What is the best type of mattress for a heavy person?
Pocket spring mattress
Our range of pocket spring mattresses is one of our top suggestions for heavy people, thanks to their durable support, even weight distribution and pressure relief. The individually wrapped coils move independently, so the mattress surface can conform to your body shape for total body edge-to-edge support. Moreover, these individual springs retain rigidness for much longer than an open coil innerspring mattress.
Innerspring mattresses
As we explain below, the best mattress for heavy people should consist of a medium firm, firm or extra firm mattress support firmness to adequately support you throughout the night. Open coil or innerspring options are also good beds for heavy people because they generally come in firmer mattress support. Innerspring mattresses are frequently firmer or orthopaedic in nature. However, the structure of the spring system is less durable than a pocket spring mattress. This is because it consists of a continuous wire that runs from side to side to form the entire spring system. The continuous coil causes 'roll-together', where the mattress loses its structure and causes the core and surface to dip in the centre. Its edge-to-edge support is also less practical than its pocket sprung counterpart. Due to this, we advise couples who share a bed to avoid this type of mattress.
Hybrid mattress
Hybrid mattresses are a brilliant option for heavier people because you can benefit from two different types of mattresses that are fused together. The primary support of the mattress is usually derived from a sprung mattress such as open coil or pocket springs. A hybrid mattress combines a comfort layer consisting of memory foam, latex, or gel foam. For the reasons we explain below, we recommend that heavier statures avoid mattresses with memory foam or gel foam. Instead, a hybrid mattress that uses latex foam is much more effective, providing a bouncy, incredibly durable, breathable comfort layer.
What mattresses should a heavy person avoid?
Memory foam mattresses
There are specific sleeping solutions that heavy people should avoid because their structure cannot adequately support body weight for an extended period. For example, a memory foam mattress could lose its integrity after a couple of years of usage, which is significantly lower than the average lifespan of a bed. Incorporating other memory foam mattresses, such as high-density foam or reflex foam, can eventually lose their structure under prolonged use with a heavier stature. Similarly, cooling gel memory foam will react in the same way too. For all hot sleepers, a memory foam mattress should be avoided in general due to its intense heat retention properties, minimal airflow and breathability.
Mattress topper
Like memory foam mattresses, a mattress topper can quickly deteriorate after short use. Mattress toppers aren't designed to provide the primary support of your sleeping solution and usually consist of soft support tensions. Usually comprising synthetic fillings or a support foam, mattress toppers can temporarily provide adequate pressure relief and make your sleeping solution feel comfier but can often mask deteriorating support in the base. If you're due a mattress upgrade, we suggest opting for a brand-new supportive mattress to avoid waking up with aches and pains due to a lack of support.
Consider your sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position can affect which mattress firmness you need. Read below to find out which one is most appropriate for you.
Side sleepers
A medium firm tension is the best mattress for heavy people who are preferred side sleepers. Usually, softer or medium support is suggested because the mattress surface will cushion the shoulders and hips, ensuring your spine is correctly aligned throughout the night. But with this being said, heavier statures are better suited to a medium firm mattress. You will still receive the support you need and expect greater mattress longevity.
Back or stomach sleepers
Suppose you prefer to sleep on your back or stomach. In this sleeping position, extra support is needed to promote proper spinal alignment. However, with this being said, stomach sleepers are naturally placing additional strain on their lower back. In that case, we recommend firmer or extra firm support, which you can find in our pocket sprung, hybrid and innerspring mattresses. However, if you can't stray from sleeping on your stomach, we certainly recommend a bed on the firmer end of the spectrum. This will ensure you receive maximum support.
Combination sleepers
The best mattresses for those who sleep in various positions are medium firm support. The sleep surface is soft and firm enough to support proper spinal alignment when sleeping on your side, stomach or back.
What mattress brands feature these options?
Because there is a wide range of options available across the categories described above, the best mattresses we recommend include some of the UK's most trusted brands. Including Silentnight, Relyon, Dunlopillo, Hypnos, Sleepeezee, JAY-BE, and so many more. You can be sure to find the right sleeping solution for you and how you sleep.
Why purchase with Mattressman?
Shopping with Mattressman couldn't be simpler and more convenient thanks to our services. Thanks to our speedy next-day delivery, you can be on your way to super sleep on a quality mattress in no time. We can remove your old bed, too, ensuring it's repurposed and recycled in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. This is so you don't have to worry about it yourself. Lastly, you can add two-person delivery to your order at the checkout, ensuring that our delivery team will bring your new sleeping solution to your bedroom.
