5 Best Mattresses For Heavy Bodies
Good Gear editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
No matter your body type, a quality mattress should meet your expectations for comfort, dependability, and durability. But suppose you are a plus-size, big, or tall person with a heavier body (usually categorized for mattress shoppers as 230 lbs and up) and a higher body mass index (BMI). In that case, you will likely have additional considerations as you shop for your Goldilocks mattress.
Not only is it important to find an appropriately supportive mattress, heavy-bodied sleepers also trend toward an elevated body temperature therefore finding mattresses made of the most breathable or temperature-controlling fabric and technologies is key. Mattresses with internal coil systems help with temperature control and provide extra support to avoid uncomfortable sagging or humps in your mattress. In comparison, those made solely with foam or latex base layers tend to give a heavier body a sinking feeling.
What is the best type of mattress for heavy bodies?
Based on our research, the best option for heavier bodies is a hybrid mattress that combines a spring or coil system with foam layers — offering the best of all worlds regarding temperature control, support, and comfort. These hybrid mattresses also have superior edge protection and reduce motion transfer. Note that hybrid mattresses have one designated sleeping side so they never need to be flipped. However, it is recommended that heavy-bodied sleepers occasionally rotate the mattress from head to toe to offer more durability.
Our favorite firmness for heavier-bodied sleepers is medium-firm to firm to provide better pressure relief, which is typically focused on the shoulders and hips but also keeps the spine in a neutral position. There is no industry standard test to measure the true firmness of a mattress — each manufacturer can measure this in their own way. Still, a firmness scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the firmest) is an industry-wide way to designate the interpreted firmness and offers a pretty good sense of what you’ll get.
Our methodology and criteria:
Our editors have personally tested and researched dozens of mattress brands, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to select the best mattresses for heavier bodies based on temperature control, firmness/support, and using nontoxic materials where possible. All the mattress companies reviewed also offer sleep trials to ensure you are satisfied with your choice, as well as payment plans for your ease.
One final note: Most of these brands recommend that heavier-bodied sleepers place their mattress on a solid base instead of a slatted frame for better support and longer wear spans on the mattress. Some offer adjustable bases that will work as well. Now time to read on for the best mattresses for heavy bodies. Remember, finding a pick that suits you is essential for increasing the longevity of your mattress and the quality of your sleep. 💤
1. Saatva HD
Best For | Overall comfort and support
Features | Made in the USA with consciously sourced materials, white-glove in-room delivery, lifetime warranty, 365-night home trial, old mattress removal
Mattress Materials | CertiPUR-US® certified foams, organic cotton, natural latex
Weights Supported | Up to 500 lbs for Twin and TwinXL, all other sizes 500 lbs each side
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Firmness Options | Medium firm 6–7
Price | $1,611–$3,562
The Saatva HD is made of layers of organic cotton natural latex, and the open coil system promotes breathability for a cooler, more comfortable sleep. We love that Saatva uses 12.5 gauge coils of recycled steel for the hybrid innerspring system, which supports heavier-bodied sleepers and confirms Saatva’s goal to deliver “optimal support in every sleep position for people up to 500 lbs.” Saatva uses patented technology they call Lumbar Zone®, which focuses on — you guessed it! — your lumber region. The natural latex layer offers five comfort zones for enhanced pressure point relief.
Saatva also hits the mark when it comes to a clean night’s sleep, as it uses a botanical antimicrobial treatment to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria and a plant-based flame retardant. Saatva offers a 365-day trial, but note there’s a $99 processing fee to cover gas and labor if you decide to return via company pick-up.
Customer Review | “I bought this bed for my 6’3” husband who is a big guy. A big guy. It doesn’t sink. It doesn’t dent. There is no sag to it. It’s simply amazing. When we sleep other places our back hurts, and we miss our mattress. Buy this mattress, it’ll change you.” – Katie M. (Read all reviews)
2. Helix Plus
Best For | Temperature control
Features | Free pillow set, 100-night sleep trial, 15-year limited warranty, assembled in Arizona
Mattress Materials | Tencel included but can upgrade to GlacioTex cooling cover or pillowtop. Carriesa CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certifications
Weights Supported | 1,000 lbs of combined weight and up to 500 lbs for individual sleepers.
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Firmness Options | Medium firm 6–7
Price | $811–$1,811. An adjustable base is available as an upgrade.
Helix Plus is a hybrid mattress that makes good on its promise to cater to sleepers with a higher BMI thanks to durable, high-density foams, and a thicker gauge TitanCore steel coil system. The Helix Plus system is built to stand up to higher weights without sacrificing any of the comfort and pressure point support.
The edge support on this mattress’s perimeter assists with a better night’s sleep with a broader surface area. Good news if you’re a tosser or a turner. Plus the Helix Plus comes standard with a breathable, hypoallergenic tencel top. They even offer further upgrades designed to enhance a cooler sleep state, including the GlacioTex cooling cover and pillow top, which the company claims pulls heat away from the body. You can easily upgrade your purchase to include an adjustable base to make it comfy for those recovering from injuries or for others who simply like to read in bed.
Customer Review | “A great find for my 6’0 240lb husband and me at 4’10” at 140 lbs. Ideal for both of us!” – Judy M. (Read all reviews)
3. Bear Elite Hybrid
Best For | Side-sleepers
Features | Designed, assembled, and shipped in the USA, 20-year warranty, 120-night mattress trial
Mattress Materials | CertiPUR-US Certified Foams, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Fiberglass-Free Fire Barrier
Weights Supported | Not available
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Firmness Options | Offered in soft (5), medium (6), firm (7 — recommended for heavy bodies)
Price | $1,231–$2,548
The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of two mattresses on our list that utilizes copper, which has the two-fold effect of assisting with a balanced temperature and providing the benefits of an antiviral and antibacterial surface. In addition, Bear also uses the breathable Celliant® fiber to help regulate overheating body temps.
The coils in this mattress are individually encased and are said to conform to the body’s curves for “exceptional support and motion response” because each coil reacts to body pressure independently, this makes it perfect for side-sleepers. Plus the coil system in this mattress goes edge-to-edge, which reinforces the overall durability and strength. Last but not least, all Bear mattresses are independently tested to meet chemical emissions standards. This is a cool and supportive option that will last.
Customer Review | “We sleep better than in years and are very happy customers. We’re short and 275 lbs combined but went with the firmest option and are glad we did. We were reassured if it was too firm, we could return it after 30 days, but no need. We’re glad we went with the 7.” – Matthew L (Read all reviews)
4. Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid
Best For | Affordability
Features | 365 trial, materials are carefully sourced from around the world, forever warranty
Mattress Materials | CertiPUR-US Foams
Weights Supported | Not available
Sizes Available |Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Firmness Options | Medium-Firm 6.5
Price | $1,079–$2,598
Eight inches of individually wrapped coils, four inches of gel memory foam, and a cover of breathable copper fibers and antimicrobial protection make the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid the tallest and strongest mattress Nectar offers. At 14 inches tall, the Nectar Premier’s strategically placed layers provide the ultimate comfortable sleep experience. Nectar uses therapeutic memory foam for pressure relief, an ActiveLift responsive layer of bounce-back foam that promotes spinal alignment, a one-inch transition layer for motion transfer, and an additional layer for stability. Now, that’s a lot of layers.
This option is also one of the most affordable on our list and offers a generous trial and forever warranty so you don’t have to risk much to find out if this is the right mattress for you. With that many layers, careful craftsmanship, and value for price, we think you’ll be a happy sleeper.
Customer Review | “My husband slept on the couch for almost two years because our old mattress hurt his back. After the first night of sleeping on the nectar mattress, he rolled over and said, “I’m a fan of this mattress!” It was the first night in two years that his back wasn’t hurting right away. My husband is over 300lbs, and this mattress was one of the recommended mattresses if overweight on all the blog posts I read. We also bought the base and headboard, and so far (after first month), we are loving the quality and sturdiness for the price.” – Rhonda (Read all reviews)
5. Avocado Green Mattress
Best For | Differing weight co-sleepers
Features | 1-year sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty, endorsed by American Chiropractic Association, assembled in Los Angeles using sustainably sourced domestic and imported material
Mattress Materials | GOLS-certified organic latex, wool, and cotton, Needle-tufted by hand and s, GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low emissions, and Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified by UL Environment. MADE SAFE® standards
Weights Supported | 350 pounds per person, or 700 pounds total for mattresses that can accommodate two sleepers
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, order 2 twin XL for split king
Firmness Options | Firm, medium, and plush
Price | $1,399–$2,699
Avocado’s Hybrid Green Mattress stands out amongst the pack. The brand is at the top of the game in its sourcing efforts, with GOTS-certified organic wool coming from a herding collective located in the foothills of the Himalayas. This wool is anti-microbial, resistant to dust mites, and offers natural temperature control. Pair that with organic cotton which cools and wicks away moisture for extra comfort. Plus the mattress is crafted with needle-tufted organic wool rosettes and three firmness options. Needle-tufting dates back to the 17th century and means no chemical adhesives are needed to bind the layers, allowing for longer durability and no toxic off-gassing.
Plus Avocado doesn’t skimp on support. The brand’s innerspring unit houses up to 1,459 steel coils that are different gauges encased in their fabric pockets. This patent pending system is claimed to reduce motion transfer, relieve back pain, and distribute weight evenly — making it suitable for multi-weight sleepers. Couples take note!
Customer Review | “My wife and I bought this bed after seeing the Consumer Reports rating and reading reviews on the Avocado website. Our previous mattress, a memory foam, had some sagging problems after only a year and a half. The worst part for me, an overweight male who tends to sleep near the edge of the bed, was that there was no edge support. Avocado mattresses offer amazing side support, so I never feel like the edge of the bed is lower than the rest of the mattress. We ordered the basic king-size mattress without a topper, and we couldn’t be happier. It’s firm without being uncomfortable at all. Perfect for my wife, an average weight back sleeper, and me, an overweight side sleeper.” – Brian M. (Read all reviews)
Featured image is from Helix Plus
