Best Memory Foam Mattress For Heavy People

If, like millions of people, you are struggling to ​find a mattress that can provide the support needed for a heavier body frame, this best memory foam mattress for heavy people guide is for you. So many people struggle to get a good night’s sleep due to the aches and pains that come with the increased stress on our joints, hips, neck and shoulders that are often the result of our body. 

best memory foam mattress for heavy people

While any mattress can provide a soft place to lie down at night, those of us with heavier body types need extra support to help alleviate this strain. If your mattress is too firm, you find yourself unable to find a comfortable position, but if it’s too soft, it won’t give your joints the support they need to realign and prepare for another day of walking, running and moving.

Sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t properly support your body can lead to an array of side effects including muscle and neck strain, loss of sleep and chronic headaches. We’ve created this guide to help you find the best mattress to ensure a good night’s sleep, so you can wake up refreshed and ready to start your day.

5 Best Memory Foam Mattress For Heavy People 

Table could not be displayed.

Why Your Mattress Matters

If you are sleeping on a mattress that is older, doesn’t provide support, or has developed weak spots that can be seen as dips, you’re not getting support. As you sleep, your muscles relax, and any body part that is not supported by your mattress will then pull on the nearby joints.

This issue is compounded for individuals with heavier body weights, as even more stress and strain is placed on the supporting joint.

This can lead to back pain, neck strains, headaches and other body aches. Worse, it affects your sleep quality, and lack of sleep can affect your cognitive abilities as well as many of your biological processes such as digestion, blood pressure, weight gain, and even depression.

​

As you review the options, keep in mind the most important items to look for:

Firmness

If the mattress is too firm, it won’t support all of your body, because it won’t mold effectively to you. If your mattress is too soft,you’ll have the same problem as there is no actual weight-bearing property to the mattress. The firmness of your mattress is a highly individual preference.

Sleeping Position

sleeping positions

Your sleeping position matters when picking the firmness of your mattress. Different positions held during sleep can dictate what level of support you need. A general rule of thumb is people who tend to sleep on their back require a more firm mattress, as their weight is distributed evenly. People who sleep on their sides may find more comfort with a softer mattress, or a mattress with a softer top, as the position naturally leaves some segments of the spine unsupported. Individuals that sleep on their stomach generally do best with a mattress that is in the medium-firm category to support their necks and hips.

Are you a side sleeper? ​Read this best memory foam mattress guide!

Composition

Generally, the thicker the foam core of the mattress, the sturdier the mattress will be. While this translates into a slightly more firm feel, it also ensures that your mattress is better able to withstand nightly use without developing dips.

Allergens

With traditional cloth mattresses, allergens were a bigger problem than with foam mattresses. However, while foam mattresses are less permeable to dust and dander, they are comprised of different materials. Always be sure to read the labels to check for any allergies you may have prior to purchasing a mattress. Many mattresses are infused with gels, latex, charcoal, essential oils and other items to improve the smell, limit bacterial growth, and improve the texture.

Air flow

Airflow is a consideration with foam mattresses. The first generation of foam mattresses were very dense and didn’t allow much heat transfer from the sleeper to the bed. This has been corrected with technology that allows foam to ‘breathe’ better and transfer more heat away as you sleep.

Investing in a supportive mattress can help you alleviate a number of concerns with joint strain and stress, and allow you to be rested and ready to be productive the next day. We hope that this guide has helped you to decide which type of mattress would work well for you.

Need a king size mattress? Check our best king mattress below $500 guide!

Need a queen size mattress? Check our best queen mattress below $500 guide!

How Memory Foam is Rated

The weight or density of a mattress refers to its ability to rebound from pressure. Generally speaking, the higher the rating for weight or density, the more supportive and firm the mattress will be. Most foam mattresses range between a density of four to five lbs, but can be higher or lower.

The ILD rating on a foam mattress is very important. ILD refers to the number of pounds required to achieve compression over a 50 square inch area. For example, if you are looking at a mattress with a 25 percent ILD, it took 25 pounds of pressure to achieve compression. As found with weight ratings, the higher the ILD, the more firm the mattress will be.

It’s important to note that there are dual-foam mattresses on the market constructed with a high IDL inner foam that is then wrapped with a lower ILD foam outer shell. While this supplies a more cushioned surface, if the mattress is thin, it may not provide the support needed to avoid back pain.

How To Choose the Best Mattress for a Larger Body Type

While what is considered heavy is variable today, it’s important to find the support, durability and quality you need in a mattress. With most mattresses featuring  a price range of budget to over a thousand dollars, you want to invest in a mattress that will continue to perform through the standard life expectancy of five to fifteen years.​

​While traditional mattresses are constructed with metal springs, newer mattresses are now available that are comprised entirely of memory foam with no springs. While these mattresses work differently, they have the added benefit of the ability to be infused with oils and anti-fungal properties.

The Mattress Review

Now that you have a general idea of what the terms and ratings mean, let’s move on to the review. Each of the following mattresses have been rated based on construction, fitness and durability, particularly when used by people who suffer from joint problems such as stiffness and pain.

Many of these mattresses will arrive in a smaller box, with the product vacuum sealed into a heavy plastic bag. As all of these products vary in weight and can be heavy, our recommendation it to leave the mattress in the shipping box until it is in the room where it is intended to be used. If possible, remove the mattress from the box and place on the bed foundation while still in the plastic seal. Carefully cut the plastic seal away, and allow the mattress to inflate in place, a process that takes around 24 hours. The inflation process can be aided by the avoidance of sheets and other bed coverings during the time period.

For increased comfort, many people recommend walking on the mattress after it is unrolled and inflated. This helps to break the factory ‘firmness’ of the bed and may help find more comfort in the initial stages of ownership. Always remember that it’s important to rotate a new mattress regularly in the first year of ownership to help avoid dips and sags.

Since the previously used metal springs created a pressure point between the user and the internal mattress construction, it wasn’t uncommon for people to experience bent or protruding springs within a few years of use. Memory and other foam mattresses eliminate this potential by removing the springs. When you are reviewing foam based mattresses as a potential purchase, there are a few important things to consider:

Construction

While they all carry a foam core, mattresses can be wrapped in an outer shell. This can affect the breathability of the mattress. This is an often overlooked point that can have a negative or positive effect on your comfort. Always consider the composition of the shell to ensure you’re not allergic to the material and that it provides breathability for your skin as you sleep.

Remember that most foam mattresses need to ‘breathe’ to gain their full thickness. If your mattress is packaged in a vacuum style container, you should allow between 20 to 72 hours of unwrapped time to enable full expansion of the foam.

Not all foam mattresses are constructed the same. Manufacturers have begun offering customised mattresses in an effort to improve upon foam mattress technology and offerings. Be sure to read in-depth about your mattress to ensure you are familiar with what it contains.

Thickness of the Mattress

Foam mattresses come in varying thickness, generally starting at six inches and going up. Consider the type of framing you are placing your mattress on. If you have a box spring, a too-thick mattress could raise your bed too high, while if you have a slatted platform bed, a thinner mattress could be too low.

Be sure that the foam mattress you choose will work with your current bed foundation, or plan for the expense of a different foundation if needed. Take the time to measure the frame of your bed prior to purchasing a mattress to decide what thickness will provide the look and comfort you desire.

Firmness

correct sleeping posture

Foam mattresses come in varying firmness, just like traditional spring-core mattresses. The more dense the foam, the firmer the mattress tends to be. Ensure that you are familiar with the ratings that accompany mattresses and understanding what they mean.​

A general rule of thumb is the firmer the mattress, the more supported the body will be during sleep. While support is a positive feature that may help prevent joint stiffness, a too firm mattress may increase incidence of pain and hinder your ability to sleep due to discomfort.

​Zinus Ultima Comfort Memory Foam 10 Inch Mattress, Queen

Zinus Ultima Comfort Memory Foam Mattress review image

If you are in the market for a thick, full and soft mattress that still offers comfortable support, this is the mattress for you. The inclusion of multiple layers of foam make this mattress uniquely comfortable. While the higher density core supplies firm support, the top three inches of memory foam provide the ‘wrap around your body’ comfort foam that make these mattresses sought after. The additional two inches of pressure relieving foam as transition layer help to remove the potential of feeling the firmer core during rest, and to remove any sensations of pressure on the hips, feet and shoulders as you sleep.

This mattress will arrive vacuum sealed in heavy plastic and requires inflation. While many consumers note a chemical odor upon removing the foam mattress from it’s packaging, this generally dissipates within one to three days depending on the amount of air circulation in the room. 

At a Glance

  • The Mattress is a full 10 inches thick, constructed with five inches of high density foam at its core, two inches of pressure relieving foam, and three inches of memory foam as an outer layer. This helps to maintain a firm support while not sacrificing comfort and softness.
  • ​While the mattress comes with a sewn cover, the cover is not intended to be removed or laundered.
  • ​The full weight of the mattress is 61 lbs.
  • ​The mattress comes standard with a 10 year limited warranty.

Features

★★★★★

Price

★★★★★

Durability

★★★★★

Return Policty

★★★★★

Sleep Innovations Shiloh 12-inch Memory Foam Mattress

Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Mattress review image

If you prefer a bit of a firmer mattress that will still contour to your body as you sleep,this should be high on your list. This mattress is designed to give a firmer support to those that suffer from joint pains, aches and stress, as the memory foam layer is two and half inches thick. This provides a strong foundation for your joints, while allowing enough softness that no parts of your body are left floating or uncradled. 

The true temp core is a plus if you find yourself overly hot, or have had a negative experience with a previous foam mattress retaining body or environmental heat. It allows you to maintain a regular temperature through the night. The relative thickness of the denser foam base helps to prolong the longevity of the mattress and minimize sinking, sagging and denting.

At a Glance

  • Fully inflated, the mattress is 12 inches thick and constructed of nine and one half inches of true temp foam support covered with two and one half inches of memory foam.
  • ​Equipped with tailored cushioning support soft cotton-poly blend cover.
  • ​The full weight of the mattress at inflation is 91 lbs.
  • ​This product is made in the USA and comes with a 20 year limited warranty.

Features

★★★★★

Price

★★★★★

Durability

★★★★★

Return Policty

★★★★★

Live and Sleep Resort Ultra Memory Foam Mattress

Live And Sleep Resort Memory Foam Mattress review image

Live and Sleep is another best memory foam mattress for heavy people. The one inch gel-infused visco is what really sets this mattress apart. Gel-infused memory foam helps to pull body heat away from the sleeper better than standard memory foam, which makes this a winner for those who get too hot at night. The inclusion of the air-flow enhanced two and half inch enhanced airflow memory foam topper make this a medium firm, highly breathable and comfortable mattress.

With eight and a half inches of high-density foam for support, this mattress provides enough support for the body and joints. The scent of the unpacked mattress isn’t overly strong as it inflates, and the addition of the eco-friendly packaging is nice. Unlike some of the other mattresses in this review, the cover is completely removable and washable.

One note on this mattress is that it’s firmer than many memory foam options available. If you are a side sleeper, you may not be as satisfied with this, due to the minimized ‘sink’ as the top layers are memory foam, but the bottom support is high-density foam.

At a Glance

  • 12 inch thick mattress composed of eight and one-half inch high density foam base, one inch gel-infused visco, and topped with two and one-half inches of memory foam with enhanced air flow.
  • ​Mattress cover is made of linen.
  • ​This mattress comes with a free queen pillow.
  • ​Shipped in recycled packaging and features innovated pack and unroll box.
  • ​The fully inflated mattress weighs 76 pounds.
  • ​This product is CertiPUR-US certified and hypoallergenic.
  • ​This mattress comes equipped with a 30-day money back guarantee and a 20 year limited warranty.

Features

★★★★★

Price

★★★★★

Durability

★★★★★

Return Policty

★★★★★

LUCID 14 Inch Plush Memory Foam Mattress – Ventilated Gel Memory Foam + Bamboo Charcoal Infused Memory Foam

LUCID 14 Inch Plush Memory Foam Mattress review image

With four full inches of memory foam and 10 inches of denser, firmer foam base, this mattress supplies both the full support your bones and joints need with the soft, full plush body contour you expect from a memory foam mattress.

The one inch layer of bamboo charcoal infused memory foam helps to eliminate odors and improve breathability, while the second three inch layer of gel-infused memory foam helps to redirect body heat so you can achieve a comfortable night’s sleep without overheating.

Some reviewers found this mattress a little firm for side-sleeping, while some felt that the top layers were too plush and prevented free movement during the night. This mattress is available in different firmness ratings.

At a Glance

  • 14 inch mattress that constructed with three inches of gel-infused memory foam and one inch of charcoal infused memory foam over a 10 inch firmer support foam base.
  • ​One inch of charcoal infused memory foam layer is quilted into the tencel blend cover.
  • ​This product is CertiPUR-US certified.
  • ​This mattress carries a 10 year manufacturer warranty for defects.
  • ​All LUCID memory foam mattresses are created with open cell technology to help prevent depressions and shallow spots with use.
  • ​Fully inflated, this mattress weighs 93 pounds.

Features

★★★★★

Price

★★★★★

Durability

★★★★★

Return Policty

★★★★★

​​​​Purple Queen Mattress | Hyper-Elastic Polymer Bed

Purple Queen Mattress review image

The purple mattress was designed to be the answer for people who either could not’ use or didn’t like memory foam but still wanted similar benefits. It arrives compressed and requires a full 24 hours to reinflate, after which it’s ready to use.

This mattress has two excellent selling points: 1. there is almost no motion transfer if you are sharing a bed with your partner, and 2. the air channels are very effective at eliminating pressure points on your body as you sleep.

The one negative mentioned in reviews is that because it’s a polymer, the mattress is infused with a white powdery substance, to prevent the layers from sticking to one another. While some reviewers were disturbed by this, others didn’t notice it. Purple mattress is a relative newcomer to the field of mattress manufacture, and hasn’t been tested for longevity in the real-use department.

However, most reviews of this brand are positive, and it received high points for pressure point relief on joints.

At a Glance

  • Not made of memory foam, this mattress is constructed of an FDA-approved elastic polymer that is formatted into air channels to provide support and breathability.
  • ​This material is naturally antimicrobial.
  • ​The mattress features motion suppression, so you won’t wake your spouse if you move, and smart-comfort grid on the inner polyurethane foam support.
  • ​Total weight of this mattress is 80 pounds.
  • ​This product is hypoallergenic and arrives compression vacuum packed like a memory foam mattress.
  • ​The mattress is nine and one-half inches thick when fully inflated.
  • ​This product requires a solid base for support.

Features

★★★★★

Price

★★★★★

Durability

★★★★★

Return Policty

★★★★★

Final Ve​rdict

That is all about the best memory foam mattress for heavy people. Hope this was informative enough for you and now you can make your own decision! Of the mattresses listed, ​all of them are memory foam mattress except the Purple Queen Mattress. If you want one with all the benefits of a memory foam mattress, without having a memory foam mattress, then you must go for the Purple Queen! 

The variable firmness levels available in the mattresses allow consumers to achieve their perfect level of softness. Before buying keep in mind the resolving issues of pressure points and joint supports too. As you are shopping online, don’t forget to check the trial period!  

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

seven + 3 =

Scroll to Top