Why trust NCOA

Key Takeaways

• The best mattress for higher-weight people overall is the Titan Plus Luxe.
• Our top choices range in price from $1,332–$2,095 in queen-size mattresses.
• To determine the best mattresses in each category, our Reviews Team examined temperature control, spinal alignment, ease of mobility, comfort, construction, and more.
• While comfort is subjective, higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) people typically need a supportive, medium-to-firm surface that doesn’t compress under their weight.
• While some firm and extra firm all-foam mattresses may be a suitable fit for higher-weight sleepers, hybridⓘ Hybrid mattresses combine the features of both innerspring and foam mattresses, with springs surrounded by a thick comfort layer of foam or latex. and innerspring mattresses tend to be more supportive and durable over time.

A restorative night’s sleep is important for people of all ages. But quality sleep is sometimes hard to achieve, especially if you’re uncomfortable or have a sleep disorder. While practicing good sleep hygiene can promote sleep, you’ll also want to ensure you have the right mattress for your body type and preferred sleep position.

Different body types have different needs, and that includes mattresses. For higher-weight sleepers (more than 250 pounds), ensuring your sleep surface is supportive enough while still maintaining comfort is important. If you sleep on a mattress that’s too soft, you won’t get the support you need to maintain neutral spine ⓘ The spine’s natural curves at the neck, middle, and lower (lumbar) sections. alignment, which can cause back pain and make it more difficult to sleep. If you sleep on a mattress that’s too firm, you may not get the pressure pointⓘ The parts of the sleeper’s body that are in direct contact with the mattress, such as the backside, shoulder, hips, and ribcage. relief you need.

Our Reviews Team tested and curated the top seven mattresses for higher-weight sleepers, so you can find the right one for your specific needs.

Finding a mattress that fully supports and comforts your weight throughout the night can be a challenge. There’s no “one mattress fits every body” solution. Proper alignment, flexibility, temperature, and ease of motion are a few sleep-wellness factors to consider. 

We’ve researched, tested, and compiled data from hundreds of mattress models to help you determine the right fit for your body type and lifestyle. For our insights on the best mattresses for higher-weight people, we’ve broken down costs, details, reviews, and more. 

Best mattress for heavy people in 2024

• Titan Plus Luxe: Best Mattress for Heavy People Overall 
• Nectar Premier Hybrid: Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People
• Helix Plus: Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People
• Saatva Classic: Best Mattress for Heavy People With Back Pain
• DreamCloud Memory Foam: Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy People 
• The WinkBed Plus: Best Hybrid Mattress for Heavy People 
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best Affordable Mattress for Heavy People 

What we look for in a mattress for heavy people

We found several important factors when testing mattresses specifically for higher-weight people, including:

Video: Best Mattress for Heavy People

Here, Nicole Hernandez, PT, DPT, explains how we chose the best mattresses for higher weight people. As a licensed physical therapist and NCOA mattress reviewer, Hernandez explains what factors make a mattress ideal for heavier people, which mattresses we chose, and why we chose them. 

Note: Since we regularly test new mattresses and update our written reviews, these picks may differ.

 Titan Plus Luxe: Best Mattress for Heavy People Overall

Our expert take on the Titan Plus Luxe mattress

The Titan Plus Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a highly supportive medium-firm mattress with supple cushioning. It’s a good choice for back sleepers looking for extra support and pressure relief to help them stay centered and relaxed throughout their sleep cycles. Stomach sleepers can also benefit from the firm support this mattress offers. Unlike some firm mattresses, our testers said the Titan Plus Luxe offers cushioning that feels like a gentle hug. We also like that it’s flexible enough to accommodate all sleeping positions without sacrificing proper alignment.

The Titan Plus Luxe offers a balance of firm support and cushioning. Research shows that medium-firm mattresses may help improve overall sleep quality. “You also want to make sure that the mattress feels comfortable and relieves pressure points, ensuring you can relax and drift off to sleep easily,” said Heidi Plowe, a certified sleep science coach and owner of Sweet Dreams Coaching in Santa Cruz, California.

When lying on the Titan Plus Luxe, our testers experienced gentle sinkageⓘ Good contouring sinkage can give sleepers the feeling of being “hugged” by their mattress, but too much sink can result in misalignment of the spine, especially for stomach and back sleepers. without sacrificing support. Additionally, even though the mattress was crafted with higher-weight sleepers in mind, our lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) testers also found it comfortable, making it ideal for partners with different body types.

A sleep surface with too much sinkage and the possibility of bottoming out can be concerns for higher-weight sleepers—even more so for those with reduced mobility, who need a firm surface to push off of when sitting up or getting out of bed. Reinforced construction and thickness, along with pressure-relief and sag-resistant contouring foam, make the Titan Plus Luxe mattress a top option for a variety of higher-weight sleepers.

Keep in mind that this mattress is quite heavy. While the brand offers free FedEx ground shipping, white-glove delivery service is not available. If you need additional help with setup, you’ll have to make your own arrangements.

Our tester on the Titan Plus Luxe mattress:

“When lying on my side, my hips are sinking just enough into the mattress. I think average- and higher-weight sleepers would find this mattress comfortable for side sleeping. ”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Back sleepers who need lower-back support
• Side sleepers who want cushioning in the shoulders and hips
• Stomach sleepers who want firm support for their hips
• People who need a sturdy edge to lean on or sleep close to
• People who sleep hot

Who may want to avoid it

• Shoppers who need white-glove delivery service
• People with sensitivity to smells and synthetic materials contained in gels and memory foam

Customer reviews

The Titan Plus Luxe has a star rating of 4.6 out of five, with more than 1,800 reviews on its website. Many reviewers have said the Plus Luxe does a good job keeping motion to one region of the bed, and despite hesitation with buying a mattress online, they found the process to be easy and the return policy favorable. Some negative reviews mention lack of edge support.

“Very comfortable mattress that holds my weight very well and also isolates movement from my husband so I don’t wake him up when I move.”

— Monica C., verified buyer on 6/28/2024

“The mattress is very comfortable. However, I am very disappointed in the stability of the sides, they will not hold any weight whatsoever. I am 230 [lbs] and my husband is 320 [lbs]. We are both side sleepers, but we are afraid of sleeping too close to the edge for fear of rolling off. I am unsure if we will be keeping this mattress.” 

— Danette N., verified buyer on 1/8/2024

For more information about Brooklyn Bedding’s line of Titan mattresses, read our full Titan Plus Luxe review.

Nectar Premier Hybrid: Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People

Our expert take on the Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress

The Nectar Premier Hybrid offers a supportive, soft sleeping surface, making it a versatile choice for many sleepers. Its cooling properties and memory foam pillow top provide a comfortable night’s sleep, especially for those who tend to sleep warm. 

We were impressed by the Nectar Premier’s excellent pressure relief for back sleepers and strong support for stomach sleepers. It might not be ideal for side sleepers who prefer a softer feel, though. 

Combination sleepers will particularly appreciate the mattress’s ability to accommodate many sleeping positions. The strong motion isolation effectively minimizes sleep disturbances, while the edge support allows sleepers to use the whole mattress surface. 

Our tester noted the mattress’s cover can be slippery, and there is a noticeable loss of height when sitting on the edge, which may be an issue for those with mobility concerns. 

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Back sleepers who want extra lower back support
• Stomach sleepers 
• Combination sleepers
• Those who prefer a cooler sleeping surface

Who may want to avoid it

• Side sleepers may find the mattress too firm
• Those who prefer a very firm mattress

Customer reviews

The Nectar Premier Hybrid has a rating of 4.4 stars out of five, with more than 1,700 reviews on its website. Most reviewers found this mattress very comfortable and reported experiencing fewer aches and pains since using it. Most negative reviews revolved around the mattress being too soft. 

“I have had issues falling asleep for the majority of my life. Honestly have not really thought about my mattress or the impact it may have. I have seen these new companies pop up. Love this mattress and suddenly my problems are gone.”

– Thomas S., verified buyer on 09/02/24

“Mattress was too soft for me, so I replaced my boxspring with a new solid wood foundation from Arizona Mattress Co. . This did firm up the mattress. I am giving this mattress the thirty day adjustment period to fully commit to it. I wake up with mild back pain, but hoping this is just temporary. I replaced a 28 year old innerspring mattress, so I did expect a different feel. When sleeping with my partner, I do tend to roll down into the depressed area he is sleeping in. He absolutely loves this mattress!”

– Joanne E., verified buyer on 08/13/24

For more information about this mattress, read our Nectar mattress review.

Helix Plus: Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People 

Our expert take on the Helix Plus mattress

The Helix Plus Mattress has a firm feel with ample cushioning. This is a nice option if you’re looking for a firm, supportive, quality mattress in a box.

The Helix Plus mattress is a hybrid made with steel innerspring coils and four layers of dense memory foam to support larger bodies. Our Reviews Team thought it felt more resilient and firmer than some other medium-firm mattresses, with the surface bouncing back quickly in response to pressure. 

According to Plowe, a firm mattress “is important for minimizing pressure on the back, hips, and shoulders. The firmness helps distribute body weight more evenly and can help reduce pressure points and promote better spinal alignment throughout the night.”

Our Reviews Team found the surface responsive, with a slight bounce, which made changing positions easy and may help people with reduced mobility to move more easily. We also found it offered noticeable spinal support and effective cooling when lying on it, which can make for a more restful night’s sleep.

It’s important to note that this mattress may be too firm for some lighter-weight sleepers.

Our tester on the Helix Plus mattress:

“When on my stomach, I notice that my hips are not dipping lower into the bed than the rest of my body. This mattress is very comfortable for stomach sleeping.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Back sleepers looking for a firm mattress
• Hot sleepers will appreciate the optional cooling gel cover
• Stomach sleepers who want to keep their spine in alignment
• People with back pain who need firm spinal support
• People with reduced mobility who need a bouncier surface

Who may want to avoid it

• Side sleepers looking for a cradling surface for their shoulders and hips
• Those in need of strong edge support likely won’t find it here
• Side sleepers or combination sleepers who sleep on their sides may feel pressure

Customer reviews

The Helix Plus has a star rating of 4.4 out of five, with more than 2,900 reviews on its website. Many reviewers say this mattress is an ideal firmness for higher-weight sleepers but might be too firm for those who are light- to average-weight (130–250 pounds).

“I’ve been sleeping on this mattress for a month and have been really pleased. I was sleeping on a cheap all-foam mattress before, which wasn’t supportive enough for someone my weight (220). I got tired of sinking in all the time and being too hot from the memory foam. This mattress solved all my problems—I don’t get hot sleeping on it, and I find it really supportive but still comfortable. To me, it feels like sleeping on a nice hotel bed. My partner ordered one for himself because I liked mine so much. He found that it was too firm for him, but he is only about 140 lbs. He still likes it though and is getting a foam topper for it.” 

— Isabella M., verified buyer on 5/17/24

“My husband is a big and tall dude who had some hip issues with our old foam bed. He needed more support, but we both loved the softness of memory foam. This seems to be a great balance between the two. It gives us both great support but still has some softness to it. His hip issues have been much better now. I really am happy with this mattress!” 

— Lindsey S., verified buyer on 5/1/2024

For more information about other mattresses Helix offers, read our Helix Midnight Luxe review.

Saatva Classic: Best Mattress for Heavy People With Back Pain 

Our expert take on the Saatva Classic mattress

The Saatva Classic mattress offers ease of movement and pressure relief with a sumptuous feel. The 3-inch pillow top paired with the memory foam lumbar support layer provides a cradled yet supportive experience. Its versatility, ease of movement, and pressure relief make this mattress an optimal choice for all body types. Plus, if you have chronic lower back pain, it’s worth noting that research found medium-firm mattresses to be effective at pain relief.

One reason the Saatva Classic mattress is ideal for higher-weight people is its flexibility in accommodating different weights and sleep positions. Two layers of steel coils provide supportive construction, while memory foam helps align the spine and eliminate pressure points. This mattress also offers good responsiveness to help with easier movement. If you have back pain, it’s essential to be able to shift positions naturally and maintain spinal alignment. Having a surface that keeps your back neutral while you rest helps maintain balance and prevent pain.

The Saatva brand rated the firmness level of its Classic mattress a seven out of 10, and our Reviews Team agreed. 

Our team tested the luxury firm, but the Classic also comes in two other firmness levels, plush-soft and firm, as well as thickness levels of either 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches, so you can find your ideal sleep surface. Whichever firmness you choose, the 3-inch pillow top offers a plush cradle to help relieve sensitive pressure points. Beneath the initial plushness is a special lumbar support foam layer. And for those with allergies, we think the hypoallergenic cotton cover is a nice touch. 

If you roll around and change positions during the night or sleep close to the edge, it’s important to note the mattress is constructed with high-density foam rails for reinforced edge supportⓘ This refers to the bed’s stability along the edges. . Changing positions felt natural during testing, and we think the additional support at the edges provides a firm, stable area for sitting and sleeping.

Our tester on the Saatva Classic mattress:

“I feel very on top of the Saatva Classic mattress instead of sinking into it. It’s very supportive with a gentle cradle.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Combination sleepers who need freedom of movement with strong edge support
• Side sleepers who need pressure relief cushioning in the shoulders and hips
• Back sleepers looking for lower back support and spinal alignment

Who may want to avoid it

• Couples who don’t want to be disturbed by their partner may desire more motion isolation

Customer reviews

The Saatva Classic has a star rating of 4.8 out of five, with more than 3,400 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention how luxurious and supportive the mattress is. Some customers’ delivery experience varied.

“I bought a Saatva Classic mattress over a year ago and I’m still loving it. It’s a great mattress that has a plushy top layer but good support. I sleep in all positions and move around a lot in my sleep and it’s comfortable no matter how I sleep. I’ve had less back and neck pain since I bought it. Also the delivery service was great and it was so nice that they took away my old mattress. It’s also nice knowing Saatva mattresses are made with safe materials (for example they are not made with fiberglass). This isn’t a paid review, just a satisfied customer. ” 

— Miranda H., verified buyer on 1/29/2024

“This is our 2nd Saatva mattress. Love the support it provides. Delivery was a little difficult, they showed up 3 hours late. However, the driver provided updates throughout the day. I appreciated the communication. When they did make it to our house, the 2 guys were very nice and looked really tired! We love the new luxury firm mattress.” 

— Louis, verified buyer on 2/1/2024

To learn more about the Saatva Classic and other models Saatva offers, read our full Saatva review.

DreamCloud Memory Foam: Best Memory Foam Mattress for Heavy People

Our expert take on the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress

The DreamCloud Memory Foam is constructed of three layers of durable memory foam to provide support and alignment for all body types while also offering gentle cradling. For additional thickness, consider the Premier Rest memory foam model, with an added 2 inches of gel foam.

Designed for cooling, comfort, and support, the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress is crafted of three layers of memory foam with a cashmere blend cover. Lying on the mattress, our testers found it sturdy, with the gel foam layer adapting naturally to curves. Research shows that sleeping on a memory foam mattress can improve sleep quality and consistency of sleep.

When we tested this mattress for motion isolationⓘ The ability of a mattress to keep movement on one side of the bed from affecting the other side. , it quickly conformed to testers’ positions without disrupting the second tester on the other side of the bed, so we gave it a five out of five for motion isolation. This is a plus if you sleep with a partner since you’re unlikely to disturb each other as you change positions during the night, making this a good mattress for couples. Even though this mattress tested poorly for bounce, the foam holds its shape well enough that we didn’t feel stuck in the contour or find it hard to move around, which is important for people with chronic pain or reduced mobility.

Some memory foam mattresses aren’t supportive and feel too squishy, but not this one. We were impressed with the overall spinal support and pressure relief of the DreamCloud. While we recommend this mattress for all sleep positions and for average-weight and higher-weight sleepers, lighter-weight sleepers may find this mattress too firm for side and back sleeping positions.

Our tester on the DreamCloud Memory Foam mattress:

“There’s enough softness where it conforms to your new position but it does so quickly. This is definitely a responsive mattress.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Combination sleepers looking for ease of movement
• Back sleepers who need lower back support and spinal alignment
• Average- and higher-weight side sleepers who need pressure point relief

Who may want to avoid it

• Lighter-weight side and back sleepers
• People who need good bounce to help them move easily

Customer reviews

On its website, the DreamCloud Memory Foam has a star rating of 4.6 out of five, with more than 8,900 reviews. Reviewers share a number of positive experiences, like how the mattress helped with back pain, and many say it was well worth the cost. Some reviewers complain the mattress isn’t firm enough and that it started to sink in the center.

“Excellent mattress, took a few days to adjust but my sacral and lumbar pain have improved substantially. Nice to find a product I don’t regret buying.” 

— Robert R., verified buyer on 3/3/2023

“Was nice for about a month, then felt like a hole was forming in the middle. Started hurting my back after a month as well.” 

— Shaun A., verified buyer on 4/24/2024

To learn more about this and other models, read our full DreamCloud review.

The WinkBed Plus: Best Hybrid Mattress for Heavy People 

Our expert take on The Winkbed Plus mattress

The WinkBed Plus uses individually wrapped coils specially designed to support sleepers of higher weights. The coil base is covered by a 2.5-inch thick layer of latex, offering zoned support for better durability and contour to the body for ideal pressure where you need it most. Lastly, the WinkBed Plus includes an ultra-dense memory foam top to ensure sag-proof cushioning, which can be an issue for sleepers over 250 pounds. 

While we prefer the WinkBed Plus for higher-weight sleepers, the WinkBed also offers varied firmness levels: softer, firmer, and luxury firm that can also support heavy people.

Our Reviews Team found the Winkbed Plus on the firmer side and gave it a 7.5 out of 10 on our internal scale, but the memory foam top also offered a nice contour. The mattress is also very responsive. When our testers dropped a 10-pound weight on the mattress and removed it, it popped back into its original shape in only half a second. 

If you have concerns about rolling off the bed at night, the WinkBed has an extra layer of support on the outer edges to help stabilize and prevent falls. Our testers found it extremely sturdy with no sagging, and they felt secure even when lying on the edge of the mattress. That said, one of our testers, a 61-year-old woman with chronic lower back pain, notes that the supportive edge may also make it more difficult for shorter people to get in and out of bed.

From our tester with chronic lower back pain

“Because I’m tall, standing from the edge is not a problem. But for someone that’s shorter, I think it’ll be a problem trying to get up here. It would take effort to get up there if a person is shorter than me, but I’m almost five feet and eight inches tall. So, for me, it’s not a big deal.”

In all, we think the WinkBed Plus works well for heavy people who sleep in all different positions, but average-weight side sleepers may find it too firm.

Our tester on the WinkBed Plus mattress:

“It has zoned support at the center, like most WinkBeds, so it helps contour the back.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Back and side sleepers looking for pressure relief
• Sleepers looking for good support
• People who want a memory foam mattress that’s still responsive

Who may want to avoid it

• Average weight side sleepers, as it may not offer enough pressure relief

Customer reviews

The WinkBed has a star rating of 4.8 out of five, with more than 8,800 reviews on its website, which includes ratings for all WinkBed options, not just the Plus version. Many reviewers mention that the mattress is the perfect firmness—not too firm but not too soft. Other reviewers mention the opposite—that it’s too firm for their preferences.

“We’ve had this bed for about 60 days now and it’s the best sleep I’ve in years… the firmness provided the support I need but the top layer was soft, it made [me] so comfortable without sinking.”

— Dwayne C., verified buyer on 04/26/24.

“I’m sleeping better than I have in the past ten years. The WinkBed PLUS is not as firm as I thought it would be, but overall I’d recommend this bed as [it’s] very comfortable. One of the strongest points for WinkBeds is their fantastic customer service team. They were very professional and patient with me as I navigated through the selection process.”

— Linda C., verified buyer on 02/22/24.

For more information about The WinkBed Plus and other WinkBeds models, read our full WinkBed review.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best Affordable Mattress for Heavy People 

Our expert take on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress’s combination of sturdy coils and cushy foam makes it easy to move around in and change positions. Because higher-weight sleepers compress a mattress more than lighter- or average-weight sleepers, stability and bounce are important.

Overall, this mattress balances firm support and pressure relief well. For those who change positions frequently, we found this mattress provided easy mobility, even with its pillowy surface. We gave this mattress a four out of five for pressure relief and think higher-weight back sleepers will especially appreciate this mattress.

Encased coils provide the bounce, and memory foam adds additional cradling and relief. Options for customization make this mattress an even more appealing choice. While we tested the medium, this mattress also comes in soft and firm, so if the medium firmness level doesn’t work for you, you have other options.

Our tester on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress:

“This mattress feels very responsive. It’s keeping up with my movements really well and it’s easy to rotate and switch positions.” 

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Combination sleepers and people with reduced mobility who need some bounce to help them change position or move with ease
• Shoppers on a budget
• Back sleepers who need support and pressure relief

Who may want to avoid it

• Higher-weight stomach sleepers who need something more supportive
• Couples who need better motion isolation from their bed partner’s movements

 
Customer reviews

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has a star rating of 4.7 out of five, with more than 10,100 reviews on its website. Reviewers who identified as being more than 250 pounds said this mattress is very comfortable to sleep on in many positions. Other reviewers mention that it takes some time to break the mattress in.

“Neck and back pain went away in a few days.” 

— Carla G., verified buyer on 5/28/2024

“Very comfortable. Picked the perfect firmness. I’m a side and back sleeper. The firm is great.” 

— Lisa A., verified buyer on 5/1/2024

Read our Brooklyn Bedding review to learn more about the Signature Hybrid and other models offered by the brand.

How we test the best mattresses for heavy people

Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least 10 health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed eight older adults who recently purchased a mattress, and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress customers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed. 

Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other details most shoppers consider. We choose the best mattresses for higher-weight people based on five specific factors: firmness, support, cooling, edge support, and pressure relief. Each of these factors help us determine whether the mattress will be supportive enough for a sleeper who weighs 250 pounds or more, and whether it will be a durable fit over time.

Firmness

To determine the firmness of a mattress, we use a scale from one to 10. Universal firmness is set at 6.5. Mattresses for higher-weight sleepers should be medium- to extra-firm to ensure the sleeper doesn’t sink too far into the materials. All the mattresses we chose as the best for higher-weight people are at least medium firmness. 

Support

To score support, we use a scale from one to five. Ideally, higher-weight people should look for a mattress that scores between a four and five in this category. Support will help keep the spine aligned in all positions and prevent one part of the body from dipping further into the mattress material than others. If your spine is continually out of alignment, you can experience new or worsened back pain and joint discomfort throughout your back and neck.

Cooling

Cooling is measured on a scale from one to five. We test this factor using a heat thermometer, which takes the temperature of the mattress without a person lying on it, and then again after a person has lain on the mattress for a certain amount of time and then gets up. Sleeping temperature is an important feature for most people, since getting too warm or sweating throughout the night can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.

Edge support

We measure edge support on a scale from one to five. Mattresses with a coil or innerspring core often score higher in this area because the coils help reinforce support around the perimeter of the mattress. Any person who sleeps with a partner or sleeps close to the edge of the mattress has a higher risk of falling over the edge. This is an especially important consideration for higher-weight sleepers because the more a person weighs, the stronger the edge support will need to be to prevent falls. 

Pressure relief

The pressure relief score is measured on a scale from one to five. We use a pressure mapⓘ A mat with sensors that detects pressure buildup when someone lies across it. , which shows different colors when different amounts of pressure are detected. Blue means little to no pressure, green means light pressure, yellow means medium pressure, and red means high pressure. When making our list of the best mattresses for higher-weight people, we selected mattresses with pressure relief scores that would be most likely to keep pressure off a higher-weight person’s back, shoulders, and hips while sleeping.

To learn more about our testing, please review our sleep methodology. 

Our research and testing are ongoing, so our reviews evolve over time. We test new mattresses monthly to give you the most up-to-date information possible. Please check back regularly for updates.

Mattresses undergoing further testing

• DreamCloud Premier
• Bear Star Hybrid
• Nolah Natural
• WinkBeds Gravity Lux
• Saatva Classic (Soft)
• Saatva Latex Hybrid
• Puffy Cloud
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling (Firm)
• Nolah Evolution Comfort+

How to choose a mattress when you are heavier

Keep several factors in mind when shopping for the right mattress: sleep position, body proportions and weight, chronic pain, pressure point sensitivities, whether you share your bed and are easily awakened, even how close to the edge of the bed you tend to sleep. All of the mattresses on this list have a trial period, so take advantage of the trial to ensure it’s the right mattress for you, and return it if necessary.

To help streamline your choices, here are some factors to consider: 

Support and durability 

Look for a mattress that’s not only comfortable but supports your weight without sinking. The coil construction found in hybrid and innerspring mattresses can offer a sturdy base, but may or may not offer ease of movement. A hybrid mattress with steel coils, memory foam, latex, or a pillow top can create a more even feeling. Mattresses made with latex are known for durability, with a lifetime of up to 20 years. 

While mattresses constructed of all-foam tend to give the most cradling and contouring, they also tend to sink more quickly than mattresses with an underlying coil core and may trap heat. As a middle-ground option, you could try a hybrid with a soft pillow top.

Spinal alignment 

Research has found a connection between insomnia and lower back pain. Proper alignment in whichever position you sleep is the key to preventing or easing back pain. Notice how the mattress feels when you change positions, and make sure your spine stays neutral and your hips don’t dip down. You want a mattress that holds your midsection up so your spine stays aligned, but is soft enough to cushion your pressure points.

Edge support

Whether you’re a side sleeper or a combination sleeper, if you move around during the night, you may unknowingly find yourself near the edge. Proper edge support helps ensure you don’t roll out of bed in the middle of the night and provides a firm place to sit without sliding forward. For people with mobility issues, having a strong edge that doesn’t dip too much will help make getting in and out of bed easier. 

This is also important for couples because strong edge support allows you to use the entire surface of the bed. Some brands have heavier construction built into the edges and/or lips to add an extra buffer for fall prevention. Edge support is one of the most important features to look at when deciding on a mattress.

What type of bed is best for a heavier person?

While there is no rule about which type of mattress is best for a higher-weight person, most of the mattresses on our list have a hybrid construction, which means they’re made with two materials—usually foam with an innerspring core. This is because hybrid mattresses offer the most versatility and balance between contouring comfort and support. Read more about hybrid mattresses our experts have tested and approved in our review of the best hybrid mattresses.

Latex mattresses are renowned for their exceptional support and durability, making them a solid choice for heavier individuals. The best latex mattresses feature high-density foam that provides extra pressure relief and conforms to the body’s curves without sacrificing support. The combination of support and pressure relief available in latex mattresses helps prevent sagging and discomfort, two common concerns for heavier sleepers. 

Foam mattresses usually tend to wear down faster since the foam naturally compresses under a person’s weight. Many higher-weight sleepers still choose foam mattresses because they prefer the sinking feeling of a traditional memory foam mattress, but you could instead choose to try a firm or extra firm foam mattress. These types of mattresses can help give you the feeling of being hugged without losing support.

For more information, read our review of the best memory foam mattresses. 

How thick should a bed be for heavier people?

Thicker mattresses will have more layers than thinner mattresses. This means there are more layers to give the sleeper support. It also means that a thicker mattress may be able to hold more weight than a thinner mattress. The mattresses on our list range between 11.25 and 14.5 inches. 

While there is no fixed rule that says a person who weighs 250 pounds or more should need to choose a mattress with a certain thickness, higher-weight sleepers should reach out to the customer service department of the mattress company they’re considering for more information about how much weight a certain mattress can hold. 

Many of the mattresses designed for heavier people, like the Titan Plus Luxe and Helix Plus, clearly state how much total weight the mattress is designed to hold. 

Compare the best mattresses for heavy people in 2024

*Free shipping and setup of new mattress and free removal of old mattress

Bottom line

When shopping for the best mattress for higher-weight people, think about the long-term picture. A good-quality mattress can hold up for more than a decade. Consider firmness, trial periods, and your preferred sleeping position. 

While the Titan Plus Luxe is our top choice, each mattress on our list has both benefits and downsides. Remember that buying a mattress is a very personal decision and will have an impact on your sleep quality and overall well-being—for better and for worse—so consider what’s most important to you so you can start getting a better night’s sleep

Additional sleep resources for higher-weight people

• Best firm mattress
• Best hybrid mattress
• Best memory foam mattress
• Best mattress for back sleepers

Frequently asked questions

What mattress firmness is best for higher-weight people?

For higher-weigh people, we recommend a medium-firm to firm mattress that provides ample support and pressure relief. While plenty of mattresses work for a range of body types, like the Saatva Classic, other mattresses, like the Helix Plus and Titan Plus Luxe, were specifically designed for higher-weight people. Comfort is subjective, so remember your specific needs when shopping for a mattress.

What mattress is best for higher-weight people who sleep hot?

A natural latex mattress, innerspring, or individually wrapped coil construction typically provides a cooler surface because these materials provide room for airflow, which can help a mattress surface stay cooler. Memory foam provides excellent cushioning, but is known for retaining heat and could potentially make you feel even hotter. Many mattress brands offer covers with cooling technology that you can add to your mattress.

Is a memory foam mattress good for a higher-weight person?

High-density memory foam combined with innersprings or coils can be a good choice for a higher-weight person. While memory foam typically offers a sinking, cradling effect, some memory foam mattresses, like the DreamCloud Memory Foam, have a firmer surface that may provide the extra support a higher-weight person needs.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

1. Lee H and Park SJ. Quantitative Effects of Mattress Types (Comfortable vs. Uncomfortable) on Sleep Quality Through Polysomnography and Skin Temperature. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. November 2006. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169814106001508
2. Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. December 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8655046
3. Bolton R, et al. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022. Found on the internet at https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-022-00073-x
4. Danoff-Burg S, et al. Use of a Memory Foam Mattress Improves Sleep Quality and Consistency. Sleep. May 2023. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/46/Supplement_1/A422/7182528
5. Alsaadi SM, et al. Prevalence of Sleep Disturbance in Patients With Low Back Pain. European Spine Journal. Dec. 29, 2010. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3082679