Hey there bbrightx,
Welcome to the community.
Congrats on buying your first mattress — it’s a big step, with all the choices out there, it is understandable that it feels overwhelming, especially with how mixed and dramatic mattress reviews can be these days. Thanks for your body profile, height, weight, sleep position. The fact that you’ve liked the Westin Heavenly Bed in the past already gives you a head start. I am not an advocate of buying “Hotel Branded” mattresses. There are many reasons, which I have discussed before.
The short version is, hotel mattresses are designed with a specific life expectancy, and it is not normally as robust as a mattress you might buy privately. Hotels move them out every 3-5 years, a hefty tag for a short period. Generally, hotel mattresses are designed to “hit the sweet spot” for the short term, and are not very focused on long term durability. Additionally, when we spend time in a hotel, on vacation or work, the most comfortable and relaxing portion of the trip, is likely that mattress. Some might say, fill a bag with dirt and after the plane ride or multi hour drive, that bag of dirt is like heaven to rest you body on.
At 6’4" and 225 lbs, you’ll want something that provides strong support and durability, ideally a mattress that’s designed to handle bigger bodies without sagging over time. Since you’re a back and side sleeper, you’ll also want a bed that offers a balance of spinal support and pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. On top of that, it sounds like you’re after something medium in firmness, with a cushy top layer, which that signature plush pillow top feel that makes the Westin bed so cozy, but long term durability is where you may have an issue. Plus, trying to find out exactly what is in that Westin mattress is a challenge.
I have made this statement quite a bit lately, which is to say, in the world of mattresses, there is not only one firmness or mattress that is going to be perfect for you. Things like your mattress’s foundation, and the pillow you select (to match your body profile and mattress type and feel) will further be critical components for a comfortable mattress. So what you may have thought jumping into mattress world is the right feel, may turn out that they may be a few that will be a great fit depending on the overall construction and complimentary components chosen.
The Westin Heavenly Bed is known for that soft, hotel-style comfort, typically built with a plush pillow top over a coil support system. While it’s great for short stays and lighter use, it may not hold up quite as well in the long term for someone your size, and the lack of a trial or return policy is a pretty big drawback. If you’re looking for similar comfort but better long-term value and support, there are several great options.
The DLX Premier Hybrid Medium is one of the top picks. Additionally, mattresses like the Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Elite are excellent choices, especially for larger individuals. The Titan Plus Elite features a very sturdy spring support base combined with a more forgiving comfort layer that incorporates microcoils to increase airflow and help regulate temperature. Engineered Sleep like DLX offers their Duo Line which can be modified at home, if not perfect and both of their customer service is outstanding.
If you find yourself needing enhanced lumbar support, the @BackScience series is a strong contender — particularly the Back Science 2. It offers increased lumbar zoning along with a cushier comfort layer. Both the Titan Plus Elite and Back Science 2 mimic the Westin Hotel vibe but with more structure and long-term durability, making them well-suited for bigger bodies.
The Helix Plus Elite series is another good fit if you’re looking for an excellent support spring section, microcoils for air circulation, plus that extra cushioning. One unique advantage of the Helix, especially when purchased through an independent authorized dealer, is that, like the @DLX mattress and @EngineeredSleep, it allows you to swap out the comfort layers. This makes it easier to fine-tune and target specific comfort needs.
I would recommend setting aside marketing talk about cooling gels, infusions, and similar buzzwords. Instead, focus on the components themselves, especially the density of the foams and the gauge of the springs, as these are far more reliable indicators of a mattress’s durability and support.
Lastly, given your size and weight, I wouldn’t rule out a latex or latex hybrid mattress. TMU (The Mattress Underground) is an excellent resource, offering access to some of the best latex manufacturers and helping match sleepers with high-quality options where more mainstream brands might fall short. Being 6’ 220 (formerly 250) I have always focused on very firm mattresses, which in fact both my wife and I love the feel. I had tried some latex mattresses in the past, and were not impressed, until I visited @EuropeanSleep in Berkeley. Changed my mind completely. Yes, I still preferred the firmer latex that they offered, but among the most comfortable beds ever tested. I even tried a Hastens mattress, who does not focus on the firmness the way many other mattress companies. Albeit is was a $659,000 mattress, yes it was super comfortable, but I did not have enough $100 bills in my back pocket at the time (or any time for that matter, LOL) to bring it home.
I think the key for someone of your profile and requirements, is to collaborate with a seasoned expert locally, like if in NY @TheCleanBedroom, or in California @EuropeanSleep or if in Colorado @SuiteSleep would be a great place to get sound advice for your needs or a phone consultation with one of our trusted member experts.
Some of the smaller manufactures, even those who are not TMU members, are nice to deal with as you get treated like a person and not a number.
Finally, your mattress foundation and pillow selection play a crucial role in the overall sleep experience. A mattress is only as effective as its weakest link — even the best mattress can be compromised by a poor foundation. Similarly, the wrong pillow can lead to misalignment and discomfort, causing pain that radiates from the neck down to the lower back.
Hope this helps you along in the process.
Maverick