If you’re like most Americans, a mattress is a VIP (very important purchase). While comfort is key, 99 percent of respondents in a national consumer mattress survey said that the quality of their mattress makes or breaks their choice. There are several types of mattresses to choose from, so it can be a little overwhelming — especially if there’s one or two plus-sized bods that are going to be sleeping on it! Not to worry. At Big Fig, we’re all about comfort and quality. Read on to learn how to buy a mattress with confidence.
What Are the Different Types of Mattresses?
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all best type of mattress — literally and figuratively! Here’s three major mattress types and an explanation of each:
- Memory Foam
- Hybrid Mattress
- Latex Mattress
What is Memory Foam?
An all-memory foam mattress works with your body heat, which helps form the mattress to your body shape and sleeping position to provide “just right” comfort. Fun fact: NASA developed the polyurethane foam used in this mattress type in the 60s to counterbalance the insane pressure astronauts experienced when leaving and returning to the earth’s atmosphere. Luckily, you only need it for a good night’s sleep, right? However, an all-memory foam mattress comes with a few drawbacks — they’re heavy AF and retain heat and moisture.
What is a Hybrid Mattress?
As the name suggests, a hybrid mattress provides both a comforting foam (or latex) and an innerspring support system made with micro-coils. It’s a popular choice because it offers additional edge support with the added benefit of contouring pressure relief. Additionally, it has low heat retention, which prevents sweaty, sleepless nights!
What is a Latex Mattress?
While less common than memory foam, latex is a popular mattress choice because some folks think it provides more comfort than memory foam — to each their own! While a mattress study suggested that latex mattresses more effectively reduce body weight pressure on the torso and backside, it doesn’t provide the same sink-in, wrap-your-bod feeling.
Latex foam also has a better ventilation system than memory foam and is considered more environmentally friendly. However, it’s firmer than memory foam, so latex may not be your thing if you tend to gravitate towards a softer mattress.
How to Choose a Mattress
Ultimately, choosing the best mattress for you (and a potential full-figured S.O.) comes down to a few specific preferences and needs you may have yet to consider. For example:
Weight
Ok, full-figured friends. When shopping for the best type of mattress, keep in mind that most conventional mattresses have a weight limit of 250 to 300 pounds per side — that may not be enough if you’re like more than half of the US! That said, you must choose a model that can comfortably support both of you while lasting longer than the average mattress time of seven years.
Partners
Whether you’re swinging solo or have a permanent bed buddy, you’ll want to consider mattress size when choosing a mattress. The Big Fig Mattress is the first (and best) mattress for heavy people, and we provide several different sizes based on your needs. Typically a Queen, King, and California King are best for two sleepers.
- Twin: 38 x 75 x 13 inches
- Twin XL: 38 x 80 x 13 inches
- Full: 54 x 75 x 13 inches
- Queen: 60 x 80 x 13 inches
- King: 76 x 80 x 13 inches
- California King: 72 x 84 x 13 inches
- Split King: 76 x 80 x 13 inches
Sleeping Position
What is the best type of mattress for side sleepers? Typically, one that’s on the softer side and made of foam or latex. If you prefer to sleep on your stomach, you might like something firmer. If you tend to change positions throughout the night, a hybrid mattress provides the perfect balance of comfort and support. If you’re not sure you’re maximizing your snooze sessions, check out our post “ What’s the Best Position to Sleep In? ”.
Neck or Back Pain
What’s the best type of mattress for back pain or a sore neck? Memory foam and latex are both excellent choices because they mold themselves into your body. However, if you specifically want to know the best type of mattress for lower back pain, you may be better off with a hybrid model because it provides more support.
What Mattress is Better?
Keep in mind that if you go with a 100% memory foam mattress, you’ll have to replace it in about seven or eight years. But If you choose the Big Fig Mattress, you won’t need to think about a replacement for 20 years — we even have a warranty to back it up! If you’re pleasantly plump, there really isn’t a better choice because it’s the first and only mattress designed explicitly for plus-sized sleepers.
- It supports 1,100 pounds
- Edge support gives you space to sprawl out without falling out of bed
- Heavy-duty foam prevents sagging and back pain
- THERMOGEL COOLING ® technology keeps gross night sweats at bay
- Individually wrapped coils provide support for all types of sleeping positions
Big Fig carefully sources high-quality materials that provide support, comfort, and at least 20 years of incredible sleep. See for yourself — you’ve got 120 days to decide if it’s the mattress of your sweet dreams, but we’re pretty confident that you’ll know by night one that you made the best choice for your rockin’ full-figured bod!
