I'm about 280 lbs and most of it is in my belly. Been mattress shopping and keep seeing 'zoned coils' advertised for heavier sleepers. But I'm wondering if uniform coils would actually be better for stomach weight, since zoned coils often have firmer coils in the middle. Wouldn't that create a pressure point right where I need support? Anyone have experience or insight?
Coil Design
Would uniform coils be better if you carry most of your weight around your stomach?
I'm not a small guy either, and I've had both. Honestly, the zoned coils felt like they were pushing back too hard under my stomach. Uniform coils let me sink in more evenly. But But it depends on the mattress.
Zoned coils are usually firmer in the middle to prevent sagging, but if your weight is concentrated there, it can feel like a brick. Uniform coils might distribute better, but you lose some of that targeted support. Have you looked at pocketed coils vs continuous?
I haven't really compared pocketed vs continuous yet. I was mostly focused on zoned vs uniform. But that that's a good point.
Uniform coils all the way. I'm 300 lbs with a gut and the zoned mattresses I tried made my lower back hurt because my stomach was basically fighting the firm zone. Went with a uniform pocketed coil and it's been better.
What mattress did you end up with, GrumpyOwl? I'm in a similar spot.
It's a local brand, don't think they ship. But the key was uniform coils with a medium-firm feel. Not too soft on top.
I think the issue is that 'zoned' can mean different things. Some have three zones, some have seven. And the firmness difference can be subtle or drastic. If you're mostly stomach weight, you might actually want a softer center to allow some sinkage, but then you risk hammocking. It's a fine balance.
Have you considered latex? I know it's not coils, but for heavy stomach sleepers, a latex hybrid might be more forgiving.
I tried latex once and it felt top bouncy for me. I prefer the feel of coils.
Another thing: uniform coils might wear out faster if you have concentrated weight. The middle coils take all the stress. Zoned coils are supposed to last longer for heavy people, but I'm not sure that's true in practice.
I've heard that too, but I think it depends on coil gauge. Thicker gauge uniform coils can handle more weight without sagging. Maybe look for something with 13.5 or 14 gauge coils.
Gauge matters a lot. My old mattress had thin coils and sagged within two years. The new one is heavier gauge and holding up fine.
So basically, uniform coils with a heavier gauge might be the way to go for OP. But then you lose the zoning that helps with edge support and preventing roll-off. Not sure if that's a big deal for stomach sleepers though.
Edge support is separate from zoning usually. You can have reinforced edges without zoned coils. But yeah, uniform coils can feel less supportive at the edges.
I'd say try both in a store if you can. Lie on them for at least 15 minutes in your normal sleeping position. That's the only way to know.
Thanks, everyone. I think I'll look for a uniform coil with a heavier gauge and maybe a medium-firm comfort layer. Appreciate the the help.