After an intense day at the gym, there is nothing better than getting a full night sleep so you can feel refreshed for another day. That is one of the reasons why a bed that facilitates deep sleep with recovery is so important. Additionally, depending on your size, you may also be larger than most folks. Unfortunately, most mattresses are built for medium sized people so having more body mass can cause sagging, and misalign the spine.
Take a look at the chart above. It shows the best mattress firmnesses for side sleepers -- the most popular sleeping position. As you can see, slimmer people will need softer mattresses to be comfortable, while larger folks will do much better with a firmer mattress that provides more support for the spine. A little known fact is firmer mattresses will actually feel softer to larger folks. In addition to supporting your back, shoulders, and hips, firmer mattresses that provide cushion will actually feel just right for you, even if they feel less right to lighter people.
There are a few mattresses that were made especially for athletes and heavier folks. Our top pick is Bear Mattress, which was made specially for athletes. For those trying to beat the heat, Bear Mattress uses a Celliant® cover that helps make it one of the coolest mattresses in the industry. Also, these mattresses are specially designed for recovery. Another similar specialty mattress not mentioned below is the Spartan Mattress By Brooklyn Bedding. With multiple firmness options, the Spartan Mattress also uses specialty materials that promote recovery. Take a look at our full list below...
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Bear offers 4 top-rated mattresses. Their Bear Original memory foam has won acclaim with athletes on a budget. For those looking for a pressure-relieving feel, the Star Hybrid and Pro Hybrid are great options. Lastly, their Elite Hybrid, features both cooling foams and zoned support to provide sleepers with a luxurious sleep experience. From the Celliant® fibers to copper cooling, customers love these mattresses for their superior cooling, muscle pain relief, and balanced back support.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.8/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.6/10
Price Value: 9.5/10
Back Support: 9.6/10
Price: $748-$3565
Big Fig is the premier mattress for those with a 'bigger figure.' They make a super durable and supportive mattress that is specifically designed to support plus-sized sleepers. With capacity to withstand distributed weights of up to 1100lbs and a 20 year warranty, these sturdy mattresses are perfect for those that have suffered from a lack of support, hot sagging beds, or are looking for a firm mattress.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.2/10
Price Value: 9.2/10
Back Support: 9.8/10
Price: $1399-$2799
DreamCloud is one of the most exciting brands with 3 of the best rated hybrid mattresses available. The DreamCloud offers the highest value of any hybrid mattress, featuring ultimate support, balanced pressure relief, and a cashmere blend top. The DreamCloud Premier is a fluffy dream that doesn't sacrifice support, great for all-around sleepers. Their DreamCloud Premier Rest adds a pillow top with a 16'' profile for the pinnacle of sumptuous, plush comfort. Customers report deeper sleep with these mattresses and with 'Buy Now and Pay Later' financing through Affirm and a 365 night trial, this is one of the best luxury bargains anywhere.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.6/10
Price Value: 9.7/10
Back Support: 9.7/10
Price: $799-$2299
For those searching for the latest in sleep technology, Eight Sleep has you covered. Created with guidance from their Scientific Advisory Board, Eight Sleep has three smart mattresses that are shipped conveniently and directly to you in a box. The Pod 2 Pro, the Pod 3, and the Pod 3 Max mattresses all feature dual-zone cooling and heating as well as an advanced sleep tracking app to help monitor things like sleep stages, toss and turns, as well as heart rate. Overall, these mattresses really are a gadget-lover's great night sleep!
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.5/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.2/10
Price Value: 9.3/10
Back Support: 9.2/10
Price: $2695-$4395
Meet Awara, maker of 2 pressure relieving latex hybrid mattresses, featuring a GreenGuard Gold certified design and a sustainable mission for a price point that comparatively carries much more value for its 10'' and 12'' thick mattresses than many other latex mattress companies. Whether you are sensitive to chemicals or enjoy the invigorating feel of latex, you can rest easy that your purchase is eco-conscious since Awara holds a certification with the Rainforest Alliance and a partnership with Trees For The Future that plants trees for every mattress purchased. With one firmer and one responsive soft feel, Awara brings a comfy sigh of relief to sleepers.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.5/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.5/10
Price Value: 9.6/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $1099-$2099
Tuft & Needle made a big splash in the mattress industry when it offered one of the lowest cost all-foam mattresses in a box directly to customers, their T&N Original Mattress. Since then, they've elaborated on their initial concept with two more innovative designs: The Mint and The Hybrid, which provide high quality, superbly pressure-relieving offerings. On top of that, the Mint Mattress was recently upgraded to include antimicrobial protection embedded in its cover layer. With their three mattresses and 100,000s of positive reviews, customers have spoken in approval of T&N.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.5/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $745-$2595
PlushBeds is a manufacturer & retailer of luxury organic mattresses. They are certified organic, going through the rigorous process of having their source materials, factory and products certified GOTS and GOLS organic. Also, their mattresses are GreenGuard Gold certified, passing strict tests against offgassing harmful compounds or allergens, ideal for those with chemical sensitivities. Their luxury organic mattresses include the luxury Organic Latex Mattress, organic Hybrid Latex Mattress, a Vegan Mattress, competitively priced Eco Mattress, and their new organic Pillowtop Mattress.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.3/10
Price Value: 9.2/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $2149-$4598
WinkBeds got its start manufacturing factory-direct luxury hybrid mattresses made in the US to compete with the luxury showroom market. They have innovated through the years and now include both a luxury-style all-foam and latex hybrid mattress in addition to their classic hybrid. With both reviewers and customers appreciating the quality of their mattresses, WinkBeds is a top brand to consider on your mattress search.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.4/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $1149-$2399
Helix is one of the most innovative companies in the mattress-in-a-box movement. As a leader during the industry disruption in the late 2010s, they were one of the first to offer customized mattresses with tailored firmnesses based on body type. Over the years, they developed 6 comfort designs to choose from (and thicker, Luxe versions). On top of that, their recent merger with Brooklyn Bedding means their mattresses are now made in Arizona. Whether you want to select for yourself or use their sleep quiz, Helix really puts a focus on delivering a quality mattress for every type of sleeper.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.4/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $799-$2499
Naturepedic has a reputation for crafting quality organic mattresses. They focus on generous layers of organic cotton, wool, and latex in their beds. With options for both children and adults, most customers have good things to say about their quality, materials used, and customer experience. Those rare complaints mentioned durability and high prices.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.3/10
Price Value: 9.1/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $1199-$9999