Analysis of Big Fig mattress for heavy people?

[phoenix]

Hi bwh,

Welcome to the Mattress Forum!

Hello! I’m new to this forum; came here on the recommendation of my daughter, who swears by the good information on this website!

Thank you! Your daughter sounds like a very intelligent individual. :lol:

I have just discovered the Big Fig Mattress Company, which has only started up in 2016, but the founders have a long family history (five generations) of creating quality mattresses. They are specifically targeting heavier people, and they make ONE model of mattress

I’m personally not familiar with this product. Unfortunately, they’re not too specific technically about what is inside of their mattress on their web site, so I’d want to know every layer of foam, it’s thickness, and the density. With the latex layer I’d want to know if it’s Dunlop or Talalay (I believe it is Dunlop looking at the photos) and the blend and the thickness. I’d also like to know what foam is quilted to the covering. It appears they use three layers of polyfoam on top of the innerspring unit, and then latex above that, then their quilt panel, from one of their online photos.

The tufting in their mattress is desirable and will assist with minimizing body impressions, and their foundation looks very durable and sturdy. The bed frame they offer appears to be the Mantua Extreme line of frames (M60G for a California King).

As you’re already aware, a high BMI presents special challenges and generally requires firmer materials (in the support layers especially). This could be firmer latex or innersprings (the type of support component would be a personal preference and in the right design either could be suitable) or even a zoned construction. The same overall guidelines apply with higher weights though that PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) along with using high quality durable materials that will maintain their feel and performance for longer periods of time are the way to make the best choices. Heavier people in general will need firmer and thicker comfort layers and firmer support layers than those who are lighter and because no materials will last as long with much higher weights the quality and durability of the materials and components is even more important than normal. I wouldn’t “rule out” any types of mattress and base your choices on your own personal testing. Post #3 here has more information and suggestions about heavier weights that is worth reading.

The key will be finding componentry that will be of appropriate quality for your specific situation, which will then give you the best chance at have a successful comfort life, so I would always make sure that you find out information listed here so you can compare the quality of the materials and components. Those in a higher BMI range want to be especially prudent in the choice of their components. For those in a higher BMI range, there is more information about selecting a mattress in the durability guidelines here. Specifically, if your BMI is 30 or higher:

Polyurethane foam: If your mattress is one sided then I would look for 2.0 lb per cubic foot density or higher. If the mattress is two sided then I would use a minimum density of 1.8 lbs per cubic foot or higher.

Memory foam (or gel memory foam): If your mattress is one sided then I would make sure that any memory foam is at least 5 lb per cubic foot. If the mattress is two sided then I would use a minimum density of 4 lbs per cubic foot.

They claim that they know of only one other manufacturer that specifically targets heavy people, and that manufacturer’s Cal King costs over twice as much and their website does not reveal the details of how the mattresses are made.

There are many smaller regional manufacturers that make heavier-duty mattresses that are appropriate for heavier people, regardless of whether or not they are marketed in such a manner. All-latex mattresses can be appropriate for people with a higher BMI. Innerspring companies (again smaller regional manufacturers or licensees) will make very heavy-duty items using 2.0 lb or higher polyfoam. Off the top of my head, nationally, even King Koil makes the Extended Life line that is marketed toward larger individuals and Therapedic makes their MediCoil HD line that does the same. So there certainly are other options out there – you just have to look at the componentry. But keeping track of all of the companies nationally that create a product that is appropriate for higher BMI individuals is unfortunately beyond the scope of this site.

So my question is, IS Big Fig as unique as they claim? Seems like a good price for value to me… IS it?

Without knowing the exact specifications within the mattress, you wouldn’t be able to determine if this product is a good value for your particular needs. There is more about the 3 most important parts of the “value” of a mattress purchase in post #13 here which can help you make more meaningful quality/value comparisons between mattresses in terms of suitability (how well you will sleep), durability (how long you will sleep well), and the overall value of a mattress compared to your other finalists based on suitability, durability, and all the other parts of your personal value equation that are most important to you (including the price of course and the options you have available after a purchase if your choice doesn’t turn out as well as you hoped for).

While it seems that they are using “better than average” componentry within their mattress, only a confirmation through a detailed phone call or email exchange will be able to tell you for sure if this is a mattress you’d want to pursue. It seems they are moving in a good direction, though.

I’ll be interested in learning about any information you find.

Phoenix