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.
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.
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.
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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
Big Fig Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Big Fig is designed with heavier sleepers in mind and nicely serves its intended purpose. Dense latex and foam layers provide adequate cushioning without buckling beneath your weight, and the robust coils deliver plenty of pushback to keep your body on an even plane. We’ve found the mattress is particularly well suited to hot sleepers due to its breathable materials.
Buy from Big Fig
Firm (7)
ThermoGel Cooling Technology
Full Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Cooling gel infusion excels for hot sleepers and couples
- Latex and polyfoam comfort system balances cushioning and bounce
- High-density polyfoam surrounding the support core provides excellent edge support
Cons
- Limited cushioning for side sleepers under 230 pounds
- Coils can make noise when sleepers shift positions
This firm (7) hybrid contains dense comfort layers and a strong coil system, resulting in minimal sinkage, plenty of bounce, and excellent overall support. The mattress earned stellar ratings from all testers in this weight range across the three position groups. Back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also found the Big Fig comfortable. If you need close contouring and cushioning to sleep comfortably, you should consider a softer, more adaptive mattress.
Why We Like It
Temperature control was a testing highlight. The combination of cooling gel in the cover, a breathable top layer, and steady airflow through the coils helps the Big Fig resist excessive heat retention. We were also impressed during ease of movement tests. The latex produces significant bounce, and most of us moved across the surface without encountering any resistance.
How Does It Feel?
The Big Fig’s topmost layer is composed of solid latex, so you’ll notice significant springiness when you get into bed. Three polyfoam layers reinforce the surface to provide additional cushioning, but each layer is progressively denser from top to bottom and this allows your body to settle into the mattress without sinking excessively. Pocketed coils in the support core have relatively thick gauge of 15, so you’ll receive ample pushback from this layer. Extra perimeter reinforcement makes the mattress feel stable when you sleep near the edges or get out of bed in the morning.
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.
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.
What’s Important to Consider in a Mattress for Heavy People?
No matter your body weight, a mattress should offer the right balance of features to maintain healthy spinal alignment, avoid overheating, and reduce pressure on the shoulders, lower back, and hips. We’ve found that certain features are key to finding this balance for people over 230 pounds.
Mattress Type
Selecting the right mattress type is the first step to choosing a suitable mattress, and some designs better accommodate the needs of people over 230 pounds.
- Foam: All-foam beds can be suitable for heavy people if they include high-density foam. Models with thick memory foam layers may lack adequate firmness and durability for sleepers over 230 pounds.
- Latex: Known for breathability and a bouncy surface, latex models offer pressure relief with less sinkage than memory foam and can be a good fit for heavy people needing firmer support.
- Hybrid: Hybrids are a great choice for heavy people because they combine the support and airiness of coils with softer layers of foam or latex. Hybrids span the full range of firmness levels, so be mindful of your needs and comfort preferences when selecting a hybrid model.
- Airbed: These beds feature adjustable air chambers, which allow for a personalized feel on both sides of the bed. Airbed mattresses are a great choice for couples with different firmness needs, but they are typically expensive.
Durability
Durability is one of the first things we look for in a mattress designed for heavy people. Sleepers over 230 pounds exert more pressure on a mattress, making less durable models prone to early wear and tear. A mattress should last for at least six to eight years, so we suggest focusing on well-constructed models made from quality materials like reinforced coils, dense foams, and natural latex.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the stability of a mattress’ perimeter. Strong edge support prevents sagging when sitting or sleeping near the perimeter, which is especially important for people over 230 pounds.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness means how quickly a mattress adjusts to your movements. Bouncier materials, like latex and coils, provide pushback against your weight and make it easier to move across a bed. Responsiveness is particularly important for heavier individuals, as softer mattresses tend to restrict movement.
Temperature Control
Heavy people sink more deeply into a mattress, which can reduce airflow around the body and allow heat to build up. Finding a mattress with good temperature regulation, like an airy hybrid or latex model, can help reduce heat retention, as can cooling features like gel infusions and breathable fabrics.
Tips for Sharing a Bed With a Lighter Partner
Finding a mattress that suits both a person over 230 pounds and a lighter partner can be challenging. To find a compromise, we suggest strategies that allow each person to find an ideal level of support.
Try a Split Bed or Airbed
Consider a split bed or airbed with adjustable firmness settings. Many brands offer split king mattresses that can be customized with a different firmness level on each side. Adjustable airbeds allow each partner to adjust the firmness on their side of the bed using a remote control or smartphone app, ensuring both partners get the support they need.
Use a Topper on One Half of the Bed
Another option is to choose the firmness level that’s right for one partner, then use a mattress topper to adjust the firmness on the other half of the bed. A soft topper can provide additional plushness for the lighter person, while a firmer topper can add support for the heavier partner.
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
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