Best Beds for Heavy People

If you are a heavy person and are looking for a suitable bed and mattress, read on.

In a nutshell, the best beds for heavy people must be strong, stable, and built to support higher weight loads, both from the sleeper and mattress. It is important to remember that any weight limits of a bed frame or divan base include the weight of the mattress as well.

The best beds for heavy people should have a higher weight capacity than normal. They will always need to be solid and well built. They do not have to compromise on style and functionality though.

The Best Beds for Heavy People

The Base

Let’s look at the type of base that makes the best beds for heavy people

A wrought iron bed frame would be durable and supportive. Look for a thick gauge metal, strong welded joints and a strong welded mesh base. Our range of wrought iron bed frames have been tested and certified that they are suitable for an individual user weight of 40 stone (254kg) or a total weight limit based on 2 people of 65 stone (412kg).

A strong metal bed frame can offer a stylish and less expensive solution. They are easy to assemble and provide underbed storage, which is great for smaller bedrooms. Look for a mesh base where possible or good quality slats. We have a good range of metal beds that have been tested to support a weight of 47 stone (300kg). These have a strong mesh base and are designed so they do not require central support legs.

Wooden bed frames can be strong but beware of softwood frames with pine slats. Look for a solid hardwood frame, which will be strong and long lasting or a hybrid wood frame with a strong mesh base. Our solid hardwood oak bed frames are built to hold 47 stone (300kg). A steel frame is bolted inside the oak side rails along with additional cross bars to make one of the best beds for heavy people.

New to our range is the Kiwi pine bed frame available in 3 finishes, Grey, white and pine. Although this is a softwood frame, it comes with a strong mesh base and has also been tested to hold 47 stone (300kg).

A reinforced divan base is ideal for those wanting a more traditional look and a platform top base would be the best divan for heavy people. A divan base is typically reinforced through a combination of frame materials, internal construction, and added supports. A good reinforced divan base will have a solid side, timber frame with hard wood corner blocks. They should also have wider or additional top rails

Our top tip for all bed frames, particularly when placed on a wooden or laminate floor is to make sure all the legs and supports are non-slip. Placing suitable protection under all legs and feet will reduce movement and limit floor damage. Excessive movement can cause sprung slats to pop out and in extreme cases cause the bed to collapse. Be aware that some manufacturers guarantees and invalid if a bed frame is placed on a non-carpeted surface unless suitable protection is used.

It’s always worth checking a beds recommended weight rating if you are unsure.

The Mattress

When choosing the best bed for heavy people, the mattress must deliver enhanced support, durability, pressure relief, and cooling. A typical mattress is guaranteed for a user weight of up to 18 stone (114kgs) per sleeping side.

One of the most important things for heavy people to look for in a mattress is the support or firmness. The ideal firmness will prevent excessive sinkage and keeps the spine aligned. For heavy people this will typically be a firm or extra firm mattress. Too soft a mattress can cause the hips and shoulders to sag, leading to back pain.

Sprung mattresses with lower gauge (thicker wire; e.g. 12–13 gauge) offer better longevity and stronger support for heavier bodies. Reinforced lumbar and hip zones will improve alignment and reduce lower back strain.

Edge support is very important as heavy people often sit or sleep near the edge. Reinforced foam or stronger springs on perimeters help prevent roll-off and increase usable sleeping surface. Butterfly reinforcing bars provide enhanced side support and are often found in hotel mattresses.

Breathability is also a factor to consider. Heavier people tend to sleep hotter due to more body contact with the surface. Avoid solid foam mattresses as they tend to generate a lot of heat and can sag unless high-density. In the past memory foam would cause the sleeper to overheat. Now the new generation gel-infused or open-cell memory foams have cooling properties. Latex is naturally breathable and is a good option for a heavy sleeper, although can be more expensive. Sprung mattresses enable airflow between the springs. A good option is a hybrid, a combination of springs and either memory foam, gel latex or pure latex. However, some hybrids skimp on foam density and depth.

Mattress Recommendations

Our best selling Ashurst mattress is a great choice for heavy people. With a thick wire spring (12.5 gauge) and butterfly reinforcing bars this extra firm mattress is suitable for an individual weight of 160kgs / 25 stone and 265kgs / 42 stone if two people are sharing the bed.

We also have a range of 3 Sealy mattresses which have no weight limit. Each has a different feel, a softer, medium and firm mattress.

And finally consider a topper if the mattress is slightly too firm but otherwise supportive. A thick topper can provide excellent comfort on a firm or extra firm mattress.

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