How do I choose the right bedding as plus-size person?

How to choose the right bedding comes down to a number of factors including dimensions, firmness, and comfort.

We discuss how a bed comes with a bed base or frame and a mattress. Both of these have their own internal support system and materials with pros and cons.

Plus-size sleepers particularly have to pay attention to the bed frame and its weight capacity.

Read on for a detailed analysis of your different options.

How do I choose the right bedding as plus-size person? Introduction

Before making a purchase, it’s necessary to measure the space to place your bed.

Also, consider the bed height that meets your wants to select the right size of legs for the box spring.

Take your dimensions

Your bedding should be 20 cm longer than you are. A tall person should therefore go for a custom-made bed if possible.

Another crucial point: does your stairwell allow the passage of a king-size bed? And, of course, your weight and height are essential information to select the level of firmness that fits you:

• soft
• firm
• very firm

If you sleep with a partner, there are a few possibilities. After fitting, you can find a compromise and buy one mattress and box spring.

But what if one needs a soft mattress while the other wants the very firm one? Then buying two different box springs and two different mattresses are recommended.

The different types of mattresses

Mattresses can be made from different materials:

• springs
• natural latex
• synthetic foam

Spring mattress

A spring mattress should have many springs, preferably pocketed, to ensure good comfort and ventilation. This way, the springs are independent, and you move without disturbing your partner.

Latex mattress

A latex mattress is generally made of 85% natural latex and 15% synthetic latex.

The share of synthetic components allows good stability of the material. Latex combines excellent breathability, comfort, and durability.

Foam mattress

Among the foam mattresses, there are different types as well:

Memory foam or viscoelastic foam 

This was designed in the 1960s for NASA. It offers excellent support, and the new generations of memory foam have much fewer heat retention problems.

Polyether foam 

This is the material used in entry-level mattresses.

Micro-cellular polyurethane foam

The manufacturing process of this type is based on nanotechnology, which combines comfort and ventilation.

Polyurethane foam 

This offers a better density but remains sensitive to humidity,

Choose the right bedding as a plus-size person: Choose your bed frame wisely

The bed bases that provide one-third of the sleeping comfort are divided into three categories:

Sprung bedsprings

The downside of the sprung base is that it is upholstered, which limits the bed’s ventilation.

Winged bed bases

Ventilation and rigidity are better with a finned bed base than with a sprung bed base.

Slatted bed bases

The exposed slatted bed base with suspension ball joints is a good product in terms of suspension and hygiene. The slats are made of multi-ply wood or more rigid fiberglass.

The covered slatted bed base has less ventilation but is less expensive than the exposed slatted bed base.

With so many choices, be sure to create a good combination! In fact, you should know that a spring mattress and a box spring with wings are incompatible. The springs would rest randomly on the wings.

The combination of a slatted base and a spring mattress is possible if the bottom of the mattress has a dense layer that prevents the springs from getting stuck between two slats.

Be sure to check out our guide on the best bed frame for a heavy person, where we discuss a number of options with different weight capacities.

The three components of a mattress

A mattress generally has three components:

The core

This is the heart of the mattress, which is made up of springs, foam, or latex. It ensures a soft, firm, or very firm suspension.

The filling

It surrounds the core, bringing the first sensation when lying down on a mattress.

The padding is a comfort element; it does not contribute to the support. It is made of one or more materials:

• polyester
• foam
• wadding
• wool
• viscose
• cotton
• silk
• cashmere
• bamboo, etc

The cover

This fabric surrounds the mattress; it is in synthetic or natural material.

A memory foam mattress has no filling. The foam is wrapped in a fabric that provides both comfort and support.

How do I choose the right bedding as plus-size person? Final tips

How you can choose the right bedding depends on a few things:

• your body type
• the comfort you enjoy
• the room temperature
• the humidity level in your bedroom

If you don’t know whether to choose soft, firm, or very firm, the only solution is trying different bedding in a store.

Be careful not to choose a mattress that is too firm. For example, suppose your mattress is too hard. In that case, pressure points will develop during the night, resulting in (more) pain and hindering your recovery.

For people with back problems, it is best to ask your doctor for advice before choosing a bed firmness.

You should also consider that, as we age, we can tolerate mattresses that are too firm less and less.

By lying down on different beds, you can test the comfort of the mattress. This depends on the firmness, nature, and thickness of the filling of the mattress.

The thickness of a mattress is a helpful factor in judging a product’s quality. For example, the minimum thickness for optimal comfort is 8.5 inches for a spring mattress and about 6.5 inches for a latex or foam mattress.

Avoid old-generation memory foam if warmth and good sleep do not rhyme for you. Instead, pick latex or visco-elastic foam made with recent technologies.

Accommodating plus-size guests: Two interesting options

As a considerate host, it’s important to provide comfortable bedding options for your lovely guests, including plus-size individuals who may be staying the night. 😇

Investing in heavy-duty bunk beds and rollaway beds specifically designed for heavy-duty use ensures a comfortable and supportive sleeping environment for everyone. 😊

Both options make a thoughtful and solid investment in your guest room. And they both ensure a welcoming and inclusive space for friends and family of all sizes. 🤗

How do I choose the right bedding as plus-size person? Extra tips

If you live in a humid area, don’t ignore the ventilation needs of the mattress/sleeping pad combination.

Electric bedding consists of a motorized slatted base and a foam or latex mattress. The motors let specific parts of the bed tilt without pulling. It allows everything on the bed to be tilted, providing comfort for reading or relaxing.

It’s also recommended for people who struggle with back problems and the elderly.

When your electric bedding breaks down, you should first check the batteries in the remote control!

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