Best Mattress for Heavy People of 2023: Review and Comparison

As you shop for a new bed, it is essential to keep your body weight in mind—this is especially important when selecting mattress firmness. Heavier people weighing more than 230 pounds need a bed with extra support and cushioning for healthy spinal alignment. Without adequate support, the mattress may end up sagging and focusing sleepers to rest in unhealthy sleep positions that leave them sore and stiff in the morning.

Our handy guide outlines the best mattresses for heavy people and provides information on selecting the perfect bed for your sleep position and body type.

The Amerisleep AS5 is our favorite mattress for heavier individuals. Available in both memory foam and hybrid model, this bed is designed to comfortably accommodate sleepers of different body types who enjoy a softer mattress. It’s the softest bed Amerisleep offers. If you’re looking for a slightly firmer bed, Amerisleep’s AS4 is still soft, but won’t be too cushiony.

All Amerisleep mattresses ship free and come with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

One of the first things you’ll notice when lying down on the AS5 is its high level of buoyancy. This mattress might be soft, but that doesn’t mean it allows you to sink. This is all thanks to a layer of transition foam that creates lots of lift without adding any pressure into the mix for a feeling of weightlessness.

Another thing you’ll notice about this mattress is just how cool it is for a soft memory foam mattress. This is thanks to a combination of a mineral-infused cover along with Amerisleep’s proprietary plant-based memory foam.

Reviews on the AS5 for people who are heavy sleepers, while overall satisfied, some customers did have some issues:

Samantha: I feel like I’m in Mattress Heaven with this mattress! My aching lower back and arthritic left hip pain immediately diminished to almost nil the first night I slept on this mattress, plus my shoulder joint pain is completely gone. The mattress supports my heavy weight and lumbar region, without putting my joints into agony like traditional mattresses.

PDXCDub16: My husband and I have different sleep styles (he’s a back and side sleeper and I’m a stomach sleeper). We are both on the heavy side. We were recommended the AS5, based on our weight and our differences in sleep styles. The mattress appeared to be a great fit for us, right out of the gate. But unfortunately, after a few months on it, we both developed back and neck pain.

Softsleeper: The bed seemed to be good quality and comfortable when I first tried it but I came to realize that it was too firm for me although it was perfect for my husband. I wanted an all foam mattress and did a lot of research to find one that looked like it would hold up to a heavy sleeper for my husband. I decided to go with this one and it seemed great at first but as time went on I realized that throughout the night I would toss and turn a lot because there was too much pressure on my shoulders and hips as I’m a side sleeper.

Inside the Mattress

The AS5 is 14 inches thick and contains 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Active Flex, 2 inches of Affinity, and 7 inches of Bio-Core®. The cover is made of a lightweight, breathable fabric for excellent cooling.

Bio-Pur® is plant-based memory foam—part of the petroleum is replaced with castor oil during the manufacturing process of this foam. As a result, the AS5 produces little to no off-gassing and is cooler than traditional memory foam. Bio-Pur® also does a great job of alleviating pressure and pain, issues larger adults commonly face.

What makes this mattress great for heavy sleepers is Active Flex, a latex-like poly-foam. Active Flex is responsive and bouncy, so it holds you up in the mattress and prevents uncomfortable sinkage. The AS5 is Amerisleep’s only model with this innovative material, making it their best mattress for plus-size sleepers. While it’s usually tough for heavy sleepers to find a soft, but supportive mattress, the AS5 aims to offer both. Plus-sized customers who’ve used the AS5 have even noted how well the mattress keeps them lifted.

Below the Active Flex, the Affinity layer uses HIVE technology® to create a 5-zone support layer. HIVE® offers softer support to heavier sections of the body like the shoulders and hips and firmer support to the head, back, and legs. The Affinity layer ensures even support to the body, no matter the sleep position.

At the base of the AS5 is a strong support core to accommodate sleepers who carry additional weight. A mattress’s base layer is an important consideration when shopping for heavy sleepers. If the mattress’s core is flimsy or consistent with low-quality materials, the bed won’t last very long.

The Amerisleep AS5 is their softest model— the mattress won’t sag but instead provides consistent support and pressure-relieving comfort for an excellent night’s sleep.

For heavy sleepers who still need a lot of support, this firm option is one of the cooler mattresses on this list. Designed with athletic recovery in mind, the Zoma Start Mattress is the newest offering from Zoma.

Like all Zoma mattresses, the Zoma Start comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

People who reviewed the Zoma Start appreciated its cooling AirCloth cover, its responsive Reactiv® foam layer, and its amazing ability to relieve pain and help sleepers wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another active day. While it’s design is budget-friendly, the Start doesn’t skimp on offering supportive comfort.

For the price, the Zoma Start is highly regarded, but not without flaws. Reviewers we spoke with had mixed thoughts:

Zachary B: Perfect level of support, breathable, and we don’t wake each other up if one of us gets out of bed. We have been sleeping better than ever. Not to mention the incredible customer support. 

Christie C: Comfiest mattress I’ve ever had. my only issue is that i seem to wake up a bit sweaty. i’m looking into a breathable mattress cover. otherwise, i love my mattress.

Billy K: Kind of firm waking up with shoulder pain occasionally.

Inside the Mattress

The Zoma Start features a 1-inch layer of gel memory foam to help wick away body heat, a 1-inch layer of Reactiv® material that offers adaptive support, and 8 inches of Support+® foam to firm up the mattress’s feel and help prevent sagging and soft spots. These foam layers are all wrapped up in a breathable AirCloth cover fabric.

Aside from staying cool at night, the durable materials inside the Zoma Start establish long-lasting motion isolation. The memory foam swallows movement at the point of impact, so if you shift positions in the night your partner sharing the bed won’t feel a thing.

The Zoma Start is also one of the top mattresses without fiberglass, a material that’s traditionally used to establish a flame-resistant bed. Fire safety is important, of course, but fiberglass has the drawback of causing skin irritation and breathing troubles if it escapes the mattress. Because of this, Zoma and many other manufacturers are moving to non-chemical alternatives for consumer safety.

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Start Mattress

The Vaya Mattress has 2 foam layers that work together to create a medium comfort level. Both layers of foam are hypoallergenic and certified by CertiPUR-US® to be free of harmful contaminants.

If you are a heavier individual who prefers to rest on your side, this mattress is ideal. Reviewers note how the soft and cushiony feel of the Vaya Mattress relieves their joint pain without causing them to sink and get uncomfortable.

How Lying Down Feels

The Vaya Mattress is recommended for side, back, and combination sleepers, but stomach sleepers may find this memory foam mattress too soft. Customers say the Vaya Mattress is a good option if you’re looking for a cushioned bed built to keep you in place at night.

The Vaya Mattress conforms under your curves without causing you to sink uncomfortably, and some reviewers compare it to sleeping on a cloud. We also looked at the bed and its feel in our Vaya Mattress Review.

Customers who chose the Vaya have overall been very happy. Here is what some had to say:

Karen P: Very well made mattress, and I liked the idea of the hybrid. But unfortunately, it was much to firm for me. I tried to get used to it, but my hips are just too painful.

Simren: I purchased a vaya mattress over a year ago and it is the best mattress I have ever had. It is extremely comfortable and makes you not want to leave!

Heather B: Excellent quality for such a price. Definitely buying it again!

Inside the Mattress

The comfort layer is made with Vaya’s proprietary foam that contours to the body and provides pressure-free support. This foam has a slight bounce that keeps the hips and shoulders from sinking too far into the bed and forcing the spine out of alignment. This feature is perfect for heavier sleepers who tend to sink more on softer surfaces.

The base of the Vaya features a sturdy and supportive poly-foam. This durable foundation is soft enough to prevent pressure points, but it is also strong enough to prevent sagging and indentations. The Vaya Mattress is another bed on our list that comes in a hybrid variation: the Vaya Hybrid. The hybrid model has the same top layer, but instead of the poly-foam base, it has pocketed coils.

Regardless of whether you prefer hybrids or foams, you can place the Vaya Mattress on most modern bed frames, including adjustable bases and slatted foundations. The Vaya Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Plus, this mattress is incredibly affordable.

Those who love innerspring beds but don’t want to deal with their drawbacks should consider the Saatva HD. This is one of the best mattresses with open coils because it fixes many of the problems traditional innerspring mattresses have and offers tons of support for back and stomach sleepers alike. 

The Saatva HD includes a 180-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Right away, you’ll notice the buoyancy of the HD’s sleep surface. This ultra-supportive mattress is intended to fight sinkage and ensure your spine stays aligned, even if you’re on the heavier side. Don’t be fooled, though, as the HD still sports plenty of foam layers to offer adequate pressure relief.

Here is what reviewers had to say:

Ibis: This is our second one, we LOOOVE the quality, and the good resistance of the materials. We are heavy people

Ken: I read reviews about Saatva mattress and decided to check out your viewing room in Dallas. Very sharp showroom. Salesman Austin was friendly, informative and not pushy. Got a Saatva HD mattress with a Linen Halle storage bed. High quality very comfortable firm mattress for heavy people.

CC: We selected the HD mattress because we are heavy. Buying online I was nervous about. But so glad we did. I am a side sleeper and find the mattress very supportive of my large midsection. Back aligns nicely and relieves pressure from my shoulders and hips. The mattress is perfect if you are a back sleeper

Inside the Mattress

The multiple layers of latex and comfort foam make the HD a much more contouring mattress than a regular innerspring. The natural latex foam also offers additional cooling breathability that hot sleepers will appreciate.

The HD also sports a support core of high-durability coils and firm mattress edge support rails. This increased edge support means the HD will outlast your average open-coil mattress. That’s why this mattress features a warranty of 20 years and a 180-night sleep trial. 

SEE ALSO: Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers

When you sleep with a heavier partner, you both tend to sleep hotter. This means couples need a mattress that can stand up to overheating even better than your average cooling mattress.

If you feel like sleeping next to your partner is more like sleeping next to a giant hot water bottle, check out the thermally conductive and breathable Nolah Evolution 15. This is potentially the best mattress for couples on the market.

The Nolah Evolution 15 ships free and comes with a lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial. The trial can be removed before checking out for greater savings.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down on the Evolution, you’ll find its sleep surface is cool to the touch. You’ll also notice this pleasantly chilly feeling doesn’t dissipate while you’re sleeping. This is all thanks to the Evolution’s combination of sleep technologies that draw heat away from your body and push it out of the mattress.

Many people who bought the Nolah sing its praises, but heavier sleepers note it sometimes wears down quickly:

Kirk M: Easily the best bed I’ve ever owned. Many mornings I’ve simply woken up before my alarm, wide awake, fully rested and just ready to get on with my day. And best of all literally zero aches or pain. Add me to your fan club.

Anonymous: I love everything about the mattress, it feels cool and natural. It’s just not firm enough for me.

Anonymous: Overall it’s a super comfortable bed. I was a bit nervous to go with the plush for fear it would be too soft, but I’m so glad I did. It’s the perfect amount of cushion for my small frame (5.5, 127lbs, athletic build). My only reason for taking off one star was I’m already starting to feel the plush break in too much and I’ve only had it for a few months.

Inside the Mattress

The Evolution starts with a cooling ArcticTex™ cover that pairs breathable organic cotton with heat-dissipating fibers to ensure the sleep surface is cool. The cover sits directly on top of a cooling quilted Euro topper that draws heat away as you sleep on it. The AirBreath™ heat escape gusset underneath then dissipates heat drawn away by the Euro topper.

Underneath this cooling combination sits a comfort layer of thermoconductive, graphite-infused memory foam that helps to pull away any residual heat that doesn’t get dissipated by the layers above. Beneath this comfort layer, there are two layers of high-resilience and high-density foam to increase buoyancy and fight sinkage.

Finally, the pocketed coil support core offers three zones of comfort with reinforced coils around the edges and in the center to provide both lumbar and edge support. These coils are good for couples as well, thanks to the fact that they offer 25 percent more support than an average coil support core, as well as the superior motion isolation of pocketed coils.

The Spindle Mattress is 10 inches tall with 3 inches of medium Dunlop latex and two layers of 3-inch firm Dunlop latex. The organic cotton cover includes 1 inch of eco-wool batting. The Spindle Mattress is the only bed Spindle offers, but its customizability is why there’s no reason to offer a different type of mattress.

The Spindle Mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

While the Spindle Mattress is only 10 inches tall, the medium-firm mattress feel of Dunlop latex ensures a comfortable and supportive bed without the risk of sagging. Customers talk about how much sleeping on the Spindle has helped with their sleep and they don’t wake up feeling fatigued or achy in the mornings.

Heavier sleepers have had almost all good things to say about the Spindle. Here are some reviews:

Tammy K: Took a couple of days to get used to but we love this bed! Both of us are side sleepers and a lil overweight this bed is the most comfortable we have ever had.

Todd C: I’ve had back problems for almost 10 years, am overweight and have sleep apnea. Instantly, when i first laid back on the Spindle mattress i knew i made the right decision. It’s been a few weeks now and I honestly can’t remember ever sleeping this well.

Michael S: The Spindle Mattress is wonderful to sleep on. It stays cool when you use the Purple sheets. We first bought a 2 but maybe we were too fat but it hurt our ribs after a nights sleep. We upgraded to a 3 and it is great.

Inside the Mattress

This pure latex mattress uses natural Dunlop latex as the comfort, transitional, and support layers. A special feature of the Spindle mattress is its switchable layers—the feel of the mattress can be adjusted by rearranging the latex layers. If customers are struggling to find the perfect feel, Spindle will send an additional layer of latex (either soft or firm mattress) free of charge as long as the mattress is within the sleep trial. And don’t worry, assembling the layers is incredibly straightforward.

Robert M: It’s definitely on the firmer side. I’m not sure if we aren’t heavy enough for it or not.

Alison F: We bought this mattress about 4 years ago. This is probably the best mattress out there. We are not heavy set people, we just wanted a sturdy mattress. It does not sag or indent. This mattress is still just as firm as when we bought it. 

Richard S: I am 79 Years of age and obese, We’ll let say on the heavy side of 310 lbs. I looked for several months for a mattress that would not sink when getting in or the sides would collapse when getting out or too closeRead more about review stating The best mattress you will ever have! to the edge. Don’t pass this mattress up if you need one, because you will not find another like it, and that is the truth!

The Avocado Green Mattress is 11 inches tall and contains 2 inches of Dunlop latex, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of Dunlop latex. The mattress cover is made from organic wool and cotton. With this in mind, the Avocado Green Mattress has an optional pillow top variation in which the pillow top would be sewn onto the bed. The pillow top variation features 5 inches of Dunlop latex rather than the standard version’s 2 inches.

How Laying Down Feels

While the standard Avocado Green Mattress has a medium-firm mattress feel, the pillow top version is more of a medium. Based on reviews and Avocado’s own recommendations, the standard version may perform best for heavier people.

Heavier reviewers love the Avocado green. However, several also noted the mattress is itself very heavy, here is what some had to say:

David M: Perfect for this heavy side-sleeper and his stomach sleeping spouse!

Sam K: Honestly, the most comfortable mattress I have ever slept on in my Life! 62 years old. Heavy side sleeper. Gone are the days of waking up with sore shoulders and hips.

Berry G: We love our new mattress, and it is a major improvement over the Tempurpedic we had for the last 8 years. We bought the adjustable base as well and love it. It’s a total game changer. I’m a heavy side sleeper and am not sore like I used to be. No “sleeping hot” either.

Inside the Mattress

Natural Dunlop latex conforms to the body to relieve pressure points and provides a responsive bounce, making it easier to move around on the surface. Dunlop latex prevents overheating because it’s naturally cool.

The pocketed coil layer serves as a zoned support system— higher gauge coils lend softer support to the shoulders and hips, while lower gauge coils provide firmer support to the head, back, and legs. The combination of latex and coils keeps the body on the surface of the mattress and prevents sagging.

The eco-friendly Avocado mattress is made from sustainably-sourced, organic, and recycled materials. Avocado also offers a vegan variation of the Avocado Green Mattress, the Avocado Vegan Mattress. The sole difference between the two beds is that the vegan bed features cotton in the place of wool. The Avocado Green Mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

The Purple® Hybrid Premier Mattress is 12.5 inches thick and consists of 4 inches of Purple Grid™, 1 inch of poly-foam, and 7.5 inches of pocketed coils perfect for heavier individuals or couples. The cover is made of a special Lycra® viscose polyester blend. Of Purple®’s line-up, the Purple® Hybrid Premier is their most luxurious. A slightly more affordable variation of it is the Purple® Hybrid, though it doesn’t have as thick of a comfort layer.

The Purple® Hybrid Premier Mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

This Purple mattress is a great choice for all types of sleepers and especially plus-sided people. Reviewers note how the adaptiveness of Purple’s® Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ adjusts to each sleep position without losing support. Plus, the durability and responsiveness of the material ensures heavier people won’t sink and feel uncomfortable at night.

Many heavier sleepers have noted their satisfaction with the Purple Mattress. Here is what some have said:

Amanda C: There’s a slightly firm feel, but it allows me to side sleep and gives way for my hips and shoulder comfortably. It’s unlike any other mattress I’ve laid on. That being said, as a heavy side and stomach sleeper, I think the 3” purple mattress feels amazing.

Mary C: I purchased the purple 3 but as a 190lb heavy side sleeper I honestly needed the purple 4, Unfortunately that was way out of my budget but Purple didn’t give me a fuss. They honor every word they advertise.

Hollie B: Love this mattress. I sleep really hot and i stay cool with this mattress. I am also heavy over 230 lbs and I can move around freely. I also have hip arthritis and sciatica. I have 0 hip pain.

Inside the Mattress

Purple’s® exclusive Purple Grid™ was invented by two engineers and designed to last. Constructed into a grid system, otherwise known as Purple Grid™, this breathable layer keeps cool and comes in two thicknesses: 3 or 4 inches. The 3-inch variation maintains medium-firm mattress support while the 4-inch variation is more of a medium. Pocketed coils enhance comfort while reinforcing support, so sleepers won’t have to worry about bottoming out.

The Bear Hybrid Mattress is 14 inches thick and contains 2 inches of Serene® foam, 1 inch of poly-foam, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of high-density support foam. The mattress cover is a quilted gel memory foam with FDA-determined Celliant® technology.

The Bear Hybrid Mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Of Bear’s three mattresses, the Bear Hybrid is the most advanced and luxury option. It’s Bear’s only bed with coils and, unlike the Bear Original and Bear Pro, the Bear Hybrid is a medium rather than a medium-firm.

Reviewers love the Bear Mattress, but some caution to make sure you choose the right firmness for a heavier sleeper. Thankfully, the sleep trial helps you to decide. Here is what some had to say:

Jessica M: It’s a great mattress, no more hot nights

Lindsay P: If you are tall or heavy set make sure to go with the firmest mattress Bear provides. I went with the middle firmness and had the worst back pain. Luckily, I was still in my 120 day trial to return it and bought the firmer one. No problems with it.

Shirley M: I love my new mattress! I am getting the best sleep I have had in ages. It was a little pricey for me I’m a fixed income but it has been worth it. I am very pleased and would purchase it again.

Inside the Mattress

Bear’s Serene® foam adapts to body weight to better align the spine. Serene® foam provides roughly four times more pressure relief than traditional memory foam. Pocketed coils reduce motion transfer and offer good edge support— sleepers don’t need to worry about rolling off the bed at night. After sleeping on the Bear Hybrid, customers noticed they would wake up pain-free and stay asleep without disturbances.

The medium-firm feel of this Bear mattress makes it a great choice for side sleepers. The plush sleep surface fills in the wide gaps between the body and the mattress, specifically the midsection, and effectively relieves pressure points in the shoulders and hips.

The Novosbed is the sole mattress sold by Novosbed, but its streamlined design and customizability is what makes it stand out. It’s 11 inches tall and contains 2 inches of memory foam, 2 inches of transitional foam, and 7 inches of support foam. The mattress cover is made from stretch-knit Tencel®.

The Novosbed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty.

How Laying Down Feels

With the help of open-cell technology, Novosbed is able to alter their memory foam by infusing it with air for better air circulation, without losing the cushioning effect of traditional memory foam. The transitional foam also contours to the body to relieve pressure points and reduce motion transfer, which many heavy individuals who bought this mattress have praised. Support foam evenly distributes body weight across the sleep surface for a balanced feel.

Many heavy sleepers report minor issues with the Novosbed, particularly citing firmness issues:

Stephen P: I’m 6’, 250 lbs and my wife is 5’9”, 180 lbs and we both found the bed to be a little too firm initially but we decided to slug it out for a few weeks to see if we (ourselves and the bed) could come to an agreement. We did notice that things don’t seem as unyielding as before but we’re probably going to ask for the additional soft layer to see if that helps a bit.

Stephen W: We purchased the medium novosbed mattress. My wife thought I was crazy but after we got it she was very impressed. She said it is the best mattress that she has ever slept on. She is not easily impressed. I am a side sleeper and my wife is a combo sleeper. I am twice as heavy as my wife and yet we both sleep well.

Amel P: Don’t sit near the edges. Feels comfortable. Firm isn’t that firm for heavy people.

Inside the Mattress

The Novosbed comes in three firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. Our review focuses on firm options, but if customers find it too soft or too firm within the sleep trial, Novosbed will send either an extra firm layer or a soft layer free of charge. By unzipping the mattress cover and placing the new layer on top of the mattress, the feel of the sleep surface is easily altered.

The DynastyMattress CoolBreeze is 12 inches tall and consists of 3 inches of high-density gel memory foam, two layers of 2-inch airflow foam, and 5 inches of high-density base foam. The white cover with brown suede is both removable and machine-washable.

DynastyMattress focuses on making beds for sleepers on the go, whether they travel by camper, RV, or truck. Still, their beds are very much usable for any bedroom, whether it be your primary bed or for your guests. The CoolBreeze in DynastyMattress’s most popular bed, but several other options include the LaComfort, Grand AtlantisBreeze, and standard Memory Foam. The LaComfort and AtlantisBreeze are more luxurious and thicker than the CoolBreeze so they may not work for every sleeper on the go, but the Memory Foam is more affordable and works for many campers.

The DynastyMattress CoolBreeze comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 30-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Perfect for back sleepers, the medium-firm feel of the DynastyMattress CoolBreeze mattress evenly supports the body while allowing a slight sinking of the hips to align the spine. Customers say it’s easy to get comfortable on the CoolBreeze and they don’t find themselves taking hours trying to relax or fall asleep.

Purchasers of this mattress are mixed on how it does for heavier people:

Mackenzie: Im so confused are 2 thousand plus people totally high? I am SHOCKED this bed has such great reviews. Let me make this review short and simple, if you enjoy sleeping on CEMENT. Then this bed is for you. This is THE hardest bed ive ever slept on. I dont even make a dent in the bed, I honestly would be better off sleeping on the floor. Unless you are very overweight where you would sink in a little then dont get this bed.

Daniel M: As an overweight person, the firmness is really nice in terms of support. My back feels a lot better compared to the horrible pocket coil mattress I had been sleeping on the past couple years.

AC: If you need a firmer mattress or you are overweight even a little then do not get this mattress

Inside the Mattress

The gel beads infused into memory foam absorb and disperse body heat to regulate temperature. For better air circulation and cooling, the egg crate construction of the foam layers allows air to pass through the mattress more freely. The high-density construction of both the comfort layer and the support base provides a denser, more durable mattress without risk of sagging.

With over 12,000 reviews and a 4.5 out of 5 star rating, we couldn’t pass up on talking about the Olee Sleep Galaxy Mattress. Plus-sized reviewers noted how, even after years of the use, the bed remains stable, supportive, and comfortable.

We couldn’t find any mention of a sleep trial, but the Olee Sleep Galaxy Mattress does come with a 10-year warranty. However, it should be noted the standard Amazon return policy applies.

How Laying Down Feels

The Olee Sleep Galaxy Mattress is a good option for those wanting to transition from an innerspring mattress. As a hybrid, this mattress combines thick comfort foam layers with an innerspring support system. However, if you’re ready to take the leap and get an entirely foam bed, Olee Sleep Memory Foam Blue Mattress is 10 inches thick and has a soft, cushiony feel.

Most people are pretty happy with the Olee, but again, with some citing firmness issues:

Gidley: The first would be to ensure you’re turning or flipping your mattress regularly. Doing this will ensure that you don’t get indents in it. Now my boyfriend is fairly light and does not have an issue with this. Me being overweight, this tends to be an issue after a couple of months with the mattress in the same position. However I believe its recommended you flip/turn your mattress every 3 months anyways. On top of that, its not uncomfortable the indent that I tend to end up making.

Chrystal: I purchased this mattress in a hurry because I had visitors coming. My guest slept wonderful they said. I tried it myself in the guest room for about a week. One day later I switched and this mattress became mine in the master room. I have a bad back and what I believe to be Insomnia and is overweight. It’s been several months and NO BUYERS REMORSE OVER HERE.

MDH: I am 250+ lbs. and, although there is some slight sagging where I sit to watching TV, it hasn’t changed the “feel” of the mattress. Yes, if I go to the other side of the bed it is a bit more firm, but the sleep quality would be the same either way. I sit in my bed watching TV quite a bit (couple hours every night before falling asleep) so it’s definitely had more than average sitting time during the last 2 years. Also, you have to think about how more weight is isolated in one spot when you’re sitting, versus spread out while lying down.

Inside The Mattress

It’s 13 inches tall and contains a layer of high-density foam, a layer of gel foam, a layer of high-density foam, a layer of pocketed coils, and a layer of high-density base foam. The mattress also contains a fiber padding and is encased in a polyester jacquard cover. Olee Sleep hasn’t released the thickness of each layer and the order.

By using high-density foams as comfort layers, the Olee Sleep Galaxy Mattress provides a medium sleep surface with a slight bounce. The top layers also evenly distribute body weight. Pocketed coils reduce motion transfer and support the body.

The Live & Sleep Luxury Mattress is 12 inches tall and contains 3 inches of high-density, air-infused memory foam, 1 inch of gel memory foam, and 8 inches of high-density foam. The soft-flex linen mattress cover is both removable and machine-washable.

The Live & Sleep Mattress comes with a 30-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Of all three of Live & Sleep’s mattresses, the Luxury Mattress has the softest, most balanced feel. The Classic Mattress is L&S’s most simple, affordable bed and it has a medium-firm feel, while the Elite Mattress has a firm feel.

It would be dishonest to say that customers who bought the Live and Sleep have anything but love for this mattress:

Gigantino: I bought this luxury mattress about three weeks ago. My son and daughter-in-law had recommended it, and I am not disappointed. It was a little cumbersome to get out of the box and onto the bedframe but with some help I was able to do that. I was very disappointed, though in the packaging and the way the box was when it arrived.

Erica R: This is now my second Live and Sleep mattress, also luxury. It’s so ridiculously comfortable; both a cloud and just firm enough for good support.

Toni S: I bought this mattress for my apartment in my daughter’s home. Everyone thinks it is the most comfortable mattress in the house. When we needed a new mattress for our guest bedroom, there was no question as to what we would buy.

Inside the Mattress

This all-foam bed hugs the body without the sleeper feeling stuck inside the mattress— allowing you to sleep on top of the surface rather than sinking inside it. Foam adjusts to body weight and temperature, relieving pressure points and reducing pain. The reinforced edges prevent sleepers from rolling off the bed.

The medium feel of the Live & Sleep Mattress makes it a good choice for side and back sleepers. The surface of the mattress aligns the spine and relieves pressure points in the shoulders and hips for side sleepers, while back sleepers are consistently supported with a slight sinking of the hips for spinal alignment and support to the lower back.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

Best Mattresses for Heavy People Highlights and Comparison

What to Look For in a Mattress

Larger people, or those weighing more than 230 pounds, need a thick, durable mattress that won’t bottom out. They should look for a mattress that provides extra support and comfort night after night. The best mattress should be based on your favorite sleep position to keep the spine in alignment.

Thickness

Heavyweight sleepers should look for a mattress 12 inches or thicker for deep compression support without the risk of sagging. More weight produces more pressure. Thinner mattresses tend to bottom out for sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds because thinner mattresses aren’t built to handle that type of pressure. This leads to misaligning of the spine and increased aches and pains.

Heavyweight sleepers may be able to find comfort on a thinner, 10-inch bed if they use a special type of foam-like high-density foam or latex or an extra-thick comfort layer to improve deep compression support. It all depends on firmness preferences and preferred sleep position. Thicker mattresses are still a good idea— ideally the heavier the body, the thicker the mattress.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses Without Memory Foam

Firmness

The type of firmness you choose depends on your preferred sleep position. Heavier sleepers should look for a mattress with a firmness between medium to firm for best comfort and support. Before committing to a bed, always consider your weight— the heavier the weight, the more deeply you’ll sink into a mattress.

Larger sleepers tend to sink 1 to 2 inches deeper than average weight sleepers (those who weigh between 130 to 230 pounds). A firmer mattress will feel more comfortable than softer mattresses because there’s less risk of sagging, and the spine remains in neutral alignment.

Edge Support

Heavy sleepers need to utilize the sleep surface as much as possible because of their larger bodies, especially when sharing the bed with a sleep partner. A mattress with reinforced edges can prevent sleepers from feeling like rolling off the bed and provide support when sitting on the edge of the bed. Edge support can prevent sagging and edge collapse, making the mattress more durable.

Durability

The durability of a mattress depends on thickness, edge support, and quality of mattress materials. Before buying a new bed, look at the listed lifespan and then the materials. A high-quality mattress should last at least 7 years. Low-quality materials will break down quicker, usually within 2 to 3 years due to deeper sagging.

Cooling Features

More weight tends to generate more heat— to combat this, choose a mattress with some type of cooling feature that regulates temperature and prevents overheating. Cooling features can be found inside the mattress or incorporated into the mattress cover.

Mattress

• Cooling Foam: Traditional memory foam retains heat and could cause sleepers to overheat. Foam with advanced open-cell technology or infusions like gel, copper, or graphite pulls heat away from the body and improves airflow.
• Innerspring & Hybrid: Innersprings and hybrid mattresses are ventilated due to the coil system’s open structure.
• Latex: Latex foam naturally sleeps cool and is not as close-conforming as memory foam, allowing for more air exposure.

Cover

Mattress covers are made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique features. Cotton, Tencel™, and bamboo are naturally breathable and wick away moisture. Phase-changing materials also pull heat away from the body and transform heat into infrared light.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds

Weight Limit

Every mattress has a weight limit—before deciding on a mattress, consider your weight, and if you have a sleep partner, your combined weight. Exceeding the weight limit could damage the mattress because of wear and tear through consistent use and a large amount of pressure on the sleep surface. Weight limit varies by model and brand, but most queen and king size mattresses can support at least 600 pounds.

If one sleep partner is heavier than the other, the mattress could sag. Mattresses that offer dual firmness options are a great option for constant, durable support for both sides.

Best Mattress Types for Heavy People

Mattresses come in various materials—some even combine different materials to create a unique feel, like a hybrid mattress. Each mattress type offers its own benefits and drawbacks—the type of bed you choose depends on your personal preferences.

For heavy sleepers, it’s best to look at regular mattresses with enough materials to build a tall structure. Thinner beds like futon mattresses just don’t suit many heavier sleepers.

Memory Foam

A memory foam mattress contains layers of foam to contour to the body and relieve pressure. Foam has excellent motion isolation while providing consistent support. Memory foam mattresses typically contains a memory foam or poly-foam comfort layer and high-density foam for support. Memory foam mattresses range in firmness from soft to medium-firm and can last between 6 to 7 years.

A memory foam mattress is an excellent option for heavy sleepers. Memory foam relieves built-up pressure points while maintaining a high level of support.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses contain coil-on-coil construction with good edge support and better cooling because of the open structure. These mattresses contain a thin comfort layer of foam or microcoils and a coiled support system. Some innerspring mattresses may include a pillow top or Euro-style topper. Innerspring mattress firmness ranges from medium to firm and can last between 5 to 6 years.

Innerspring mattresses can be a good option for heavy sleepers in regards to support, but because of the thinner comfort layer, these beds could also create pressure points that cause morning aches and pains. Before purchasing an innerspring bed, look at the comfort layer to see what it’s made of and how thick it is.

Latex

Latex mattresses come in two different forms: synthetic and natural. Synthetic latex is made through a chemical process, while natural latex is extracted from rubber trees and whipped up. There are two types of natural latex— Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is denser and more durable, while Talalay latex contains strategically-placed holes for zoned support.

Latex is similar in feel to memory foam, except it has a slight bounce, sleeps cooler, and has a firmer feel. A latex mattress contains a latex comfort layer and a high-density foam or latex support layer. Latex mattresses range from medium-soft to medium-firm and they can last 8 years or longer.

Latex mattresses are a good option for heavy sleepers because they sleep cooler. Latex doesn’t absorb as much heat as memory foam and doesn’t contour as sharply to the body. Rounded contouring with a slight bounce enables heavy sleepers to move around easier and reduces overheating.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress is the combination of memory foam and innerspring coils into one perfect mattress. Hybrid mattresses have the same benefits of memory foam and innersprings, including better cooling and body contouring. However, they also have the same drawbacks, like less pressure relief and more motion transfer. Hybrid mattresses are also more expensive because of the number of materials they contain.

A hybrid mattress contains a memory foam or latex comfort layer, at least 2 inches thick, and a pocketed coil support layer. Hybrid mattresses range in firmness from medium to medium-firm and last between 6 to 7 years.

Hybrid mattresses are another excellent option for heavy sleepers. Hybrids lend extra support from pocketed coils to the body plus contouring memory foam to relieve pressure points.

Sleeping Position

Your favorite sleeping position can have a huge impact on the type of mattress you choose. Each sleep position needs targeted support to certain areas of the body to keep the spine in neutral alignment— misaligning the spine results in lower back pain, leading to back problems later on.

Side Sleeping

In the side sleeping position, heavy side sleepers place their full weight along a narrower surface area, and their mattresses are more sensitive to sagging.

Medium-firm and firm mattresses for side sleeping are comfortable because they conform to the spine and alleviate pressure points without risk of bottoming out.

Back Sleeping

Heavy back sleepers find it easier to align the spine while lying on their backs— weight is evenly distributed, with the back closer to the surface.

Back sleepers need a medium to extra firm mattress to conform to the body and allow a slight sinking of the hips to support the lower back and reduce back pain.

Read More: Best Mattress for Back Pain

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping carries the most health risks and is one of the least common sleep positions. In the midsection, weight is pulled down through gravity, forcing the spine to straighten, causing back pain. Also, when stomach sleepers twist their heads to the side to breathe better, they’re setting their spine at an awkward angle, holding it in position for hours at night, resulting in neck strain.

Heavy stomach sleepers need a firm bed to prevent deep hip sinkage and to keep the body on top of the sleep surface.

Combination Sleeping

Combo sleepers switch sleep positions often, so they need a mattress that can provide balanced support and pressure relief. The best mattresses for combination sleepers are those that are versatile enough to accommodate different sleep positions. Medium mattresses fit the bill perfectly, making them the best mattresses for combination sleepers. They offer even support and pressure relief that can protect your joints when you’re on your side and provide enough lift.

Medium mattresses are ideal for combination sleepers as they provide uniform support, pressure relief, and adequate elevation, making them the best choice.

Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

Mattresses are a big investment, and by including sleep trials, mattress warranties, and some form of return policy, mattress companies reassure customers of a sound purchase that will last.

Sleep Trial

A sleep trial is a period of time manufacturers give the customer to try out a new bed in the comfort of their own home. This trial period usually lasts between 90 to 120 nights. The longer the trial period, the better since it takes about 30 days for the body to adjust to a new mattress. If customers are not happy with their new bed, most companies will arrange to have the mattress picked up and donated before issuing a full refund.

Warranty

Warranties protect against premature sagging, usually greater than 1 inch (it varies depending on the company), and other manufacturing defects. Read the fine print to see what fees customers need to pay should a defect occur. Customers may need to cover shipping and handling costs for any repairs or mattress replacements.

Read through the warranty to see what sections are non-prorated and prorated. Non-prorated means customers won’t have to pay any fees to repair or replace a bed. Prorated warranties give a specific amount customers will need to pay based on the bed’s original price tag and how long the customer has owned the mattress. This amount increases each year and can cost as much as 90 to 95% of the original cost.

Return Policy

If a sleep trial isn’t available, the next best option is a return policy. Return policies last for 30 days— the same amount of time it takes for the body to break in a new bed. If unsatisfied with their new bed, customers can arrange a return for a full or partial refund.

If the customer wants to exchange for a different model, the customer will either need to pay the difference if the new bed comes at a higher cost, or the customer will receive a partial refund if the new model costs less than the original bed.

Saving on a Mattress for Heavy People

As mattresses for heavy people often rely on added material for greater durability, they can be quite expensive. While you shouldn’t wait if you need a new mattress, you can plan ahead and take advantage of the year’s big mattress sales as they occur throughout the year.

By keeping an eye out for promotional offers, discounts, and clearance sales, you can increase your chances of finding high-quality budget mattresses that cater to heavy individuals.

• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales of 2023
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
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Other Things to Consider

When is the best month to buy a mattress?

Mattress retailers offer steep discounts to make room for new models between February and May. Other prime times to buy a mattress include three-day weekends like Black Friday, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. Web-based companies offer ongoing discounts for their online mattresses.

What’s a good price for a mattress?

You can expect to pay an average of $1500 for a quality queen size mattress with a standard 10-year warranty.

Do mattresses have weight limits?

Both mattresses and bed frames have weight limits, so it’s important to determine how much weight each can hold before making a purchase. More often than not, mattresses can hold 350 to 400 pounds on each side of the bed. Bed frames usually hold a lot more, since they have to support both a mattress and sleeper.

Does sitting up in bed ruin the mattress?

Sitting up in bed shouldn’t cause too much damage to your mattress. That said, if you’re sitting up in bed for hours each day, that one spot in the bed will sag and deteriorate faster than other parts of the bed. To avoid this, we recommend rotating the mattress frequently to even wear.

What type of mattress is best for heavy people?

Typically, heavier sleepers prefer beds with springs for their bouncy responsiveness. That’s not to say all-foam beds can’t support heavier sleepers, but most sleepers above 230 pounds find foam beds feel uncomfortable and hot. Hybrid mattresses contain foam layers to offer cushion, and pocketed coils to promote airflow and keep plus-size sleepers lifted.

Conclusion

As a larger person, it’s vital to find a quality mattress with excellent support and comforting pressure relief for a good night’s sleep. This type of mattress will align the spine and won’t sag. Finding the right mattress for heavy people can be challenging, but it is possible as long as you do your research and know what to look for.