Built to Last: How to Choose the Best Mattress for Heavy People

We all know what it feels like to wake up after a bad night’s sleep on an unsupportive mattress—and how hard it is to slog through the day when we didn’t get enough rest. A poll by the National Sleep Foundation in 2020 found 40% of Americans say lack of sleep interferes with their ability to function. 

But good sleep isn’t just about getting through the day. It’s also critical to overall health. Poor sleep is tied to a slew of health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and some cancers. 

Finding a durable and supportive mattress is a long-term investment in your health. Here’s how to choose the best mattress for heavy people.

Understanding Mattress Types

There are three main types of mattress, each with pros and cons for those with a higher body weight. 

Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses are made with layers of comfort material and are designed to hug the body. Their softness supports proper spinal alignment by allowing the spine to curve naturally during sleep.

Pros: Memory foam offers excellent motion isolation, meaning one person can move around in the bed without the other person feeling it. High quality memory foam mattresses are fairly durable.

Cons: Memory foam may not offer the firm support heavier bodies need to sleep comfortably, and the mattress may not last as long as other types due to wear and tear. They offer less edge support than other mattress types, meaning they may be harder to get in and out of.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are made with metal coils to offer firm, consistent support. Their firmness promotes proper spinal alignment.

Pros: Innerspring mattresses are sturdy and firm enough to support heavier bodies, and they are firm all the way to the edges. Innerspring mattresses can also withstand wear and tear to last a long time.

Cons: Depending on their construction, innerspring mattresses may offer less motion stabilization than memory foam. This means movements might be felt across the bed.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds, combining the comfort layers of memory foam with supportive springs.

Pros: Hybrid mattresses offer body-hugging softness while also adequately supporting heavier bodies and providing motion stabilization.

Cons: Hybrid mattresses may not provide enough firmness for higher weights, particularly around the edges.

Of course, personal preference is also a major factor in choosing the best mattress for heavy people. But understanding mattress type may serve as a jumping-off point for further research.

Decoding Mattress Construction

Mattresses are composed of multiple components, all of which affect their lifespan.

●   Coil gauge refers to the thickness of the metal coils inside the mattress. Thicker coils mean a firmer, more durable mattress with strong edge support.

●   Traditional innersprings use coils that are all linked together. Newer models like the Titan Plus, Titan Plus Luxe and Titan Elite feature pocketed coils, which are individually wrapped for better motion isolation.

●   Foam density measures the compactness of mattress foam. The higher the foam density, the more supportive (including at the edges) and durable the mattress. 

●   Base layers form the foundation of the mattress. They typically consist of high density foam that is designed to provide long-lasting support and stability.

Different mattress styles work for different sleeping styles and preferences. But quality materials are universally important for finding the best mattress for heavy people. 

Support and Body Weight

Body weight is always a factor when selecting a mattress. Higher weight is best supported by a mattress with:

●   Firmer, higher-density foams

●   Higher coil gauge 

●   Zoned support innersprings (different firmness levels in different parts of the mattress)

Mattresses with these characteristics are most likely to give heavier individuals firm support while also properly aligning the spine during sleep. They also offer the right amount of pressure relief, meaning they prevent the buildup of pressure at places where the most weight is placed on the mattress.

Factors Affecting Mattress Lifespan

The biggest dictator in how long your mattress will last is the quality of its materials. Not only will a mattress made with high quality materials be more comfortable immediately, it will remain comfortable thanks to increased durability and stability.

The way you take care of your mattress also impacts its lifespan. Aim to rotate your mattress at least once or twice a year to ensure it wears more evenly, and clean it every 3-6 months according to care instructions. Washing your bedding regularly will also help keep your mattress in tip-top shape.

Finding the Right Mattress for You

When it comes to finding the best mattress for heavy people, it helps to weigh the makeup of the mattress against your personal sleep preferences. 

If you like the contoured softness of memory foam, look for one made with high density foam that is designed to support higher body weights while providing proper spinal alignment. Memory foam is also a good choice for those worried about isolating their movements during sleep.

If you’re looking for firmness that goes all the way to the edges of the mattress, consider an innerspring made with high-gauge, pocketed coils that will support your weight and your spine without too much motion transfer. Innerspring mattresses are also among the most durable, making them an excellent long-term investment for heavier sleepers.

If you crave the softness of memory foam but want a firm mattress with good edge support, consider a hybrid. The combination of comfort layers and durable coils can provide heavier bodies with long-lasting support. Aim high when it comes to foam density and coil gauge, and look for pocketed coils that will provide motion isolation.

An Investment in Your Health

Now that you know what to look for, you’re ready to begin your search for the best mattress for heavier bodies. Considering the type of mattress and its components, the quality of the materials and your personal sleep preferences will help you make the right choice for you. 

A quality mattress is an investment in good sleep—and overall health. For sleepers of every size, this investment in quality and durability is a wise one.