The Best Mattress for Heavy People

For Americans who are considered heavier, there are quite a few challenges that others don't always face. One of them is the choice of a good bed mattress. Finding one that provides adequate support while still being comfortable is at the root of the difficulty. But good mattresses are out there if you're willing to look for them.

We would caution you against believing there is a "best" mattress for heavy people in terms of manufacturer or mattress construction. Research suggest there are more than 1,200 different mattress models to choose from; a fact that makes denoting one of them as the best a nearly impossible task. When it comes right down to it, the best mattress for anyone is the one that allows the individual to get a comfortable night's sleep with a minimum amount of pain issues.

Coil Spring Mattresses for Heavier Individuals

In the old days there was little variation in coil spring mattresses; most manufacturers used the same heavy gauge springs of roughly the same size and count. But as mattress technologies have advanced we're finding models with much smaller and more lightweight springs, distributed throughout the body of a mattress in greater numbers.

There are certain advantages to making coil spring mattresses this way, not the least of which is the fact that the more springs you have in a mattress the better it is at alleviating pressure points. However, the fact that the springs are lighter and smaller does not necessarily bode well for the heavier individual.

Heavy people looking at coil spring mattresses should stick with the more traditional models with fewer but larger springs. These larger springs are better able to support the weight of the heavier individual. Obviously, the more a person weighs the stronger the springs in his mattress need to be in order to provide adequate support. Before purchasing a mattress it’s a good idea to consult your doctor about your health needs, and then consult a bedding specialist who has experience dealing with heavier people.

Foam Mattresses for Heavier People

It's not uncommon for people to believe that foam mattresses are not good for heavier folks. Yet that's not always the case. It is true that thin memory foam and latex foam mattresses don't provide enough support, and allow the mattress to "bottom-out", but there are plenty of non-standard options available for those who are heavier.

As a general rule, if you weigh less than about 225 pounds on a six-foot frame, you can get adequate support with a mattress up to about 4" thick. If you weigh more than that you're looking at one that is at least 5" thick. Neither of these thicknesses includes toppers.

If you prefer memory foam, hybrid mattresses are a good choice. Hybrid mattresses will have a core made up of very dense and rigid foam, surrounded by a shell of softer foam. These hybrid mattresses allow for the maximum amount of support while also providing a comfortable and soft sleep surface. This type of construction is a great choice for heavier people who need rigidity but who prefer the body hugging properties of memory foam.

If you're not into memory foam, latex is a great choice for heavier people. Latex tends to be very firm and rigid, and it's much more forgiving when you roll around in your sleep. The thing to remember about latex foam mattresses is that they need a solid surface underneath. In order to provide enough support to the user a foam mattress must be placed on a stiff piece of plywood, or a solid frame. Never use a box spring with a foam mattress.

Waterbed Mattresses for Heavier People

If you're a heavier person considering a waterbed mattress you need to look for a model with multiple water chambers and baffles. A baffling system prevents water from shifting while you move; something that is essential in order to prevent the heavier person from damaging the mattress. By and large, remember that heavier people also tend to have more difficulty getting in and out of waterbeds. Waterbeds don't provide enough rigidity to make getting out of them easy. A waterbed mattress with reinforced sides might be beneficial in such a case.

Also keep in mind that waterbed mattresses provide little in terms of back support. So if you're a heavier person with back pain problems, the waterbed is probably your worst choice of bedding. You should seriously consider looking at a coil spring or foam mattress.

Along those same lines, adjustable air mattresses provide great support and comfort, but they are not always the best option for heavier people. Due to the inherent flaws of inflation technology, all adjustable air mattresses do have a weight limit. This is something you'll need to discuss with your salesperson prior to purchasing your mattress. Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to know what that weight limit is. If you exceed that limit, and the mattress fails in any way, your warranty will probably not be honored.

When you shop for your mattress remember that your overall comfort is the goal you're trying to reach. Don't be discouraged by your weight into believing that you're never going to find a good mattress. Good mattresses are out there; you just need to look until you find them.