You’re supposed to feel comfortable in bed and you shouldn’t have to worry about your new frame or mattress not being able to support your weight.
But do beds or mattresses have a weight limit? What can you do if you exceed the recommended weight limit for a bed or mattress? And what types of beds and mattresses are best for those who are heavy or light?
What is the weight limit on beds and mattresses?
The weight limit for a bed or mattress varies with each manufacturer and can be dependent on all sorts of things, including the type of the materials the mattress is made from, the evenness of the weight distribution and what kind of base you use with a particular mattress.
Whilst Tempur has a weight limit of 23 stone per side, Silent Night ensures their beds have been tested to support up to 31.5 stone, so it’s always best to check with the manufacturer you’re buying from.
What should I do if I exceed the weight limit on a bed or mattress?
If you buy a regular mattress from a showroom or an online retailer and you are heavier than the recommended weight limit, then this may mean you can lose the warranty on your new bed or mattress.
We recommend if you weigh more than 30 stone or the recommended weight for the mattress you are looking into, then consider purchasing a specialist bed that has been designed specifically to support your weight.
What bed base is best for a heavy person?
If you a heavy and are looking to purchase a regular bed or mattress then there are things you can do to ensure you feel completely comfortable and supported on your new bed.
When choosing a base, you should consider a divan style instead of a slatted bed frame.
Divan beds are great for heavier people as they are made with a solid platform top which means they are able to support heavier weights much better than slatted bed frames.
Divan bases can usually support individual weights of around 25-30 stone on each side.
Unlike slatted frames, divan bases can make a mattress feel firmer, so you won’t get that sinking feeling on a divan base as you do on sprung slats which have much more give.
What mattress is best for a heavy person?
As well as a firm divan base, you should also consider a firm to a very firm mattress.
Those who are heavier are more likely to feel more comfortable on a mattress with lots of pocket springs and for plus-size folks, we recommend a mattress with a minimum of 2,000 pocket springs or more.
Unlike the traditional coil sprung mattress, which is one linked spring running throughout the mattress, pocket springs are individual from each other, giving you individual support across your whole body.
This means the more springs your mattress has—the more support it gives you!
If you aren’t a fan of springs and prefer the feel of a foam type mattress, then consider a latex mattress instead.
Whilst memory foam can often be too soft for those who weigh more and make you feel like you are sinking too much into the mattress, latex is a much firmer material but contours around your body in a similar way.
Many all-latex mattresses come extra firm, and you could also try a pocket sprung mattress with a latex layer, giving you support from the springs underneath but with an added layer of contouring comfort.
If you are heavy but your partner is much lighter, then you should rotate the mattress regularly to ensure the weight is distributed evenly across the mattress and prevent the mattress from dipping over a period of time.
Rotate your mattress weekly for the first 12 weeks and then monthly afterwards and this will help your mattress keep its original shape.
What bed base is best for a lighter person?
On the other hand, if you are on the lighter side then sprung slats may be just what you need.
Lighter people tend to need a softer bed as they have less weight to sink into the mattress which means some mattresses can feel too firm.
Sprung slats have more give, which can make a mattress feel softer and more comfortable to those who don’t weigh as much.
Divan bases are a great option in general, especially as they come with lots of storage options, so if you would still like a divan base then consider pairing it with a softer mattress.
What mattress is best for a lighter person?
People who are lighter tend to prefer a softer mattress that has more give and allows their body to sink into it and create a natural arch with their spine and neck.
It’s important to feel as if you are lying in your bed, not on it, and a softer mattress will help create this feeling.
Memory foam mattresses are a great option as memory foam contours around your body like it’s giving you a cosy hug.
As memory foam is usually quite soft, this makes it ideal for lighter people who need a mattress with more give.
A natural alternative to memory foam would be a mattress with wool fillings which is also soft and cosy to sleep on and helps to keep you warm at night.
If you don’t feel completely supported on a memory foam or wool mattress then try a hybrid mattress with pocket springs and a memory foam or wool topper integrated on top.
The springs will give you support, and the topper will contour around your body and help to alleviate pressure from your joints.
Hybrid mattresses are also a great choice for those of an average build as they offer the best of both worlds.
Weigh up your options…
If you are unsure that a bed will hold your weight, then check with the manufacturer and see if there is a recommended weight limit.
Not every heavier person will feel comfortable on a firm bed, just as not every lighter person will feel supported on a softer mattress.
There are lots of factors that can affect your needs and comfort when it comes to choosing the right mattress such as what position you sleep in.