Best Mattress for Heavy People | Winstons Beds

The right mattress can greatly impact your quality of sleep. However, choosing the perfect mattress can be a challenge, especially if you weigh over 16 stones. A mattress’s thickness, firmness, and material composition can all play a role in determining comfort levels.

Through our hands-on testing and analysis of customer feedback, we’ve determined that a mattress with a medium-soft to medium-firm feel (with a firmness rating of 6 to 8 out of 10) and minimal cushioning layers along with a strong support system would be most comfortable for individuals in this weight range.

However, it’s important to note that mattress preferences are subjective and personal. Our recommendations are based on a combination of customer feedback and our experts’ knowledge, but ultimately you are the best judge of what will be the most comfortable for your body.

Our team of mattress experts has conducted extensive testing and analysed data from real customers to determine the best mattresses for various performance areas.

In this list, we specifically focused on feedback and ratings from individuals who weigh more than 16 stones, taking into account factors such as edge support, ease of movement, pressure relief, and temperature neutrality. The recommended mattresses below are based on these findings.

Why you can Trust us

At Winstons Beds, we understand the importance of finding the right mattress, especially for those who are heavy. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide you with the best options on the market. Our extensive research and testing process involves a diverse group of product testers with varying body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences, including those who have a history of hip pain.

As NBF Premier Retail Champions, we take pride in our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Our experts have thoroughly evaluated our mattress models and found them to be the best option for heavy individuals. We measure the depth of the mattress sinkage under the weight of our testers, along with considering factors such as motion isolation, temperature control, pressure relief, off-gassing, ease of movement, edge support, and the body weight of our testers.

You can trust that when you purchase a mattress from Winstons Beds, you’re getting a product that’s been thoroughly tested and proven to provide the support and comfort you need for a restful night’s sleep.

To learn more about our evaluation process, please see our product research methodology.

Motion isolation

Our mattress evaluations, we consider a number of factors to determine the overall quality and comfort of the mattress. One of the criteria we consider is motion isolation, which refers to the amount of motion the mattress absorbs when a person moves on its surface. We use two testers lying side by side to evaluate this, and they each feel for transfer of movement while the other person moves on the mattress.

Temperature control

Another criteria we consider is temperature control. To determine how well a mattress regulates temperature, we perform temperature tests and carefully examine its materials and construction. Many mattresses are designed with cooling components to help reduce heat retention.

Pessure relief

We also consider pressure relief, which is a measure of how well a mattress prevents pressure from building up in areas like the shoulders and hips. Mattresses with evenly distributed contouring and weight are typically the best performers when it comes to pressure relief.

Off-gassing

Off-gassing is another factor we consider. A mattress in a box may release unpleasant odors for a short period after it has been unboxed. This initial smell may be strong, but it usually fades within a few days.

Ease of movement

Ease of movement is another criteria we evaluate. This reflects how easily a person can move across the surface of the mattress. Mattresses with responsive surfaces made of natural fill tend to perform better in this regard than those with foam surfaces, which can inhibit movement.

Edge support

We perform sit tests along the perimeter of the mattress to determine how well the edges push back against weight. Mattresses with strong edge support have minimal sagging when people sit on or lie close to the perimeter.

Body weight

In addition to these factors, we also take into account individual body weight when evaluating a mattress. We assess how comfortable the mattress will feel for different body types to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

Tried & Tested by Real Customers

The following mattresses have received our highest ratings for individuals who are heavier. Each mattress has been recognized for its unique strengths and features. Detailed information about each mattress, as well as a link to purchase, can be found below.

What is the Best Type of Mattress for Heavy People?

For a heavy person, it’s important to choose a mattress that offers the right balance of support and comfort. Pocket spring mattresses are often considered the best type for heavy individuals. Here’s why:

Individualised Support

• Pocket spring mattresses also known as innerspring mattresses have individual springs that are encased in their own pockets. This means that each spring is able to respond to pressure independently, providing tailored support to each part of your body. This is especially important for heavy individuals, as they tend to put more pressure on their mattress.

Durability

• The individual springs in a pocket spring mattress are able to distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of sagging and increasing the mattress’s overall lifespan.

Motion Isolation

• Because the springs in a pocket spring mattress are encased, they are less likely to transfer motion from one part of the bed to another. This means that if your partner moves around during the night, you are less likely to be disturbed.

Comfort Options

• Pocket spring mattresses are often available in a variety of firmness levels, so you can choose the one that best suits your personal comfort preferences. Additionally, many pocket spring mattresses come with various comfort layers, such as memory foam, latex, or wool, to provide additional cushioning.

In conclusion, pocket spring mattresses are a best option for heavy individuals because they offer individualised support, durability, motion isolation, and comfort options.

Do Heavier People Need a Firm Mattress?

Mattress firmness is a critical factor to consider when choosing the best mattress, especially for heavier people. The firmness of a mattress affects the level of support and comfort, and it can impact the quality of sleep. There are different levels of firmness, ranging from soft to firm, and the best mattress for heavy people is a medium-soft or medium-firm feel.

• When it comes to support, heavier people need a mattress that can handle their weight and provide maximum support. A mattress that is too soft can cause sinkage, leading to improper spinal alignment, and causing pain and discomfort. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm can be uncomfortable and cause pressure points. A medium-soft or medium-firm feel mattress provides the perfect balance between support and comfort, allowing the heavier person to sleep comfortably throughout the night.
• Pressure relief is another critical factor to consider when choosing a mattress for heavy people. Heavier individuals are likely to put more pressure on their mattress, causing pain and discomfort in their joints, hips, and shoulders. A medium-soft or medium-firm feel mattress provides adequate pressure relief, ensuring that the person sleeps comfortably and wakes up without any aches or pains.
• Edge support is also essential for heavier people, as they are more likely to sit on the edge of the mattress. A mattress with inadequate edge support can cause the person to sink or roll off the mattress. A medium-soft or medium-firm feel mattress provides firm edge support, ensuring that the person remains safe and comfortable while sitting on the edge of the bed.

At Winstons, we use Butterfly Clips to prevent the mattress from sinking on the edges when a customer sleeps or sits on the edge of the mattress. Butterfly Clips are a unique feature that provides enhanced edge support, ensuring that the person remains safe and comfortable while sitting on the edge of the bed.

Butterfly Clips are metal clips that are attached to the edges of the mattress. These clips provide additional support to the edge of the mattress, preventing it from collapsing and sinking when a person sits or sleeps on the edge. This feature is particularly important for heavier people, as they are more likely to put pressure on the edges of the mattress.

In addition to providing edge support, Butterfly Clips also increase the durability of the mattress. They reinforce the edges, making the mattress more resistant to wear and tear, and increasing its lifespan.

• Sleeping position also plays a significant role in choosing the best mattress for heavy people. Stomach sleepers require a firmer mattress to provide the necessary support and keep their spine aligned. On the other hand, side sleepers need a softer mattress to provide pressure relief to their hips and shoulders. A medium-soft or medium-firm feel mattress is suitable for both stomach and side sleepers, as it provides adequate support and pressure relief.

While a medium-soft or medium-firm feel mattress is the best option for heavier people, the level of comfort is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Some people prefer a medium-soft feel, which provides a cushioned, plush feel, while others prefer a medium-firm feel, which provides a firmer, supportive feel. In both cases, a mattress topper can be added to adjust the level of firmness and ensure that the person sleeps comfortably.

Winstons recommends a medium soft feel or medium firm feel mattress based on data collected from its own customers. The data shows that these firmness levels are the most preferred by customers and provide the best balance between comfort and support.

To gather this data, Winstons conducted surveys and gathered feedback from its customers. The surveys asked customers about their sleeping habits, preferences, and experiences with the mattresses they purchased. The data collected showed that the majority of customers preferred medium soft or medium firm mattresses, with a small percentage of customers preferring either very soft or very firm mattresses.

In analysing the data, Winstons found that medium soft and medium firm mattresses provide the best balance between comfort and support. Heavier individuals need a mattress that provides maximum support and the perfect balance between support and comfort. A medium-soft mattress provides a plush, cushioned feel that is preferred by some customers, and it still provides adequate support and pressure relief.

Winstons also looked at data on customer satisfaction and found that customers who purchased medium soft or medium firm mattresses reported higher levels of satisfaction than those who purchased very soft or very firm mattresses. This data reinforced the recommendation of medium soft or medium firm mattresses as the best choice for customers.

The Comfort and Support of a Mattress – Understanding the Feel and Spring Tension

Choosing a mattress can be a daunting task, with various factors to consider. Two key aspects to consider when making a decision are the feel of a mattress and the spring tension. Understanding the difference between these two can help you find a mattress that fits your comfort and support needs.

The feel of a mattress is all about the level of comfort and softness or firmness that you experience when you lie down on it. This is determined by a range of factors, such as the type of materials used, the thickness of the layers, and the overall construction of the mattress. To aid you in your search for the perfect mattress, we provide information about the feel of each model on our product pages for each individual mattress.

In contrast, spring tension refers to the amount of resistance offered by the springs in a pocket spring mattress. It is measured by the gauge, or thickness, of the springs and the number of springs per inch. A higher gauge spring provides less resistance, while a lower gauge spring offers more resistance. To help you find the right spring tension for you, we have added a spring tension chart to our product pages, which provides information about the correct spring tension for each model.

It’s important to keep in mind that the feel of a mattress and spring tension are not the same thing. For example, a mattress with firm spring tension can still feel soft if it’s constructed with materials like Shropshire wool, while a mattress with soft spring tension can still have a firm feel if it’s made with materials like coir.

Making the right choice when it comes to a mattress is vital for a good night’s sleep and avoiding discomfort. Two crucial factors to consider when selecting a mattress are the feel and spring tension. A mattress with the ideal feel can guarantee comfort and enhance your sleep, while the right spring tension can provide adequate support and prevent aches and pains.

We suggest opting for a medium soft or medium firm mattress, but the spring tension should always be based on your weight and sleeping position. This way, you can ensure that you receive the optimal amount of support and comfort while you sleep.

So, when searching for your next mattress, be sure to keep in mind both the feel and spring tension. With the right combination of these two factors, you can be sure to have a restful and rejuvenating sleep every night.

Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good for Heavier People?

When it comes to finding the best mattress for heavy people, there are many factors to consider, and a memory foam mattress may not always be the best choice. While memory foam is often praised for its comfort and pressure relief, it can also have some drawbacks that are particularly relevant to heavier individuals. In this article, we will explain why a memory foam mattress may not be the best option for heavy people and suggest alternative materials and designs to look for.

First, let’s define what is meant by “heavy people.” For the purpose of this article, we will consider anyone weighing more than 16 stones to be a heavy person.

Here are some of the reasons why memory foam may not be the best choice for heavy people:

Sinkage and body impressions

• Memory foam is known for its ability to conform to the body, but this can also mean that it tends to sink and retain body impressions over time. For heavy people, this sinkage can be more pronounced and may lead to an uncomfortable feeling of being “stuck” in the mattress. In addition, deeper body impressions can compromise the support and alignment of the spine.

Reduced durability

• Memory foam is a relatively soft and vulnerable material, and its ability to hold up over time can be affected by weight and pressure. For heavy people, the mattress may not retain its shape and support as well, leading to a shorter lifespan and the need to replace it sooner.

Heat retention

• Memory foam is known to trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people, especially during warm weather. This can be especially problematic for heavy people, who tend to generate more heat due to their larger body mass. Cooling gel memory foam can help to address this issue to some extent, but it may not be enough to fully eliminate the heat retention issue.

Lack of bounce

• Memory foam is designed to absorb motion and reduce transfer, but this can also mean that it can feel somewhat lifeless and unresponsive. For heavy people, this lack of bounce can make it difficult to change positions and get in and out of bed.

So What are the Alternative Materials and Designs to Look for When Shopping for the Best Mattress for Heavy People?

High density foam

• High density foam is a firmer and more durable material that can provide better support and longevity. A mattress with a high-density foam base or core can help to prevent excessive sinkage and body impressions, and can also help to maintain a comfortable sleeping surface over time.

Pocket Springs

• Pocket springs are another option to consider, especially for heavy people who prefer a bouncier and more responsive mattress. The coils can provide excellent support and a more supportive base, helping to distribute weight and prevent sagging.

Hybrid mattresses

• Hybrid mattresses combine materials such as memory foam and innerspring coils to offer the best of both worlds. The memory foam provides pressure relief and comfort, while the coils provide support and a bouncier feel. A well-designed hybrid mattress can help to balance comfort and support, making it a good choice for heavy people.

Support foam

• Support foam is a firmer and more supportive material that can help to reinforce the structure of the mattress and prevent excessive sinkage. Some mattresses for heavy people may feature additional layers of support foam to enhance the durability and support of the mattress.

What to Consider When Buying the Best Mattress for Heavy People

As a heavy sleeper, it’s important to find the perfect mattress that provides both support and comfort. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting the best mattress for your needs:

Mattress type:

• Pocket Spring
• Hybrid
• Latex

Each type of mattress has its own unique benefits, from pressure relief and body contouring with latex, to firmness and bounciness with pocket springs. It’s best to find the type that suits your needs and preferences.

Support & comfort:

• Firmness
• Sleeping position
• Type of mattress

A mattress’s support and comfort levels can vary greatly. Consider these three factors when looking for a mattress that’s right for you.

Thickness & number of layers:

• Most heavy-duty mattresses come with multiple layers, with the top layer providing comfort and the bottom layers offering support. Aim for a mattress that’s between 30-51 cm in thickness.

Edge support:

• The edges of a mattress play a big role in overall support, especially if you’re a restless sleeper. Consider the edge support when choosing your mattress.

Sleeping position:

• Your preferred sleeping position affects what type of mattress you need. For example, stomach sleepers benefit from firmer mattresses, while side sleepers may prefer a softer option.

Feel:

• A mattress with a medium soft to medium-firm feel is best for heavy people.

Cooling:

• Heat retention can be a problem for heavy sleepers. Consider a mattress with cooling features to help regulate your body temperature while you sleep.

Ultimately, it’s important to try out the mattress yourself to know if it’s right for you. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect mattress for your needs.

Still Unsure About Your Mattress Options? Connect with a Specialist on 0161 250 9200