In my 35 years within the mattress industry I have seen mattresses get destroyed by heavy people. Is it their fault? No, it's the fault of the manufacturers for not making sturdy mattresses to accommodate a larger person. Seems comfort trumps durability in the mattress world so the best mattress for heavy people is one that is rock hard and not comfortable, or is it?
For years the only type of mattress that could hold up to a heavy person was a spring mattress that had extra firm coils and extra firm padding making it unbearable to sleep on. However, the best mattress for heavy people is not made of steel springs nor memory foam, but rather a product of Mother Nature herself, rubber.
Latex foam rubber is made from tree sap (milk) from the rubber trees found mostly in Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India. Latex mattresses have been around for decades and their durability is legendary. I have personally seen these mattresses except 50 years of use. What makes them the best mattress for heavy people is the density of this amazing product. For example, most quality sofa cushions are made using 1.8 lb polyfoam. As you know these cushions usually last between 5 and 10 years before starting to collapse. Just imagine how long a foam that was 2 tim times heavier would perform in the long haul and you have the reason why latex is so durable.
Ok, so now it's no secret why latex can outlast any other product but what about the comfort? Does the best mattress for heavy people need to be rock hard like a spring mattress? No, latex mattresses offer BOTH comfort and durability coming in a variety of firmness levels. Some manufacturers even offer different firmness levels for each half of the bed so if a heavy person is partnered with a much lighter person, each can have their own choice. Try getting that from a spring or memory foam bed.
What's the Best Mattress For Heavy People in Latex Choices?
This is a question I get asked often. Since there are two types of processes for latex, Dunlop and Talalay, each has its own unique properties. Dunlop latex is denser and makes it the most popular choice for back sleepers who are heavy. Talalay latex is less decent and more airy making it a better choice for lighter folks and those who like to sleep on their side. Talalay does come in firmer densities as well and can be tailor for a heavy person who also likes to sleep on their side. The talalay process with the best option if getting a mattress with different firmnesses fits your needs.
In conclusion let me just say that I am sick and tired of talking to folks who tell me their new mattress only lasted 6 months and now they can not return it or they can only exchange it for another one of the same model which will do exactly the same thing over and over. Nonsense, save yourself the frustration and just go out and buy the best mattress for heavy people in the first place, a latex mattress.