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 5 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. Sleepers looking for the responsive feel of natural latex will enjoy the Bear Natural hybrid mattress. 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: 9.5/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $786-$4996
Helix is one of the most innovative companies in the mattress-in-a-box space and was one of the first brands to offer a wide selection of tailored firmnesses based on body type. Over the years, they've expanded beyond their original 6 comfort designs to also offer a thicker, more supportive collection of Luxe mattresses and a high-end, ultra-luxurious Elite collection. With high ratings for comfort across their offerings and a powerful sleep quiz to help you choose the right match, Helix really puts a focus on delivering quality mattresses for every type of sleeper.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.6/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.6/10
Price: $936-$4498
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. With customers reporting a deeper sleep and a 365 night trial, this is one of the best luxury bargains anywhere. Now available in Canada.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.7/10
Price Value: 9.7/10
Back Support: 9.7/10
Price: $349-$2198
One of the most popular mattress brands, Nectar has revolutionized the all-foam mattress industry with designs that focus on universally comfy firmness and support. With 3 all-foam mattresses and even some newer hybrid options, customers have reported enhanced cooling and supreme pressure relief in the Nectar Premier & Luxe. With value-add benefits like a full year trial and 'forever' warranty, quality materials for the price, and 'Buy Now, Pay Later' financing options, it should be a serious consideration for value-conscious shoppers. Now available in Canada. From the UK? See our review for the UK version.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.7/10
Price Value: 9.8/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $349-$2598
Meet Awara, maker of 2 pressure relieving luxury latex hybrid mattresses, featuring a GreenGuard Gold certified design, certified organic latex and cotton, and a sustainable mission for a price point that comparatively carries much more value. Whether you are sensitive to chemicals or enjoy the invigorating feel of latex, Awara offers well-rated and well-rounded mattresses with organic materials. With 10'' and 12'' thick mattresses to choose from, their Premier offers a luxurious pillow top for those side sleepers among us.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.5/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.3/10
Price Value: 9.6/10
Back Support: 9.3/10
Price: $649-$2499
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 organic Pillowtop Hybrid 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
Saatva has innovated over time with their mattresses. Their original Saatva Classic mattress is one of the best mattresses online for those looking for a traditional innerspring mattress feel. With an edge on quality, Saatva invested in better coil technology in their Classic, and lavish layers in their foam Loom and Leaf and all-latex Zenhaven mattresses. Over the years, they have innovated further, with their Saatva Latex Hybrid, the Solaire number bed, Saatva HD for larger sleepers, pocket coil Memory Foam Hybrid, and their pain-relieving Saatva Rx.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.5/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $925-$5050
Cocoon by Sealy is Sealy's answer to the disruptive mattress in a box brands that have been so popular over the past two years. They offer a cooling 'Chill' memory foam mattress and hybrid mattress. With massive brand awareness, competitive prices, and easy delivery, Cocoon is an exciting entry into the mattress-in-a-box space. One that's sure to continue to innovate!
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.4/10
Price Value: 9.1/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $769-$1999
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
Avocado is a high quality organic and latex mattress brand. Their flagship Green Mattress is an organic latex hybrid mattress that doesn't skimp. For chemical sensitive folks or those that suffer from airborne allergies, having an all-natural mattress is a must, but Avocado goes a step further. They are certified organic, going through a stringent process to have their source materials, factory and products certified GOTS organic. They also offer a Certified Vegan Mattress, a firmer organic all Latex Mattress, a Luxury Organic Hybrid Mattress, and their new, competitively priced Eco Organic Mattress.
Overall Score for Weightlifters: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.3/10
Price Value: 9.5/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $777-$9398