Best Mattresses for Larger People – Top Picks and Buying Guide

Heavier side sleepers typically prefer mattresses that offer a combination of body conforming and strong structural support. Some cushioning is needed to ensure good spinal alignment – a common issue associated with the side position – while the bed’s support core must maintain a sag-free sleep surface to prevent further aches and pains. The WinkBed Plus is one of the only mattresses sold today that is specifically designed for larger individuals.

A ‘Firm’ (8) option for the standard WinkBed, the WinkBed Plus is constructed with gel polyfoam and latex comfort layers, a compressed-cotton lumbar pad that targets lower back pain, and a pocketed coil support core encased in high-density foam. These materials provide a balanced sleep experience for most heavier individuals; the latex conforms to a moderate yet consistent extent while the support core reinforces the entire bed to prevent sagging in the sleep surface and sinkage along the edges. The WinkBed Plus also sleeps very cool due in part to strong air circulation through the coil layer and a breathable cover made of Tencel® lyocell.

Customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free shipping when they order a WinkBed plus. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

Side sleepers can enjoy cushiony contour with the WinkBed Plus, thanks to comfort layers of gel polyfoam and latex, while the ‘Firm’ setting ensures sag-resistant support for heavier body weights.

A chief complaint from heavier individuals about memory foam mattresses is that the beds are too thin, too soft, and prone to sagging. The Nectar is a notable exception. This mattress measures 12″ in height, which is thicker than average, and is constructed from three individual foam layers for optimal support.

The comfort system contains a layer of gel memory foam, both of which conform to the sleeper’s body to help align the spine and alleviate pressure throughout the body. The support core is constructed with two layers of high-density polyfoam to reinforce the sleep surface and minimize sagging. And because the bed is ‘Medium Firm’ (6 on the 1-10 firmness scale), most heavier individuals will not sink too deeply.

Additionally, the Nectar has a breathable cover that allows the mattress to sleep cooler than other foam beds. It also absorbs and minimizes motion transfer to a significant extent and is virtually silent when bearing weight, which makes it a good option for couples – particularly if one or both of the sleepers awaken easily due to noise or motion.

The Nectar is well below that of the average memory foam mattress. Customers may test out the mattress for 365 nights and still receive a refund if they decide to return it; this is one of the longest sleep trials available anywhere.

The Bottom Line.

The Nectar offers mostly everything heavier sleepers are looking for — a thicker profile, durable construction, and relatively cool sleep surface — but for a much lower price-point.

Back sleepers tend to prefer mattresses with strong support systems that maintain an even, relatively sag-free surface in order to prevent the sleeper’s body from sinking excessively in certain areas, which can cause discomfort. The Helix PLUS mattress is specifically designed to offer heavy sleepers the support and other key features they need in a bed.

The mattress is constructed with comfort and transitional layers of dense memory foam and a proprietary latex-foam alternative, called Helix Dynamic Foam. These layers contour to the body and provide pressure relief. The mattress offers great breathability for hot sleepers due to the airflow through its coil layer and its Tencel cover. The bed’s support core contains extra tall pocketed coils, with a reinforced perimeter to ensure sleepers feel secure even when sleeping near the edge of the mattress. That excellent edge support, combined with the bed’s substantial 13″ profile, makes it easy for sleepers to get on and off the bed.

All of the materials in the mattress, as well as the mattress itself, are produced in the USA. Helix backs this mattress with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. However, they do require a 30-night break-in period before a return can be initiated.

The Bottom Line.

The thoughtful design of the Helix PLUS ensures the mattress provides long-term, comfortable support for larger back sleepers without developing sagging. The bed’s hybrid design and reinforced perimeter offer great edge support and temperature neutrality.

The Saatva HD offers resilient support and a ‘Firm’ feel that won’t sag beneath the sleeper’s heaviest areas. The Talalay latex comfort layer is divided into five zones based on the sleeper’s body. As a result, the sleeper experiences consistent contouring around their head and neck, shoulders, lower back and hips, and legs. At 15.5″ thick, the mattress also has a generous profile that is particularly well-suited to heavier people.

The Saatva HD’s support core is constructed with durable, 12.5-gauge bonnell coils encased in high-density foam. This layer helps to maintain an even sleep surface and reinforce the edges to prevent excessive sinkage. The coils also generate strong airflow, allowing the surface to sleep cool and comfortable for most. A breathable organic-cotton cover helps the bed remain temperature-neutral, as well.

Saatva offers free shipping for all orders within the contiguous U.S. The mattress is also backed by a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

We mentioned above that very few mattresses are designed specifically for heavier sleepers. The Saatva HD is one of the exceptions. The company bills this mattress as “luxury comfort for the bigger body,” and they’ve delivered on that promise. The innerspring construction and organic cotton cover promote airflow, keeping the mattress cool, while the zoned latex comfort layer offers heavy-built sleepers just the right amount of contour and support.

The DreamCloud is a luxury hybrid with a budget-friendly price-point. The mattress begins with a Euro-top padded with foam to give the surface a plush feel. Other components include a memory foam comfort layer, 8-inch pocketed coils, and a base layer of high-density polyfoam. Altogether, the DreamCloud measures 14 inches thick and is a great option for people who prefer high-profile beds.

The mattress also sleeps exceptionally cool. The coils generate constant airflow to help circulate air throughout the interior to maintain a comfortable temperature, and the cover is made from a breathable cashmere blend. Edge support is another asset thanks to the thick coil system, which reinforces the perimeter to prevent excessive sinkage when people get in and out of bed.

The DreamCloud’s sticker price is quite low compared to other hybrid models, and the company will ship for free anywhere in the lower 48 states. The sleep trial spans 365 nights in length, giving customers an entire year to make their decision, and the mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty,.

The Bottom Line.

The DreamCloud offers the luxurious comfort of a high-end Euro-top mattress at a fraction of the normal cost. Customers also receive a yearlong sleep trial and lifetime warranty.

The Titan Plus from Brooklyn Bedding is one of the firmest and most supportive mattresses for larger sleepers on the market. The bed is considered ‘Firm’ (8) and provides minimal yet consistent conforming, offering an even, supportive surface for heavier individuals, particularly those who sleep on their back and/or stomach.

The Titan Plus also sleeps quite cool, due in part to strong air flow within the coil layers and its breathable cotton-polyester cover. The mattress isolates motion well and produces minimal noise, as well, but it is also responsive enough for sex. Another key strength is edge support; thanks to its 2″ high-density foam base layer, the mattress is well-reinforced and can withstand sinkage around the perimeter of the bed where people tend to sit.

Brooklyn Bedding offers free shipping for customers anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The Titan Plus is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The Titan Plus offers comfort and support in an extremely durable mattress. This bed checks all the boxes for heavier sleepers: a cool sleep surface, minimal contouring, and strong edge support.

As the name suggests, the Plank by Brooklyn Bedding is truly a firm mattress. Sleepers who want a high level of support will likely appreciate this mattress’ uncompromising dedication to spinal alignment. The all-foam, flippable construction offers sleepers firm (7) and extra firm (9) surfaces. While all types of sleepers who weigh above 230 pounds are likely to find the Plank a good fit, back and stomach sleepers in particular find this mattress provides a comfortable level of support.

Both sides of the mattress share the same 7-inch high-density polyfoam support core. The firm side features 2 inches of Brooklyn Bedding’s proprietary Titan Foam and 1.5 inches of quilted high-density polyfoam. Together, these layers give the mattress a traditional, firm feel and provide a bit of pressure relief. The extra firm side has .75 inches of quilted polyfoam.

Shoppers will find the Plank has better-than-average temperature regulation for an all-foam mattress, though it will likely retain more heat than an innerspring or hybrid model. Shoppers who run hot can choose to add a cooling panel to the mattress’ standard cotton and polyester cover. This panel includes phase change molecule fabric (PCM) that’s engineered to keep the mattress temperature neutral.

In addition to standard dimensions, the Plank is available in short or RV-specific sizes as well as split king and Olympic queen. Brooklyn Bedding ships to the U.S. and Canada, and free shipping is available for shoppers in the contiguous U.S. The Plank carries a 10-year warranty and comes with a 120-night sleep trial.

The Bottom Line.

The Plank by Brooklyn Bedding is one of the firmest mattresses currently on the market. It’s well suited to sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds and provides exceptional support for stomach and back sleepers. The mattress’ flippable construction offers a choice between sleep surfaces, and the optional cooling panel can increase its temperature regulation.