We Tested Hundreds of Mattresses to Find the Best Beds for Heavy People
These mattresses are designed to properly support sleepers over 250 pounds.
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Everyone deserves a great night's rest, but for sleepers with body weights over 250 pounds, the average mattress may not be helping: Many mattresses have a weight limit of 250 pounds per person, and sleeping on a mattress that's not designed to support your body weight could potentially end up doing more harm than good. It's essential to invest in a bed that's both comfortable and supportive, so in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've put 197 mattresses to the test. We worked with hundreds of consumer testers, including those weighing over 250 pounds, and surveyed more than 10,000 sleepers to learn more about the most popular models on the market.
Our Top Pick: The Saatva HD Mattress offers superior edge support, has a firm and supportive feel that testers love, features an ergonomic zoned design and comes with full-service setup at no additional cost.
When it comes to firmness, medical experts have told us that a larger person is best suited to a firm mattress, but some sleepers — especially side sleepers — may struggle to feel comfortable on a too firm bed that won't adequately cushion pressure points. During our evaluations, we discovered that many mattresses are specifically designed to support higher body weights and won't immediately sag under pressure.
Best Deal
Pros
- Excellent edge support
- Testers said it helped with pain relief
- Strong, supportive steel coils combined with comfortable latex and foams
Cons
- May be too firm for some side sleepers
Mattress height: 15.5 in. | Firmness level: Medium-firm | Weight limit: 500 lbs per side (1,000 lbs total) | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King | Materials: Latex, foam and coils (hybrid) | Trial: 1 year with a $99 return pick-up fee
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Sleepers searching for superior support who like the feel of a traditional mattress and prefer full-service delivery and mattress removal.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Specifically designed for users weighing up to 500 pounds, the mattress layers a sturdy combination of heavy-duty steel coils with comfortable latex and foams. Plus, it has an ergonomic design with targeted support and pressure relief in the areas where you need it most for proper spinal alignment. While most mattresses available online come compressed in a box for DIY setup, this one has complimentary white-glove delivery and a generous year-long sleep trial (with $99 return fee).
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our panel members and testers who have slept on the HD describe it as well-made and comfortable and said it keeps its shape over time. One tester claimed she "fell in love" with the mattress from night one. She shared, "This mattress helped with ALL of my chronic pain," further adding, "In the morning, I don't have all those usual aches I have had all my life from fibromyalgia."
The same tester was impressed by the edge support, thanks to the high-density foam rails surrounding the bed. She said, "It doesn't give way when I sit, so I don't feel like I am falling off the edge." According to our testers, Saatva's beds do run a bit firm, so this medium-firm mattress may not be ideal for some side sleepers who need a little extra pressure relief.
RELATED: Saatva Classic Mattress Review
Pros
- Dense foam and coils for extra support
- Testers maintained a comfortable temperature during sleep
- Quilted top for comfort
Cons
- Does not have the best edge support
Mattress height: 12 in. | Firmness level: Extra Firm | Weight limit: 300 lbs per side (600 lbs total) | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Materials: Foam and coils (hybrid) | Trial: 90 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Price-conscious sleepers who need the support of a firm bed but don't want to spend a ton of money and don't mind DIY setup.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Allswell is our best budget mattress brand and proves that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort and support when opting for a more affordable bed. Priced under $500, the 12-inch hybrid mattress uses metal coils and high-density foam to reduce motion transfer and lend stability, which is especially ideal for heavier sleepers. But it's not just sturdy — it's also comfy: The mattress features a layer of foam and a quilted top for a softer sleeping surface.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: One panelist who previously slept on innerspring mattresses told us she loved the firmness and uniform support of this model, which is high praise given that innerspring mattresses tend to have more structure than hybrid or all-foam beds. Another tester shared, "It was exactly as firm as I expected it to be."
Hybrid mattresses like this one tend to have better airflow than all-foam beds, and our testers agreed that they didn't overheat or feel overly sweaty while sleeping on the bed. One drawback: Some of our testers have noted that the brand’s mattresses don't have the best edge support, so you may sink in when sitting on the edge.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
Pros
- Softer feel than similar mattresses
- Optional cover feels cool to the touch, according to testers
- Testers said this supportive mattress helped alleviate aches
Cons
- Users said edge support is lacking
Mattress height: 13 in. | Firmness level: Medium | Weight limit: 500 lbs per side (1,000 lbs total) | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King | Materials: Foam and coils (hybrid) | Trial: 120 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Plus-size side sleepers who find mattresses designed for their bodies too firm.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: While heavier people tend to require firmer beds for more support, a side sleeper still needs a slightly softer surface to help avoid stress around pressure points like the hips and shoulders. The Titan Plus Luxe is able to support up to 1,100 pounds across the mattress due to its individually encased metal coils and high-density foam base, but it also has a luxurious quilted top and layers of cushioning memory foam for pressure relief.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: One Titan Plus Luxe tester said, "It molded to [my] body and provided the right amount of support" and added that the bed was "a vast improvement" over her former all-foam bed when it came to relieving her daily aches and pains. Another tester commented, "I have chronic lower back pain that causes sciatica of my right leg. The mattress definitely alleviated this pain."
Testers also gave the mattress high ratings for helping them to maintain a comfortable temperature as they slept. One who opted for the GlacioTex cooling cover (for an additional fee) described it as "inviting" and said it felt "silky" and "cool to the touch." Along with earning high scores for temperature, the mattress received top marks for its overall comfort, support and quick and easy delivery process.
Pros
- Testers felt relief from back pain, starting on night one
- Sturdy foam and coils to prevent sagging
- High comfort ratings from multiple testers
Cons
- Some testers said the edge support could be better
Mattress height: 13.5 in. | Firmness level: Medium-firm | Weight limit: 500 lbs per side (1,000 lbs total) | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Materials: Foam and coils (hybrid) | Trial: 100 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People who don't mind DIY setup and like the contouring, pressure-relieving feel of a hybrid mattress with added support.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Pairing tall, thick coils to cradle your body without sinking in along with dense foams to lend support and prevent sagging (one of the main culprits for aches and pains), this mattress is ideal for heavier body types. The Luxe model also has a plush pillow top for added cushioning comfort. To help you achieve the most restful sleep, Helix offers a GlacioTex cover for an extra-cool feel if you're a particularly hot sleeper and a layer of zoned, body-contouring ErgoAlign foam (both for an added fee). The mattress was also a winner of Good Housekeeping's 2025 Bedding Awards.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: A tester who tried the standard Helix Plus shared, “It's contouring in the best way. [I] felt equal support between my neck, lower back and legs rather than a single area of focus.” Another tester who tried the Luxe model was impressed by the relief she felt while sleeping on the mattress. "I was in shock when I started sleeping on this mattress... I woke up with little to no pain after [previously] waking up every morning with pain," she shared.
Other testers complimented the sturdiness, including one who said, “I never have any worry that I'm putting too much weight on it for it to permanently sink on one side." Still, our testers wished the edges were a little more supportive, but a bit of sinking at the edge of the bed is to be expected of a foam hybrid bed.
Big Fig The Big Fig Mattress
Pros
- Can support up to 550 lbs per person
- Testers appreciated the motion isolation
- Coils are made with thicker steel to support more weight
Cons
- Less suitable for couples in which one partner is light and the other is heavy
Mattress height: 13 in. | Firmness level: Firm | Weight limit: 550 lbs per side (1,100 lbs total) | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King | Materials: Latex, foam and coils (hybrid) | Trial: 120 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Tall people or couples with heavy body weights in search of maximum support and noteworthy motion isolation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: This bed's construction speaks for itself: It can support up to 1,100 pounds (550 pounds per sleeper), which is more than most beds on the market. It uses thicker steel coils than other beds, and there are three layers of high-density foam for support, rather than one or two like in other mattresses we've evaluated. High-density foam also lines the perimeter for superior edge support, and altogether, the materials work to support more weight.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: For one tester and her partner in particular, this mattress was a game-changer. "The Big Fig mattress is NOTHING like our previous mattress," she said. "It is just the right combination of soft, cozy, comfortable, contouring, supportive and firmness."
Other testers also shared that they felt cooler while sleeping on this bed compared to other foam mattresses they've slept on and praised its motion-isolating abilities, emphasizing that the bed felt still when their partners were shifting around at night.
Note: It's not the best choice for couples in which one person is heavy and the other is light because it can feel too firm for lighter users.
RELATED: The Best Mattresses for Couples
Naturepedic EOS Pillowtop Organic Mattress
Pros
- Can choose a different firmness for each side of the mattress
- Provides good motion isolation
- Earned high marks for contour and support
Cons
- Requires more assembly than other beds
Mattress height: 15 in. | Firmness level: Firm, Cushion-firm, Medium, Plush, Ultra-plush | Weight limit: 550 lbs per side (1,100 lbs total) | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Materials: Latex, wool and coils (hybrid) | Trial: 90 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Couples with different body weights who don't agree on the same firmness level when mattress shopping; also shoppers who prefer organic.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: If you and your partner have different sleep preferences, this mattress from Naturepedic stands up to the challenge, offering truly customized firmness for each side of a Queen, King or California King bed. Layers of latex and coils can be swapped out to achieve your ideal firmness level on each side, making it great for couples who have different weights and sleeping preferences. Plus, it's GOTS-certified organic.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: Couples who’ve slept on the mattress loved the personalized comfort. One tester said, "I am sleeping better than I ever have" because she was finally able to choose the soft mattress type she wanted instead of compromising with her husband who needs a firm feel. Our testers also highlighted the motion isolation provided by the separate fills, and one told us she couldn’t feel her partner move at all at night.
This model earned high scores across the board for its contouring feel around the shoulders and hips and for its support. The catch is that it's pretty pricey and can be cumbersome to set up: The mattress comes in several larges boxes, and you’ll need to unbox each layer separately and zip it together for assembly, but users found it worth the effort.
Purple RestorePlus Cool Touch Hybrid Mattress
Pros
- Breathable grid provides great motion isolation
- Pressure-relieving feel can help reduce back pain
- Popular with hot sleepers
Cons
- Heavy with no side handles for maneuvering
Mattress height: 13 in. | Firmness level: Medium | Weight limit: 375 lbs per side (750 lbs total) | Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Materials: Elastic GelFlex grid, foam and coils (hybrid) | Trial: 120 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Back pain sufferers, as well as those who sleep hot and suffer from night sweats.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Purple's mattresses are like no other beds we've evaluated, thanks to the unique GelFlex Grid design, which is an elastic top layer that conforms to the body without compromising on breathability. It has earned high praise from hot sleepers, and instead of sinking into the bed, you'll lie on top of the mattress, allowing for better airflow. Plus, this Mattress Firm exclusive Cool Touch model has a cooling cover, unlike the standard RestorePlus Hybrid.
Along with the grid top, the mattress uses foams and coils with three zones of support, making it popular with pain sufferers: Medium support at the head and neck, firmer at the lower back and hips and gentle at the legs and feet.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: One tester shared, "I felt cradled by the mattress without sinking into it." Our testers are also pleased that they don't wake up hot and sweaty with this mattress. "It stays nice and cool all night," said a tester.
Another tester who experiences pain in her hips and lower back said, "No matter what position I sleep in, I feel supported by this bed... it fully contours and conforms to my body. The pressure relief really makes all the difference."
One thing to note: Purple’s mattresses tend to be heavy, and testers have reported that the beds are cumbersome to move, especially because they don't have side handles. If you opt to forego white-glove delivery, we recommend having another set or two of hands with you for the setup process.
RELATED: The Best Cooling Mattresses
Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Bed
Pros
- Can support up to 400 lbs per air chamber
- Sensors respond to your movement
- Pressure-relieving foams for comfort
Cons
- Delivery starts at $150 and there's a $250 return fee
Mattress height: 11 in. | Firmness level: Adjustable | Weight limit: 400 lbs per air chamber or 600 lbs per side with adjustable base | Sizes: Queen, King, Split King, FlexTop King, California King, Split California King, FlexTop California King | Materials: Adjustable air chambers, biometric sensors and foam | Trial: 100 days ($250 return fee)
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those who struggle to find the right firmness level and large sleepers who find their body weight fluctuates.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Sleep Number's adjustable mattresses allow you to easily control the firmness level for your most comfortable sleep with the help of internal air chambers. If your weight fluctuates, you can easily alter the level of support on the p6 to meet your current needs. There are even biometric sensors embedded, so if you switch positions during the night, the mattress will automatically adjust to your preferred firmness. It also uses responsive and pressure-relieving foams and can hold up to 400 pounds per air chamber — 600 pounds per chamber with the addition of the brand's adjustable base.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: The p6 has received high praise from hundreds of our GH panelists who swear it's worth the investment. In addition to its comfort and positive impact on sleep quality, users appreciated being able to select the exact level of firmness they need. One tester who tried another mattress from Sleep Number shared, "I really feel like [that] it gives me a custom sleep experience." Another Sleep Number tester said, "I love that you aren't chained to a specific firmness and that both my partner and I can have different firmness levels."
Many owners told us they wouldn't be able to go back to a non-adjustable mattress. Plus, it's even earned the Good Housekeeping Seal after extensive vetting by our Lab experts. Keep in mind: On top of the high price tag, delivery fees start at $150, and returns are $250.
RELATED: The Best Smart Mattresses and Beds
Pros
- Ergonomic design with seven zones of support
- Uses certified organic materials
- Users gave it perfect scores for comfort
Cons
- Not specifically designed for heavy body types
Mattress height: 11 in. | Firmness level: Gentle firm, Medium and Plush | Weight limit: 350 lbs per side (700 lbs total) | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Materials: Wool, latex and coils (hybrid) | Trial: 1 year
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Eco-conscious consumers who prefer organic materials or anyone who enjoys the responsive, floating-like feel of latex.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Another winner of Good Housekeeping's 2025 Bedding Awards, this mattress is certified organic by GOTS and GOLS, ensuring the entire manufacturing process follows strict standards, so it's a more sustainable mattress made with organic latex foams. The bed has a springy texture that contours to your body, so instead of sinking in, you'll lie more on the surface of the bed, and it uses wool will to help with temperature regulation. While the bed isn't designed specifically for heavier body types, the brand says it's a good pick for tall- or large-framed combination sleepers because of its durable ergonomic coils and bouncy latex.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: The bed has earned top scores from our panelists including one user who shared that after years of chronic shoulder and back pain, she was shocked that since switching to this mattress, she hadn't experienced any pain at all. Another said, "The bed definitely helped with my upper back and lower back pain, and when I go to bed with hip pain, I wake up refreshed in the morning."
One tester emphasized that the mattress "feels supportive" and said "you don't sink into it too much." She added, "The mattress is extremely comfortable. It contours to your body just the right amount."
RELATED: The Best Organic Mattresses
How we test the best mattresses for heavy people
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we evaluate all sorts of mattresses by researching offerings from top brands, working with consumer testers to provide firsthand feedback on setup and sleep testing, surveying long-term users for in-depth feedback and analyzing data.
During this process, we research all brands to ensure that they're trustworthy and that the mattresses consumers receive meet the company's marketing claims. Next, our experts and panel of consumer testers try out mattresses at home. They record everything from initial opinions and ease of setup all the way through several weeks of sleeping on the mattress to gauge how it holds up over time. We also ask our testers to compare the mattress to their previous mattresses to gauge changes from mattress to mattress.
For added insight into what makes the best bed for a specific sleeper, we routinely interview medical experts and survey our greater tester panel. In recent years, we've reviewed answers to over 170,000 questions from more than 10,000 users. Between expert evaluations, consumer testing and survey responses, here's a few key aspects we consider:
✔️ Ordering and delivery: Users tell us about the ease of the ordering process and report whether the mattress arrived quickly. They also let us know if there were any problems that arose and if those issues were resolved.
✔️ Setup: Survey respondents shared their opinion of the process — whether DIY or delivery service — and whether the mattress took proper shape in a reasonable amount of time.
✔️ Edge support: Reviewers sit on the edge of the bed to see if it dips under their weight or holds up, preventing them from sinking.
✔️ Firmness level: Testers give the mattress a firmness rating. This is important because sometimes what users feel in real life doesn't match the brand's claimed rating.
✔️ Comfort and support: Our testers comment on how much they liked sleeping on the mattress in the first few days as well as how they felt about sleeping on it over a longer period of time, noting the level of comfort and support over extended use.
✔️ Temperature regulation: We ask reviewers to rate how comfortable their body temperature remained while sleeping on the mattress, even if the mattress makes no cooling claims.
✔️ Sleep quality: We ask for a final score on sleep quality and whether or not users wake up feeling sore. Our testers can also compare the mattress to previous mattresses they've slept on, and then give it an overall satisfaction score.
✔️ Additional feedback: Reviewers are free to note any specific likes, dislikes and additional comments they have about their experiences with the mattresses.
What to look for when shopping for a mattress for heavy people
✔️ Check the brand’s recommended weight range. Most standard mattresses are designed to support up to 250 pounds per side, so you’ll want to make sure the mattress can support your body properly and not sag over time.
✔️ Look for details like coil-gauge thickness, foam firmness or additional layers. Mattresses that are specifically designed for heavier people often have thicker coils, firmer foam or extra layers to provide more support and durability.
✔️ Don’t forget to factor in sleep position. Even though heavier people need more support, side sleepers may prefer a mattress that is medium-firm to eliminate pressure points while still keeping the spine aligned. Stomach sleepers should look for firmer beds with less padding, and combination sleepers should opt for something in between.
✔️ If you suffer from lower or upper back pain, choose a pressure-relieving mattress that still offers support, such as a hybrid of foam and coils. Medical experts also advise looking for medium firmness for a balance of cushioning and support.
✔️ Take advantage of mattress trial periods. Without actually sleeping on a mattress, it’s tough to know whether it’s a good fit or not. Luckily, most mattress companies offer a trial period of at least 90 to 100 nights — some on our list offer up to a year. Be sure to check whether there are any hidden return fees and how to go about making the return to avoid any headaches later on.
✔️ Seek out a mattress with cooling properties if you're a hot sleeper or deal with night sweats. Memory foam tends to sleep hot, so you're better off picking a mattress with coils for airflow or cooling technology like copper particles, gel or phase-change technology that's added to the foam.
What type of bed is best for a heavy person?
It depends on what you find most comfortable and what keeps your body properly aligned. Amit Jain, M.D., M.B.A., chief of minimally-invasive spine surgery and associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, noted that those with large frames "should avoid soft mattresses, as they may exacerbate their pain."
Beyond that, there aren't any restrictions when it comes to the type of mattress. "Patients should select mattresses that provide adequate support to their back. Memory foam vs. traditional is a matter of individual preference," says Dr. Jain, adding, "Medically, one is not superior to the other."
That being said, hybrid mattresses are the most popular type on the market and make up a good portion of our list. They offer a good balance for most users since the coils provide support while the foam adds comfort.
A mattress made entirely of memory foam will be plush, but because it lacks metal coils, it may not offer enough support for large-framed sleepers. Those who prefer the feeling of laying flush on the bed, rather than sinking in, should opt for a firm or extra-firm mattress with little to no foam or a pillow top.
Is an innerspring or memory foam mattress better for a heavy person?
It's not a hard-and-fast rule, but in general, innerspring mattresses usually last longer than memory foam models. Steel coils — the more commonly used term for springs — typically hold up better than foam with more time and use. Coils offer more support, while foam is better known for offering pressure-relieving comfort. While all mattresses come in different firmnesses, innerspring mattresses tend to run a bit firmer than memory foam.
All of this said, individual comfort is key. There is no "best type of mattress" for anyone, which is why there are various types of mattresses in this round-up. Don't be deceived by what you're "supposed" to like. You really need to go with what feels best for you.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for heavy people?
In order to achieve the proper amount of support, a person with a larger frame should look for a firm mattress. If the mattress is too soft and does not have enough support, the heavier weight can cause the mattress to compress too much, leading to spine misalignment and mattress drooping.
But just because extra support is required doesn’t mean the mattress needs to be stiff. Try out a few to find the balance that works for your personal preferences and needs.
Which mattress thickness is best for heavy people?
Mattresses for heavy people should be at least 11 inches tall; all of our picks fall in the 11- to 15.5-inch range. In general, the taller the mattress, the more layers it has, so it can offer more support. Also, heavier weights will put more pressure on the mattress, so a thicker mattress can help prevent sagging over time. Note that a mattress above 15 inches may require deep-pocket sheets.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been evaluating bedding for over a century. Since the online mattress industry's rapid expansion in 2014, our experts have actively researched and reviewed hundreds of models, surveyed thousands of our readers and analyzed countless data points to find the best mattresses available.
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and managed recent consumer mattress testing of over 150 different models (in the last year alone!). She's written several stories about various types of mattresses, including hybrid mattresses, soft mattresses, latex mattresses and cooling mattresses and smart beds, and she has tried almost every type imaginable.
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine joined the Textiles Lab in 2022. She has slept on, tested and reviewed a variety of mattresses including Saatva's Classic Mattress, Tempur-Pedic's collection of mattresses and Allswell's beds. Constantine reviewed mattress testing data and responses from our survey panelists, using her categorical expertise to research mattresses and make picks for this article.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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