A mattress that is 10 to 12 inches thick is usually sufficient. However, your sleeping position and the mattress materials may also influence the ideal thickness. Sleepers Over 230 Pounds: Because they sink in more deeply, sleepers over 230 pounds generally favor a mattress at least 12 to 14 inches thick.
Heavy people weigh over 220 lbs (15 stone 7.2 lbs). Generally, people over 220 lbs should always choose a firm mattress to support their body while sleeping. When you are over 220lbs, a soft mattress will compress too much, making you sink into the mattress and putting pressure on your back, hips, and joints.
Is Memory Foam Good for Overweight People? Memory foam can provide a good mattress for a large person or a person with heavier body mass. High density memory foam mattresses are well suited to heavier sleepers thanks to their pressure relieving properties that soften gently on contact with your body.
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.
Look for firm, supportive comfort
A soft mattress will not support an overweight person properly as the body will sink very deep into the mattress. However, you do not have to worry because there are mattresses designed to provide firmness and strong stability for overweight people.
Firmness. Generally speaking, a medium-firm or firm mattress is the best choice for sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds. Firmer mattresses will offer ample support, encouraging proper spinal alignment and resisting sagging over time.
Your body weight determines how much pressure you place on a mattress. In turn, this impacts the bed's comfort. For example, while a firm mattress may lack cushioning for a lighter sleeper, that bed may strike the perfect balance between pressure relief and support for a heavier individual.
A typical mattress has a weight limit of up to 250 pounds per person, which means those who weigh 250 pounds or more will need a mattress that is specifically designed with a higher weight limit and extra support to keep the spine aligned and to help prevent sagging or dips.
Side. Sleeping on the side has been determined to be healthier for breathing purposes when heavy people are sleeping. Researchers have determined that those who are very overweight can have more problems with sleep apnea when laying on their back as opposed to the side.
If your mattress is too hard then it might not be very comfortable for you and could be causing back and joint pains. It could also be affecting your posture if you don't think your spine is being properly supported. Overall, you might not be getting a good night's sleep which could be impacting your day to day life.
Most mattress companies classify heavy sleepers as being over 230lbs. If you fall into this category, it's important to look for a mattress with a firmness level that's at least medium firm. Ideally, somewhere in the 7.5 to 8 range would be best, which would be considered a firm feel.
Adjustable Base Power Bed Options
Some even have features like massage capabilities. An adjustable base can help shift body weight and help with lower back pain. Weight capacity of 650 lbs.
Daybed Mattress Thickness
Mattresses between 6-8 inches thick will be enough to provide you with plenty of comfort and support.
Sealy beds and mattresses
Well all our Sealy beds are rigorously tested for use up to a combined weight of 32 stone (448lbs / 203 kilos) and are great beds for big people. For a single sleeper in a double bed we would recommend a maximum weight of 25 stone (350lbs / 158 kilos).
Replace every seven years
It is not unusual for those with a higher BMI to replace their mattresses more frequently to ensure continuous comfort and support.
In general, side sleepers should look for Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattresses that can cushion their impact points. Back and stomach sleepers should look for Medium Firm to Firm beds that have only light conforming.
Many mattress manufacturers point to a specific amount of weight that shouldn't be exceeded. Sometimes it's 500 pounds per person, other times it's 650 or 700 pounds per mattress. Some companies don't say anything about maximum weight thresholds.
Typically, the mattresses used in hotel rooms are medium-firm. This is because medium-firm mattresses can accommodate all three sleep positions. Back, side, and stomach sleepers will feel supported with proper spine, neck, and hip alignment.
Memory foam is soft by nature, and while a memory foam bed can work well for a person over 250 lbs, it is important to look at the densities of the foam used in the bed to make sure that they are sufficient to support someone 250 lbs or more.
Above all else, this is probably the most important question to answer when considering firmness. Strict side sleepers will typically want something within the 3-6/10 range while back sleepers will want to go with something in the 5-7/10 range.
A heavy-duty mattress prevents your spine from becoming misaligned from sinking as well as supporting the other important parts of your body - the shoulders, hips and legs. Relieving pressure from these areas helps us relax into a deeper sleep.
The Sealy Posturepedic Mattress range prides itself on using comfort layers. Compared to the classic Sealy Mattress range, Posturepedic mattresses use a wider variety & combination of high-grade materials such as gel visco, gel memory foam, ultra-soft foam, high-performance foam and high-density latex.
The Sealy guarantee
With our guarantee, you will be able to use your mattress for at least 10 years — and if cared for properly, it will likely stay in excellent condition for much longer. Some customers have claimed their Sealy mattress lasted them three decades!
Additionally, heavy sleepers are at an increased risk of suffering from sleep inertia, as they are thought to spend more time in deep and REM sleep and tend to wake up during these. They may feel groggy, disoriented and fatigued throughout the day.