The 8 Best Mattresses For Heavy People That Offer Enhanced Support (2024)

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For larger people, mattress shopping can be a mixed bag. Most mattresses aren’t designed to accommodate heavier people, so they may feel softer than advertised and—even worse—they may not last as long as expected, thanks to issues like premature sagging or dipping. The best mattresses for heavy people factor for those considerations. They’re designed to accommodate at least 300 pounds per sleeper, breathe well and generally combine both innersprings and foam for the best balance of comfort and support. Our pick of the best mattress for heavy people overall is the Helix Plus. Not only does it comfortably support two people weighing up to 500 pounds each, it has a base of sturdy steel coils topped with contouring memory foam that delivers a medium-firm feel, even for heavy sleepers.

Disclaimer: Since most standard mattresses support around 250 pounds per side, this article was written for individuals who weigh over 250 pounds and need a more supportive mattress. This ensures comfort and contributes to the longevity of the mattress. We chose the term “heavy people” to reflect how consumers are categorized based on mattress weight limits, as well as for the purposes of clarity and brevity.

Beyond being engineered to support more weight, the best mattresses for heavy sleepers also need to meet individual sleep needs, like back pain or preferred sleep styles. We did the research to find options made with sturdier, higher-density materials that stand up to more weight, minimize heat retention and accommodate a range of preferences. Below, find our picks of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers. For related recommendations, see our roundups of the best mattresses for heavy couples and the best mattresses that won’t sag.

Best Mattress For Heavy People Overall: Helix Plus (Queen)
Best Plush Mattress For Heavy People: Titan Plus Luxe (Queen)
Best Pillow Top Mattress For Heavy People: WinkBed Plus (Queen)
Best Luxury Mattress For Heavy People: Nolah Evolution Comfort Plus (Queen)
Best Mattress For Heavy Side Sleepers: Leesa Plus Hybrid (Queen)
Best Mattress For Heavy People With Back Pain: Saatva HD (Queen)
Best Value Mattress For Heavy People: Big Fig (Queen)
Best Organic Mattress For Heavy People: Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress (Queen)

Best Mattress For Heavy People Overall

Packed With High-Density Foam To Prevent Sagging

Helix Plus (Queen)

Pros:

Supportive feel for back and stomach sleepers
Provides relief from back pain
Cooling, thanks to breathable construction

Cons:

Not a lot of pressure relief for heavyweight side sleepers

The Helix Plus is a hybrid mattress that combines wrapped coils with several layers of foam. Each foam layer has a different density strategically chosen to contour your body and give you some serious pressure relief. The company claims the Helix Plus is designed with high-density foam to provide maximum support so your mattress doesn’t dip or sag, as well as an extra layer of comfort.

In between the foam layers sit hundreds of tall coils that are individually wrapped and designed to support heavier weight. These coils, which are reinforced around the perimeter of the mattress, cradle your body and provide extra edge support so the side doesn’t compress if you roll away from the center. To top it off, the mattress is wrapped in a breathable Tencel cover that promotes air flow, so you stay cool and comfortable while you sleep.

Note: Helix recently launched an entire line dedicated to heavyweight sleepers. If you're interested in shopping additional Helix Plus options, check out our Helix Plus launch story.

What the reviews say: “I’m a heavy guy. I needed a mattress that can support me, and this one does not disappoint,” one reviewer says. Another adds, “My back issues have improved significantly and pain is much less. You have to wake up on a Helix to understand its benefits. It is eye-opening.”

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Best Plush Mattress For Heavy People

A Softer Selection That Still Gets High Marks In Support

Titan Plus Luxe (Queen)

Pros:

Durable with reinforced support
Softer feel; good for side sleepers
Optional cooling cover for enhanced breathability

Cons:

Too soft for most stomach sleepers

Although many beds for plus-size people skew firm, the Titan Plus Luxe is a touch softer with a medium firmness level. This makes it a great option for larger people who prefer a plusher mattress, including those who sleep on their sides and benefit from extra cushioning around the hips and shoulders. The mattress features 4 inches of contouring foam atop hundreds of individually wrapped coils that provide plenty of support, while also isolating motion.

The Titan Plus Luxe is finished off with a high-density foam base that reinforces the coils and prevents them from buckling as they compress. If you’re a hot sleeper and you want extra cooling support, you can add an optional cooling top panel (for an extra $150) that disperses heat on contact and helps keep you comfortable. Or if you’d prefer a firmer feel with similar features, the original Titan Plus could be a good option.

What the reviews say: One reviewer says sleeping on the Titan Plus Luxe is “like sleeping on a supportive cloud.” Another reviewer writes, simply, “Excellent. Supportive yet soft, a perfect balance.”

Best Pillow Top Mattress For Heavy People

Maximum Support From The Center To The Edges

WinkBed Plus (Queen)

Pros:

More pressure-relieving than other options on this list
Plush, supportive feel; good for a variety of sleep positions
Excels at maintaining spinal alignment

Cons:

Slightly lower weight capacity than others

Although it’s technically a hybrid, those after a traditional innerspring feel could really like the WinkBed Plus. Its sturdy support and pressure-relieving Euro pillow top keeps sleepers lifted on top of the bed in comfort. We really appreciate the gel-infused foam within the quilted pillow top and how it cradles your joints as you lie on the mattress. According to the brand, the mattress has a medium-firm feel (about 6.5 out of 10) for individuals weighing over 300 pounds, but it skews firmer (an 8 out of 10) for those under 200 pounds.

The WinkBed Plus features individually wrapped pocketed coils with multiple support zones. This means you get extra reinforcement where you need it, like the lower back. The brand’s Extra-Edge Support System also offers a strong foundation throughout the entire mattress, so you don’t feel like you’re going to roll off the sides of the bed. It truly shines with durable materials throughout.

What our editors and the reviews say: “I really like how cushioning yet heavy-duty the WinkBed Plus is,” says senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman. “This mattress gives a plush innerspring feel that I think a lot of different sleepers could enjoy.” One customer writes, “I weigh 350 pounds and this is the first mattress I’ve owned that has enough support in the middle. I don’t have back pain anymore.” Another adds, “What a great night’s sleep. The edges don’t cave in.”

Best Luxury Mattress For Heavy People

Cushioning, Supportive And Packed With Cooling Materials

Nolah Evolution Comfort Plus (Queen)

DuringNolah’s Labor Day sale, get 35% off sitewide and two free pillows with a mattress purchase. No code required.

Pros:

Contains thick comfort layers for extra pressure relief
Medium feel; good for back and side sleepers
Luxurious feel that’s on par with a hotel mattress

Cons:

Likely too soft for most stomach sleepers

It’s common for beds that are designed specifically for heavier body weights to be quite firm—but not the Nolah Evolution Comfort Plus. Standing at a whopping 14 inches tall, this bed was designed to be extremely supportive but also luxuriously plush. Its 13.5-gauge coils provide sleepers with stability across the bed and enhanced lumbar support to help promote a neutral spine. But the quilted Euro topper and two layers of foam on top of those coils are what give this bed more a plusher, more indulgent feel.

Another luxurious touch, this bed is built with cooling materials, from organic cotton to Nolah’s proprietary heat-dissipating fibers to a border gusset allowing heat to escape. That means hot sleepers feel comfy, supported and cool.

What our editors and the reviews say: “The Nolah Evolution Comfort Plus reminds me of a bed you’d find in a 5-star hotel,” says Chapman. “It offers a nice cushioning feel and high-quality materials that are built to last.” One customer describes the bed as “firm enough, but not too firm.” She adds she’s “waking without pain for [the] first time in a long time,” and that her “husband (heavyweight) seems to love it too.”

Best Mattress For Heavy Side Sleepers

Supportive Yet Cushioning For The Shoulders And Hips

Leesa Plus Hybrid (Queen)

Best Mattress For Heavy People With Back Pain

Helps Relieve Pressure, Aches And Pains

Saatva HD (Queen)

Pros:

Excellent lumbar support
Pressure-relieving; good for shoulder and joint pain
Medium-firm feel appeals to all sleeping positions

Cons:

Doesn’t fit with most standard-sized foundations and box springs

If you’re struggling with back pain caused by (or at least exacerbated by) your current mattress, the Saatva HD mattress could be the upgrade you need. The company designed it with two layers of foam that help relieve pressure and improve circulation paired with a layer of five-zone Talalay latex, the cream of the crop when it comes to mattress materials. The latex layer has a patented spinal zone technology that has different layers of density, achieved through “pinpoints” according to a customer service agent. These vary in size—smaller holes create a firmer sensation, while larger ones make the material softer. The zones create varying degrees of firmness and softness to give you maximum pressure point relief and additional lumbar support.

The memory foam and latex layers sit on top of steel coils that are 25% stronger than those of other standard spring mattresses, according to the brand, and the coils are threaded with steel wire to reinforce the mattress and help reduce motion transfer. Unlike other mattresses that come rolled in a box, all Saatva mattresses are handmade to order and delivered right to your bedroom with free white glove delivery.

What the reviews say: “I’m a bigger guy and have [suffered from an achy]backfor almost a year,” says one buyer. “I no longer have an aching back. I’ve never bought a mattress online, but I did my research, and [I’m] so glad I did. Saatva has made a great and comfortable mattress.” Another writes, “This bed has been fantastic. I no longer wake up with aches and pains, and I’ve found a deeper, more restful sleep where I’m actually dreaming.”

Best Value Mattress For Heavy People

A Heavy-Duty Mattress That Supports Up To 1,100 Pounds

Big Fig (Queen)

Pros:

Made to hold 1,100 pounds; highest weight capacity on this list
Good for couples; excels at motion isolation

Cons:

Too firm for strict side sleepers

The Big Fig Mattress isn’t the least expensive option, but it’s a great value. The company only makes one mattress, and it’s specifically designed for heavier sleepers. The 13-inch mattress combines three layers of high-density foam with one layer of gel-infused latex foam that’s perforated to allow air to flow through the mattress, ensuring breathability. The foam layers sit on top of 1,600 individually wrapped coils—50% more than you’d find in a standard innerspring mattress—that support your weight, no matter your sleeping position. Just note that many reviewers report that it feels quite firm, if that’s what you’re looking for.

The quilted mattress topper is treated with ThermoGel cooling technology. According to the company, this does more than just keep the temperature stable—it actively cools you down with gel-infused perforated foam, which fosters airflow. If you start sweating in the middle of the night, the ThermoGel responds to the increase in moisture and creates a cooling sensation.

Big Fig also offers a foundation that supports up 2,000 pounds, five times the amount of standard foundations. It also has 18 slats and two center rails that help evenly distribute weight, preventing your mattress from sagging.

What the reviews say: One reviewer calls the Big Fig the “most comfortable mattress ever," adding it’s "great comfort for the money.” Another 5-star reviewer says, “Big Fig mattresses are pricey up front, but a great value because great sleep benefits your entire life.”

Best Organic Mattress For Heavy People

A Luxurious And Eco-Conscious Pick

Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress (Queen)

Avocado's Labor Day sale, which includes all mattresses, is now live. No code required.

Pros:

Made with premium organic materials
Highly durable, thanks to latex construction
Breathable and cooling

Cons:

Plush and ultra-plush comfort levels cost extra

Avocado is known for its super comfy eco-friendly mattresses, like this Luxury Organic model, which is made with 17 layers of organic materials such as latex, alpaca, wool and mohair. It has more than 3,000 coils so sleepers of all types feel supported in areas like the neck and back, which is especially important for heavier people. Plus, this mattress contours to your unique body shape to provide optimal support in a more personalized way than other mattresses.

Finding a mattress that is sturdy and durable is a key factor to take into consideration for folks with more weight. Avocado mattresses are made with a needle-tufting technique, which pulls ribbons through the mattress and binds the layers together for a heavy-duty construction that’s under warranty for 25 years. For more cushioning, you can opt for the plush version of this bed, but it sets you back another $1,600 for a queen size.

What the reviews say: “[I] slept better the first night [on the Avocado Luxury] than I have in a long time and woke up without back pain,” one reviewer says. “[I] no longer need five pillows to support my body. The mattress is soft but very supportive. In addition, nosmell, no off-gasses to think about.”

MORE FROMFORBES VETTED

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Cuddle Up To The Best Pillows For Side Sleepers, Tested By Our EditorsByKorin MillerContributor

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted team has a large library of mattress guides for all sorts of comfort preferences and sleep needs. Each of our guides is rooted in hands-on testing and in-depth research. And to make sure we don’t miss the latest developments in the industry, we also stay up to date on the latest from the top mattress brands as they release new models and discontinue old ones.

This story and its iterations are overseen by in-house mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon. They’ve collectively tested over 240 mattresses, including many of the beds listed above. Both Chapman and Dillon also hold sleep science coach certifications and together have nearly 10 years of experience testing and reviewing mattresses and sleep accessories.
Co-author and executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers is also a certified sleep science coach with a background in mattress testing. She has slept on dozens of today’s top mattresses, including the best mattresses under $1,000.
We corresponded with Jennie Stanford, M.D., board-certified obesity medicine physician with Drugwatch, for her recommendations on the most appropriate mattress features for heavyweight sleepers.
We also consulted Chapman for feedback on some of the picks in our list. She provided expert insight based on her experience testing the Nolah Evolution Comfort Plus, and WinkBed Plus.
We regularly update this roundup to reevaluate our recommendations. This article was last updated in September 2024 by Forbes Vetted contributor SaVanna Shoemaker to include the Leesa Plus Hybrid and Titan Plus Luxe along with additional information to our shopping guide.

How We Chose The Best Mattresses For Heavy People

To find the best mattresses for heavy people across a variety of categories, we examined top-rated mattress brands, identified models with sturdy constructions and compared key features like support, durability and cooling. We also consulted our in-house mattress experts for guidance and feedback on each of our recommendations.

Our sleep and mattress team first sought out mattresses made with heavy people in mind—specifically, beds with a sturdy construction (usually some mixture of coils and dense foam) and a weight limit of ideally 300 pounds per side.
We dove into each mattress’ features, paying close attention to support, pressure relief, firmness level and breathability.
We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses and used that knowledge to further narrow down our list, and we also used Stanford’s recommendations to inform our search.
Every mattress needed to have glowing customer reviews as well as a generous sleep trial and warranty policy to make the final cut.

What To Consider When Buying Mattresses For Heavy People

When searching for a new mattress, it’s wise to take certain features into consideration. It’s also a good idea to check the retailer’s sleep trial and warranty policies to make sure you’re covered if the mattress isn’t what you expected.

Weight Limit

Single sleeper mattresses typically support one person up to 250 pounds. For two-sleeper sizes, such as queens and kings, this limit is per side for a total of 500 pounds. Mattresses designed for heavier people are constructed with more intentional weight limits. For instance, the total weight limits of the mattresses on this list range from 700 pounds (the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress mattress) to 1,100 pounds (the Big Fig Mattress). As a final note, weight limits are relative to mattress size; the bigger the mattress, the more weight it can support.

Mattress Type

Ultimately, this depends on your comfort level, but some mattress types are better suited to heavyweight sleepers than others.

Memory foam: Foam mattresses offer a body-molding “sink-in” feel and are superior at minimizing motion transfer. However, they aren’t the best choice for heavyweight sleepers as they are more prone to sagging and buckling under heavier weight.
Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds with a supportive coil base and cushy upper foam layers, but they may feel slightly springier than their all-foam counterparts. This type is a great choice for heavyweight sleepers because it hits that sweet spot of sturdiness and pressure relief. According to Dr. Jennie Stanford, a board-certified obesity medicine physician, hybrid mattresses are best for larger people. “They provide some degree of cushion, while also having reinforced support that prevents sagging,” she says.
Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses are made almost entirely of coils with a thin comfort layer up top. They are excellent at providing support, but aren’t the most comfortable to sleep on, so heavyweight sleepers are likely to find a hybrid or latex mattress more suitable.
Latex: Latex is the most durable mattress material, making it a great choice for heavyweight sleepers. Just make sure the latex is naturally derived, as synthetic latex can sleep hot and doesn’t offer the same level of support as Dunlop or Talalay latex.

Durability

Support and durability are arguably the two most important features for heavyweight sleepers to consider. When there is more weight pressing into a mattress, you need a sturdier construction to prevent sagging and promote mattress longevity. “Make sure the mattress is rated and designed for the type of sleeper who will be using it,” advises Stanford. When searching for a mattress for heavier people, look for high-density foams, thick coils and superior edge support—all of which work together to create a reinforced support system.

Edge Support

For heavyweight sleepers especially, a strong perimeter is key. Strong edge support allows you to sit or lie down near the edge of the bed without the mattress sinking or sagging. Typically, hybrid and innerspring mattresses—constructions that feature coils—provide sturdier edges than all-foam beds. That said, some thick memory foam mattresses can also provide adequate support, particularly ones made with high-density foam.

Cooling

“With a larger body mass, it can be challenging to get good airflow between the body and the mattress,” says Stanford. She explains that this promotes heat retention, which can interfere with optimal sleep. For that reason, it’s important to consider a mattress’ construction and cooling abilities, especially if you live in a warmer climate.

The best option for heavyweight sleepers who sleep hot tends to be hybrid and innerspring mattresses since they contain coils, which allows for more airflow throughout the mattress. While some all-foam beds may sleep cooler than others, we still don’t recommend this type to hot sleepers as even the coolest memory foam bed typically won’t measure up to a hybrid or innerspring mattress.

Mattress Thickness

Take a look at the overall thickness of a mattress and its comfort layers before buying. A thicker mattress almost always offers more comfort and support than a thinner one. As a general rule of thumb, heavyweight sleepers should look for a mattress that is at least 11 to 12 inches thick.

Firmness

“Individuals who weigh more often sink deeper into a mattress,” says Stanford, “so additional firmness can often improve the support a mattress provides.” Generally speaking, a medium-firm or firm mattress is the best choice for sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds. Firmer mattresses offer ample support, encouraging proper spinal alignment and resisting sagging over time. That said, the best mattress for an individual (or couple) comes down to specific preferences and needs.

Sleeping Position

Your preferred sleeping position plays a role in which mattress suits you best. Heavyweight side sleepers generally benefit from a medium to medium-firm mattress that relieves pressure around the hips and shoulders. Heavyweight stomach sleepers, on the other hand, tend to find the most comfort on a firm to extra-firm bed that prevents sinking around the midsection. For heavyweight back sleepers, a medium-firm to firm mattress that keeps the spine aligned is a safe choice.

Mattress Accessories For Heavy People

For heavyweight sleepers, a new mattress is generally the best way to feel supported and comfortable at night if your current mattress is sagging or unsupportive. Still, there other sleep accessories that can help provide more support if you’re not yet ready for a new mattress.

Bed frames made with sturdy wood, steel or iron foundations can increase the durability of your mattress by providing a sturdy base. Heavyweight sleeper-specific mattress brands, like Big Fig and Titan, make bed frames that can hold up to 2,000 pounds.
Mattress toppers can make your mattress feel firmer and provide more support if your current bed is sagging. For specific recommendations, take a look at our guide to the best mattress toppers.
Pillows help keep your head and neck in a healthy spine alignment. For bigger sleepers with broad shoulders, a firmer pillow with a high loft may help you sleep more soundly. Ultimately, your ideal pillow depends on your preferred sleeping position, so make sure to check out our best pillows guide for specific recommendations.
Sheets can help heavyweight people who sleep hot. Fabrics such as linen, cotton and bamboo are lightweight and help promote airflow. See our best cooling sheets guide for additinoal recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Mattresses Are Best For Heavy People?

The best kind of mattress for heavy people—specifically, people who weigh over 250 pounds–is one designed to support over 250 pounds per side. If you’re unsure whether a memory foam, innerspring or hybrid construction is the way to go, we’d recommend going with ahybrid mattress, which consists of a coil base topped with foam layers for a blend of cushion, contouring and support. (Note that all of the recommendations on this list happen to be hybrids).

Is Hybrid Or Memory Foam Better For Heavy People?

For larger people, hybrid mattresses offer better support than all-foam options made with solely memory foam. Hybrids combine innersprings and foam, which means they can be just as comfortable and pressure-relieving as foam mattresses while providing additional structure for proper spinal alignment.

Do Heavy People Need A Soft Or Firm Mattress?

Heavy people typically feel most supported on firmer mattresses or anything that ranges from medium-firm to firm. This firmness level provides a comfortable yet supportive feel that encourages healthy spine alignment and prevents excess sinkage.

What Is The Maximum Weight For A Mattress?

Though many mattresses don’t have an “official” weight limit (you can check the company’s website or contact customer service to ask), most standard mattresses are built to support around 230 to 250 pounds per side, or about 500 pounds total. Sleepers who weigh more than that may notice premature sagging, breakdown and lack of edge support. The mattresses on this list are specifically constructed to uphold weights over 250 pounds per side, with theBig Fig offering one of the highest capacities on the market at 550 pounds per side.