-density foams and higher-gauge steel to resist premature sagging and ensure sufficient comfort and support.

Since sleep is a critical component of your mental and physical health, finding the right mattress can have a significant impact on your well-being. So after extensive research and testing from the HelpGuide Handbook Team, we’ve put together a list of seven of the best mattresses for heavy people.

6 best mattresses for heavy people of 2024

Weight Disclaimer

Please note: We aim to provide helpful information for sleepers of all body types. When referring to heavier individuals, defined here as 250 pounds or more, it is for the practical purpose of discussing how mattress components can suit their physical needs. While categories like “average weight” or “overweight” can be ambiguous or insensitive, our goal is to offer guidance on finding the right mattress fit regardless of size. Please note that specific body weights are not strict cut-offs, as individual needs vary. We hope these insights serve all readers in their mattress search, with the understanding that a number on a scale does not define a person.

What to look for in a mattress for heavy people

  1. Firmness: Since heavier people compress mattresses more than average weight people, they require medium-firm to firm support in order to avoid their hips and midsection sinking into the mattress.
  2. Innerspring core: The steel coils of an innerspring core, which can be found in true innerspring mattresses as well as hybrid models, offer a level of support and durability that is hard to find in an all-foam option.
  3. Pressure relief: No matter their preferred sleeping position, heavier sleepers will find they appreciate pressure relief provided by support foam layers, which help prevent pain at the hips, shoulders, and lower back.

Best mattress for heavy people overall: Saatva Classic

Best overall
9.8 Exceptional
 Saatva Classic

Key product features

  • Brand score: 9.8/10.
  • Material: Innerspring-hybrid.
  • Price: $1,295–$2,790
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping and white glove delivery.
  • Firmness: Multiple firmness options available.
  • Our experience: During testing, our Reviews Team was blown away by the exceptional spine support provided by the combination of an innerspring core with the zoned lumbar crown. While laying on this bed, we noticed we don’t sink into the bed, making it easier to switch positions at night.

Pros and cons

Pros Multiple firmness levels to choose from. Great spine support. Easy to move around on. Exceptional edge support. Free white glove delivery. One-year trial period. Long warranty. Cons Doesn’t isolate motion well. More expensive than many competitors.
Our top pick

Why the Saatva Classic is our pick for best overall

With an innerspring design that’s offered in three different firmness levels, the Saatva Classic is our top mattress pick for higher-weight sleepers. While it comes in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm, we think the Luxury Firm and Firm models are designed to offer ample support for heavier bodies. This model is made with premium materials, including high-density foam rails for enhanced edge support and a base coil unit to resist premature sagging.

Who should consider the Saatva Classic: Side sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds will appreciate that this mattress provides excellent pressure relief while still maintaining spine neutrality.

Who should consider other options: Differently-sized couples may find this mattress too firm for a lighter-weight partner. 

Saatva Classic tester insights

One of the standout features of the Saatva Classic design is the two sets of coils in the mattress’s support layer. Saatva uses sturdy, pocketed coils at the very bottom of the mattress and a thinner layer of micro coils just underneath the comfort layer. These micro coils have a bit more give and can contour to your body. Together, these features make it easier to move around on the Saatva Classic, so you won’t feel stuck, especially if you’re a combination sleeper People who sleep in multiple positions throughout the night. For example, a person might be a back-and-side sleeper or a stomach-and-back sleeper. .

The Saatva Classic may also help ease back pain for some users. The coils are zoned, meaning they’re designed to feel firmer in the middle of the mattress and softer towards the head and foot. With this design, the Classic offers more support for the lumbar area of your spine.

From one of our Saatva Classic testers:

“While I’m more of a petite person, the Luxury Firm Saatva Classic boasts a lot of support. During my tests, I really felt the support for my torso and lower back. It made resting on the Saatva enjoyable. I didn’t sink in too far, and it felt like I was sleeping ‘on top’ of the mattress rather than sinking ‘into’ it.”

We tested the Luxury Firm and found the sturdy coils offered plenty of back and spinal support, so this mattress is less likely to sag in the middle over time. Because of this, the Luxury Firm model is ideal for back sleepers. To keep their spine aligned, stomach sleepers need their hips elevated while they sleep, so we think the Firm model (which is firmer than the Luxury Firm) would offer more support for that position. Side sleepers will probably want to opt for the Plush model to get more cradling and pressure relief along their shoulders and hips.

It’s important to note that while the Saatva Classic mattress provides impressive support and firmness for sleepers of all sizes, the Saatva HD is specifically designed for heavier sleepers weighing over 250 pounds. The Saatva HD features a unique combination of natural latex, memory foam, poly foam, and steel coils designed for pressure relief, durability, and comfort.

 The side of a Saatva Classic mattress with a rectangle cut out showing the interior of the mattress
The interior of the Saatva Classic in our testing facility

Learn more in our Saatva mattress review.

Best mattress in a box for heavy people: Helix Plus

Best mattress in a box
9.4 Excellent
Helix Plus

Key product features

  • Brand score: 9.4/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price: $649–$1,449
  • Warranty: 15 years.
  • Trial period: 100 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping, in-home delivery available for an extra fee.
  • Firmness: 8/10.
  • Our experience: During testing, we observed good cooling capabilities in this hybrid mattress, which we attribute to airflow through the steel coils. We also love how the Helix uses dense memory foam to support heavier bodies while maintaining a responsive surface.

Pros and cons

Pros Designed specifically for heavier bodies. Doesn’t trap a lot of heat. Made with durable materials that should last. Ideal for back sleepers. Cons Too firm for side sleepers. Could be better at motion isolation. Average warranty length.

Why the Helix Plus is our pick for best in a box

The Helix Plus is a hybrid mattress that combines dense, responsive foam with tall, sturdy coils that make for a durable mattress. It’s designed specifically to accommodate heavier bodies and prevent the feeling of bottoming out. Best of all, it arrives on your doorstep in a box.

Who should consider the Helix Plus: Sleepers who tend to run hot will appreciate the temperature regulation of the Helix Plus, especially when paired with the optional, cooling cover.

Who should consider other options: Side sleepers may find this mattress doesn’t provide enough pressure relief for the shoulders and hips because we felt the mattress didn’t contour to the curves of the body during testing.

Helix Plus tester insights

As a brand, Helix works to give customers plenty of options to choose from. Helix offers six base models that range from soft to firm. And if you’re looking to splurge, you can opt for the Luxe or Elite models of these mattresses, which are upgraded and more luxurious mattresses than the brand’s base models. Helix offers a quiz to help you find the right match, but the Helix Plus mattress is the brand’s model designed to accommodate heavier bodies. All of these options are beds-in-a-box, so the convenience factor is high for customers.

From one of our Helix Plus testers:

“The Helix Plus feels firmer than the marketed firmness of 6 to 7. It is also more resilient than other mattresses I’ve tested, I appreciate that it seems to bounce back quickly.”

During our testing, we found the Helix Plus was a great match for back and stomach sleepers. The coils at the bottom of the mattress provide a good amount of support. And while the foam felt dense, it still added some comfort to the top. The combination of foam and coils in the Helix Plus makes the bed responsive Good responsiveness means the mattress has a bouncier surface that responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and switch positions. . Our testers found it easy to move around on, so combination sleepers should be able to change positions comfortably.

“We naturally move our bodies throughout the night, causing relief from pressure points. It’s important to shift your body weight throughout the night to help with this. It’s rare that we sleep in one position all night. However, if you do, most likely, you will wake up with some sort of stiffness or pain.”

Samantha Smith, physical therapist and owner of Succeed Courses

The Helix Plus has a mix of mattress cooling materials worked into the cover. And since the mattress is designed for you to sleep more “on top” of it rather than sink into it, the bed won’t absorb as much body heat, making it easier for hot sleepers to stay cool while they sleep. During our tests, we found that the bed’s temperature stayed around 74–78 degrees after we were in the bed for several minutes. To learn more, read our in-depth Helix mattress review.

A 10-pound weight on a Helix mattress in our testing facility
Our testers used a 10-pound weight to test responsiveness

Best firm mattress for heavy people: Titan Plus

Best firm mattress
9.2 Excellent
Titan Plus

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 9.2/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price: $699–$1,499
  • Warranty: 10 years.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 7.5/10.
  • Our experience: We loved the motion isolation in the mattress, rating it above average in the category during testing. The Titan Plus is also budget friendly compared to many other mattresses for heavy people.

Pros and cons

Pros Ideal for back and stomach sleepers. Exceptional edge support. Isolates motion well. Relatively affordable. Cons Too firm for side sleepers. Not ideal for fans of all-foam mattresses. Shorter warranty compared to some other brands.

Why the Titan Plus is our pick for best firm mattress

Firm mattresses offer more support, making them better for heavier bodies, but some people prefer the plush feel that a softer mattress provides. Higher-weight people tend to compress standard mattresses more than people who are lighter-weight, making the inner support essential for mattress longevity. The Titan Plus hybrid mattress is a great option for both heavy people and those who prefer to sleep on a firm mattress.

Who should consider the Titan Plus: Because of the excellent motion transfer this mattress provides, we think it would work well for sleepers sharing their bed with a partner, child, or pet.

Who should consider other options: Average weight and lighter weight sleepers will find this mattress to be too firm, allowing pressure to build up at the joints.

Titan Plus tester insights

The Titan Plus is another mattress designed to support heavier bodies. Our testers found this mattress was a good deal firmer than your typical medium-firm mattress. As the Titan Plus is a hybrid mattress, it blends memory foam and coils to provide a good balance of comfort and support. The Titan Plus uses a proprietary memory foam called TitanFlex foam, which feels different than traditional memory foam mattress. It springs back into place much faster, so it’s still able to provide pressure relief, but sleepers won’t feel like they’re trapped inside of the mattress.

From one of our Titan Plus testers:

“Because the Titan Plus is designed for heavier bodies, it offers a good amount of support, thanks to 6 inches of sturdy steel coils in the support layer. But for some comfort, there’s a layer of TitanFlex foam on the top of this mattress that emphasizes the bouncy feeling. For a firm mattress with coils, this bed does a great job at absorbing motion and has exceptional edge support, too.”

When we consulted higher-weight testers to ensure an accurate representation of the Titan Plus, we found that the Titan Plus works well for back sleepers. The foam offers a good amount of body contouring while the coils keep you supported on your back. Some side sleepers may be able to find good pressure relief on the Titan Plus, but it is a firm mattress, and firm mattresses aren’t always ideal for side sleepers. But if you’re a stomach sleeper, your hips should stay elevated, keeping your spine in a neutral position and making it a great choice.

The Titan Plus is the base model, and it’s a good affordable mattress for those shopping on a budget. However, if you can splurge a little, the Titan Plus Luxe has a few more features, like a pillow top, making it a softer mattress than the Titan Plus.

 A hand pressing down on the edge of the Titan Plus in our testing facility
A tester pushing down on the Titan Plus to test edge support

Best mattress for heavy people with back pain: The WinkBed Plus

Best for back pain
9.3 Excellent
WinkBed Plus

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 9.3/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price: $1,149–$2,049
  • Warranty: Lifetime warranty.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 7.5/10.
  • Our experience: During testing, this mattress earned top ratings in the category of support because the individually pocketed coils work together with a layer of gel-infused foam to maintain a neutral spine in heavier-weight sleepers.

Pros and cons

Pros Great for back and stomach sleepers. Zoned coils offer exceptional lumbar support. Easy to move around on. Long warranty. Cons Doesn’t offer body contouring. Pricey for budget shoppers.

Why The WinkBed Plus is our pick for people with back pain

From our experience and research, we’ve found mattresses that are several years old or don’t feature durable materials are prone to wear and tear, which can cause back pain. The WinkBed Plus mattress is a great choice for heavier people dealing with back pain because it has a unique coil structure called zoned coils, which adds additional lumbar support for those dealing with back issues.

Who should consider The WinkBed Plus: Because this mattress keeps sleepers “on” the surface instead of allowing them to sink in, it promotes easy movement for sleepers with chronic pain or mobility issues.

Who should consider other options: Sleepers shopping on a limited budget will find more affordable options on this list.

The WinkBed Plus tester insights

The WinkBed Plus mattress is designed specifically for heavier sleepers. When it comes to support for back sleeping and looking for back pain relief, it really doesn’t get much better than the WinkBed Plus mattress. It’s a tall bed with sturdy coils, and as mentioned, the coils are zoned. The zoned coils allow the middle of this mattress to feel much firmer than the head and the foot. As a result, the bed provides more lumbar support for your back, which can help alleviate back pain.

From one of our WinkBed Plus testers:

“Back sleepers are looking for a mattress that offers both comfort and support. The WinkBed Plus is excellent at this. It’s going to feel nice and comfy for a wide range of back sleepers. Our pressure map tests also show that there’s not a lot of pressure build-up for our heavier tester. Because of this, back sleepers with back pain should find comfort, support, and pain relief.”

The WinkBed Plus mattress has excellent edge support thanks to a proprietary “anti-sag” foam. Beds that sag can often lead to back pain, which is especially great news for those who want pain relief from their mattress.

“Sleeping positions have an impact on pain. For example: Back sleeping is generally considered one of the best positions for maintaining neutral spinal alignment. It can help reduce the risk of developing new back or neck pain. Placing a pillow under your knees can help support the natural curve of your lower back and alleviate lower back pain. But, it can also worsen snoring or sleep apnea.”

Dr. Steve Smiley doctor of chiropractic, co-founder of Smiley Family Chiropractic

The flagship WinkBed mattress comes in various sizes, but The WinkBed Plus is the firmest option offered by the brand. Not only is the bed’s firmness a great choice for back sleepers, but our testers found few pressure points on the pressure map A mat rolled across a mattress that uses color-coded thermal imaging to show how much pressure someone puts on the bed when they lie down on it. for stomach sleeping. The lack of pressure points means The WinkBed Plus mattress can keep your hips elevated and your spine in a neutral position while sleeping on your stomach.

: A 10-pound weight in the center of The WinkBed in our testing facility
Our testers used a 10-pound weight to test the responsiveness of The WinkBed.

Best hybrid mattress for heavy people: Brooklyn Bedding Signature

Best hybrid
9.2 Excellent
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 9.2/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price: $665–$1,599
  • Warranty: 10 years.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: Multiple firmnesses.
  • Our experience: We loved how this hybrid regulates temperature, giving it high scores during testing based on how well the innerspring coils seem to promote airflow, which helped keep our testers cool. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is affordable as one of the lower-priced options on this list.

Pros and cons

Pros Relatively affordable. Has good edge support. Offered in nontraditional sizes, such as for RVs. Cons Only the medium and firm models are supportive for heavier weights. Shorter warranty compared to some other brands.

Why the Brooklyn Bedding Signature is our pick for best hybrid  

Hybrid mattresses are great for those who enjoy the soft, slow-moving qualities of memory foam but still want their mattress to have a bit of bounce and support. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress offers sleepers of all sizes that exact balance, with the top featuring two layers of memory foam to provide comfort and the coils at the bottom providing good bounce and support.

Who should consider the Brooklyn Bedding Signature: If you are shopping on a strict budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature maintains quality while keeping the price relatively low.

Who should consider other options: This mattress isn’t specifically designed for heavier weight sleepers, and we feel stomach sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds may need something a little more supportive.

 Brooklyn Bedding Signature tester insights

One reason we named the Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress our best hybrid mattress for heavy people is due to its three firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. Our testers tried the medium model and found it a comfortable mattress for heavier side sleepers. But the firm model may provide more support for back and stomach sleepers.

From one of our Brooklyn Bedding Signature testers:

“Even though there’s memory foam in the top layers of this mattress, the foam pops back right away. But when I really lay down on top, I sunk just a bit into the top layer, but the coils helped me from bottoming out. That’s one of the best things about hybrid mattresses. They really are the best of both innerspring and all-foam mattresses.”

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is also a good hybrid mattress for those who change positions frequently during the night. During our tests, we found it easy to move around and change positions.

A hand pressing down on the edge of a blue and white Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress
One of our testers pushes down on the edge of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature to test edge support.

Best Mattress for heavy couples: Emma Hybrid Comfort

Best for heavy couples
8.7 Very Good
Emma Hybrid Comfort

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 8.7/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Price: $812–$1,649
  • Warranty: 10 years.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 7.5/10.
  • Our experience: Because of the combination of innerspring coils and foam layers, this mattress balances motion isolation with responsiveness that promotes ease of movement. We also love that the Emma Hybrid Comfort has strong edge support, allowing couples to spread out without the perimeter of the mattress collapsing or compressing under their weight.

Pros and cons

Pros Firm and supportive for back and stomach sleepers. Isolates motion well. Easy to move around on. One-year trial period. Cons Too firm for side sleeping. Doesn’t offer a lot of body contouring. Shorter warranty compared to some other brands.

Why the Emma Hybrid Comfort is our pick for best for couples

Couples searching for a mattress need to consider a few different factors. The mattress has to handle their combined weight, absorb motion well, and be responsive and easy to move on. The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress ticks all those boxes for couples.

Who should consider the Emma Hybrid Comfort: Light sleepers who share a bed with another person will appreciate how this mattress isolates movement, preventing their partner’s movements from disturbing them while they sleep.

Who should consider other options: Side sleepers of all weights will find the Emma Hybrid doesn’t contour to their body, so we suggest a model with better pressure relief.

Emma Hybrid Comfort tester insights

The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress is a firm mattress designed with motion isolation The containment of movement on one area of a mattress so it doesn’t impact other areas. in mind. For a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines coils and memory foam, it handles motion isolation well. If you or your partner shift positions frequently during the night, the Emma Hybrid Comfort is designed to absorb those little shifts. As a result, you’ll be less likely to notice your partner moving around, leading to a better night’s sleep.

From one of our Emma Hybrid Comfort testers:

“Our motion transfer score is determined through a series of tests. The first test is the one that mimics real life the most, having a colleague get in on one side of the bed while one person was already on it. With the Emma Hybrid Comfort, this test showed that very little motion made its way across the bed. Because this is the case for most couples during the night, this is easily the most important test for motion isolation.”

For couples who prefer to use the full surface of the bed, the Emma Hybrid Comfort also offers great edge support. If you tend to sleep toward the edge of the mattress, you should feel fairly secure there and not feel like you have to move toward the middle of the bed for support.

We love that even though this mattress isolates motion well, the coils found in the support layer also made this mattress easy for our testers to move around on.

A 10-pound weight in the middle of the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress in our testing facility
Our testers used a 10-pound weight to test the responsiveness of the Emma Hybrid Comfort.

How we test and choose the best mattresses

When we talk about living a healthy lifestyle, we’re concerned with both the body and the mind. Getting good sleep is one way we can take care of ourselves. Adequate sleep plays a role in improving overall well-being, including our mental health, according to research published by Sleep Medicine Reviews. Good sleep hygiene, or building habits and an environment that promotes sleep, can begin with the foundation of a great mattress, and our Reviews Team is here to help.

We have spent over 1000 hours researching more than 100 mattresses you can buy online. We also surveyed over 1,200 mattress owners, interviewing 7, and consulted with 21 experts to gain an understanding of what is most important in a mattress for heavy people. Of all higher-weight sleepers in our survey, 75 percent reported improved sleep quality, and 65.5 percent reported improved mental health after swapping their old bed for a new one.

of research
1000+   hours
of research
evaluated
130+   models
evaluated
consulted
21   experts
consulted

First-hand testing experience

We want to feel confident in each of the mattresses we recommend for heavy people, so we use a standardized, 42-question testing form to document our first-hand testing experience with each model. The questions on this form address the factors we feel are most important in a mattress for someone weighing more than 250 pounds. For example, we know that firm support helps maintain a neutral spine, so we evaluated the firmness of each mattress in our testing labs to understand how well each model supports bodies of all sizes. We also considered the responsiveness of each mattress, or how well it bounces back after being compressed, as well as the strength of the perimeter of each model.

Mattress surveys & interviews

In addition to our first-hand testing experience, we also surveyed over 1,200 mattress owners about what is most important to them when shopping for a new mattress. This survey included questions about mattress features, affordability, and the delivery and set-up process, as well as questions specific to what someone weighing more than 250 pounds needs from a mattress. Based on our survey results, we learned that firmness is an important consideration for many heavier weight people when buying a new mattress. We also interviewed both mattress owners and experts for a better understanding of what different body types need in a bed for a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

Objective and honest ratings

Each person has their own preferences and needs that play a role in determining what they need from a new mattress. Using the survey results as well as the information we collected through interviews and consultations with experts, we created a mattress scorecard rating each mattress objectively in the categories of support, cooling capabilities, and pressure relief. We used those individual scores to create a weighted, overall rating for each mattress model we review. None of the mattresses included in this article scored less than 8 out of 10.

FactorWeightDescription
Customer Service15%Customer care center hours, support options
Brand Reputation10%Years in business, lawsuits & class actions against this company
Features20%Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories)
User Experience35%White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials
Affordability20%Price, warranty, promotions

Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.

Our Mattress Testing Process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers. Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab. Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness. Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position. Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage. Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading. Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences. Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score. Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation. Test motion isolation.
Test edge support. Test edge support.
Calculate composite “family” scores. Calculate composite “family” scores.

How to choose a mattress for heavy people for a good night’s sleep

For sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds, what you want in a mattress may vary when compared to the preferences of a low-to-average-weight person. When shopping for a mattress, we suggest taking a close look at each model’s firmness, edge support, responsiveness, and the materials used. Not everyone is looking for a mattress specific to higher weights. 68.17 percent wanted one specifically for their body type, while 31.83 percent were considering other options too.

Material

For a heavy person, finding the perfect balance of comfort and support isn’t always easy, but we have found that many hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds. 

  • Innerspring: Layers of coils or individually pocketed steel coils form the majority of an innerspring mattress, providing a bed that is supportive and durable. See our full innerspring mattress guide.
  • Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses respond to body heat to contour to the body and tend to be too soft to maintain a neutral spine in heavier weight sleepers. See our full memory foam mattress guide.
  • Hybrid: The innerspring core of a hybrid mattress provides durability and support, while added layers of memory and support foam increase comfort, bounce, and responsiveness. See our full hybrid mattress guide.
  • Latex: Latex is a foam alternative derived naturally from rubber trees, and it is more durable and breathable than memory foam. See our full latex mattress guide.
  • Organic: Natural materials are used to create mattresses that work well for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to certain chemicals. See our full organic mattress guide.

Sleeping position

Your preferred sleeping position can change the way you experience a mattress, influencing what features will best meet your needs..

  • Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers require a firmer mattress that can support their hips to maintain healthy spine alignment while they sleep. See our full stomach sleeper mattress guide.
  • Side sleepers: Since side sleepers tend to experience pressure build-up at their shoulders and hips, a slightly softer mattress that contours to the curves of the body can provide pressure relief. See our full side sleeper mattress guide.
  • Back sleepers: Medium-firm to firm mattresses are supportive enough for spine alignment in back sleepers while also cushioning their lower back for the most comfortable sleep. See our full back sleeper mattress guide.

Sleeper’s body

Every body is unique, and each person has their own set of needs that changes what they need from a mattress. Body type, including weight, is just one way that a sleeper’s body plays a role in the mattress they choose. 

  • Health conditions: Individuals with health conditions including symptoms like chronic pain or mobility limitations may find a responsive mattress with good pressure relieving properties can help improve comfort and reduce pain. See our full guides on mattresses for back pain and mattresses for hip pain.

Temperature

If you struggle to stay cool at night, you already understand how feeling too warm can keep you from getting enough sleep. Some of the best cooling mattresses use natural materials and innerspring coils to create a model that is naturally breathable, while others use cooling features like gel-infused foam and phase change material to make a mattress that is cool to the touch.  

Price

Mattresses for heavy people can cost around $650 to over $2,700, depending on the size, materials used, and unique features. The Saatva Classic is the best luxury mattress for someone weighing more than 250 pounds and a queen costs $2,095 before discounts. If you are shopping with a budget in mind, learn more about the best affordable mattress in our in-depth reviews.

Firmness

Since heavy people tend to compress a mattress more, they may perceive a model to be less firm than someone of a low-to-average weight would. Additionally, they may require more support in order to maintain spinal alignment. We suggest looking at hybrid mattresses, which have memory and support foam layered on top of a durable innerspring core.

Edge support 

Reinforcement around the perimeter of the mattress gives it a supportive and durable edge. With adequate edge support, sleepers won’t feel that the mattress is unstable or that they might roll off when sleeping on the edge.

Responsiveness 

The responsiveness or bounce of a mattress allows for the surface to rebound quickly after being compressed. For heavy people, adequate responsiveness allows them to move more easily in bed without feeling like they are sinking or stuck in a specific position. Responsiveness and bounce are often seen in medium firm to firm  innerspring and hybrid mattresses.

Our final verdict

Our overall pick for the best mattress for heavy people is the Saatva Classic because the innerspring coils are paired with a supportive lumbar crown to maintain spine neutrality in sleepers of all sizes. During testing, we found this mattress to be very responsive, making it easy to move around and reposition in bed. Because most of this mattress is made up of innerspring coils, it is naturally breathable, contributing to excellent temperature regulation.

The Saatva Classic is one of the more costly mattresses on this list, with a queen bed costing $2,095 before discounts. It is worth pointing out that Saatva’s mattresses are regularly discounted by $650. White glove delivery and removal of old mattresses are included with each mattress purchase. Saatva mattresses are protected by a lifetime warranty and include a 365-night sleep trial so you can be certain it is a good fit for your needs.

Compare the best mattresses for heavy people of 2024

Price $1,295–$2,790 $649–$1,449 $699–$1,499 $1,149–$2,049 $665–$1,599 $812–$1,649 $1,299–$2,798
Firmness 6/10 (Plush Soft model) 8/10 7.5/10 7.5/10 Multiple options 7.5/10 5/10
Material Innerspring hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid
Warranty Lifetime 15 years 10 years Lifetime 10 years 10 years Lifetime
Trial period 365 nights 100 nights 120 nights 120 nights 120 nights 365 nights 120 nights
Best for Heavy people who are combination sleepers Higher-weight people seeking the convenience of a mattress in a box Heavier people seeking a firm mattress Heavy people with back pain Heavy people who prefer a hybrid mattress Higher-weight couples seeking motion isolation Higher-weight side sleepers

Frequently asked questions

Generally, firmer mattresses work better for heavier people. While firmness preferences are subjective, firmer mattresses are better equipped to handle heavier weights. Heavier people are more likely than lighter people to compress the top layers of a mattress. Because of this, we don’t often recommend soft mattresses to prevent people from sinking too far into a mattress. But again, firmness preferences are subjective, so make sure you go with a mattress firmness that works best for you.

Of the mattresses on our list, the Helix Plus and The WinkBed Plus mattresses are best for hot sleepers. Because you’ll sleep more “on top” of these mattresses, the bed shouldn’t absorb too much heat. As an added bonus, both beds featured TENCEL on the outer cover. It’s a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric designed so sleepers won’t feel hot and sweaty on these mattresses.

As a general note, hybrid mattresses allow for airflow in the support layers as well. Because coils are not a solid material like memory foam, air can pass through hybrid mattresses much easier than their all-foam counterparts.

There are mattresses that can handle up to 1,000 pounds of weight. Mattresses like the Helix Plus, The WinkBed Plus, and the Titan Plus are designed for heavier bodies and can accommodate 900–1,000 pounds. Heavier people should find both comfort and support on these beds.

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, June 17). Effect of inadequate sleep on frequent mental distress. Link
  2. Scott, A.J., Webb, T.L., Martyn-St James, M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. Link