If you weigh more than 230 pounds, finding the best mattress involves looking for key features that cater to your needs. This generally means seeking a firm mattress that prioritizes responsiveness and edge support, while also making sure it provides the pressure relief needed for a good night’s sleep.
Best Mattress for Heavy People
WinkBed Plus
The WinkBed Plus offers sturdy support with zoned latex and reinforced coils, excellent edge support, and a cool sleeping experience ideal for people weighing more than 230 pounds.
This guide highlights mattresses that stood out for heavy individuals during our extensive hands-on research. For a wider range of choices, take a look at this year’s definitive guide to the best mattresses. If firmness tops your priority list, our selection of the best firm mattresses offers choices that deliver robust support.
Weight Disclaimer
Please note: For the purposes of this page, we are referring to individuals who weigh 230 pounds or more. Although we use the term “heavy” for brevity and convenience, we do not use weight categories such as “average” or “overweight,” as they can be misleading and dependent on the individual.
We use 230 pounds or more as a practical standard of size when discussing how mattresses interact with sleepers’ bodies. We have found that individuals who weigh more than 230 pounds generally have similar needs for a mattress in terms of firmness, thickness, and other factors, with small individual variations.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following six options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for heavy people.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
WinkBed Plus
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Specifically designed for people over 230 pounds, the WinkBed Plus delivers robust support with zoned latex and coil layers. The mattress also feels secure around the edges thanks to the reinforced perimeter and promotes enough airflow to consistently sleep cool.
Buy from WinkBeds
Firm (8)
Great Airflow
Full Surface
Good Value
Pros
- 2.5-inch layer of zoned latex offers responsive, ergonomic support
- Excellent edge strength maximizes usable space for couples
- Reinforced pocketed coils enhance durability
Cons
- May feel too firm for co-sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds
- Bouncy surface can transfer movement between sleep partners
Why We Like It
The combination of high-density polyfoam, open-cell latex, and a pocketed coil core allows the WinkBed Plus to sleep very cool. Our surface temperature readings recorded very little lasting heat buildup.
The WinkBed Plus rates an 8 on our 10-point firmness scale. Since the comfort layer is composed of zoned latex, you’ll notice a significant bounce and enhanced support around the midsection. That said, the layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover adds some plushness on the surface.
The reinforced outer edges allowed our testers to use more of the mattress surface, making it easier to get into and out of bed.
How Does It Feel?
While the mattress conformed enough to relieve pressure for our testers over 230 pounds, it also provided consistent support to help them maintain good posture. The bed has a slightly bouncy feel that made it easy for our testers to change positions.
Our testers sunk into the surface enough to ease pressure without feeling trapped in the bed. The pocketed coils are also reinforced and banded together, which our testers over 230 pounds reported made the bed feel more stable than the rest of the WinkBed line.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Plus
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Another mattress designed for people over 230 pounds, the Helix Plus features three dense foam layers reinforced with sturdy pocketed coils. Our tests show this mattress is best suited to back and stomach sleepers in the intended weight range.
Buy from Helix
Firm (7)
Tencel Cover
Full Surface
Great Value
Pros
- Memory foam comfort layer offers pressure relief without too much sinkage
- Tencel cover and pocketed coils allow for ample airflow
- Optional GlacioTex cooling cover is designed for those who sleep hot
Cons
- Edges sink under pressure, reducing the available sleeping space
- Responsive design leads to more motion transfer for couples
Why We Like It
The Helix Plus is wrapped in a breathable Tencel cover, which our testers reported remained relatively temperature neutral. We also found the mattress easy to move across because the surface felt so responsive.
Across all sleep positions, our testers over 230 pounds found the Helix Plus comfortable. Unlike many firm models, the Plus also provided enough contouring for our testers between 130 and 230 pounds. The mattress may be ideal for some couples with different body types, although the surface felt too firm to our team members under 130 pounds.
How Does It Feel?
The Helix Plus has a foam comfort system and a supportive pocketed coil core. Its comfort system consists of both memory foam and latex-like polyfoam, creating a firm (7) feel that provides significant pressure relief without sacrificing support. The memory foam contoured to our testers’ bodies, while the polyfoam added responsiveness to allow for easier position changes.
A firmer memory foam transitional layer between the comfort system and the support core gently conformed to our sleepers over 230 pounds while preventing them from sinking too deeply into the mattress. The pocketed coil core uses taller springs with reinforced edges, and a polyfoam base supports the coils as they compress.
Best Value Mattress
Titan Plus Luxe
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Titan Plus Luxe is specifically designed for heavier individuals and achieves this end thanks to a sturdy, supportive design. Minimal sagging and consistent cooling define this firm — and affordable — hybrid model.
Buy from Titan
Medium Firm (6)
Some Airflow
Full Surface
Great Value
Pros
- Pocketed coils and high-density foam deliver robust support
- Responsive materials enable easy movement across the surface
- Below-average pricing for a hybrid mattress
Cons
- Stomach sleepers might prefer a firmer mattress
- Average pressure relief may be inadequate for those with sensitive pressure points
Why We Like It
Our hands-on tests confirm the Titan Plus Luxe works as intended and is a great option for heavier sleepers. Side sleepers over 230 pounds and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds were particularly impressed. Stomach sleepers in heavier weight categories did not receive enough support to prevent their midsection from sinking in. An accessible sticker price makes the mattress a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
How Does It Feel?
The Titan Plus’ comfort system consists of memory foam over transitional TitanFlex polyfoam. These materials provide light cushioning and won’t sag or buckle under your weight. The transitional foam is particularly strong, as TitanFlex is engineered to mimic the density and responsiveness of latex.
Thick pocketed coils and base foam make up the support core, adding to the strong design. A knit polyester cover encases the mattress. For an extra charge, you can upgrade to a cover made of GlacioTex phase change material. This fabric feels cool to the touch and dissipates heat on contact, so this may be a worthwhile investment if you are a hot sleeper.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva HD
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva HD uses zoned latex, dense foam, and sturdy pocketed coils to create an ultra-supportive sleep surface for people who weigh more than 230 pounds. Saatva further sweetens the deal with free White Glove delivery and a sleep trial spanning an entire year.
Buy from Saatva
Firm (7)
Great Airflow
Full Surface
Fair Value
Pros
- 3-inch quilted Euro-top eases pressure without sacrificing support
- Latex and memory foam comfort system offers balanced cushioning
- Innerspring support core has high-density polyfoam rails for solid edge support
Cons
- Thick 15.5-inch profile requires deep pocket sheets
- Luxury pricing may be a barrier for budget-conscious shoppers
Why We Like It
While the Saatva HD is built for bigger bodies, our testers weighing 130 pounds or more across all sleep positions found the mattress comfortable — if not a bit too firm. Our stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also appreciated the even support.
Although it has a firm (7) feel, the Saatva HD’s complex comfort system also allows for significant pressure relief without excessive sinkage or heat retention. Since the material is also bouncy and responsive, our testers were able to change positions with ease. Testers over 230 pounds also felt secure sitting and lying along the perimeter. Thermoregulation was another testing highlight. Latex generally sleeps quite cool, and our temperature readings confirmed that the sleep surface maintained a neutral temperature.
How Does It Feel?
The comfort system starts with a cotton Euro-top quilted with polyfoam. Our testers felt this added a plush feel despite the mattress’ firmness. A top layer of zoned natural latex provided ergonomic support and better pressure relief where our testers over 230 pounds needed it most. A second layer of memory foam adds deep contouring, while transitional polyfoam prevents sleepers from sinking into the support core. Our testers noted that this combination gave the bed a good balance of contouring and support.
The innerspring core uses 12.5-gauge recycled steel that is significantly stronger than the industry standard, making the Saatva HD an appealing choice for shoppers concerned with stability. The offset coils, which are supported by a high-density polyfoam base, are also encased in foam for better edge support than most innerspring beds.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Nolah Evolution Comfort+
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is a hybrid mattress specifically aimed at sleepers in heavier weight categories. What stands out about this model is the excellent cushioning on the surface, which you don’t always find in beds with this level of support.
Buy from Nolah
Firm (7)
Cooling fibers, breathable gusset
Full Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Dense polyfoam layers balance cushioning and support
- Reinforced coils produce ample pushback
- Cooling cover and breathable gusset help regulate temperature
Cons
- People sensitive to smell may notice strong off-gassing at first
- Returns incur a $99 fee
Why We Like It
Beds that excel at support oftentimes have less to offer when it comes to pressure relief, but this mattress pulls off strong cradling without skimping on the sort of pushback that benefits heavy sleepers. The dense foams and ulta-sturdy coils ensure plenty of support for sleepers who enjoy or need it, but the polyfoam layers are adaptive enough to gently cushion sensitive pressure points.
How Does It Feel?
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ has a firm feel, rating 7 on our 10-point firmness scale. The bed earned high praise from side sleepers on our team who weigh over 230 pounds, although those between 130 and 230 pounds also felt quite comfortable. Back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds enjoyed the mattress as well, thanks to the strong lumbar support and cushioning along the spine.
A major strength of this mattress is the temperature-regulating design. Foam layers tend to trap heat, but cooling fibers in the cover, a breathable gusset, and airflow through the coils all contribute to a cooler feel. The firmness of the surface also minimizes heat retention that can occur in plusher beds with deep contouring.
Best Cooling Mattress
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite may not be as firm as some of the other mattresses on this list, but the zoned coil system still provides plenty of support where it’s needed. You’ll notice sturdy pushback around the midsection to prevent sinkage where you carry most of your weight, and a gentler feel beneath your head and legs.
Buy from Emma
Medium Firm (6)
Good Airflow
Slight Sagging Along Edges
Great Value
Pros
- Foam layers cushion the surface without hugging your body too closely
- Zoned coils reinforce the chest, stomach, and hips
- Below-average pricing and a 365-night trial for all orders
Cons
- Off-gassing odor may be harsh for the first few nights
- Couples may notice some motion transfer
If you’re a side or back sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds and sleeps hot, the Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is worth considering. The mattress features four foam layers in the comfort system, with cooling features to mitigate heat buildup. Steady airflow through the coils and a breathable knit cover add to the temperature-regulating design.
Why We Like It
During our tests, the Hybrid Cooling Elite earned very favorable ratings from side sleepers on our team weighing more than 230 pounds. Some back sleepers in this weight range also felt comfortable on the mattress, saying the zoned coils provided some helpful pushback around their midsections. Stomach sleepers will likely need a more supportive mattress to prevent them from sinking.
The Hybrid Cooling Elite performed fairly well when we tested it for temperature control, considering the thickness of its foam comfort system. Air circulation through the coils really helped on this front. Where the mattress really shines is pressure relief, thanks to generous cushioning from the foam. Motion isolation was another strength since foam is great at absorbing movement.
How Does It Feel?
The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite is medium firm (6). You’ll notice some plush cushioning when you get into bed, but the transitional and support layers push back against your weight to prevent excessive sinkage. Most of us felt a light contouring that you’d expect from foam, but without the deep “hugging” effect. The coils are divided into zones, creating targeted support for different areas of your body. This is especially useful if you carry extra weight in your chest, stomach, and hips.
Choosing the Right Mattress Firmness for Heavy People
For people over 230 pounds, we suggest choosing a firmer mattress for adequate support. Heavier bodies put more pressure on a mattress’ surface, making firmer options feel softer than they would to lighter individuals. Read more: How to Choose a Mattress as a Heavy Person
Sleeping position also matters, as it dictates where the body exerts more pressure on the mattress. The following recommendations are based on our testing team’s 10-point firmness scale:
| Sleeping Position | Recommended Firmness for Sleepers Over 230 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | Medium Firm (6) to Firm (7) |
| Back Sleepers | Firm (7-8) to Extra Firm (9) |
| Stomach Sleepers | Firm (7-8) to Extra Firm (9) |
| Combination Sleepers | Firm (7-8) |
Choosing a firm mattress doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing comfort. A mattress with comfort layers that contour to the body can alleviate pressure points, even in firmer models. This is particularly important for heavier side sleepers, who need both the support of a firm mattress and sufficient cushioning for sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips.
Are Firm Mattresses Good for You? – Video
Our product experts discuss why a firm mattress might be well suited to certain types of sleepers, including those who weigh over 230 pounds. Watch the video for hands-on demonstrations of how firm beds benefit heavier sleepers.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
Similar to this mattress guide for heavy people, we’ve put together a series of mattress overviews geared toward unique types of sleepers.
How We Test
Our testing process combines deep industry knowledge with hands-on evaluations using our detailed product testing methodology. To find the best mattresses for heavy people, we focused on factors like durability, edge support, and temperature regulation. Our diverse testing team, composed of people with different body weights and sleeping styles, personally tested a slew of beds before narrowing our choices down to the top picks found in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
A firm mattress is typically better for people over 230 pounds, as it provides the necessary support to maintain neutral spinal alignment and prevent excessive sinking. That said, the right firmness is also based on a person’s sleeping position. Stomach and back sleepers generally need firmer models, while side sleepers usually benefit from a bit more softness to accommodate their hips and shoulders.
There’s no single best mattress type for everyone over 230 pounds, as each type has its pros and cons. In general though, we’ve found that hybrids and latex models are the best fits for heavy people because they offer a great combination of resilience and support. Foam models that use durable, high-density foams can also be good options.
Mattresses are typically designed with a specific weight limit determined by their construction and materials. Exceeding a mattress’ weight limit can lead to quicker wear and tear and decreased performance. Manufacturers often specify the weight limit for mattresses designed specifically for heavy people.
For couples with significant weight differences, the best mattress choices are those that offer customizable firmness, such as airbeds or split mattresses. These allow each partner to adjust the firmness on their side, ensuring both individuals get the support and comfort they need for restful sleep.
We’ve found that mattresses between 12 and 14 inches thick often find the sweet spot between support and cushioning for sleepers over 230 pounds. That said, mattress construction and firmness are paramount. A thick mattress with plush memory foam layers may not offer enough support for people over 230 pounds, whereas a slightly thinner model with a robust coil system may provide the supportive sleep surface a heavy person needs.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
Ask the Sleep Doctor
Have questions about sleep? Submit them here! We use your questions to help us decide topics for future articles, videos, and newsletters. We try to answer as many questions as possible. You can also send us an email. Please note, we cannot provide specific medical advice, and always recommend you contact your doctor for any medical matters.
