What’s the Best Mattress for Heavy People?

Every body type needs a mattress that offers them support and comfort. The best mattress for heavy people, or sleepers who are taller, over 200 pounds, or just have a bigger frame, will be built to support extra weight. And being a heavier sleeper doesn’t necessarily mean overweight, because people come in all shapes and sizes.

Because there is a variety of body types, there’s also a variety of mattresses to choose from. There are a few factors that are crucial in a sleeper’s search for the best mattress for heavy people. One major consideration is durability—it’s important for heavier sleepers to find a mattress that is sturdy enough to support their weight and offer the comfort they need for many years to come. And, plus-sized sleepers depend on pressure-relieving mattresses to evenly distribute their weight and keep the strain off sensitive joints.

“The support structure of the mattress, known as the mattress type, is critical for someone over 200lbs to get their spine aligned,” says Michael Breus, Ph.D, board-certified sleep specialist known as The Sleep Doctor. “The comfort layer will need to meet the sleeper’s needs based on their sleep position and temperature.”

As many know all too well, sleep is vital for maintaining your health. It’s especially important for plus-size sleepers. According to the American Diabetes Association, heavier adults run a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. This can develop into continuous poor sleeping patterns, diabetes, heart problems, or in some extreme circumstances, upper respiratory failure.

Dr. Breus lent his expertise to the team at Mattress Advisor to come up with the best mattresses for heavy people. Each mattress underwent a 14 point test at the Mattress Advisor testing lab in Raleigh, NC, and was also given an overall mattress score.

Read on to find out more on the top mattresses for heavier sleepers that will have you achieving blissful rest in no time.

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

The 9 Best Mattresses for Heavy People

• Expert Pick: Saatva HD
• Best for Back Pain: Casper Wave Hybrid
• Best Memory Foam Mattress: Loom & Leaf
• Best Luxury Mattress: DreamCloud
• Best Affordable Mattress: Nectar
• Best for Couples: Big Fig
• Best Mattress for Aches and Pains: Helix Plus
• Best Hybrid Mattress: Brooklyn Titan
• Best for Back Sleepers: Purple Hybrid Premier

What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Mattress for Heavy People

Sleep Position

Some mattresses are better-suited than others for particular sleeping positions. For example, memory foam is popular for side sleepers because it envelops the hips and shoulders. Innerspring mattresses that are more firm are better for back and stomach sleepers who need extra back support. Before you begin shopping for the best mattress for heavy people, make sure you give some thought to how you typically fall asleep at night.

Side Sleepers

For heavier people who sleep on their side, pressure relief is an essential factor. Look for a mattress that will minimize pressure on the hips and shoulders where all your weight is centralized. It’s also important to look for a mattress that will help maintain healthy spinal alignment; this is the best way to avoid waking up with back pain.

Back Sleepers

Heavier back sleepers generally need to seek a mattress soft enough that it contours to the shape of their spine, yet firm enough that they aren’t sinking too deep into their mattress, along with temperature control.

Stomach Sleepers

For heavier stomach sleepers, it’s usually best to look for a firmer mattress that allows the shoulders and hips to sink into the mattress just slightly.

Multi-positional or Combination Sleepers

People who tend to change position throughout the night are called multi-positional or combination sleepers. It’s important for heavier sleepers to find a mattress that will adjust to their movements. The Mattress Advisor test evaluates this by measuring “responsiveness.” Buoyant latex and innerspring mattresses are especially effective in this regard.

Mattress Type

Another important shopping consideration when hunting for the best mattress for heavy sleepers is type; there is a wide variety to choose from and all offer the quality materials and high level of supportiveness that heavier sleepers require.

Adjustable

With an adjustable mattress, sleepers are able to change the angle at which they sleep. An adjustable mattress can use air pockets to let the sleeper choose custom firmness and support. Adjustable mattresses can also mean a mattress that works with an adjustable base, often being flexible to move at various angles and manufactured with a division or “split.”  This feature is attractive for couples, in instances where one sleeper wants to lay more horizontally while the other can sit upright. An electronic adjustable base allows this up-and-down function to happen, thanks to a motorized system. Heavier sleepers really benefit from adjustable mattresses and bases, especially if you suffer from sleep apnea or acid reflux. With these conditions, it’s vital to keep their head and neck elevated, as severe complications can occur with sleep apnea.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are often ranked well in pressure relief, as well as in motion transfer (an important consideration among couples who share a bed together). The downside is that memory foam traps heat and can often lead to body heat retention, though gel memory foam may somewhat mediate this effect. (The gel is intended to draw heat away from the body.) With bigger people, this can be an issue. Some may find memory foam to be too soft and not yield enough support, so avoid sleep deprivation and search for any firm and cool options that are offered. Or look for a bed where memory foam is in the support layer.

Hybrid

Hybrids are the result of combining multiple mattress materials, such as polyfoam, innerspring coils, or latex. The idea is to offer the best of each material. As such, hybrid mattresses are increasingly popular in the bed-in-a-box space.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are made with durable coil systems, often with layers of foam or latex on top. Today’s pocketed coils provide the durable support system that larger sleepers need. And, innerspring mattresses allow more room for air circulation, which means these mattresses tend to sleep cooler.

Latex

Latex mattresses, including those made with latex foam, can offer an eco-friendly sleep experience. Latex is also highly breathable and responsive, making it a desirable option among heavier sleepers who run hot and heavier combination sleepers, respectively.

Mattress Buying Considerations for Heavier Sleepers

Durability

Mattresses that are built to last are important for heavier sleepers. Sleepers who are above 200 pounds and heavier couples are putting more weight on the bed, so the mattress needs to be able to sustain its shape and support over time.

Support

Heavier sleepers need extra support to adequately provide pressure relief and overall comfort. If a mattress isn’t built to hold up a heavier frame, it can lead to restless nights and unnecessary body pain. And it’s crucial to get your best night’s rest, because studies have shown that sleep loss can lead to weight gain, lack of energy to take on the day, and health problems later on. Mattresses made with heavier sleepers in mind provide extra features to ensure you’re getting your best night’s sleep.

Firmness

It’s almost like Goldilocks—which mattress is too soft, and which is too firm? Heavier sleepers should steer clear of softer mattresses, which won’t perform in terms of providing support and pressure relief. While factoring in personal preference and sleep position, heavier sleepers should look anywhere in the range of medium, medium-firm, to firm on the firmness scale.

Mattress Thickness

Larger individuals don’t want to risk “bottoming out” in their mattress. As such, it’s recommended that they seek a thicker mattress, ideally 12” or more. A 10” mattress may sometimes work, but only if it’s high-density foam or if there are sufficient support layers.

Our Top Picks for the Best Mattress for Heavy People

1. Saatva HD: Expert Pick

Saatva is known for its luxury mattress products, which provide hybrid designs at affordable prices. The Saatva HD is made specifically with heavyweight sleepers in mind, which is why the team at Mattress Advisor dubbed it the “expert pick” on this list. A unique blend of foam, natural latex, and robust steel coils ensures targeted support and spine alignment ( a nearly perfect 9 out of 10 in tests), helping heavier sleepers to enjoy a good night’s rest and to wake up without stiffness or creaky joints. This combination of foam and coils is also engineered to support sleepers up to 500 pounds, giving constant, unwavering support. And, the company emphasizes eco-friendly materials, like organic cotton and latex. All Saatva mattress products come with free white-glove delivery and setup, which makes unboxing a breeze.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.9/5
• Firmness: Medium
• 20-Year Warranty

Buy it, Saatva HD, $2,695 for a Queen, saatva.com

2. Casper Wave Hybrid: Best for Heavy People with Back Pain

According to many studies like this one conducted by Harvard, a good mattress can help alleviate the symptoms of back pain. The Casper Wave Hybrid consistently ranks among the best mattresses for back pain, including among heavier sleepers. It works so well because it offers a generous, cushioning layer of memory foam that’s supported by a strong innerspring coil system. This helps evenly distribute body weight, and it allows larger people to ease the strain on their pressure points. Mattress Advisor testing confirms this to be an optimal option for sleepers of all body types and sleep positions, thanks to scoring a 9 out of 10 in spinal alignment as well as a 9.25 out of 10 for responsiveness. The Casper Wave Hybrid is also great for couples who share a bed together and don’t want to be disrupted by their partner’s movements—it scored a 9 out 10 in motion transfer.

• Mattress Type: Memory foam hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.6/5
• Firmness: Medium
• 10-Year Limited Warranty

Buy it, Casper Wave Hybrid, $2,695 for a Queen, casper.com

3. Loom & Leaf: Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy People

Some heavy sleepers simply prefer the plush, contouring feel of memory foam. If that’s you, then consider the Loom & Leaf, made by Saatva. It contains layers of gel memory foam and dense foams designed with pressure points in mind. The memory foam construction isn’t necessarily the best option for hot sleepers, but the Loom & Leaf did perform well in Mattress Advisor’s spinal alignment test (9 out of 10) and durability test (9 out of 10). Thanks to these factors, it’s a great option for combination sleepers and side sleepers. The Loom and Leaf’s all-foam mattress is made entirely with all-natural materials, including eco-friendly foam and organic cotton. And, they come with all of the perks you’d expect from Saatva, including free setup in your bedroom.

• Mattress Type: Gel Memory Foam
• Customer Rating: 4.8/5
• Firmness: Relaxed-firm; Firm
• 15-Year Limited Warranty

Buy it, Loom & Leaf, $1,899 for a Queen, saatva.com

4. DreamCloud: Best Luxury Mattress for Heavy People

For a real five-star sleep experience, the DreamCloud is a fine option. This medium-firm hybrid mattress is assembled from truly high-quality materials including a cashmere mattress cover, cushioning euro top, and special gel memory foams to help uplift and support the body. Together this combination of materials gives the mattress remarkable durability (9 out of 10 in testing) and a high level of comfort and support and allows it to particularly shine in the spinal alignment category (9 out of 10). Heavier sleepers especially need to keep their spines and pressure points from sinking too far into the bed so as to not wake up feeling pain, and the DreamCloud delivers.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.6/5
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Lifetime Warranty

Buy it, DreamCloud, $1,598 for a Queen, dreamcloudsleep.com

5. Nectar: Best Affordable Mattress for Heavy People

The Nectar truly brings great value at a low price point and is backed by a generous year-long sleep trial, plus a lifetime warranty. The Nectar is made with layers of memory foam that offer cushioning and support. In the Mattress Advisor testing, the Nectar fares well as a universal mattress, meaning it suits all sleeping positions. Its edge support score is almost flawless (a 9 out of 10), which means that the bed will maintain its shape and stability as time goes on.

• Mattress Type: Gel memory foam
• Customer Rating: 4.8/5
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Lifetime Warranty

Buy it, Nectar, $799 for a Queen, nectarsleep.com

6. Big Fig: Best for Couples

For couples who co-sleep, one of the key performance categories to consider is motion isolation. A high score in this category means that even if you toss and turn, or get out of bed, it’s less likely to disrupt your partner. The Big Fig is an excellent choice in the motion isolation category, testing at a nearly perfect 9.5 out of 10. It’s made to be durable and supportive for couples of all shapes and sizes, scoring a 9.5 for durability as well. The Big Fig can support up to 1,100 pounds, so there’s no question it’s supportive enough for two. And, it’s made with a sturdy coil system that assists in delivering top-notch motion isolation and durability, but also responsiveness (9.5 out of 10 in testing).

• Mattress Type: Innerspring
• Customer Rating: 4.5/5
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• 20-year Warranty

Buy it, Big Fig, $1,899 for a Queen, bigfigmattress.com

7. Helix Plus: Best Mattress for Aches and Pains

The Helix line includes a number of highly regarded hybrid mattresses, including options available at different mattress firmness levels and price points. The Helix Plus is their model for heavyweight sleepers. Built with durability in mind (earning an 8.5/10 durability score), it’s resistant to sagging and sinkage. And to top it off, it achieved an 8 out of 10 in testing for pressure relief and an 8.5 out of 10 for spinal alignment. These factors all contribute to a restful night’s sleep without any aches and pains thanks to its hybrid design. This firm mattress supports heavier sleepers with five layers of dense latex and memory foam for support, and an XL coil system that was built with taller coils. No more sinking into the mattress and waking up sore!

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.5/5
• Firmness: Firm
• 15-Year Warranty

Buy it, Helix Plus, $1,649 for a Queen, helixsleep.com

8. Brooklyn Titan: Best Hybrid Mattress for Heavy People

Brooklyn Bedding has a wide variety of mattresses, and the Titan was designed especially for heavier people. Made to be more durable than the average mattress, the Brooklyn Titan scores a 9 out of 10 in this category. It also features a cooling cover, as well as memory foam and coil support layers. Its foam layers also help with keeping the spine in healthy alignment and responsiveness, scoring a 9.5 out of 10 for both categories. This hybrid is also a great option for heavier couples not only for its unwavering support but because it scored a 9 out of 10 in motion transfer testing. If your partner tosses and turns a lot to get comfortable, you won’t be disrupted on your side of the bed. Overall, the Titan is a reliable hybrid that is meant to last.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.5/5
• Firmness: Firm
• 10-year Limited Warranty

Buy it, Brooklyn Titan, $999 for a Queen, brooklynbedding.com

9. Purple Hybrid Premier: Best for Heavy Back Sleepers

The Purple mattress brand gets a lot of attention for its clever commercials, but don’t let that take away from the quality construction of its product line. In particular, the Purple Hybrid Premier is considered the best mattress for heavy people by many sleepers, particularly those who prefer sleeping on their backs. Heavier sleepers need more spinal support than the average sleeper because many mattresses aren’t built to support extra weight and thus provide additional support. It can feel too soft, and heavier back sleepers need help keeping their backs from sinking too far into the mattress and causing unnecessary pain. The Purple Hybrid Premier has two polymer and memory foam layers that softly envelop the body, yet hold up pressure points and keep the spine supported. It tested exceedingly well in spinal alignment with a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10, so heavier back sleepers will feel supported and aligned throughout the night. There are multiple thickness options to choose from, and those who want to feel cradled to sleep at night will likely want to pick the thickest version.

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Customer Rating: 4.3/5
• Firmness: Soft
• 20-year Warranty

Buy it, Purple Hybrid Premier, $2,699 for a Queen, purple.com

Final Thoughts on How to Choose the Right Mattress for You

Any time you’re looking for a new mattress, it’s important to consider which will be best for your personal sleep needs. For sleepers who need a little extra support and durability, the nine options listed here represent an ideal place to start.

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Healthbeat. 2020. “What type of mattress is best for people with back pain?” Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/what-type-of-mattress-is-best-for-people-with-low-back-pain

Pillar, G., & Shehadeh, N. (2008) Diabetes Care 2008 Feb; 31(Supplement 2): S303-S309. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc08-s272

Saatva. 2020. “The Saatva HD” Mattress. https://www.saatva.com/mattresses/saatva-hd

Big Fig. 2020. “FAQ” https://www.bigfigmattress.com/faq/post/how-much-weight-is-the-big-fig-mattress-designed-to-support

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Helix. 2020. “What Makes the Helix Plus Special” https://helixsleep.com/pages/edu-helix-plus

Howley, Elaine. 2020. “4 Best Sleeping Positions to Improve Sleep Apnea” US News. https://health.usnews.com/conditions/sleep-apnea/articles/best-sleeping-positions-for-sleep-apnea

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