I'm around 280 lbs and have been through two mattresses in three years. Both started sagging in the middle within months. I miss the plush feel of my old pillow top but I need something that won't collapse under me. Is there actually a mattress that gives you that soft initial feel without sacrificing deep support? Or am I chasing something that doesn't exist?
mattress
Can you get a mattress that's soft on top but strong underneath
I'm 310 and I feel your pain. What worked for me was a hybrid with a very dense support core. The top layer is soft but it's only a couple inches before you hit the coils. Took me a while to find one that didn't just fsel like a brick.
What's your budget? That changes the answer a lot.
Trying to stay under $1800 for a queen. I've looked at some of the bigger online brands but the reviews are all over the Place.
Under 1800 is doable but you're going to have to be picky. Look for something with a coil count that's actually listed and a support layer density above 1.8 lb/ft3. A lot of the soft ones use low density foam and that's why they sag.
I'm not a heavy sleeper but my husband is about 260 and we went through this. We ended up with a latex hybrid. The latex on top is soft but it pushes back instead of collapsing. It was more than 1800 though.
Latex is a good call but it sleeps warm for some people. Also the soft latex can still feel firm to some. Definitely try before you buy if you can.
Honestly the pillow top thing is a trap for bigger guys. The extra softness is exactly what breaks down first. I'd look at a medium firm hybrid and add a soft topper that you can replace when it flattens. Cheaper than buying a whole new mattress every two years.
That topper idea is interesting. I hadn't thought about treating the soft part as disposable. Anyone actually done that long term?
We did that for about a year before we got the latex. It worked okay but the topper slid around a lot. If you go that route get one with a strap or a grippy bottom.
Also check the warranty terms before you buy. A lot of them exclude sagging under a certain weight or require a foundation that costs extra. I learned that the hard way.
Second the warranty thing. I had one denied because I didnt use their box spring. Read the fine print.
One more thing. Whatever you get, rotate it every few months. Won't stop sagging entirely but it helps a lot. Especially if you're heavier.
Appreciate all this. I think I'm going to look at a medium firm hybrid and a separate soft topper. At least that way when the top goes I'm only out a couple hundred instead of the whole mattress.
That's a solid plan. Let us know what you end up with.