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Best for: Highlights: Despite being one of the lesser-known mattress-in-a-box companies in the UK, OTTY’s flagship mattress offers impressive value for money.
Now, this mattress *is* manufactured in China but – frankly – that’s partly why it’s so affordable. It features a hybrid design with a combination of pocket springs and foam; the top layer is made up of 3cm of Otty’s “cool blue gel” memory foam to prevent heat buildup, followed by another 3cm of “reflex” foam that relieves pressure points during sleep.
The core of the mattress contains 2,000 pocket springs, significantly more than you’ll find in other hybrid mattresses like the Eve Hybrid or Simba Hybrid. The OTTY also comes with a 100-night money-back trial and a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects. With a solid-foam foundation and strong foam side support, it’s suitable for those weighing up to 17 stone per person.
In a nutshell: Overall, the OTTY Original Hybrid offers surprising support for the price as well as respectable comfort, and temperature control, making it excellent value for heavier people on a budget.
Comparison: Top 3 mattresses for heavy people Here’s a side-by-side table allowing you to compare the pros and cons of each of my top 3 choices:
Mattress Pros Cons Brook & Wilde Elite 🌟 Supremely comfortable 💰 Not cheap DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid 💤 Great for all sleeping positions 💰 Not cheap (if no discount) Simba Hybrid Pro 💪 Firm, supportive feel 🛌 Top cover not removable
How to find the right mattress for heavy people When it comes to finding the perfect mattress for a heavy sleeper, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the key factors is the thickness of the mattress, also known as the depth or profiel.
This is because, in the main, mattresses come in three different profile types in the UK:
Low profile: mattresses that are less than 25cm in depthMedium profile: mattresses that measure between 25cm and 30cmLarge profile: mattresses that measure 31cm or more in depth But don’t be fooled into thinking that thickness is the only factor that determines how a mattress feels. The amount of layers and materials inside a mattress will also have a huge impact on the way it feels to sleep on. For example, low-profile mattresses have to be firm enough to prevent the sleeper from sinking into the support core, whereas high-profile mattresses have more room for substantial comfort layers on top of the support core, providing a soft yet supportive feel.
Generally speaking, most mattresses designed for heavier sleepers are thicker : medium- or high-profile usually, as they’re better suited to provide the support and specific feel that heavier sleepers need. However, some firmer low-profile mattresses have also made my list above, because everyone is different 🙂
What else should I look for? So, let’s talk about support. This is crucial for heavier sleepers as it helps to evenly distribute your weight across the mattress. Look for a mattress that has a strong support system, such as pocketed coils or high-density foam. These materials can help to strengthen and stabilise the mattress, which is especially important if you or your partner weighs over 16 stone.
But support alone isn’t enough – you also want a mattress that can comfortably conform to your body shape. This is where materials like memory foam or latex can come in handy. They can offer a nice level of contouring, which can help to relieve pressure points and prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Not all mattresses are the same, and some manufacturers are guilty of deceptive advertising . You must remain sceptical of any mattress that advertises itself as “universal comfort” or as being good for people of all sizes and shapes. Why? Because my research and testing of mattresses has shown that different models have constructions and materials that are better suited to different types of sleepers. Quite simply, if you weigh more than average, it’s important to get a mattress that can properly support your weight.
It’s easy to get swept up in the marketing claims of mattress brands, but when it comes to choosing a bed as a heavier sleeper, there are a few key things to consider. Here att WhatMattress, we recommend focussing on the following (in no particular order):
Mattress Type: The type of mattress you choose can have a big impact on your comfort levels. Memory foam and all-polyfoam mattresses tend to offer more body-conforming and pressure relief, while hybrid and innerspring models are better for support and stability. All-latex beds and airbeds with adjustable firmness levels can offer a good compromise of both contouring and support.The “bounce” or responsiveness of a mattress is especially important for those who weigh more than average when they sleep. Excessive sinkage and a “stuck” sensation can result from sleeping on a memory foam or polyfoam mattress that’s not responsive to your movements. However, one thing to be aware of is that responsive mattresses are more buoyant , and therefore allow movement on the bed’s surface: this is a crucial thing to consider if you intend to use your mattress for sex. We're completely independent from any mattress company. We've spent countless hours curating and reviewing mattresses that anyone can buy in the UK, and have been doing so since 2018. Mattresses tested: 82 Total hours testing: 602 Pillows tested: 24 Total hours testing: 183 Duvets tested: 35+ Funds spent on testing: £7,500+
What is the best mattress type? When it comes to choosing the best type of mattress for a heavy person or couple, there are thankfully a number of options to consider. At WhatMattress, we’ve been doing this since 2018 via in-depth research and testing to provide you with some top recommendations:
Hybrid Mattress: For those who want the benefits of two different types of mattresses in one, a hybrid mattress can be a great option. These mattresses combine a support system, usually made of open coil or pocket springs, with a comfort layer of memory foam, latex , or gel foam. However, we recommend that heavier sleepers avoid memory foam and gel foam and opt for a hybrid mattress with a latex foam comfort layer. Latex foam is more durable and breathable, and provides a bouncy, comfortable surface.
Pocket Spring Mattress: Don’t overlook a pocket spring mattress. These mattresses offer durable support, even weight distribution, and pressure relief. The individually wrapped coils move independently, allowing the mattress to conform to your body shape and provide edge-to-edge support. Plus, these individual springs retain theirr rigidity for much longer than an open coil innerspring mattress.
Innerspring Mattress: Innerspring mattresses are also a good option for heavy sleepers, particularly if you prefer a firmer mattress. They typically come in medium firm, firm or extra firm support levels, which is important to adequately support your body throughout the night. However, the structure of the spring system is less durable than a pocket spring mattress, which can cause issues with “roll-together” and a lack of edge-to-edge support.
Latex: Latex comes from the sap of rubber trees and is a completely “natural” material. The three main qualities of latex mattresses are its resilience, breathability, and reactivity; latex is ideal for larger people because it strikes a decent mix between contouring and support. It also sleeps cooler than memory foam (in particular), which is a plus for those who tend to become too hot in bed. However, latex can be more costly and less commonly available than other mattersses in the UK, with prices starting at around £1200 and longer lead times to boot.
What mattress types should I avoid? This may be controversial, but I’d say avoid Memory Foam.
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that’s been treated with chemicals to create a dense, temperature-sensitive material. It’s known for its ability to contour to the body and relieve pressure points, making it a popular choice for people with aches and pains. However, memory foam can be problematic for heavier sleepers, as it can cause excessive sinkage and make it difficult to move around on the mattress. Additionally, some memory foam mattresses can trap heat, which can be uncomfortable for some larger folk.
If you prefer a softer, more contouring feel and don’t mind the potential for heat retention and sinkage, memory foam may be a good option though.
What about mattress toppers? Since you’re presumably a heavier person (as you’re reading this…!), you might have noticed in the past that a mattress topper didn’t do enough to relieve pressure points or stop you from sinking into the mattress. Often this’ll lead to discomfort and pain, especially in areas like your hips, shoulders, and lower back.
While mattress toppers can be a quick and easy way to improve your sleeping surface, they may not be the best solution in the long run for anyone over, say, 16 stone. If you’re feeling discomfort when you sleep, it’s important to consider upgrading to a mattress that’s specifically designed to support and comfort your body.
What sleeping position is best for heavier people? I’m not going to ask you to change your sleeping position, and frankly why should you? So here’s a rundown of the best and worst mattress firmness for different positions (for heavier people):
Side sleepers Heavier side sleepers should look for a medium-firm mattress – let’s say around “6.5” – to prevent excessive sinkage and provide the required support they need. This level of firmness is ideal for supporting healthy spinal alignment while also providing ample cushioning for the hips and shoulders. Avoid mattresses that are either overly soft or too hard, as this can lead to pressure point pain and discomfort.
Back sleepers Heavy people who sleep on their backs need extra support to prevent spinal misalignment and the resulting pain in the lower back. When you sleep in this position, your hips are at the most risk of being misaligned, so it’s best to use a firm or even extra-firm mattress (8+). Back sleepers might find that innerspring or some Simba branded hybrid mattresses are best here, thanks to their supportive construction and firmer feel.
Front sleepers When sleeping on your stomach or front, your spine is forced into an almost unnatural position, which can lead to pain and discomfort in the lower back area, over time. To prevent this, it’s important to choose a mattress with a firm or extra firm support level if possible. So innerspring and hybrid mattresses are good options for stomach sleepers , as they provide the necessary support to keep the spine in proper alignment. These mattresses have a solid foundation that prevents the hips from sinking too deeply, which can cause misalignment and discomfort. Additionally, they offer good edge support, which is important for stomach sleepers who tend to sleep on the edge of the bed.
Combination A medium-firm mattress is ideal for combination sleepers who switch positions frequently during the night. Why? because a mattress of this firmness is best for maintaining spinal alignment and relieving pressure on the body regardless of the sleeper’s preferred posture. Avoid mattresses that are either overly soft or too hard, as this can lead to pressure point pain and discomfort.
What else do I need to look for? Since you’re on the hunt for a new mattress, I know all too well that it’s easy to get sucked in by things like plush feels or high price tags. But as a heavier person, you need to think about durability too – depending on your weight, it can put strain on a mattress, and that can shorten its lifespan.
So when you’re shopping for a new mattress, keep an eye out for ones that are made with high-density foams and extra coils. These features can help prevent wear and tear caused by heavier weights, which means your mattress will last longer.
Another thing to think about is sagging. Over time, your body will leave an indentation in the mattress, and this happens even more quickly if you’re on the heavier side. Sagging can be really uncomfortable, and it can also shorten the lifespan of your mattress. To avoid this problem, look for mattresses that have “sag-proof” foams that won’t lose their shape over time. Or, you can look for mattresses with added support features, like reinforced edges or zoned support systems.
I’m obese – what should I look for? Mattress firmness is the main factor to look for if you’re obese or considered significantly overweight – for example let’s say over 30 stone.
Many health experts advise that significantly overweight people sleep on a firm mattress to help prevent spinal misalignment and pressure sores. A mattress should be supportive without being too rigid; a soft mattress that lacks proper support can be just as bad for your health.
Don’t overlook the pillow either, which I’ll cover next.
What about the pillow? Frankly, pillows are an essential part of every bed set up, yet few people give them the credit they deserve for adding comfort. The wrong pillow simply WILL cause discomfort and spinal misalignment, while the perfect one can improve sleep quality and relieve pressure.
Low, medium, or high depth describes the density of a pillow amd a person’s preferred pillow depth changes based on how they sleep. For instance, those who sleep on their sides need a high-loft pillow to support their neck and spine, while those who sleep on their stomachs should use a low-loft cushion to avoid neck pain. On the other hand, a medium loft pillow is ideal for back sleepers. Your overall body weight here doesn’t make much difference to the pillow you choose.
You may also like... Methodology To start with I looked at weight limits, levels of firmness, and construction materials to determine which mattresses were best suited for those on the heavier side.
Then, I looked through product descriptions and specifications to identify manufacturers that clearly specified their weight capacity. A lot of these are misleading, so little weight was given to them. I then looked at ratings and reviews from established platforms like Amazon and Trustpilot, focussing on input from people who said they were on the heavier side. I narrowed the reviews down to those that were most helpful by searching for phrases like “heavy” and “overweight” to find mattresses that were well-liked by people with comparable build (if possible). Knowing that heavier people typically need firmer support to maintain good spinal alignment, my colleague and I also took into account the varying degrees of firmness included in each mattress. We scoured the market for mattresses with adjustable hardness settings and tabulated the percentage of those that received the firmest and firmest ratings. Finally, we looked at the construction materials of each matterss to see whether there were any high-density foams or additional coils that could better cope with the additional weight of heavier people. This allowed us to zero-in on mattresses that would last the test of time while still providing adequate support. Verdict I know that finding a comfortable mattress as a heavy person can be difficult, as there’s so much mumbo-jumbo out there.
But honestly, it really is necessary for getting decent-quality sleep and while everyone has their own tastes, those who are heavier should look for a mattress with plenty of support and very little padding. The Brook & Wilde Elite is the ideal option due to its high quality construction and comfortable design.
If you’re looking for a luxurious hybrid mattress that’ll keep your spine in alignment, look no further than the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid; while the Simba Hybrid Pro is the best option if you like something harder. Finally, the OTTY Original Hybrid provides remarkable cost-effectiveness.
As a heavier person, you need to pay special attention to the thickness, support, and responsiveness of a mattress and most of all never forget that selecting the perfect mattress for your unique size and sleeping style is an individual process that takes time. Ultimately, you are the best judge of what is physically most supportive for your body . Sweet dreams! 🙂
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What type of mattress is better for heavier people? People who weigh more will need more support from their mattress. For this reason a pocket sprung or hybrid mattress will probably be the most suitable type and memory foam may be the least popular choice.
How do I know if a mattress is suitable for heavy people? Look for a mattress that can equally distribute your weight by having a robust support structure like pocketed coils or high-density foam. The thickness, firmness, and pressure-relieving properties of a mattress's materials, such as memory foam or latex, are also important to think about.
Can heavy people sleep comfortably on soft mattresses? eavy people may find soft mattresses too plush, causing excessive sinkage and an uncomfortable "stuck" sensation. It's generally recommended for heavier sleepers to choose a medium-firm to firm mattress that can offer a balance of support and contouring.
How we reviewed this article: Our experts continually monitor the mattress & sleep tech space, and we update our reviews & articles when new information becomes available.
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