Best Mattresses for Heavy People
Your weight is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for a mattress for heavy people especially when it comes to design and functionality that ensures optimal sleeping experience. Large, overweight, and plus-size individuals are generally those that weigh 200 pounds and heavier thus needing a mattress that could support the sleeper’s weight or even much heavier loads or pressures.
Larger people need thicker and firmer mattresses in order to support their weight and provide sufficient edge support to prevent any issues of sagging and falling off the edge of the bed. Mattresses that are ideal for heavier individuals are also those that offer breathable and ventilated surfaces with good heat retention especially if you tend to sweat or feel hot after hours of sleep.
Best Mattresses for Overweight Persons Comparison Table
Product Thickness Durability Sleep Quality Today's Price 
Elements Latex Magnolia Total Latex Mattress $2,699.00
Editor choice 
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress $2,799.00
Over Weight Bariatric Mattress – Comfort Max 400
These are some of the most fundamental factors to consider when choosing the best mattress for heavy people:
Thickness & Density
Mattress thickness is one of the most overlooked topics but definitely an important factor when looking for the ideal mattress bed for overweight individuals. The general rule of thumb is that the thicker and denser the mattress, the better it would be for heavier and larger people to ensure support, avoid the tendency of “bottoming out”, and prevent any pressure points especially for those who sleep on their side. Larg people put extra pressure on the mattress due to their weight resulting to compression, and when thinner mattresses are compressed, it could reach a point where you could almost feel the platform or ground underneath the mattress.
The ideal thickness for heavier people weighing 200 to 250lbs is between 10 and 14 inches and even possibly higher if you prefer innerspring mattresses. Those who weigh between 250 and 300 lbs will do well with mattresses that are 12-inch to 14-inch thick while those who weigh 350-400 lbs must consider thicker mattresses that are 14 inches or thicker. High-density mattresses are highly recommended for heavy people particularly 1.8 lbs or higher support or base foam or more coil counts for innerspring mattresses in order to improve the density level.
Heat Retention
Heavier individuals tend to sleep hot compared to lighter and thinner individuals since more body mass would generate more heat, making heavier sleepers experience sweating or feeling hot when they sleep. The best mattresses for heavy individuals are those with comfort layers that have well-ventilated and breathable features so that you feel cool and stay cool after several hours of sleeping. Latex and hybrid mattresses have cooling features while most foam mattresses tend to have higher heat retention and absorption qualities, thus larger sleepers should choose the bed with qualities that inherently help keep the mattress stay cool such as fabric covers with moisture-wicking technology or comfort layers with breathable holes that boost airflow and circulation.
Edge Support
Mattresses for overweights require reliable and sufficient edge support especially if you are mainly using the bed day or night or when you frequently sit on the edge at several times of the day. Heavier sleepers tend to put extra load or weight on the mattress and without enough edge support, the mattress could eventually result in significant sagging or there is a tendency that the bed would collapse or you will fall off the bed if you sleep near the edges.
Different mattresses have their unique features that provide edge support but generally, mattresses that have the best edge support are those with coil-on-coil or spring construction and hybrid designs that combine spring and foam layers. Pure foam mattresses, however, have poor to average edge support particularly for heavier sleepers but thicker foam mattresses have made improvements in this category.
Mattress Types
There are different mattress types but not all of them are ideal for larger and heavyweight individuals because some models are much better and more superior when it comes to firmness and thickness, density, edge support, motion transfer, and heat retention. The most popular options for the best mattresses for overweight people are the following:
Latex
The latex mattress type is one of the most resilient and durable beds on the market, not to mention its high score in terms of general body support and edge support. Top quality latex mattresses have high conforming abilities that contour to the shape and mold of the body, protecting its pressure points for ache-free mornings while maintaining support. Plus-size buyers are advised to choose the latex bed with higher firmness level since there are also other latex beds that have a softer and plusher surface with bouncing effects. The best bet for plus size sleepers in this category is the high-density, all-natural thicker and firmer latex bed models that could withstand heavier loads and weights, making them last for years without sagging and significant indentation problems.
Memory Foam
The mattress type that offers good pressure point relief, memory foam is known for its body contouring and conforming ability, allowing the body to naturally settle into its preferred position without resisting pressure. There are medium to high-density formulations that offer average resilience and support, however, the slow-response quality of memory foam mattresses gives the bed a low score because of the sinking or quicksand feeling when you move. Memory foams may not be good for plus-size sleepers who tend to sleep hot because the mattress type is temperature sensitive.
Innerspring Mattress
The least favorite for heavier sleepers is the coil spring or innerspring mattress type which typically has comfort issues especially when the upper layers of the mattress are subjected to compression. Spring beds result in excessive pressure on the shoulders and hips while the lower back is left unsupported hence the aggravated back pain. Low-quality innersprings that have lower coil count and thinner layers are also susceptible to noise and low motion transfer, thus it is not recommended for couples or those that don’t want to have disrupted sleep due to movement from the other side of the bed. Higher density, thicker, and firmer innerspring mattresses, particularly those with pocket spring technology, are the closest you can get for the best mattresses for heavy individuals.
Durability
There is a correlation between the weight of the sleeper and the longevity and durability of the mattress specifically because mattresses are exposed to extra pressure and load over time. Overweight or plus-size individuals usually have the typical weight of 200 lbs or heavier and the construction, material types, and overall quality of the mattress could determine how long it could last and withstand the weight or pressure for the next weeks, months, and years. Latex is on the top list when it comes to durability, having an average of up to 8 years and longer with proper care and maintenance. Memory foam mattresses could last for over 6 years depending on the weight and care you invest on the foam while innersprings are significantly less durable with a shorter lifespan.
Comfort Test
Testing the comfort of the mattress requires you to spend a little time and evaluate how you feel when you lie down on the mattress surface. Heavy individuals need to pay extra attention to comfort test as the right support and firmness make a huge difference in the quality and durability of the mattress you choose. Put some pressure on the mattress and see how the mattress reacts to the load or pressure. Firmer mattresses could be hard for side sleepers but putting on mattress toppers could cushion the body from the hard texture and create a plush and bouncing feel while maintaining the much-needed support for heavier people. Back and stomach sleepers would not have any issues with firm and dense mattresses especially those with heavier weights.
Buying your mattress online could be trickier and more challenging as you are taking a risk and buying blind because it is impossible to make a comfort test before making the purchase. The good thing with an online purchase is that manufacturers provide lengthy and sufficient trial periods in order for you to try out and assess the comfort and suitability of the mattress with your sleeping needs and preferences. Take advantage of the trial period and carefully evaluate if the mattress is too firm or too soft for you, making sure that you contact the manufacturer if you need replacement or return the product within the trial period.
The Budget
Heavy individuals require more from their mattress and it would equally mean more demands on your budget because thicker, firmer, and denser mattress materials are significantly costlier than others. Latex is one of the most recommended mattresses for large or plus-size sleepers, particularly all-natural, high-density models and these beds do not come cheap. You would need to shell out extra cash if you want the ideal bed that could provide the best support for your weight and body frame as well as last for several years. High-end memory foam and innerspring mattresses that are formulated for heavier individuals also have mid-range or expensive price tags.
Warranty and Trial Days
Different manufacturers have their own warranty protection for their products specifically mattresses for larger individuals such as latex beds which have from 15 to 25 Year Limited Warranty on their higher end models. Memory foam mattresses with thicker, firmer, and denser models have up to 20 Years Limited Warranty protection but it would vary with the brand. Innerspring mattresses especially those with pocket spring technology are also made to last and could be covered by 10 to 15 Years warranty. The trial period would depend on the manufacturer which typically ranges between 90 and 120 days, including the return period.
Conclusion
The best mattresses for heavyweight people has different features that would ensure optimal, undisturbed, and quality sleep for people who weigh 200 lbs or heavier. The special breed of mattress beds is designed to support heavier weights and withstand the extra pounds or pressure through the right thickness, firmness, and density. Larger sleepers require a much thicker, firmer, and denser bed to avoid the results of compression due to heavier loads and pressure and avoid any pressure point or back pain due to insufficient support to vital parts of the body. Latex beds are on top of the chart for mattresses that are recommended for heavyweight individuals while innersprings are the least favorite picks.
