Mattress Weight Comparison 2020

See the new Top 10 Mattresses Chart for 2020 Here

How much do mattresses weigh? And how much weight can they carry? These two details are often overlooked, making way for more immediate factors like materials or pricing. This is because we get free shipping nowadays. Meaning, most consumers don’t pay for freight delivery, which is based on dimensions, including weight. Many beds are also compressed and stored in a box during transport.

But all the more, we should not forget doing mattress weight comparison. The actual mattress weight lets you determine its setup difficulty level. It prepares you to call for help in case you need it. On the other hand, the weight limit gives you an idea as to which model to go for. You know which one can handle your body size and weight.

This guide lays down these important details, so you can look for them while mattress shopping. It’s the end of those days in which you feel clueless about the true capabilities of your sleeping space.

Mattress Weight Comparison

Futon

Considerably heavy, futon beds are pretty packed, which you can notice while laying them down on the frame or the floor. On average, they weigh between 35 and 75 pounds. This varies based on their size (usually Twin, Full, and Queen) and the material used as filling.

Air Mattress

Lightweight and easy to lug around when deflated, air mattresses average at around 5 to 15 pounds. This quality makes them an ideal option for guest rooms and outdoor activities. Weight also depends on sizes, such as Twin, Full, and Queen. 

Innerspring

This mattress type tips the scale at a little more than 100 pounds. It is about the weight of a lightweight adult. The spring coils at the base have the highest bearing. Cushioning foam at the top tends to be thin.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam is almost as heavy as innerspring. Its average weight can be around 110 pounds (Queen). With foam density differing from one model to another, low-density ones can plunge to 30 pounds, so much lighter than typical cotton futons.

Hybrid Mattress

The common weight for a hybrid is about 120 pounds. This is just a little heavier than memory foam. Like the other types, actual weight can shift according to size and components. A hybrid replaces the high-density foam base found in memory foam beds usually with pocket springs.

Latex Mattress

The average latex mattress can reach almost 150 pounds. Latex is favored for its natural breathability and responsiveness. However, natural and even synthetic versions are known, heavyweights. They are thick and supportive. But they can be difficult to move.

Mattress Weight Limit

An average mattress can handle a maximum of 250 pounds. The model in mind here is Double latex foam and about 10 inches thick. If you are using a Queen, which can support two adults, the maximum reaches 500 pounds. With the wide array of options to choose from these days, you should be able to do estimates like this.

What are the things to keep track of? The conventional bed is a standard. Going back to the weight mentioned in the previous paragraph, you can simply refer to that when looking for the right size, material, and thickness. The permutations of these three factors can vary from model to model. So it’s important to take note of the combinations that work for you.

For instance, if you’re on the heavy side, check for a mattress that is between 12 and 14 inches. Look for a hybrid if you can afford it. Standard memory foam may not be able to support sleepers above 200 pounds. But when used as a comfort layer for a hybrid, it can boost its durability. Latex mattresses are pretty good in this regard, too, but they have to be thick.

Read our full review of the Best Mattress for Heavy People.

Factors Affected By Mattress Weight

Shipping

Shipping weight is going to be different from the mattress weight. So it’s also good to familiarize yourself with the former. These days, most manufacturers sell online. Some of them compress the bed and put it in a box. Through this practice, they can deliver multiple beds in one go without the risk of damaging the units. And consumers can unbox and set up their own beds with ease.

To give you an idea, a heavy queen-size foam mattress can weigh around 75 pounds when compressed and placed in a box. This brings down its weight by a quarter. When you see the shipping weight of a bed-in-a-box model on the company’s website, don’t assume this is the actual weight. For more examples, a Twin XL can weigh around 50 pounds, a Full around 65 pounds, and a King around 95 pounds.

Pricing

This is one of the first elements that rely on the weight of a mattress. The bigger the bed gets, the higher its price becomes. That’s because a large one contains more materials and takes more time to complete. So it should be priced accordingly. Aside from weight, mattress cost also correlates with size (Twin, Queen, King, etc.) and thickness. However, the firmness level does not affect pricing.

Let’s say you’re eyeing the Queen version of a latex mattress with multiple firmness options. Based on the size, weight, and thickness of this unit, its price is $1,899. The next version is a King, which can go as high as $2,199. Do you see the gradual increase in dollar value? That’s because the King packs more value than the Queen. 

But if you want a firmness variable within the Queen selection, you can get either a Soft or Medium Firm for the same price of $1,899.

Moveability

If you need to buy a heavy bed, consider a few things. During setup, will you do it alone or will help be around? Can you clean the mattress regularly? If you say yes, think about the effort it will require for you to flip or rotate it. Futon models can be easy to move around. Some low-profile memory foams and innerspring, as well as hybrids, can be moveable.

Another important thing to ask is how often you relocate. For people renting a home, moving in and out of apartments every few years is a way of life. If you have a huge bed to deal with, it may make your relocation difficult each time. Shipping a mattress can be costly. If it’s a really big one, putting it on top of your vehicle is not an option.

Read: How to Move A Mattress By Yourself

Mattress Fit

Choosing a lighter mattress isn’t advised if you just want to save some bucks or don’t prefer a heavier version. Thing is, you have to factor in your size, weight, and other requirements. If you fall on the heavy side, an 8-inch, Twin XL model may not be enough for your needs. Always align your priorities and preferences with the model. It’s not the other way around.

It’s not all about practicality either. 

Make sure that your sleeping space enhances the look of your room, not ruin it. If you’re using a platform bed, a high-profile one is your best bet. But what if your foundation or bed frame is already high? You don’t necessarily have to pick a super low-profile edition. Just don’t throw on it an extra-thick mattress, which can make climbing in and out of it difficult.

Why Choose  A Light Mattress?

Experts say that more body parts should be in contact with the mattress to lessen the pressure on your hips and shoulders. This should provide you with pressure point relief. If you are lightweight or average-weight, you will need a softer surface to achieve this. Otherwise, you will have a hard time sinking into the bed.

In this case, a low-profile and/or soft mattress is the ideal fit for you. Go high-profile and/or hard and you might feel like you’re sleeping on a rock. Usually, low-profile beds are lighter than the rest. So if you’re around 130 pounds, purchase a non-heavy unit.

Also, the thin-bed will be easier to rotate, flip, and carry. Another advantage. You won’t have to think about shipping issues, too, during relocation. You can find this kind through models that favor average frames.

Why Choose A Heavy Mattress?

Heavier mattresses do not instantly mean they’re firm. Some thick-profile ones can actually be softer. Interestingly, this is because the manufacturer is able to pack more comfort and transition layers into the product. So, you have varying levels of firmness to choose from.

When you have determined the firmness and feel you want, it’s time to know how heavy you want your mattress. Queen, King, and Cal King versions are expected to be heavy. This is especially so if you are buying a hybrid. You will need a thick and heavy one to match the design and dimensions of your bed frame or foundation.

More importantly, it should be able to support you. If you are on the heavy side, a thick mattress is perfect for you. You don’t have to worry about sinking toward the base or falling off toward the floor. Plus, it can signify durability. A thick mattress is, of course, expected to be heavy.

Mattress Doubling Weight: Fact or Myth?

You probably heard about mattresses doubling in weight in a decade due to dust mites. These pesky creatures can leave their debris not only on the surface of your bed. They can penetrate through the layers and live in the inner cell structures, too. So, will all of their mess add up and make your sleeping space heavy over time? 

There may be some truth to it. Include the fact that skin cells and other particles can find their way across your bed. It isn’t just the dust mites. It’s the combination of these various contributors that can accumulate in one place. Factor in the life span of your mattress, and there you have it.

However, cleaning your bed regularly may prevent this from happening. Use a mattress cover or protector aside from your usual bed sheets to add a layer of defense against dust mites. You won’t want the unnecessary weight in this regard. Honestly, it won’t have any benefit to you.

Conclusion