It’s well known that sleep affects your health. When you have a higher body weight, as more than 40% of American adults do, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),¹ your sleep may be impacted. “People at a higher weight may be more susceptible to certain health concerns that can affect sleep, though these issues are by no means exclusive to those individuals,” said Caitlyn Tivy, DPT, OCS, an orthopedic clinical consultant. Choosing one of the best mattresses for higher-weight people may have some benefits.

From an orthopedic standpoint, having a higher weight can mean low back pain or joint issues. “Some people might find that poor mattress support aggravates these concerns,” said Tivy. She cautions that even the best mattress for higher-weight people is no substitute for medical treatment. “It's important to see mattresses as assistive tools—not corrective devices,” she said. “They can make you more comfortable, and in doing so, improve your sleep, but they won’t ‘fix’ underlying medical issues.” 

If you suspect your current sleeping situation isn’t ideal and have ruled out other medical issues, she said, “Having a mattress that supports the body’s natural shape and distributes weight appropriately can make a real difference in comfort and sleep quality.” 

Standard mattresses may not be rated for higher weights or made to appropriately distribute weight. “While it’s partially a matter of personal preference, an overly soft, ‘sinky’ mattress can cause the body to collapse into awkward positions during sleep,” said Tivy. “A mattress that’s slightly firmer helps keep the body in a more neutral alignment, which generally promotes better sleep posture.” Our top pick, the Titan Plus Luxe, is designed to address these issues for higher-weight sleepers.

Our Top Pick

Titan Plus Luxe

Best Overall

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• Made specifically for higher-weight people

• Most durable and supportive mattresses we've tested

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Nectar Premier Hybrid

Best for Higher Weight Side Sleepers

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• Minimizes movement from a partner

• Great pressure relief

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Helix Plus

Best Cooling Mattress

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• Supportive for all sleep positions

• Durable and cooling

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Best mattresses for heavy people in 2025

• Titan Plus Luxe: Best Overall
• Nectar Premier Hybrid: Best for Higher-Weight Side Sleepers
• Helix Plus: Best Cooling Mattress for Higher-Weight Sleepers
• Saatva Classic: Best Pain Relief for Higher-Weight Sleepers
• DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam: Best Memory Foam for Higher-Weight Sleepers
• The WinkBed Plus: Best for Higher-Weight Back Sleepers

Table 1 Comparing the best mattresses for heavy people

Top features of the best mattresses for heavy people

We looked for the following features when choosing the best mattresses for higher-weight older adults:

Pain relief score

Unique to NCOA, a high pain relief score refers to a mattress that’s easy to get in and out of due to a balance of bounce, support, and firmness and eases pain.

Good pressure relief

We looked for mattresses with good pressure relief along the shoulders, back, and hips for a peaceful night’s sleep. 

Spinal support

Mattresses that help keep your spine in a neutral position can help ease the strain on your back.

Firmness

Medium to firm mattresses will help distribute weight across the surface of the mattress, so you can feel supported from head to toe.

Edge Support

Strong edge support will help you feel comfortable moving through the night and using the full surface area of the mattress, knowing that you’re safe from rolling off even right at the edge.

Titan Plus Luxe: Best Mattress Overall for Heavy People

The Titan Plus hybrid mattress evenly distributes pressure so higher-weight sleepers are well-supported and the mattress resists sagging. Its coil construction also promotes airflow to keep it cool and comfortable. 

Our Top Pick

Titan Plus Luxe

Best Overall

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• Specifically designed for higher-weight people
• Among the most durable and supportive mattresses we tested

• Ideal firmness level for side sleepers

Titan Plus Luxe features

• Our pressure relief score: 4/5
• Accessibility score: 4.92/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10

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Why we chose the Titan Plus Luxe as the Best Overall for Heavy People

Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan brand with people who are a higher weight in mind. These mattresses use quality, high-density foam and individually wrapped steel coils that can not only handle more weight but also evenly distribute it across the entire mattress. That helps reduce the chances that the mattress will sag over time. And it helps with airflow for a cooler feel while you sleep. 

The Titan is made of quality materials that won’t compress easily. That may explain why our testers rated the Titan even firmer (8/10) than the brand claims (6/10). 

The Titan Plus Luxe also got a perfect score in our tests measuring back support, which makes it great for pain relief. It also ranked among the top three mattresses we tested for edge-to-edge support and being easy to move on.

Titan Plus Luxe pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Titan Plus Luxe

Our testers felt that this mattress is made from high-quality materials and is very supportive, but they did note that it is definitely for people who enjoy a firm mattress. Testers actually rated the Titan Plus Luxe as firmer than the company claims. One noted that even elbows did not indent the mattress, and that it felt very supportive when sleeping on both your back and your side. 

Testers also reported good spinal alignment when lying on the Titan Plus Luxe, and no pain or pressure in the shoulders or hips. One said, “It is not cushioning or contouring, but not painful,” and suggested it would be a good choice for anyone with back pain. Testers gave the Titan Plus Luxe mixed reviews on its ability to prevent you from feeling a partner moving on the other side of the mattress. One said, “It seems like it would suck in the motion rather than let it move through the mattress.” But another tester noted, “When you started to change positions and move from stomach to side, I felt it a lot.”

Our testers were slightly unimpressed with the mattress’s ability to stay cool. One noted the Aurora Luxe (also made by Brooklyn Bedding) stayed cooler. And another tester felt the quilted top acts a bit like memory foam and may trap heat.

Who is the Titan Plus Luxe right for?

The Titan Plus Luxe scored high on our pressure and pain relief tests, so we think it’s a great fit for higher-weight sleepers with joint or back pain, as it’s very firm and supportive. It also offers solid edge support, making it easier to get out of bed.

Titan Plus Luxe customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free
• Warranty: Lifetime limited

Customer service

Titan is a Brooklyn Bedding company, and its hours tend to be inconsistent, according to our mystery shopping. Its website states you can reach customer service by:

• Phone: Call 623-624-1222, available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday to Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the Titan website, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Saturday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m to 7 p.m. ET
• Website: Submit a contact form

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
• Discounts? Yes, the company currently offers 5% off for military members, first responders, medical providers, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.
• Financing: Yes, Affirm or Shop Pay

Nectar Premier Hybrid: Best for Heavy Side Sleepers

We chose the Nectar Premier Hybrid as our Best for Higher Weight Side Sleepers because it was the best mattress for side sleepers overall, according to test data. It offers the kind of support needed for higher weights, while also being comfortable.

Nectar Premier Hybrid

Best for Heavy Side Sleepers

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• Has both cushion and support 
• Relieves pressure under hips and shoulders

• High rating for minimizing movement 

Nectar Premier Hybrid features

• Our pressure relief score: 4/5
• Accessibility score: 4.36/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10

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Why we chose the Nectar Premier Hybrid as the Best for Higher Weight Side Sleepers

The Nectar Premier Hybrid was named our best overall mattress for side sleepers because of how supportive it is, especially in areas that experience the most stress in that position. It brings the same kind of support and quality to people who have a higher weight, regardless of what position they prefer to sleep in. 

This mattress performed in the top half in tests measuring how much support it provides to the back, shoulders, and hips. The combination of foam and coils helps evenly distribute weight across the mattress while also minimizing motion. Our testers gave this mattress a high score when it came to motion isolation, so this could be a good choice for anyone who is concerned about being disturbed by a partner’s movement.

Nectar Premier Hybrid pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Nectar Premier Hybrid

Our testers gave this mattress top marks for being supportive when lying on their sides and backs. One called it “the most comfortable mattress” he tried and noted that there was “no pressure at all on the hips and shoulders, and good support in the lower back” region. He also felt his hips and shoulders were aligned when lying on the Nectar Premier Hybrid. 

Testers said the combination of foam and coils evenly dispersed their weight so the mattress felt soft, while they felt stable and well-supported. One noted that while the top of the mattress felt a little warm, it still had a good amount of airflow, and called this “definitely one of the better mattresses I've tested for cooling.” 

Who is the Nectar Premier Hybrid right for?

Because of how supportive this mattress is, it may be a good option for anyone with back pain. It was also above average for cooling, so anyone who sleeps hot might consider it. It also scored highly for minimizing motion, which can be good if you sleep with a partner or move a lot at night.

The Nectar Premier Hybrid customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: White-glove delivery is $199
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Nectar customer service by:

• Phone: 888-863-2827, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
• Email: support@nectarsleep.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, 24/7
• Calling or visiting a store

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • Splitlt
  • Amazon Pay
  • PayPal
• Discounts? Military members, first responders, and health care professionals take note: you can get a 5% discount, although it cannot be combined with other offers.
• Financing: Yes, Affirm. Nectar also offers a lease-to-own option through Acima

Helix Plus: Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People

With its 11.5-inch height and superior edge support, the Helix Plus is a well-made mattress that removes heat, so it stayed cool the entire time our testers were lying on it.

Helix Plus

Best Cooling Mattress

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• Equally supportive for all sleep positions
• One of the more durable mattresses tested

• Stays cool through the night

Helix Plus features

• Our pressure relief score: 4.25/5
• Accessibility score: 4.74/5
• Mattress type: hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 7/10

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Why we chose the Helix Plus as the Best Cooling Mattress for Higher Weight People

The Helix Plus is a hybrid mattress that feels firmer than it is, with layers of coils and foam that work together to cushion and support bodies of any weight. In our tests, it received close to perfect scores for relieving pressure, whether a tester was lying on their side, back, or stomach. Its extra height (the Helix Plus is 11.5 inches high) helps add support without going overboard on firmness. 

This mattress was also one of the top performers in edge support, which makes it easier to move on and also less likely to sag over time. And because it is so evenly supportive edge-to-edge, there’s more surface area to sleep on, and heat disappears more easily. That may explain why the Helix Plus was so efficient at staying cool throughout our testing. Although more research needs to be done, there is some evidence that a person’s core body temperature may increase with weight.³ In this case, finding the best cooling mattress for higher-weight people can be especially helpful.

Helix Plus pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Helix Plus

Testers were impressed with how evenly supportive this mattress was, regardless of what sleeping position they tried. One noted that even though she typically cannot sleep on her stomach, doing so on the Helix Plus was comfortable; her lower back didn’t feel arched, and her spine felt neutral.

Testers gave this mattress nearly perfect scores for support, and high marks for pain relief as well. One said that lying on the mattress felt like “floating” and changing positions was easy because of the bounce of the springs. In motion isolation tests, a tester said, “The motion didn't bounce my body, but I definitely felt the change in pressure near me.” The tester added, “only on the side closer to the movement” and “I don't think this motion would wake me.” 

Testers also appreciated how easily the Helix Plus allowed airflow compared to other mattresses with pillow tops that trap heat inside. “When I'm lying down, I don't really feel heat building up much,” said one tester. “I think this feels like a pretty good cooling mattress.”

Who is the Helix Plus right for?

The Helix Plus is designed to be evenly supportive, so it may be helpful for someone with back pain (a tester who has arthritis commented on the excellent pressure relief). It limits how much movement you feel from a partner but is bouncy enough to make it easy to change positions or get in and out of bed. It’s also great at releasing heat and maintaining airflow, so it can be good for anyone who likes to sleep cool.

The Helix customer experience

• Trial period: 100 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping
• Warranty: Lifetime limited

Customer service

You can contact Helix customer service by:

• Phone: Call 831-777-5976, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Text: Texting HELIX to 67069, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Live chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
• Email: help@helixsleep.com
• Website: Submit a contact form
• Calling or visiting a showroom

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Google Pay
  • Discover
  • Shop Pay
  • Amazon Pay
  • PayPal
• Discounts? Yes, the company currently offers a discount for military members, first responders, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.
• Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Saatva Classic: Best Pain Relief for Heavy People

Although the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm mattress is designed for anyone, its rugged construction and superior support make it a good choice for people who are a higher weight, particularly if they experience pain. It ranked No. 1 in our tests for pain relief and was the second most supportive mattress overall.

Saatva Classic

Best Pain Relief

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• Has two coil layers to distribute weight
• 365-day trial period and a lifetime warranty 

• Free white-glove delivery

Saatva Classic features

• Our pressure relief score: 4/5
• Accessibility score: 4.94
• Mattress type: Innerspring
• Brand’s firmness rating: 7/10

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Why we chose the Saatva Classic as the Best Pain Relief for Higher Weight People

While there are a number of risk factors for chronic pain in older adults, some research indicates that BMI is one of them.⁴ Finding the best mattress for higher-weight people with back pain is one thing that could potentially help. The Saatva brand is known for its quality construction and support. In our tests, The Saatva Classic scored in the 90^th percentile or higher in all but one category: motion isolation. While it may not be ideal for anyone who sleeps with a partner and is easily awoken, it received the top score for pain relief from our testers.

This mattress is a hybrid with a good amount of bounce (it received a perfect score from testers), which can help anyone who finds it difficult to get in and out of bed. It was also the most supportive mattress we tested, regardless of sleeping position. Saatva offers three levels of firmness, and we tested the medium-firm option, which was supportive yet cushioning. This mattress could be a good choice for anyone looking for support and relief for chronic pain. And its durable materials and even support might appeal to anyone who is a higher weight.

The maximum weight limit of this mattress is 600 pounds (300 per side), so if that is limiting for you or your partner, you’ll want to consider the Saatva HD. It’s billed as the “first luxury hybrid innerspring for bigger bodies” because it has a weight limit of 1,000 pounds. But it costs $1,300 more than the Saatva Classic, so we’re not quick to recommend it. 

Saatva Classic pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Saatva Classic

Testers rated the support of the Saatva Classic as near-perfect in every sleeping position and noted the absence of pressure in the neck and back, two common areas where people experience pain. Testers also liked how responsive the mattress was and said this made switching positions and getting in and out of bed easier. “I feel like the mattress helps move my body,” said one tester. “It springs me and moves with me. When I rolled over, the bed felt supportive, and I didn't feel like I would fall. I didn't feel the need to use extra effort.”

Edge support was also rated highly. One tester said, “I have experience in the past with bad edge support and have fallen off my mattress a few times. This one feels like it helps my body when standing out of the bed.” Good edge support tends to help prevent sagging, and the Saatva Classic is made with two layers of coils, including one made of tempered steel. The only real drawback testers noted was when sleeping with a partner. Because of the high bounce, they were more likely to feel and be awoken by movements on the other side of the bed.

Who is the Saatva Classic right for?

The Saatva Classic is a good choice for anyone looking for a supportive mattress and may offer some relief for those with back pain. Testers were mixed on how cool this mattress feels, and it may not be for you if your sleep will be disturbed by a partner’s movements. It is made to support higher-weight sleepers and makes it easy to get in and out of bed and change positions throughout the night. 

Saatva Classic customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: Free white-glove delivery
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

• Phone: 860-452-3977, available 24/7
• Email: info@saatvamattress.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, 24/7
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal
• Discounts? Yes, Saatva offers $225 off a purchase of $1,000 or more to adults 65 and older, military members and their families, health care professionals, government employees, and more. This cannot be combined with other offers. Find more information here.
• Financing: Yes, Affirm

DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam: Best Memory Foam for Heavy People

The DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam mattress evenly distributes weight and contours to provide support where needed in any sleeping position. It is durable and above average at isolating motion, so it could be a good choice for anyone who prefers a less-firm but still supportive mattress.

DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam

Best Memory Foam

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• Great motion isolation

• Good choice if you like a soft mattress

DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam features

• Our pressure relief score: 4.5/5
• Accessibility score: 4.24/5
• Mattress type: memory foam
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10

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Why we chose the DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam as the Best Memory Foam for Higher Weight People

This high-density memory foam springs back to shape after being compressed, so it’s unlikely to sag or wear out the way some other mattresses do. Dense foam keeps motion transfer to a minimum, which can help if you sleep with a partner. 

While less-dense memory foam can lack support, our testing found that the DreamCloud Premier provided relief at all key pressure points. While soft compared to hybrid mattresses like the Titan Plus, this mattress still ranked highly in whole-body support, and spinal alignment.

DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam pros and cons

Our testing experience with the DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam

The combination of excellent motion isolation and minimal bounce made this the Best Memory Foam for Higher-Weight Sleepers for our testers. They commented on how little they could feel motion from a partner, with one tester commenting, “I felt a little bit of the foam pulling toward the other person, but I definitely could have slept through it. My body feels very much in the same position as it did before the other person got in.”

Who is the DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam right for?

This mattress is supportive enough for higher-weight sleepers to be stable, but plush and soft in a way that many mattresses in this category are not. The motion isolation will be a plus for anyone who sleeps with a partner or for those who get in and out of bed often in the night. It’s not the strongest choice for cooling, so if you sleep hot, consider another option.

DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: White-glove delivery is $199
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can reach DreamCloud customer service by:

• Phone: Call 833-237-3269, available seven days a week
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available seven days a week
• Email: support@dreamcloudsleep.com

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Discover 
  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • Amazon Pay
  • PayPal
• Discounts? DreamCloud offers an extra 5% off the best on-site offer to military members and their dependents, health care professionals and first responders. DreamCloud uses SheerID to verify your status.
• Financing: Yes, Affirm, Paypal Credit, Splitit, and Acima. 

The WinkBed Plus: Best for Heavy Back Sleepers

The WinkBed Plus is designed for higher-weight sleepers, with reinforced coils and dense foam that resist sagging. It proved especially good at relieving pressure in the lower back when our testers tried that position. The WinkBed Plus also had among the highest test scores for overall pain relief and back support, making it the clear pick for the best mattress for higher-weight back sleepers.

The WinkBed Plus

Best for Back Sleepers

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• Strong back support 
• Third highest pain relief score overall

• Firm, but still comfortable

The WinkBed Plus features

• Our pressure relief score: 4.75/5
• Accessibility score: 4.44/5
• Mattress type: hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 8.5/10

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Why we chose The WinkBed Plus as Best for Higher Weight Back Sleepers

The solid construction and firm support of the WinkBed Plus makes it a good choice for higher-weight people. The company has its tempered steel spring and high-density foam system third-party tested to ensure durability. Reinforced coils all around the mattress ensure solid edge support and prevent long term sagging.   

The WinkBed Plus is also excellent for back sleepers because it provides additional support in the lower back region. Our tests showed the WinkBed Plus to be one of the best overall mattresses for providing back support and relieving pain. Testers also reported feeling cradled but well-supported by this mattress, particularly when lying on their backs. 

The WinkBed Plus pros and cons

Our testing experience with The WinkBed Plus

Our testers were impressed by this mattress’s support and bounce. One said, “It gently pushes you up and out of the bed. I can easily stand without using my hands.” The strong edge support also makes it less likely to sag under higher weights. Testers also commented on how even the support was. “It stayed consistent moving from position to position,” said one. “I was able to easily roll from one position to another. I did not struggle at all to change positions and I did not have to use my arms to assist me. The bed is very supportive.”

When lying on their backs, testers noted that this mattress contoured to their body without leaving any gaps. “Even my legs and lower back are filled in with the plushness of the mattress,” said one tester. “The bed is soft and cradling my body nicely. Even the curve of my spine feels good.” One tester noted that she could lie comfortably on the mattress without a pillow and still feel their spine was supported and aligned. “My body feels very nice and even,” she said.  

One area the WinkBed Plus fell short in, according to our testers, was motion isolation, which they called “average.” “There was no absorption of the movement,” said one tester. “It moved all the way through the bed. I was definitely bounced. It's a bouncy bed, I think it would wake me up. When the other person got in, I felt like I popped up a bit.” 

Who is the WinkBed Plus right for?

The WinkBed Plus is designed for higher-weight sleepers and may be suitable for anyone looking for better back support or back pain relief. Hot sleepers may enjoy how this mattress removes heat to keep cool, and the superior edge support can make getting in and out of bed or changing positions easier. Some say WinkBed has good motion isolation, but our testers did not find that to be the case.   

The WinkBed Plus customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact WinkBed customer service by:

• Phone: Call 855-946-5233, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
• Email: info@winkbeds.com
• Chat: Live chat in lower right corner of website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
• Calling or visiting a showroom

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Shop Pay
  • Apple Pay
• Discounts? Yes, the company currently offers an additional $50 off for military members and their families, first responders, law enforcement, and health care workers. This can be combined with other offers. 
• Financing: Yes, WinkBeds offers financing through Bread Pay and Katapult.

Our process testing the best mattresses for heavy people

To find the best mattresses for higher-weight people, we focused on testing how supportive and durable they were. We also examined the quality of materials used in the mattress and how well it might withstand added stress without sagging. 

Optimal firmness levels

People with a higher weight do best with mattresses that are more firm (at least a 6.5 on the firmness scale). Past testing has shown that firmer mattresses sometimes feel softer to people with a higher weight. The firmer a mattress is, the more supported you may feel. Check out our best firm mattress guide for more information.

Pressure relief testing

Higher-weight sleepers often need extra support. Our pressure relief score reflects our testers’ experiences on the mattress and the results shown on our pressure map. The pressure map uses sensors to show how much pressure the body feels when lying on the mattress. Blue and green show great pressure relief; yellow, orange, and red show places where pressure builds up. We looked for a good amount of support across all sleeping positions. When seeking the best mattresses for higher-weight people, we looked for beds offering strong support while relieving pressure on the back, shoulders, and hips.

Spinal support

We looked for mattresses that are supportive throughout the spine while offering enough cushioning to relieve pressure on the joints. We asked testers how they felt lying on their side and had them lie on each mattress to understand the level of support the mattress provided to people of varying weights. When a mattress has to hold more weight overall, distributing that weight evenly is key to keeping the spine in a neutral position, whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach. 

Edge support

As with most tests, we measured edge support through our testers’ experiences and reactions and by objective measurement. Mattresses without enough support at the edges can throw off weight distribution and be prone to sagging long-term. Good edge support shows that a mattress has even weight distribution and can help with getting in and out of bed or changing positions. Testers also reviewed how easy it was to move around on the surface of the mattress and get in and out of it. They tested the differences in edge support while sitting on the side of the bed versus lying down near the edge. 

Temperature regulation

We used a heat gun to measure the temperature of a mattress before and after lying on it, and had testers give us their feedback on how warm or cool it felt. Decent airflow can be important for higher-weight sleepers who prefer a cool mattress at night.

Addressing common sleep concerns for heavier people

Night sweats and overheating during sleep

While weight is not the only reason someone may feel hot at night or prefer a cool mattress, there is some evidence that core body temperature may increase with weight.² Also, studies have found that the night sweats related to menopause tend to increase with weight in women, and losing weight has been linked to reduced instances of night sweats.^6,7 For those reasons, people with a higher body weight may prefer a mattress that stays cool. 

Excessive snoring and breathing difficulties

Having a higher body weight is correlated with sleep apnea, a condition marked by difficulty breathing during sleep, said Damien Howell, PT, DPT, OCS, a physical therapist in Richmond, Virginia. If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, you should consult an appropriate medical professional. 

“There are modifications to bedding and sleep position that can better manage sleep apnea,” said Howell. For one, people with sleep apnea are better off sleeping on their side than on their back, he explained. If they do sleep on their back, elevating the upper body may help. He noted the same applies to people with acid reflux (GERD), heart failure, or pulmonary disease, regardless of their body weight. He also recommends an adjustable mattress base that can be attached or hinged at the level of the pelvis/hips to raise the head.

Restless leg syndrome 

Restless leg syndrome, a neurologic disorder that causes uncontrollable leg movements, usually during sleep, has been found to be higher among higher-weight people than the general population. One past study of more than 1,800 adults found that for each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI, the likelihood of having this syndrome increased by more than 30 percent.⁸ A more recent study of older adults found that having a weight classified as obese increased the odds of having restless leg syndrome one and a half times.⁹ 

Low hip and back pain

“Increased pressures caused by increased body weight can apply longer term pressures on our lower back and hips in certain positions,” said Paul Fath, PT, DPT, owner of Hub Physical Therapy in Bedford, Massachusetts. “It’s important to find the position that reduces any discomfort you may feel.” 

Choosing the right mattress for heavier bodies 

If you are someone with a higher weight, some of the things to look for in a mattress are:

• Durability
• Even weight distribution and support
• Quality construction

The mattresses that tend to work best for higher-weight sleepers are at least 13 inches high and medium to medium-high firmness with strong edge support. If a mattress is too soft, it can be easy to sink in and difficult to move around or feel supported. Decent airflow can also be important, as many higher weight sleepers prefer a cool mattress at night.

How much do the best mattresses for heavy people cost?

The choices for our best mattresses for higher-weight people cost between $1,332–$2,330 for a queen-sized mattress. Along with size, other things that contribute to the cost of a mattress include the materials used in its construction, certifications, and added features such as a cooling layer or pillow top, as well as extras offered by the brand. Extras can include free shipping, white-glove delivery (where a mattress is delivered directly to your bedroom), or a lifetime warranty. 

Table 2 Comparing the costs of the best mattresses for heavy people

How to save money on mattresses

Buying a mattress can have a large upfront cost. If you’re looking for ways to save, consider the following:

• Look for sales, especially around holidays like Labor Day and Memorial Day. 
• Many manufacturers offer coupons, sale codes, and discounts on their websites. 
• Lots of mattress manufacturers offer discounts for current or former members of the military, students, teachers, older adults, and other groups. 
• If you have a medical need for a mattress and your health care provider writes a note of medical necessity, you may be able to use FSA or HSA funds to make your purchase. 
• Retail stores often have floor models or returns at a big discount.
• Most mattress manufacturers offer some kind of financing plan, which can be a better bargain than paying for a mattress with a credit card. 

It’s a good idea to research mattresses before you buy, so you can find the best mattress for the best price. Knowing what features you need and which you can live without can save you some money, too. 

Frequently asked questions

Questions? Reach out to reviewsteam@ncoa.org.