Plus Size Mattress

Mattress Talk 3) Needs & Personal Preferences
, , ,
1

My husband and I are on the search for a new mattress. He is 6’ and 250. I am 5’6 and 230. I am a stomach and side sleeper, which some lower back pain. He is a back and stomach sleeper. I am the pickier one. I tend to prefer a more soft plush feel while he prefers a firm to extra firm feel. I don’t love the feel of memory foam. We both prefer a more traditional feel.

We have visited a handful of stores near where we live in CT and found a few mediums that were a nice mix between our tastes.

Right now the top contenders from the traditional /big box names are a Stearns and Foster Luxe Estate medium pillow top. And a Beauty rest Black firm pillow top. We’re not sold on either.

I’ve looked into Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe and just started looking at latex customized mattresses as well. Any guidance or opinions would be greatly appreciated. There are so many options.

2 Likes
2

Hi Mandy1022,
Welcome to the Mattress UnderGround, we are happy you have posted your question here.

As someone who used to be 6 feet tall and over 250 pounds myself, I completely understand where you’re coming from. Even though I’m around 220 now, the mattress-buying approach for higher-weight sleepers stays the same. The two most important things to focus on are a supportive and durable support layer inside the mattress and a rigid, non-flexing foundation underneath it. If either one is weak, you can run into sagging or back issues much sooner than you’d expect. Given your sizes, sleep positions, and different firmness preferences, it makes sense that mediums have been the closest match so far.

Stearns and Foster and Beautyrest Black can feel great at first, but their pillow tops tend to soften faster under heavier weight, so if you’re not sold already (which is probably best), that’s a good sign to keep exploring.

The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe is a solid option because of its stronger coil system, although it still has some of that modern foam-hybrid character, which may or may not suit you since you don’t love memory foam. I happened to be at the Las Vegas Market when BB introduced the Titan Plus Elite, which I personally found to be an excellent mattress, so much so that I bought one for my guest room. My wife and I sleep on the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Luxe, which is a very firm mattress, and despite her 5’4", 135 lb frame, and mostly side-sleeping habits (I call this against-the-rule sleeping), we both love it. The Elite version uses the same 13.5g coil system, although in the Elite they are 8" versus the Plank Luxe at 6". The Plank Luxe is a two-sided mattress, so the shorter coil makes sense. It also incorporates microcoil construction in the comfort layer, which helps keep you cooler when sleeping as it allows for better air flow. And it’s cushier luxury firm eurotop style cover is great for when you sleep on the side while still maintaining a firm support layer for stomach sleeping.

Since you both sleep on your stomach at times, it is very important that your support layer does not allow you to sink into the mattress, so staying with a very robust support spring layer, firm latex, or high-density firm polyfoam is going to be key. As you explore, you may want to consider mattresses that allow for split internal feel or configurations.

I would urge you to look at @CST website, @FloBeds for very customizable Talalay Latex configurations that this type of latex can be crafted into. Manufacturers like @Sleep_EZ and @Arizona_Premium can craft you a hybrid or all-latex combination as well. For more traditional mattress crafting, Gardner and Sigma in Massachusetts can design almost anything you like, and if you are close enough, you can test them in person. Keep in mind that testing in person is important, but not as important as the real test, which is in your home environment over a longer period of time, say a month or so, to truly become familiar with your mattress setup.

Since you have already considered something like the Titan Mattress, there are several mattresses that come to mind in that genre that are quite good. @DLX offers their Premier Hybrid and LatexLux. Both rest on the same core base, but in a queen or king can be designed with an internal comfort layer to firm up your husband’s preference while providing the cushion you prefer, without causing you to sink into the mattress the way you likely would with viscoelastic memory foam in the comfort layer. This is where thoughtful construction of both the mattress and foundation plays an important role. @EngineeredSleep has their own take on splitting comfort for each sleeper, and both DLX and ES provide excellent long-term swapping options, which means you may not need to replace entire mattresses down the road.

Additionally, when we circle back to the Titan category, 3z’s Helix Elite line may be a better choice if you need to customize. @yawnder offers the Helix Plus Elite, which features the same spring support layer as the Titan Series, but as an authorized dealer that ships nationwide, they can offer a split internal king, maintaining the firm feel your husband prefers while stepping it down on your side for a bit more cushion and softness. Although, having tested this mattress and loved it, you may be very happy with this in it’s original design, as the cover/panel has a softer landing than something like the Titan Plus or Helix Plus core mattress.

Fortunately, you have a lot of choices to satisfy your needs. You can choose from very customized offerings to made-to-order options shipped nationwide with quality components.

Overall, for both of you, durability and proper support should be top priorities, and a well-constructed hybrid or latex mattress paired with a rigid foundation will usually outperform most pillow tops over time. When it comes to pillow tops, you should be very choosy; brands like Shifman and ViSpring are in a whole different category with their pillow tops. For you, leaning toward a topper to finalize comfort may be a better solution than a standard pillow top.

Hopefully, this gives you a little insight into what is available and some sensible options in your search.

Maverick

3

Thank you very much for your thorough response. I’m terms of feel and firmness, what is the difference between the Titan Plus Luxe and Elite (knowing it is somewhat subjective)? My only experience with BB is my daughter, 5, has a BB essentials twin. While it’s lovely and squishy to lay on with her, I’m not sure it will be supportive enough to sleep on long term.

1 Like
4

The Titan Elite is 1.5" taller and has that luxurious feeling pillow/eurotop combined with microcoils to keep the mattress cooler. It is also a bit firmer than the Luxe and I feel the foam combination with microcoils is a touch better overall.

5

Thank you. I’ve been reading on the Titan Plus Elite and the Helix Plus Luxe and Elite. Is there a major difference between them? We were hoping to spend less than $2500 but if the Helix Plus Luxe or Elite with the Ergo Align is worth the extra jump we would consider it. My husband isn’t totally on board with a custom latex.

1 Like
6

The Helix Plus Elite is definitely the stronger long-term option. It uses a zippered, swappable comfort layer, so if it ever wears out or your preferences change, you can replace it without buying a whole new mattress. It also comes with the ErgoAlign layer included.

One thing worth highlighting is that the Helix Plus Elite incorporates some truly groundbreaking 4 and 7 lb viscoelastic memory foams in its design. I’m not usually a huge fan of viscofoam, but 3Z has done an impressive job engineering these foams and positioning them so thoughtfully in the mattress that you get the benefits without that classic Tempur-Pedic “hot lava quicksand” sensation. It does its job quietly in the background, you don’t really feel it working, and you don’t overheat. The Helix Plus Elite remains a “sleep on” the mattress feel, rather than a “sleep in” the mattress feel, but the cover has that 2" pillowtop feel which offers enough cushion without that sinking feeling. When lying on it, you kind of dont want to get off.

The Helix Plus Luxe offers the ErgoAlign layer as an optional add-on, it’s not a major extra cost, but between the two Helix models, my pick is still the Elite because of its long-term flexibility.

Comparing Helix to Titan, the feel is a bit different. I do wish they hadn’t named it the “Elite,” since that gets confusing with the Helix Elite series, but naming aside, the Helix Plus Luxe and Titan Plus Elite land in a similar firmness range. That said, the Titan Plus Elite feels more luxurious overall, slightly softer for side sleepers who want more pressure relief, and it sleeps a bit cooler thanks to the microcoils in the comfort layer providing better airflow.

I suppose you can justify anything if you really want to when it comes to value. The Helix Elite will be about $600 more than the Helix Plus Luxe with the glacio cover and ergoalign. And I am certain if you speak with @yawnder regarding these options, with black friday promotions, the gap may even be less.

The Titan Plus Elite will be significantly less, than the two Helix’s. It is going to have a bit softer landing, but once you are settled in, all of them will be quite comfy. If you are worried about heat, the Titan Plus Elite and Helix Elite is going to be better, concerns about the midsection, the ergoalign will help with that on the Helix’s. If the longer term serviceability is the goal, the zippered cover on the Helix Elite series is the way to go.

I know, not much help :thinking: :exploding_head: The good thing is they all come with trial periods. Not that one buys a mattress for the trial, but it is nice to know if it does not live up to the expectations, you have options.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Maverick

1 Like
7

Thank you so much! And Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m regards to the Titan Plus Elite (which is more in our budget than the Helix Plus Elite) does that have a more traditional innerspring feel ??

I’m still exploring latex but we’ve never laid on one before and were concerned about the feel. Neither one of us like that squishy memory foam feel. We prefer the innerspring feel.

1 Like
8

I guess it depends on if we are referring to modern innerspring mattresses or old fashion innerspring like a Shifman, which still use active box springs. On that I would say no, but when compared to many of the big brand innerspring mattresses, you may be hard pressed to discern a huge difference. Something like a Saatva Classic is going to be quite a bit bouncier than the Titan Plus Elite. So it really depends on where your focus is.

I am going to say the short answer is yes the Titan Plus Elite does have a moderate springy, responsive feel, so it’s not like sinking into slow memory foam. But it’s not exactly like a super traditional innerspring either, it’s a nice hybrid with a mix of coils and foam, so it brings a little of both worlds. More so than most typical memory foam hybrids.

9

Wow thank you for the prompt response!! I’ve been going down the rabbit hole lol I’m exploring DLX and Arizona that you pointed me too! I appreciate all the help.

1 Like
10

Hi Maverick- Have you had any experience with Sigma from Mass? Have you tested any of their products? We are debating taking the drive up there.

1 Like
11

Not personally, but I know someone who does, I will reach out to him. I know they do a nice job. Nothing fancy, just good old fashion mattress.

12

Thanks. We were going to go up this weekend but when I called it said out of service. No big deal if you can’t. Thank you again for all the help.

1 Like
13

I reached out to Ken at Sigma. Hopefully he will contact you on the forum and you can go over any questions you have before your make the trip.

1 Like
14

Hello Maverick -

I’m hoping you might have some insight …we’ve narrowed down our search and are debating an Arizona Ultimate Hybrid or a custom DLX Premier Hybrid and Latex Lux.

We’re struggling with the cost difference between Arizona and DLX (comparing almost identical models) and why there is a larger difference. From what I’ve read they both use very similar or the same internal materials. Am I missing something when we are looking at the two companies?

15

This has only made me more confused. I was ready to pull the plug on a dreamcloud luxe, until i started reading stuff on this website. Now i am possibly leaning toward the titan plus elite. But another post has me thinking about the pocket spring 8" QuadCoil with Firm Sides, The QuadMini Luxury Layer, 3" latex topper and a Premium DIY Stretch Cover

I am 5’8" 270lb side sleeper and have been sleeping on a old box spring with innerspring mattress and 3" memory foam mattress topper for last 20 years. I am in the process of a divorce and she took the bed, so i am temporarily sleeping on the ground on a $300 full medium hybrid bed in a box from lowes with my 3" memory foam topper. I don’t wake up with pain so much, but i want to make sure i don’t end up buying something that causes pain because i have enough problems sleeping as it it ( sleep apena with cpap, and the stress of divorce) also having to take sleeping medication (lunesta)

16

You definitely do need to make sure you have a stronger spring system for your weight. Im 225 at 5’11" and even i compress a firmer than average spring system enough for it to be supportive while still conforming. Dreamcloud uses medium firmness springs i believe. As long as the layers on the top are high density and well constructed while being soft, a bed with firmer springs will feel very good.

17

Hello ~ I just saw your post and I know it’s been a while, but I still wanted to respond in case my experience could help you or others who might read this. I can definitely relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the options. My mattress research started with a few models and somehow turned into reading about coils, latex, foam densities, zoning, pillow tops, firmness ratings, and about a hundred other things I never knew existed.

One thing that stood out to me in your post is that you’re trying to balance two very different preferences. You like a softer, more plush feel, while your husband prefers something firmer. Add in different sleep positions and some lower back pain, and it becomes a pretty challenging puzzle.

I don’t have enough firsthand experience with those specific models to tell you which one is best, but I do think you’re smart to spend time testing mattresses in person. What feels good for five minutes in a showroom doesn’t always translate into eight hours of sleep every night.

One thing I wish I had learned earlier in my own mattress search is the concept of incline sleeping. I stumbled across the Incline Sleep website while trying to solve my own hip and shoulder pain issues. The idea is that instead of sleeping completely flat, the entire mattress is placed on a gentle incline.

I eventually tried a foam incline wedge underneath my mattress and was surprised by how much it helped. What I liked was that I was still sleeping on my regular mattress. The incline is underneath the mattress, so you’re not lying on a wedge pillow or changing the feel of the mattress itself. It uses gravity to remove pressure on your joints so it felt like I was actually floating. There are also incline foundations that accomplish the same thing but I chose the foam wedge because it was affordable for me.

The reason I mention it is that I spent a lot of time focusing solely on mattress materials and firmness levels, and eventually realized that sleeping position and body alignment throughout the night were also important pieces of the puzzle. For me, incline sleep ended up helping my comfort more than some of the mattress changes I had considered.

Not saying it’s a replacement for finding the right mattress, especially when two people have different preferences, but since you’re already doing a deep dive into sleep comfort, it might be another thing worth researching before making a final decision.

18

Sounds like you’re doing all the right research. Based on your preferences, I’d definitely look into a latex hybrid since it offers a more traditional feel than memory foam while still providing good support and durability for higher BMI sleepers. The Titan Plus Luxe is also worth considering. Good luck with the mattress hunt—it’s overwhelming, but finding the right one is worth it!