Best Mattress for Heavy People: Top Picks for Enhanced Support

Written by David Rubin

Updated

Sleep Doctor independently selects the products we test. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on our site.

Home / Best Mattress / Best Mattress for Heavy People

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.

The Best Mattresses for Heavy People

Swipe for more

Best Overall Mattress

WinkBed Plus

Shop Now

Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds

Icon
Shop Now

Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds

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.

Firmness

Firm (8)

Cooling

Great Airflow

Surface Usage

Full Surface

Value

Good Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. 2.5-inch layer of zoned latex offers responsive, ergonomic support

    2. Excellent edge strength maximizes usable space for couples

    3. Reinforced pocketed coils enhance durability

  • Cons

    1. May feel too firm for co-sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds

    2. Bouncy surface can transfer movement between sleep partners

Our Take Icon

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.

Standout Feature
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.

Testing Notes
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.

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.

Scoring & Details Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

8.0/10

Above 230 lbs

8.0/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.0/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

8.0/10

Above 230 lbs

8.0/10

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Helix Plus

Shop Now

27% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase. Code: DOCTOR27

Icon
Shop Now

27% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase. Code: DOCTOR27

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.

Firmness

Firm (7)

Cooling

Tencel Cover

Surface Usage

Full Surface

Value

Great Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. Memory foam comfort layer offers pressure relief without too much sinkage

    2. Tencel cover and pocketed coils allow for ample airflow

    3. Optional GlacioTex cooling cover is designed for those who sleep hot

  • Cons

    1. Edges sink under pressure, reducing the available sleeping space

    2. Responsive design leads to more motion transfer for couples

Our Take Icon

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.

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.

Scoring & Details Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.0/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.0/10

Best Value Mattress

Titan Plus Luxe

Shop Now

30% off sitewide with code: BFRIDAY30

Icon
Shop Now

30% off sitewide with code: BFRIDAY30

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.

Firmness

Medium Firm (6)

Cooling

Some Airflow

Surface Usage

Full Surface

Value

Great Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. Pocketed coils and high-density foam deliver robust support

    2. Highly responsive materials enable easy movement across the surface

    3. Below-average pricing for a hybrid mattress

  • Cons

    1. May not provide enough cushioning for side sleepers

    2. Average pressure relief may be inadequate for those with sensitive pressure points

Our Take Icon

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.

Scoring & Details Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.0/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7.0/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

5.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.0/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

Best Luxury Mattress

Saatva HD

Shop Now

Buy more, save more. Up to $500 off.

Icon
Shop Now

Buy more, save more. Up to $500 off.

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.

Firmness

Firm (7)

Cooling

Great Airflow

Surface Usage

Full Surface

Value

Fair Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. 3-inch quilted Euro-top eases pressure without sacrificing support

    2. Latex and memory foam comfort system offers balanced cushioning

    3. Innerspring support core has high-density polyfoam rails for solid edge support

  • Cons

    1. Thick 15.5-inch profile requires deep pocket sheets

    2. Luxury pricing may be a barrier for budget-conscious shoppers

Our Take Icon

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. 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.

Standout Feature
Thermoregulation was a 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.

Scoring & Details Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.0/10

130-230 lbs

8.0/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

8.0/10

Best Mattress for Pressure Relief

Nolah Evolution Comfort+

Shop Now

Black Friday early access: 35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows

Icon
Shop Now

Black Friday early access: 35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows

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.

Firmness

Firm (7)

Cooling

Cooling fibers, breathable gusset

Surface Usage

Full Surface

Value

Good Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. AirFoam material sleeps cooler than most polyfoams

    2. Plush Euro-top balances comfort with substantial support

    3. Above average motion isolation for co-sleepers

  • Cons

    1. May be too firm for lightweight co-sleepers

    2. Not a lot of support for heavier stomach sleepers

    3. $99 transportation fee on returns

Our Take Icon

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.

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 ultra-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.

Standout Feature
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.

Scoring & Details Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.0/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.0/10

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.

Best Overall Mattress

WinkBed Plus

Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds

SHOP NOW

Sturdy support with zoned latex and reinforced coils, excellent edge support, and a cool sleeping experience

SEE MORE DETAILS

Best for Side Sleepers

Helix Plus

27% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase. Code: DOCTOR27

SHOP NOW

A cool mattress that features three dense foam layers reinforced with sturdy pocketed coils.

SEE MORE DETAILS

product image of the Helix Plus

Best Value Mattress

Titan Plus Luxe

30% off sitewide with code: BFRIDAY30

SHOP NOW

An accessible sticker price and sturdy support layers make this a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

SEE MORE DETAILS

Best Luxury Mattress

Saatva HD

Buy more, save more. Up to $500 off.

SHOP NOW

A plush Euro-top combined with zoned latex for support and pressure relief.

SEE MORE DETAILS

Best for Pressure Relief

Nolah Evolution Comfort+

Black Friday early access: 35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows

SHOP NOW

Dense foams and ultra-sturdy coils ensure plenty of support for sleepers who need it.

SEE MORE DETAILS

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 PositionRecommended Firmness for Sleepers Over 230 lbs.
Side SleepersMedium Firm (6) to Firm (7)
Back SleepersFirm (7-8) to Extra Firm (9)
Stomach SleepersFirm (7-8) to Extra Firm (9)
Combination SleepersFirm (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

Is a firm mattress better for heavy people?

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.

What is the best mattress type for heavy people?

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.

Do mattresses have a weight limit?

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.

What is the best mattress for a heavy person who shares a bed with a lighter partner?

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.

How thick should a mattress for heavy people be?

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

David Rubin

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 articles, videos, and newsletters. We try to answer as many questions as possible. You can also send us an emailPlease note, we cannot provide specific medical advice, and always recommend you contact your doctor for any medical matters.