Couple - Relationship, Relaxation, Comfortable, Love - Emotion, Hotel RoomHow much weight can mattresses carry? Just like humans, mattresses come in all shapes and sizes. And each one is designed to hold and support different weights.

If you’re a larger person, or even a couple, trying to find a bed that is supportive and comfortable, it can feel intimidating to find a mattress that will cushion you appropriately without wearing down the mattress. That’s why the weight and weight limit of a mattress should be considered in finer detail.

The good news is, there are plenty of excellent mattresses and box springs to choose from right at your fingertips. But you just have to know what you’re looking for. There’s no shame in getting a mattress that supports a heavier weight. After all, we need our mattresses to support our bodies properly if we have any chance of getting decent sleep. And heavier sleepers need extra support and cushioning in the areas where weight might be more concentrated.

*Disclaimer: the terms “heavy” or “larger” are being used generally. Of course, you can weigh 200 pounds and be perfectly fit and healthy. For the purposes of this article, we’re referring to “heavier”, “heavy” or “larger” as anybody over 200 pounds.

The weight limit of a typical mattress

Not all companies may advertise it, but in general, standard mattresses will support people weighing around 230 to 250 pounds. In this case, we’re talking somewhere along the lines of a conventional double, latex foam mattress. If you were to get a queen or king, that can be up to 250 pounds per each side, or 500 pounds for the entire bed.

Beyond that, there will also be mattresses that depending on their materials, build and make, can either support a heavier sleeper or not. Keep in mind that this will also vary from model to model.

What should a heavier person look for when considering a mattress?

Thickness

While the thickness isn’t as important as other components, it doesn’t always determine a mattress’s weight limit as any thickness should be comfortable. But we do recommend aiming for a thicker mattress of at least 10 inches to avoid sinking too far into the layers. In this way, it may be helpful to look at mattresses that have multiple layers.

Durability

Regardless of weight, durability should always be an important factor to consider when looking at mattresses. But if you are a heavier sleeper, quality durability will give you better peace of mind in the longevity of a mattress. The best way to assess durability is by evaluating the density of the material, number of layers and quality of materials use

girl waking up at the weekend, top view photo

Firmness

This factor will help prevent mattress sagging and will allow you to be adequately supported, especially if you are a side or stomach sleeper. Mattress firmness is identified on a 1 to 10 scale, with one being the least firm and 10 being the most.

People who weigh more than 230 pounds will more easily sink into a mattress, and this is why it’s important for heavier sleepers to consider a mattress that rates at around 6 (medium-firm) or an 8 (firm). Check out our roundup of the best firm mattresses and 7 tips to make a mattress firmer.

Support

  • Edge Support: This is an important feature to consider so you can feel supported on the whole surface area of your mattress. Edge support matters especially when you’re struggling to get out of bed. If your body mass sways to the heavier side, then you’ll want a mattress that doesn’t sink when you’re getting out or lying near the edge.
  • Material support: This includes a combination of body contouring and pressure relieving properties. As such, you’ll need to look for a mattress that offers the best in both worlds when it comes to firm support and comfort layers. Often, mattresses made for larger people will make use of high-density foams and taller coils.

Breathability

A common frustration of heavy people is “sleeping hot”. Due to a higher body mass, they produce more heat. Therefore, if you weigh more and are swallowed by a mattress, you’re going to feel a lot warmer and have difficulty falling asleep. Finding a mattress that offers good airflow and temperature regulation is something you should think about if you want to sleep cool.

A good foundation

A good mattress is only as good as its foundation. Both box springs and foundations are excellent choices that can make or break your sleep quality and bed’s performance. Different mattresses will be best supported by either a box spring or foundation, so it’s best to inquire with the company or retailer you’re purchasing from directly.

Do different mattress types have weight limits?

Well…sort of. But not to the degree that they are standard across the board. At the end of the day, you have to weigh the pros and cons for any of the main mattress types. Yet each mattress type has unique qualities and characteristics that might make it more suited to heavier people.

Foam

Memory foam or polyfoam mattresses have gained in popularity because they literally feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. But this may not be ideal for heavier sleepers, as you might sink into the mattress a little more than would be desired. On top of that, they easily trap body heat and provide inadequate spinal support.

If you were to choose a foam mattress as a heavier person, you’d need to purchase one with a high firmness rating or simply just a foam mattress cover to provide that cushion on top of your mattress.

Latex

Latex offers sleepers a great combination of advantages, including: durability, gentle cushioning, airflow, firmness, dust resistance and good motion isolation. In this way, a latex mattress would make an excellent choice for heavier people. It’s able to provide comfort, support and pressure relief while also holding up your body weight. However, latex mattresses tend to be on the higher end in terms of cost, starting at around $2,000 or more.

Innerspring

Innersprings are a classic mattress and also perfect for those with a heavier build. Contrary to foam types, innersprings are made with interior coils, and therefore have a sturdier construction. An innerspring mattress made from low-gauge coils (not high-gauge coils) will be thick and strong. It can prevent deep sinkage, hold extra bodyweight and also keep you cool at night thanks to the airflow moving through the coils.

Hybrid

Hybrids are an excellent choice because they utilize a foundational coil layer, for airflow and support followed by at least 2 inches of memory foam, latex or polyfoam to provide comfort. This makes hybrid types ideal for heavy people because you get a decent amount of firmness and support without compromising on cushioning. Yet, even if you weigh more, you wouldn’t notice the mattress sinking deep into the layers.

Final thoughts

Overall, some mattresses—more than others—will be able to withstand heavier body weights. All mattresses will differ in their own unique weight limit so it’s important to understand the weight limits of a mattress or whether it’s made for heavier people before committing. Additionally, many bed frames, foundations and box springs will also have a weight limit.

Ultimately, if you weigh more than 230 pounds, you should seek out a mattress that contains a thick comfort layer and sturdy foundation, in this case innerspring or hybrid mattress types.