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If you’re a bit on the heavier side and are looking for a fully supportive mattress that will last, you’ve come to the right place. Heavy sleepers need something a little more substantial than the average mattress – no all-foam beds here. In this review, we’ve rounded up the best mattresses for heavy people, those weighing up to 300 lbs. Our Editor’s Choice for best mattress for a 300 pound person is the Nolah Evolution Comfort+.
Our Top Picks for Best Mattress for a 300 Pound Person
- Nolah Evolution Comfort+ – editor’s choice
- Puffy Royal – best for heavy sleepers with back pain
- Saatva HD – best luxury mattress for heavy sleepers
- Big Mattress Premier – best for big and tall sleepers
- PlushBeds Luxury Bliss – best organic mattress for heavy sleepers
- Purple Hybrid – best cooling mattress for heavy sleepers
#1. Nolah Evolution Comfort+
Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice | Nolah Evolution Comfort+ Mattress Review
Pros
- Can hold up to 1000 lbs.
- Active cooling
- Targeted zoned support
- Even weight distribution
- Fiberglass-free
Cons
- Slight off-gassing
- Can be a little too thick for those with mobility issues
Our experience With Nolah Evolution Comfort+
The newest offering from Nolah’s impressive roster of mattresses, the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is the Nolah Evolution’s more robust iteration.
Think of it this way – if the Nolah Evolution is middleweight, the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is heavyweight.
For those who are heavier-set, this means everything.
First of all, we like that it can hold up to 1000 lbs. of combined weight (and believe me, we tried). We also liked that it was actively cooling from its layers of proprietary cooling AirFoam to its ArcticTex cooling cover to something we’ve never seen before in mattresses – a border gusset that helps trapped heat escape.
All in all, the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ not only provides enough support (with a whole lotta extras) for heavier-set individuals but it also elevates the whole sleeping experience to a cooling, more comfortable one.
Who should buy the Nolah Evolution Comfort+
- Individuals who are heavier than average
- Hot sleepers
- Couples
- Those who prefer a more responsive mattress
Firmness
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ sits on a 6-7 on the mattress firmness scale making it a medium-firm mattress.
This makes it suitable for all sleeping positions except for very lightweight sleepers who prefer to sleep exclusively on their sides.
Being a hybrid mattress, the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is very much suitable for those who weigh well over 300 lbs. In fact, the mattress has a weight capacity of up to 1000 lbs. This means if you and your partner are both heavier-set, then this mattress could very well support you both and then some.
Speaking of partners, we found the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ mattress to be exceptional when it comes to isolating cross-mattress movement which makes it a good choice for those who share a bed.
When it comes to edge support, the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ also performed quite well, largely due to the reinforced edges on the coil system of the mattress.
There’s no danger of rolling off the bed if you’re the type of sleeper who likes to sleep close to the edge of the mattress.
Construction
There are 7 internal layers to the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ (I mean, would we expect anything less for a mattress that’s meant to hold up to 1000 lbs. of weight?).
These layers come encased in a cool to the touch organic cotton cover that’s interwoven with heat-dissipating ArcticTex fibers.
The bottom cover is enhanced by extra-strong border fabric that features handles on either side to ensure ease of handling. The bottom cover also features a non-skid bottom that ensures your mattress will stay in place no matter the movement.
The first comfort layer of the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ is actually a topper.
Featuring a quilted, Euro top surface the Euro topper is made from breathable foam. The quilting has a purpose aside from aesthetics and comfort, it has high thermal conductivity properties that help dissipate any heat.
Below the Euro topper lies the AirBreath border gusset that elevates the mattress’ heat circulation. It allows body heat to escape immediately instead of staying within the mattress.
Now for the foam layers, the first foam layer is made up of a proprietary memory foam alternative that Nolah calls AirFoam.
It features a temperature neutral formula that helps you sleep cool while providing the same pressure relief as traditional memory foam.
Below that lies high resilience foam layer that provides even more pressure relief for all areas of the body but especially the lumbar region. It also provides more responsive support.
The transition layer is made up of a flexible foam that adds a subtle bounce to the bed, enhancing its responsiveness while helping to deaden motion transfer.
The coil unit in the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ utilises 8″ lower-gauge coils that can support very heavy weights. The coils are also grouped into 3 targeted zones that provide specialised support for each area of the body.
The base layer is another new one for us. It’s made up of foam that is plant-based and is extremely high density which helps keep the mattress stable while enhancing its durability.
All the foam layers used in the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ are CertiPUR-US certified. We did experience a tiny amount of off-gassing when we first unboxed the mattress but this dissipated within 48 hours.
Sizes
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ comes in 7 standard mattress sizes, including a Split King. It measures 14″ in thickness and is compatible with most bed frames and bed bases.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Financing
Nolah offers financing for all of their mattresses through Affirm.
Shipping, Trial Period and Warranty
Nolah offers a 120 night risk-free sleep trial for all of their mattresses. The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ comes backed by a lifetime warranty.
Nolah also offers free shipping for all of their mattresses within the continental United States.
#2. Puffy Royal
Check Current Price | Best for Sleepers with Back Pain | Review
Pros
- Cooling
- Moisture-wicking
- Pain-relieving
Cons
- Not suitable for strict stomach sleepers
- Might be a little too pricey for some
Our experience with Puffy Royal Hybrid
We always recommend hybrid mattresses to heavier individuals. And the Puffy Royal Hybrid mattress may just be the best one yet. Containing a mix of 7-inch coils and up to 4 different layers of cooling gel memory foam alternatives, the Puffy Royal mattress is not only supportive but offers optimum pain and pressure relief as well, thanks to its ultra plush pillow top.
Who should buy the Puffy Royal
- Heavier sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Those who suffer from back pain and chronic pain
- Strict side sleepers
- Couples
Firmness
We rate the Puffy Royal mattress to be a 4-5 on the mattress firmness scale, making it a medium-soft to medium. In fact, Puffy calls it an Ultra Plush and with good reason – it really feels as though you are sleeping on a cloud. This means it’s perfect for those who suffer from back pain and/or chronic pain like fibromyalgia.
Strict side sleepers would also love the softer feel of the Puffy Royal mattress as the comfort layers cradle their main pressure points including the shoulders and the hips. On the flip side, we don’t think heavyweight stomach sleepers would get the extra support that they would need with the Puffy Royal since a soft sleeping surface would cause their hips and lumbar area to dip into the mattress, causing misalignment of the spine.
Couples with similar sleeping positions would love the Puffy Royal mattress as well as we have found it to provide excellent motion isolation, mainly due to the memory foam layers within it. That said, edge support is only fair due to its ultra plush mattress feel. If you are someone who prefers sleeping close to the edge of the bed, we suggest you look into something like the Layla Hybrid mattress.
Construction
There are 7 layers to the Puffy Royal mattress, including its top cover and bottom cover. The top mattress cover is made from a breathable organic cotton cover that’s also hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for those who suffer from allergies. The bottom cover features an anti-slip grip – crucial for heavier sleepers who like to move around a lot when they sleep.
The top comfort layer is made up of cooling gel-infused foam that helps do away with heat retention while providing soft, plush comfort.
Below that lies a layer of reflexive memory foam that cradles and contours the curves of the body, providing soft pressure relief.
And because a memory foam mattress can be heat retentive, Puffy added yet another layer of humidity resistant gel-infused memory foam which they call their Climate Comfort foam which helps wick away moisture, making the Puffy Royal a great choice for those who suffer from night sweats.
The transition layer is made up of Cloud Air Technology foam, a proprietary and innovative foam that boasts sculpting technology that helps provide zoned support for the whole body.
The base layer of the Puffy Royal is slightly different from other hybrids in that the contour-adapt coil layer lies within the high density foam base. This layer helps provide both even more responsive support while keeping all the other layers intact and sturdy.
All of the foam layers used in the Puffy Royal mattress is CertiPUR-US certified and are free from toxins, VOCs and other harmful chemicals.
We did not experience any instances of off-gassing when we first unboxed the Puffy Royal Hybrid mattress. All of Puffy’s mattresses are made entirely in the USA.
Sizes
The Puffy Royal mattress comes in 7 standard mattress sizes and measures 14″ in thickness. It is compatible with most bed bases, foundations and frames including an adjustable base.
Financing
Puffy offers buy now pay later mattress financing through Klarna.
Shipping, Trial Period and Warranty
Puffy offers a 101 night sleep trial for all of their mattresses. The Puffy Royal Hybrid comes backed by a lifetime warranty. Puffy also offers free shipping for all of their mattresses within the continental United States.
Buy: Puffy Royal Hybrid
#3. Saatva HD
Check Current Price | Best Luxury Mattress for Heavy Sleepers | Review
Pros
- Patented lumbar zone technology
- Free in-room delivery and setup
- Pain-relieving
- Hypoallergenic
- Cooling
Cons
- Not compatible with zero-gravity bases, regular foundations and box springs
- Can be too pricey for some
Our experience with Saatva HD
The Saatva HD combines the springy, responsive feel of a classic innerspring mattress with the foam and spring blend of a hybrid mattress. Made up of natural latex, memory foam and a 12.5-gauge tempered recycled steel coil unit, the Saatva HD is the best hybrid mattress for heavier people that prefer something a bit more higher-end.
Who should buy the Saatva HD
- Those who prefer a high-end luxurious mattress
- Couples
- Those who suffer from seasonal allergies
- Back, stomach and combination sleepers
- Those who suffer from back pain and lumbar issues
Firmness
The Saatva HD sits at a 7.5 on the mattress firmness scale which makes it a medium-firm mattress. Most Saatva mattresses come in a range of firmness options but the Saatva HD was made with heavier folks in mind and a firm mattress provides more support. That said, we found the Saatva HD to be most suitable to those who sleep on their backs and stomachs as well as combination sleepers.
If you are a strict side sleeper, you might want to look into something like the Bear Hybrid mattress.
We found motion transfer to be almost nonexistent with the Saatva HD mattress when we tested it out with a partner. This is due to the 17-gauge helical wire that is threaded through the coil system of the mattress. The Saatva HD is a perfect option for those who share a bed with a partner.
Edge support was also excellent because the entire perimeter of the mattress is encased in a 6″-thick high density foam. Sleeping and sitting on the edge of the mattress won’t have you slipping off.
Construction
There are technically 7 layers to the Saatva HD and we say technical because one of the layers surround the perimeter of the mattress. The cover is made from naturally breathable and organic cotton that’s also moisture wicking. It is treated with Guardin – a botanical antimicrobial treatment that helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
The mattress cover also features a plant-based thistle pulp flame barrier, making it fiberglass-free and one of the safest mattresses to sleep on.
The mattress surface of the Saatva HD features a Euro top that’s quilted for extra plushiness. Sleeping on it felt like we were sleeping on a hotel bed.
The first comfort layer of the Saatva HD is made up of 5-zone natural latex foam. Natural latex is hypoallergenic, resistant to mold and mildew and does not have the tendency to off-gas like synthetic foam does. Latex is also very responsive, which helps provide more support.
The second comfort layer is made up of a CertiPUR-US certified 5 lbs. memory foam layer that gives the mattress that deep, body-hugging feel that memory foam is most known for. This provides sleepers with optimal pressure relief, making the Saatva HD a great mattress for heavy people that suffer from chronic pain or arthritis.
Below that lies a transition layer of comfort foam that helps provide more comfort and support.
The coil unit of the Saatva HD is pretty impressive. Made from 12.5-gauge tempered recycle steel coils, the coil unit of the Saatva HD is 25% stronger than the industry standard. It also features Saatva’s own Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire, a proprietary tech that helps provide enhanced lower back support. As mentioned previously, the Saatva HD’s coil system also features a 17-gauge helical wire threaded through it, which helps deaden any cross-mattress movement.
The base layer is made up of hard, high density base foam that provides stable support for heavier sleepers while helping keep all the layers together.
One thing we didn’t like about the Saatva HD though is that it can only work with Saatva’s HD foundation and will not work with any other bases nor can it be placed atop a regular metal bed frame. This means if you want the Saatva HD mattress, you must also purchase the accompanying bed base in order for you to use it. Read our Saatva mattress complaints article for more information.
We did not experience any instances of off-gassing with the Saatva HD mattress. All of Saatva’s mattresses are made in the USA. We recommend reading our Saatva vs. Helix mattress comparison to see how the brand stacks up to its biggest competitor.
Sizes
The Saatva HD comes in 7 standard mattress sizes and measures 15.5″ in thickness.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Financing
Saatva offers financing for their mattresses through Affirm.
Shipping, Trial Period and Warranty
Saatva offers a 365 night sleep trial for all of their mattresses. The Saatva HD comes backed by a lifetime warranty. Saatva offers free in-room delivery and setup as well as free mattress and foundation removal for all of their mattresses.
Buy: Saatva HD
#4. Big Mattress Premier
Check Current Price | Best for Big and Tall Sleepers
Pros
- Perfect for heavier individuals who are also very tall
- Suitable for families who co-sleep
- Replaceable components
- Customizable firmness
- Made with renewable solar energy
- Suitable for any sleep position
Cons
- Expensive
- The air pod feel may not be for everyone
- Comes in only oversized sizes
Our experience with Big Mattress Premier
Mattresses from the Big Mattress Company only come in supersized version and for a heavy person that’s also quite tall, then the Big Mattress Premier mattress is a godsend. Those who co-sleep with their families would also do well with choosing the Big Mattress Premier. One of the few mattress brands that feature air pods instead of a spring coil system in their hybrid beds, the Big Mattress Premier’s firmness levels can be customized through a dial found on the side of the mattress so you can choose any firmness level every single time.
Who should buy the Big Mattress Premier
- Families who co-sleep
- Couples with pets
- Those who prefer air pods over spring coils
- Taller heavy individuals
Firmness
As mentioned, the Big Mattress Premier has adjustable firmness levels that ranges from soft to extra-firm. This makes it suitable for any sleeping position. A dial can be found on the side of the mattress and you can adjust the firmness level to anything your heart desires. Bear in mind that if you share a bed with a partner with a different sleeping style – say you’re a stomach sleeper and she’s a side sleeper – a medium to medium-firm firmness level is best.
Because it utilizes air instead of spring coils, we barely felt any motion transfer when we tried the Big Mattress Premier out with a sleeping partner. However, we found the edge support to be only fair.
Construction
The Big Mattress Premier comes in both an all-foam version and a hybrid version but since we are focusing on heavier individuals, we recommend only the hybrid version.
Encased in a soft, temperature-regulating cotton cover, the Big Mattress Premier helps you stay cool when it’s warm and stay warm when it’s cold. This makes it perfect for those who live in colder climates.
The comfort layer of the Big Mattress Premier is made up of 12″ of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. Memory foam contours and cradles every part of the body, providing much needed pressure relief, especially for those who weigh 300 lbs., or even 400 pounds or greater.
Beneath lies up to 80 air pods that act very much like a spring coil unit. The air pods provide extra support and enhanced responsiveness so you won’t feel as though you are being swallowed up by the bed.
The components of the Big Mattress Premier is replaceable and can be ordered through the Big Mattress Co. website.
We did experience a very small amount of off-gassing with the Big Mattress Premier but this dissipated within 24 hours. Airing out your new mattress prior to first use is recommended if this bothers you.
All of the mattresses in Big Mattress Co.’s roster are made entirely in the USA with renewable solar energy.
Sizes
The Big Mattress Premier only comes in oversized sizes, there are currently 6, including the Family Bed XL (the largest mattress size available). Mattress thickness of the Big Mattress Premier is 13″. Specialized bed frames are needed.
- Wyoming King
- Texas King
- Vermont King
- Family Bed
- Alaskan King
- Family Bed XL
Financing
Big Mattress Co. offers financing for all of their mattresses through Shop Pay.
Shipping, Trial Period and Warranty
Big Mattress Co. offers a 100 night sleep trial for all of their mattresses. The Big Mattress Premier is backed by a 10 year warranty. They offer free shipping throughout the continental United States.
Buy: Big Mattress Premier
#5. PlushBeds Luxury Bliss
Check Current Price | Best Organic Mattress for Heavy Sleepers | $100 Off Coupon: SL100
Pros
- Organic
- Cooling
- Plush yet responsive
- Greenguard Gold certified
Cons
- Delivery may take a little while due to the fact that each mattress is made to order
- Can be too pricey for some
Save $100 with coupon code “SL100”
Our experience with PlushBeds Luxury Bliss
With over 4000 reviews (and counting) for the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss mattress on the PlushBeds website, it’s easy to see why it remains a favorite among many. Organic, cooling, responsive and supportive, the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss is also made with sustainable and premium quality materials.
Who should buy the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss
- Those who prefer a pillow top mattress
- All sleep positions including heavy stomach sleepers
- Couples
- Those who prefer a plush yet more responsive bed
Firmness
There are two firmness options to choose from with the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss – a medium and a medium-firm. The medium sits on a 4-5 on the mattress firmness scale and is suitable for all sleeper types, including strict side sleepers. The medium-firm is around 6-7 on the scale and is best for stomach and back sleepers.
For a nominal fee, you can request for a customized firmness level through their customer service when ordering.
We found both motion isolation and edge support to be excellent in the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss mattress, mainly due to the combination of pocketed coils and its seamed, reinforced edges.
Construction
Construction is pretty simple in the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss mattress. It has 4 layers, including the mattress cover. Made from certified organic cotton, the mattress cover is soft, breathable and features a circular knit fabric design that offers enhanced hip and pressure relief with its pillow top construction. The cover also allows maximum airflow and is moisture-wicking, helping you sleep dry and cool throughout the night.
A chemical and fiberglass-free wool fire barrier sits under the mattress cover. Not only is it fire retardant but it is also temperature regulating.
The comfort layer of the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss mattress is made up of 100% pure and natural Talalay latex. Talalay latex offers superior pressure relief compared to other latex foam or synthetic foam. It has naturally buoyant feel that offers pressure relief for the whole body without that sunk-in feeling. Latex is also naturally cooling and hypoallergenic.
The base layer of the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss is made up of premium crafted coils that are encased in a breathable cotton fabric, allowing air to flow through freely throughout the entire mattress. The coil system in the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss make up the bulk of the mattress, providing enhanced full body support even for the heaviest of sleepers.
All of the foam and fabric used in the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss mattress are CertiPUR-US certified, GOTS and GOLS certified as well as certified with the eco-Institut and UL Greenguard Gold. All of PlushBeds mattresses are made in the USA.
We did not experience any off-gassing with the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss.
Sizes
The PlushBeds Luxury Bliss comes in 7 standard mattress sizes. It measures 12″ in thickness and is compatible with most bed frames, foundations and bases including an adjustable base.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Financing
PlushBeds offers financing for their mattresses via Affirm.
Shipping, Trial Period and Warranty
PlushBeds offers a 100 night sleep trial for all of their mattresses. The PlushBeds Luxury Bliss comes backed by a lifetime warranty. PlushBeds offers free shipping for all of their mattresses throughout the contiguous United States.
#6. Purple Hybrid
Check Current Price | Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy Sleepers | Review
Pros
- Active cooling
- Responsive
- Pain and pressure relieving
Cons
- GelFlex Grid may take some getting used to
- Can be too pricey for some
Our experience with Purple Hybrid mattress
It’s no secret that heavier-set sleepers tend to sleep pretty hot. A lot of them even experience night sweats. It is crucial for heavier individuals who sleep hot to choose an active cooling mattress and the Purple Hybrid mattress is one of the best active cooling mattresses that we have tried. They should stay away from foam mattresses, especially ones made up of traditional memory foam as it tends to trap body heat.
Who should buy the Purple Hybrid
- Hot sleepers
- Those who prefer a more responsive bed
- back and stomach sleepers
- Couples with similar sleeping positions
Firmness
We rate the Purple Hybrid to be a 7.5 on the mattress firmness scale. This gives it a firm to medium-firm feel. While firmer mattresses are great for stomach and back sleepers, the firmer mattress surface may just eat into the main pressure points of strict side sleepers. If you sleep strictly on your side, we suggest looking into the Zoma mattress.
We experienced a tiny amount of motion transfer with the Purple Hybrid but not so much that we were woken up. When it comes to edge support, we found that the Purple Hybrid mattress supported us well, even when we laid pretty close to the edge.
Construction
There are 6 layers to the Purple Hybrid, including its cover. It features a patented StretchMax cover made up of a soft, breathable and stretchy material that helps maximize the benefits of the GelFlex Grid.
Below that lies the GelFlex Grid. Exclusive only to Purple, the GelFlex Grid is made from temperature neutral hyperelastic polymer that somewhat feels like the famed Dr. Scholl’s insoles. Cushioning and supportive, the gridded layer is designed to flex directly under your main pressure points giving both pain and pressure relief. To those who are used to sleeping on foam or spring mattresses, the GelFlex Grid might need some getting used to, which is a common Purple mattress complaint.
Below that lies a transition layer made up of a proprietary comfort foam that adds extra support.
The coil unit in the Purple Hybrid is made up of individually wrapped coils that provide another layer of responsive support. Individually pocketed coils also allow more air circulation, which helps in keeping the mattress cool and dry.
The base layer is made up of a high density foam base that helps keep all the top layers intact and stable.
We did not experience any off-gassing with the Purple Hybrid mattress. All of Purple’s mattresses are made in the USA. Read our guide to Purple mattress alternatives and our Purple vs. Nectar vs. Casper comparison to see how the brand stacks up to the competition.
Sizes
The Purple Hybrid comes in 6 mattress sizes. It measures 11″ thick and is compatible with most bed frames and foundations, including a box spring.
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
Financing
Purple offers financing for their mattresses through Affirm.
Shipping, Trial Period and Warranty
Purple offers a 100 night sleep trial for all of their mattresses. The Purple Hybrid comes backed by a 10 year warranty. Purple also offers free shipping for all of their mattresses within the United States.
Buy: Purple Hybrid
Quick view and comparison
| Brand | Nolah Evolution Comfort+ | Puffy Royal | Saatva HD | Big Mattress Premier | PlushBeds Luxury Bliss | Purple Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Thickness (inches) | 14 | 14 | 15.5 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
| Feel | Medium Firm | Medium Soft | Medium Firm | Adjustable | Medium/Medium Firm | Firm |
| Motion Transfer | Minimal to none | Minimal to none | Minimal to none | Minimal to none | Minimal to none | Minimal |
| Hybrid | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Edge Support | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Very good |
| Sleeping Position | All sleeper types | Side and combination sleepers | Back, stomach and combination sleepers | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | Back and stomach sleepers |
| Trial (nights) | 120 | 101 | 365 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 | Lifetime warranty | 10 |
| Link to buy | Buy Nolah Evolution Comfort+ | Buy Puffy Royal | Buy Saatva HD | Buy Big Mattress Premier | Buy PlushBeds Luxury Bliss | Buy Purple Hybrid |
Choosing a mattress for obese people
Just like with average sized sleepers, the same factors apply when choosing a mattress for heavy people – albeit with a few tweaks. For instance, we always, always recommend a mattress that contains a mix of coils and foam for heavier individuals – especially those who weigh 500 pounds or greater – since these types of mattresses (i.e. hybrids and innersprings) are the only ones that can provide them with the utmost comfort and support.
Firmness
Too soft of a mattress surface may leave heavier individuals with unexplained aches and pains as well as poor spinal alignment. Remember, what feels like a firm mattress to a petite individual will feel softer to someone who weighs 300 lbs. Mattress firmness is thoroughly subjective and it mostly boils down to the weight of the individual.
Heavy people should always opt for a medium to medium-firm mattress to an extra-firm mattress. Mattress toppers are also a great option for slightly altering the firmness of a mattress. Choose a mattress topper that’s slightly firmer than average.
Material
Most, if not all, heavier individuals suffer from night sweats and tend to sleep hot. This means anything containing traditional memory foam is a no-go, even if it’s the best memory foam mattress on the market. Thankfully, mattress brands have begun producing proprietary foam blends that offer all the benefits of memory foam but without the dreaded heat retention. Always choose a cooling mattress.
Heavier sleepers should also look into the fabric that makes up the mattress cover. They should always opt for cooling and temperature regulating mattress covers as well as ones that are moisture wicking.
Motion transfer
If you share a bed with a partner, you need to choose a mattress that has minimal to zero motion transfer, especially if you or your partner tend to move around a lot when you sleep.
The rule of thumb is, the more foam layers a mattress contains, the better the motion isolation.
Thickness
In this case, thicker actually means better. If you are pushing 300 lbs and above, the thicker the mattress is, the more substantial the support.
We recommend mattresses not less than 10 inches for heavier individuals.
Edge support
If you’re a heavier sleeper and prefer to sleep closer to the edge of the bed rather than dead center, you need a mattress that has superior edge support. Usually, mattresses that have reinforced coils on the edge are the ones that offer excellent edge support, especially when it comes to a hybrid mattress for heavy people.
What type of mattress should a 300 lbs. person buy?
Mattress types count for a lot, especially when it comes to people who weigh 300 lbs. and up. As we’ve mentioned previously, all-foam mattresses will not be able to provide enough support nor comfort for heavier individuals.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are probably the best mattresses for heavy people. This is because the blend of foam layers and individually wrapped coils offer the maximum amount of support for people weighing well over 250 lbs.
Innerspring
On the same vein as a supportive hybrid mattress, innerspring mattresses are also an excellent choice for heavier individuals. The classic innerspring mattress does not contain any foam but most innerspring mattresses of today are technically interchangeable with hybrids as they contain a foam and coil blend.
Latex
Touted as one of the most coveted mattress materials in the mattress industry, latex foam is supportive, cooling and hypoallergenic. Most of the organic mattresses available today contain latex foam. A hybrid containing latex and a spring coil unit is the best mattress for heavy people.
Memory Foam
Most all-foam beds are made up of memory foam. As we’ve reiterated above, an all-foam mattress is not the best choice for those weighing 300 lbs. and up since this will only cause them to sink into the mattress and not get any support. However, a hybrid mattress containing memory foam and a coil unit would be a good option for heavy people who would prefer a memory foam mattress.
Is it possible to be too heavy for a mattress?
If a person is over the 400-500 lbs. limit then it is possible for them to be too heavy for a traditional mattress. Individuals such as these usually have custom-made mattresses done especially for them.
FAQs
A firmer mattress is the best mattress for heavy people, especially those who are back and stomach sleepers. This is because mattress firmness is subjective and what may seem like a firm mattress to an average sized person would feel softer to a heavier person.
A memory foam bed would only wreak havoc to an obese person’s spinal alignment as well as other back issues as it would not be able to give a heavy person adequate support. A hybrid mattress is the best option for obese people.
Depending on the density and thickness of the memory foam mattress, most beds made out of memory foam can hold up to 800 lbs of weight. This includes the sleeper (or sleepers), the mattress and bedding. That said, an all-foam mattress made out of memory foam is not a supportive mattress for heavier people.
Conclusion
People who weigh up to 300 lbs. should choose a mattress that features a blend of both foam and spring coils like hybrid and innerspring mattresses. These types of mattresses can give heavier sleepers the extra support that they need without compromising on comfort and pressure relief.
Next step: Buy the Puffy Royal. We like it because it’s cooling, moisture-wicking, and made out of breathable materials. It’s heavy-duty construction makes it the best mattress for a 300 pound person we’ve ever tried.
How we rate mattresses
We rate mattresses using the following criteria:
- Comfort
- Structural integrity and durability
- Firmness and support
Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
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- Best mattresses without memory foam – hands-on performance test results - August 13, 2025
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?