What type of mattress is best for a heavy person?
You might be wondering, "What type of mattress is best for a heavy person?" As a heavy person, finding a comfortable mattress can be difficult. Most mattresses are designed with the average-weight sleeper in mind. So, big people often struggle to find a mattress that supports them adequately. That's why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect mattress.
What type of mattress is best for heavy person?
There are plenty of options out there. We've done the research to tell you what type of mattresses is best for heavy person.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam is a material with a long history of use in different industries. NASA initially developed it to cushion astronauts in space capsules. Since then, it has found its way into applications such as adult bunk beds, commercial beds, contract beds, and hospital beds.
Memory foam mattresses are made from polymer polyurethane, which makes them more flexible than traditional mattresses. Polyurethane has a viscosity that allows it to mould to your body, giving you pressure relief and contouring when you lie on the bed.
One thing to be mindful of when choosing a memory foam mattress is that the firmness can vary depending on the polymer used. Generally speaking, if you have a heavier bodyweight, you should choose one that is firm to help with side sleeping. Otherwise, you could sink too far into the mattress, making it harder to get back out again in the morning.
Innerspring Mattresses
For years, innerspring mattresses have been considered the only viable option for heavy sleepers. Standard memory foam mattresses are not only too soft for their needs but also tend to sink around the edges and sag over time with use.
Innerspring mattresses use coils to support your weight, and these coils are highly durable. They'll last for years and hold up to a lot of pressure. The coils can be made of different metals, but tempered steel and titanium are the most common.
Regardless of what metal you choose, innerspring mattresses can have coils with different gauges (or thickness). Coils with a lower gauge number will be thicker, and those tend to last longer.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine memory foam and innerspring, so they give you the best of both worlds. This can be super helpful if you're on the heavier side because heavier people need more support.
Innerspring mattresses provide great support, but they can also feel firm and uncomfortable for some people. Memory foam is excellent for comfort and pain relief, but it isn't always supportive enough for overweight people.
Because of their construction, hybrid mattresses tend to cost more than traditional spring mattresses. Hybrid mattresses also tend to last longer. They can last ten years or more compared to five to seven years for conventional spring mattresses.
Additionally, these mattresses are great for care home beds, heavy-duty beds, and other specialised sleeping arrangements.
Product: Memory Foam 1200 Mattress (Hybrid)
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses are firm and strong enough to offer a lot of support. Their firmness is consistent throughout the surface instead of just in certain parts. This helps ensure that your body is supported evenly while you sleep.
They're made out of natural latex rubber, which is both durable and breathable. This means that they'll stay in good shape even with regular use over time, and you won't have to worry about overheating while you sleep.
Additionally, latex mattresses are especially ideal for side sleepers. Side sleeping is considered one of the healthiest sleeping positions for heavy people (and people in general).
Airbed Mattresses
Airbed mattresses are designed to withstand much more weight than other types of mattresses. If a typical coil mattress can hold 500 pounds, an airbed mattress will usually be able to hold at least 700 pounds. Some even boast they can hold up to 1000 pounds!
These mattresses are designed to provide support, but they also come with adjustable firmness and softness settings, allowing you to choose the right setting for your body type and sleeping style.
Things to consider when buying a new mattress for a heavy person
Here are some tips for what to look for when buying a new mattress if you're above a certain weight.
Opt for a firmer mattress
You may think that a soft mattress would be best for your heavy frame, but that's not true for most sleepers. The softer material is, the less it will be able to support your weight evenly. That means you'll sink in faster and develop pressure points more quickly than on a firmer surface. Opting for a slightly firmer material will mean better and more even support, which is what you need when you're overweight.
Look for a mattress with reinforced edge support
If you're over 250 pounds, you'll want to look for a mattress that has reinforced edges. This is particularly important if you like to sit on the edge of your bed. A reinforced edge will prevent the edge from sagging down and give you more support. You should also look for an innerspring-style mattress if you want extra support. The coils are more durable and resistant to bending than other mattresses, and they do not sag as quickly.
Look for high-quality materials
A cheap, poorly-made mattress won't hold up under pressure, especially not if that pressure comes from someone who's typically heavier than the average body weight. We recommend looking for mattresses that use latex foam or memory foam instead of cheaper polyurethane foams. These are more durable and resilient than other options, which is essential for holding up under the heavier weight.
Consider your sleep position
Most people sleep on their sides or backs. But if you're a stomach sleeper, you may have a more challenging time finding the right mattress for your needs. Stomach sleeping can cause back issues over time due to the unnatural curvature it puts on your spine. If you're determined to sleep this way, look for a mattress with medium-firm support to keep your spine aligned throughout the night.
The density and thickness of the foam
The higher the density, the longer the mattress will last and the better it will hold up for heavier people. Look at the mattress specs and make sure you're getting at least 1.5 pounds per cubic foot. You'll also want to make sure that there is enough thickness in each layer of foam or latex so that you don't bottom out when lying on it.
There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a new mattress, and unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. But with a bit of research, you can find the perfect mattress for your needs and your budget.
If you're looking for a bed that is sturdy and durable and will last you a lifetime, get in touch with us today.