Just like us, mattresses come in all shapes and sizes and the type you choose can really make a difference to the quality of your sleep. Your height and weight need to be taken into consideration when choosing your new mattress in order to find the right support for you.
To help you find the right level of comfort and support, we’ve created this guide on the best mattresses for heavy people, to help you sleep well every night of the week.
From mattress types to mattress thickness, we explain all to help you discover perfect sleep.
Sleep Issues for Heavier People
Heavy people can struggle to get a good night's sleep.
Common sleep issues include;
- Back pain at night
- Sleep apnea
- Excessive snoring
- Joint pain
- Getting too hot in the night
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
The right mattress can help to ease these sleep issues, by providing a supportive base that allows your whole body to rest and recharge.
What Type of Mattress is Best for A Heavy Person?
What is the best mattress for someone heavy? Let’s look at the different types of mattresses out there to find the best option for heavy sleepers;
Innerspring Mattress
When it comes to innerspring mattresses, quality is key. Lower quality spring mattresses can become uncomfortable over time if there isn’t a sufficient comfort layer. If you prefer the feel and breathability of spring, heavier people should opt for a thicker coil gauge for optimum support. However, this type of mattress doesn’t last as long as foam.
Pocket Spring Mattress for Larger People
In a pocket spring mattress, each spring is encased in its own fabric pocket, allowing for individual movement and more zoned support.
Is Memory Foam Good for Overweight People?
Memory foam can provide a good mattress for a large person or a person with heavier body mass.
High density memory foam mattresses are well suited to heavier sleepers thanks to their pressure relieving properties that soften gently on contact with your body. This provides a more personalised sleep surface that is kinder on joints. Just make sure you choose a firmer, high density foam.
Hybrid Mattress for Heavy Person
A hybrid mattress is a clever option for heavy people as it combines base layers of pocket springs with luxurious foam layers for the ultimate in comfort and support. More layers often mean a thicker mattress that is able to support a heavier frame and they’re great at temperature regulation too.
Orthopedic Mattresses for Heavy People
If you suffer from weight related back or joint pain, an orthopedic mattress could help to soothe your aches and pains. Orthopedic memory foam mattresses feature layers of medical grade foam with strategically placed channels to provide enhanced support to the areas that need it the most (such as the lower spine and hips).
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses tend to be firm and durable which is great for larger people. However, they can result in some motion transfer which isn’t ideal for couples and they are usually on the more expensive side.
Best Mattress for Heavy People UK
Let’s turn our attention to some of the best mattresses for overweight people available to buy in the UK;
Best Mattress for Heavy Couples UK
If you share a bed with a partner, you’ve got twice the considerations to think about. If you and your partner are of different sizes or have different comfort preferences, a spring hybrid mattress could provide a happy medium.
Combining the technology of foam, with the tradition of springs, the Zen Ergopedic Pocket Memory Mattress is well suited to a heavier than average couple. An 8cm layer of luxurious memory foam provides cushioning for joints while a base of pocket springs provides a breathable support system.
Top mattress features:
- 23cm mattress depth
- Pocket spring/foam hybrid
- Quad layer design
- Medium support
Best Mattress for Overweight Elderly Person
For elderly people, getting a good night’s sleep is even more important for maintaining good health. When it comes to mattresses, a medical grade foam mattress is perfect for older people with higher weights.
The Pedic Deluxe 4G Aircool Memory Foam Mattress features NHS grade foam for optimum pressure relief and better circulation. Precision cut air channels help ease back pain and improve ventilation.
Top mattress features;
- 23cm mattress depth
- Medium support
- Luxury quilted cover
- Eucalyptus infused cover
- Medical grade foam
What is the Best Mattress for Large People Who Sleep Hot?
Many people who carry extra weight struggle with temperature control during the night. If this sounds like you, it’s worth choosing a mattress with inbuilt temperature regulating technology.
The 4G Aircool Titan XL memory foam mattress is one of the deepest in our range, ideal for heavy sleepers. The deep, reflex foam base offers optimum support and is highly durable. Above this, is a layer of revo foam, designed in an open-cell structure for a cooler sleep. The top layer features our 4G Aircool technology which promotes airflow by up to 95%, wicking away excess heat and moisture for a fresh-feeling sleep.
Top mattress features;
- 30cm mattress depth
- 10cm memory foam layer
- Medium support
- Cooling 4G sleep technology
Best Mattress for Heavy People with Back Pain
If you suffer from weight related back pain, your choice of mattress could help. The Classicpedic Ultra memory foam mattress is an orthopedic mattress designed specifically to ease aches and pains.
Castellations in the foam provide targeted lumbar support and the memory foam moulds to the shape of your body for a personalised fit. The luxury quilted cover adds another level of luxurious comfort to this mattress design.
Top mattress features;
- 23cm mattress depth
- Triple layer design
- Medium soft support
- Castellated foam
- Hypoallergenic
Best Overall Mattress for Heavy People
And finally, we come to the best overall mattress for heavy people.
The Coolmax XL memory foam mattress is probably the best mattress for heavier sleepers in our range thanks to its unique combination of durable materials and generous depth.
At 30cm, this is one of the deepest mattresses we offer, and contains a supportive reflex foam base, a layer of cooling revo foam and a top layer of 4G Aircool memory foam. Ideal for all types of sleepers, including those who get too hot in the night - this mattress is designed for heavy sleepers who need extra night time support.
Top mattress features;
- 30cm mattress depth
- Washable Coolmax cover
- 4G cooling sleep technology
- Deep reflex foam base
What to Consider When Choosing Your Mattress
If you weigh 200lb or more, it’s likely you’ll need a mattress with extra support and cushioning to find comfort at night. Being above this weight doesn’t necessarily mean you are overweight, even if you are very tall or muscular, a more supportive mattress will still be beneficial.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right mattress;
Best Mattress Thickness for Heavy Person
The more you weigh, the greater the pressure on your mattress. This means that heavier people are better suited to sleeping on a thicker mattress. Mattress thickness varies depending on type, but around 30cm should work for heavier sleepers. When it comes to memory foam thickness, we recommend 8cm or above.
Read our mattress thickness guide for more information.
Mattress Firmness Level
The right mattress firmness often comes down to personal preference, but if you carry more weight, a medium to medium firm mattress should offer adequate support. If you opt for a memory foam mattress, it will feel softer the heavier you are as you sink further into the mattress. That’s why a medium firm mattress offers a better balance between comfort and support.
Soft mattresses may not offer adequate support for those with a larger frame.
Mattress Density
For memory foam mattresses, density refers to the quality and feel of the foam. High density foam is better suited to heavy sleepers as it can offer greater support for joints and muscles. In addition, the higher the density, the more durable the mattress will be.
Mattress Size - Choose King Size Beds for Heavy People
Heavier sleepers will find a larger mattress more comfortable, as it will provide more space to move around. This is especially important if you share your bed with a partner. If your bedroom will allow it, a super king size mattress will allow you to stretch out properly.
Your Sleeping Position
Your favoured sleeping position also plays a part in choosing your ideal mattress. For back sleepers, you will need a medium firm mattress that can support your spine without sagging.
Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on the lower back, so a firmer mattress can help prevent this for stomach sleepers.
What’s the Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers?
For side sleepers, you need to ensure your mattress has a good layer of cushioning to protect pressure points such as hips and shoulders from becoming sore throughout the night. Memory foam does this well.
Mattress Durability
If you have a heavier body type, mattress durability is key. The added pressure placed on your mattress can result in faster wearing if you don’t choose quality materials.
Memory foam tends to last longer than traditional spring mattresses. Always check the available mattress warranties before you buy as they are a key indicator of quality memory foam.
Edge Support for Heavy People
If you often sit on the edge of your mattress, you may need a design with edge support for enhanced durability. However, if you choose a memory foam mattress, edge support is unnecessary as they are dense enough to hold their shape on their own.
Do You Share with a Partner?
If you share your bed with a partner, you may want to think about motion transfer. If you or your partner move around a lot in the night, it’s best to choose a mattress that can absorb movement. While spring mattresses creak and roll, memory foam absorbs tossing and turning to help you both sleep soundly.
Do You Sleep Hot?
Many people who carry extra weight find themselves overheating during the night. If this sounds familiar, it’s worth investing in a memory foam mattress with cooling technology.
Best Beds for Heavy People
To avoid sagging or bending, finding a suitable bed frame to support your weight is important. A durable, metal bed frame provides a supportive base for your mattress, allowing you to sleep easily without your bed shifting or breaking.
Is There a Weight Limit for a Mattress?
Some spring mattresses have a weight limit, as some thinner coils could break under pressure. However, most memory foam mattresses do not have a weight limit as they are designed to support individual bodies. Always check the details before you buy.
What is the Thickest Mattress for Heavy People?
The thickest mattress in our range is 30cm. This ultra deep model is perfect for heavy people and can cater to greater weights, providing enhanced support and pressure relief.
Best Mattress Topper for Heavy Person
Sometimes, an extra layer of comfort is needed to get that luxurious sinking feeling. As a heavier sleeper, you’ll need to look out for mattress toppers with high density memory foam to get the most out of it.
Our Coolmax memory foam mattress topper in 70kg contains a thick, 7.5 cm layer of high density memory foam. This HD foam is particularly suited to heavy sleepers as it provides heighted support. The cooling Coolmax cover will keep you cool throughout the night.
Alternatively, the Zen Kooltop memory foam mattress topper also comes in 70kg density and 7.5cm thickness. This luxury topper is perfect for those looking for a more breathable sleep surface without compromising on comfort.
Find Your Ideal Mattress
We all deserve a great night’s sleep. Find yours amongst our range of quality memory foam mattresses to suit all tastes and budgets. We even often sleep trial periods and generous warranties to give you peace of mind.
Ready to get shopping? Browse our wide range of memory foam mattresses.
