Best Mattress for Lightweight People

Lightweight individuals have the same requirements as other sleepers — a supportive and comfortable mattress. However, a model that provides this balance looks different for sleepers within this weight group. The wrong mattress can create pressure points or cause the spine to curve, leading to aches or discomfort.

We’ll cover mattress construction and performance, which models best suit different sleep positions, and what to consider when shopping for a mattress. We also review and update our top picks consistently to reflect the best models on the market for lightweight sleepers.

Data-Driven Results You Can Trust

Our team of sleep experts at Sleep Foundation includes a wide range of body types, including lightweight sleepers. We’ve reviewed hundreds of mattresses over the years, performing numerous tests on each one. While we take all our testers’ rankings into account, the mattresses we’ve highlighted received the highest scores from lightweight sleepers.

In addition to lying down on each mattress and testing their physical feel and support level, we also rate them in a number of categories, including pressure relief — an important factor for lightweight sleepers. We use pressure point mapping to indicate whether or not a mattress is likely to cause hot spots or discomfort. We also review new mattresses often to ensure our readers are presented with the most thorough and up-to-date information available.

Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides

If you want to expand your search for a new mattress beyond these suggestions, you can check out our collection of mattress guides categorized by sleeping styles.

How Does Body Weight Affect the Support of a Mattress?

Maintaining proper spinal alignment is crucial for a comfortable and pain-free night’s sleep. Even spinal support from a mattress will ideally keep your spine in alignment, meaning your mattress supports your spine without allowing your body to sink too deeply at the midsection.

Both body weight and mattress firmness can affect your spine’s position. Sinking too deeply into a mattress will cause your back to curve, likely resulting in discomfort or pain. Since lightweight sleepers don’t compress their mattress as much as heavier sleepers do, they typically don’t require a robust support system. A softer mattress allows lighter sleepers to rest comfortably and get the most from each layer.

Your preferred sleeping position also factors into how much support you need from a bed. Side sleepers often prefer softer mattresses, as one that’s too firm can cause pressure points in the hips and shoulders. A mattress that’s too soft for stomach sleepers can cause their midsection to sink into the bed. Back sleepers usually enjoy a firmness level in between that adequately supports the lower back.

What is the Best Firmness for Lightweight Sleepers?

The best firmness level for lightweight sleepers will depend on their preferred sleeping position, but typically a firmness level between soft (3) and medium firm (6) offers the best support. While personal preference will affect which model you choose, mattresses softer than a 3 on the firmness scale can cause the spine to fall out of alignment. A firm or extra firm mattress can create pressure points in lightweight sleepers due to the lack of contouring on the surface.

Our Firmness Scale and Sleepers Under 130 Pounds

We use a 10 point firmness scale to rank each mattress we review, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The majority of sleepers prefer a mattress that falls between 5 and 7 on the firmness scale. However, this is different for lightweight sleepers.

Most lightweight sleepers prefer a softer mattress, as they compress easier than firm mattresses and are less likely to cause pressure points. As a result, many lightweight sleepers enjoy a mattress that falls between 3 and 6 on the firmness scale.

How to Choose a Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers

There are a number of factors to consider when shopping for a new mattress. Lightweight sleepers should primarily consider whether the support level is appropriate and whether the surface provides adequate pressure relief.

We’ll explore what to look for in a mattress and give you the tools to help determine whether or not a particular model is a good fit for your individual needs.

What to Look For in a Mattress

Choosing a mattress that accommodates your sleep habits is the best way to ensure that you end up with a comfortable mattress. With so many mattresses available today, it can be an overwhelming decision to choose the right one for you. While there are many features to weigh, your sleep position and weight will be the most important factor in determining which mattress to buy.

Price

Mattress costs can vary widely. Shoppers wishing to save should consider buying from an online retailer. These “mattress in a box” prices are often lower because the mattress ships directly from the manufacturer. Many companies also offer significant discounts during holiday periods.

Sleeping Position

Your primary sleeping position will have the greatest impact on which firmness level you choose. Side sleepers typically prefer a plush mattress, while stomach sleepers prefer one with increased support. Back sleepers typically enjoy a firmness level between the two. The wrong support level can lead to pressure buildup or back pain.

Quality Materials

Many manufacturers use patented materials in their mattresses, but it’s important to examine whether or not they’ll hold up over time. Customer reviews often give an indication of how well a material will last. Durability testing from professional reviewers can be invaluable in determining a mattress’ lifespan as well.

Firmness Level

Lightweight sleepers will want to choose a firmness level that’s compatible with their weight. On the 1 to 10 firmness scale, this typically correlates to a mattress between 3 and 6 — which is softer than what people who weigh above 130 pounds generally prefer.

Pressure Relief

While all sleepers can experience pressure points, side and lightweight sleepers can be the most prone to it. Spending extended time on the same parts of your body on a mattress that doesn’t allow enough contouring can cause discomfort beneath the heavier parts of the body, such as the hips, shoulders, and back. A mattress that targets pressure relief can help significantly.

Motion Isolation

Movement can travel across a mattress that lacks substantial motion isolation. People who share a bed can benefit from a mattress that absorbs motion rather than one that allows motion to transfer across the surface, as couples are less likely to be disturbed by any movement.

Temperature Regulation

A mattress that allows air to flow freely through its core is less likely to retain heat, allowing hot sleepers to sleep cooler. Some mattresses also include cooling features like gel-infused foam or phase change materials that are designed to wick away heat and moisture. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses generally offer better temperature regulation.

Edge Support

Edge support can make a difference for people who struggle to get in and out of bed, as well as couples who prefer using the entire mattress. Reinforcing a bed’s perimeter can increase edge support significantly and allow people to sit or sleep on the edge of their mattress without it sagging.

Contouring

Many mattresses that include foam in the comfort system have some level of contouring. A mattress with deep contouring will give sleepers a hugging sensation that often feels as if they’re sleeping in the mattress. Those who prefer sleeping on their mattress should choose a mattress that offers less contouring.

Mattress Type

Today, shoppers have the option of choosing between a wide range of mattress constructions.  Each sleeper has different needs and preferences. People who prioritize responsiveness and temperature regulation may prefer an innerspring or hybrid. Those seeking enhanced pressure relief may enjoy a foam or latex model, while airbeds might be a better option for shoppers who want maximum customization.

What Type of Mattress is Best for Lightweight Sleepers?

While each mattress within a particular style shares broad characteristics, their exact specifications can differ greatly from one another. We’ll examine the most common mattress constructions and discuss how they can benefit lightweight sleepers.

Foam

These mattresses usually have a construction made up of multiple foam layers. The two most popular types of foam are memory foam and polyfoam, both of which can be formulated with different densities to give sleepers varying levels of support and cushioning. Foam mattresses generally excel at relieving pressure, an added benefit for lightweight sleepers.

Foam also absorbs motion well, making it an excellent choice for couples wanting fewer disturbances from their partner’s movements. Foam mattresses that don’t have temperature regulating features can sleep hotter than other mattress constructions, as the foam tends to trap body heat.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses blend the constructions of multiple mattress types — innerspring, foam, and latex. This style uses a support core made from coils that provide the bounce and responsiveness for which innerspring mattresses are known.

However, on top of the coils, hybrids often include comfort systems that incorporate foam, latex, or wool. Hybrid manufacturers mix and match these materials to create a distinct feel and performance. They also tend to sleep cool, since air circulates freely within the mattress core.

Latex

Similar to foam models, latex mattresses provide sleepers with pressure relief, but with increased responsiveness. This type of mattress is an excellent choice for hot sleepers, as it tends to not trap heat. Latex is also a great option for sleepers who want to alleviate discomfort stemming from pressure buildup, but not at the expense of a mattress’ durability. However, latex mattresses can be heavy and unwieldy, and moving one may require help.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses have support cores made from coils that flex and compress as weight is applied. Today’s models are designed to offer responsive support. Unlike older models, you’re unlikely to have an excessively squeaky bed or springs poking out from the core in a modern innerspring mattress.

Innersprings generally incorporate a layer above the coils to create a comfortable surface. These materials generally include pillow-tops, foam, or wool, creating a buffer between your body and the mattress springs.