6 Best Mattresses for “Smaller, Lightweight” People (Personally Tested)
Finding the perfect mattress can be a difficult task for anyone, but it can be particularly challenging for lighter weight, smaller individuals, as mattresses can react and feel different under lighter weight loads.
Our team thoroughly tests each mattress we review, evaluating factors such as comfort, durability, and support. In this article we share our personal experiences and thoughts to help on which mattresses we believe are best for lighter weight, smaller sleepers to get the best comfort.
What classifies as a lighter or smaller sleeper?
For the purposes of this article, a lightweight or petite sleeper is considered to be an individual with a lower body weight, usually around 130 pounds (59 kg) or less.
Common questions lighter weight sleepers ask about buying a mattress…
Will the mattress feel right for my body weight?
Is the mattress too firm or too soft for lighter individuals?
Will the mattress provide adequate pressure relief for my joints and pressure points?
What type of mattress material is best suited for lighter sleepers (memory foam, latex, innerspring, hybrid)?
What is the ideal mattress thickness for my body weight?
Are there any specific mattress brands or models recommended for lighter individuals?
What is the appropriate firmness level for a lighter weight sleeper to ensure proper spinal alignment and comfort?
This guide addresses these exact questions and concerns above and gives a personalized recommendation for the 6 best mattresses built to feel great for light weight, smaller sleepers.
(NOTE: These mattresses work great for lighter weight individuals but also work perfectly for heavier weight sleepers if you are sharing the bed.)
Quick Picks – 6 Best Mattress for Light Weight Sleepers
- BEST OVERALL (EDITOR’S PICK) – Brooklyn Signature Hybrid (medium firmness)
- BEST NATURAL OPTION – Birch Natural
- BUDGET FRIENDLY – Chill
- BEST MEMORY FOAM OPTION – Puffy Original
- BEST LUXURY OPTION – Midnight LUXE
- BEST PRESSURE RELIEF – Layla Hybrid
6 Best Mattresses For Smaller, Lighter Weight Individuals
1. The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid by Brooklyn Bedding
GREAT ALL AROUND VALUE
TRADITIONAL INNERSPRING FEEL
An all around hybrid mattress that combines the benefits of a traditional innerspring mattress with Brooklyn Bedding's patented “Titan foam” comfort layers (combining the best properties of latex and memory foam to appeal to all sleeping and comfort preferences). Brooklyn Bedding has been in the mattress industry for years and makes each mattress at their own factory, meaning they can cut out the middle man and provide a great price. This mattress has thousands of 5-star reviews from customers who rave about its value and universal comfort.
- Unbeatable comfort for the price
- Luxury hybrid innerspring design
- High quality support and pressure relief
- Choose soft, medium or firm
- Over 2,000 5-star reviews.
- Made in the USA
What our testers are saying:
The Signature Hybrid by Brooklyn Bedding is a great all around mattress at a very valuable friendly price point. The pocketed coil innerspring unit give enough support for adult sleepers while the top layers provide pressure relief for all styles of sleepers. The mattress comes in 3 firmness levels in order to allow you to choose the feel that is right for you (we generally recommend medium for lighter weight sleepers. At 12 inches thick this mattress is heavy duty enough to provide support while not being too thick. The quality materials means it will hold up for years to come without prematurely breaking down and the price point makes it great for an every night sleeping option or for a guest room that will be sleeping anyone from adults to children.
2. The Birch Natural by Birch
The Birch Natural mattress is a high quality natural mattress at a highly competitive price point. The wrapped coils provide a luxuriously supportive base that offers industry leading spinal alignment and cradles the natural curves of the body. Birch has built this mattress around optimizing pressure relief with the use of natural latex and wool comfort layers. Latex is one of the best foams on the market for providing pressure relief while still being supportive. The wool adds comfort while naturally wicking moisture and sleeping cool. Birch then has topped the mattress off with an organic cotton cover, making is naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. This mattress is a great all-around natural option for anyone looking for a medium-firm hybrid mattress that is chemical free.
- 100% Made in the USA
- Non-Toxic
- Supportive, hybrid wrapped coil design
- Luxury pressure relief
- Natural and Organic Materials (Latex, Organic Wool & Cotton)
- Universal "Medium-Firm" Feel
What our testers are saying:
Birch is known throughout the industry for their high quality natural latex mattress options. The Birch is their most budget friendly latex mattress and provides all the healthy benefits of a latex with the benefits of a pocketed coil innerspring unit. The Birch comes in a medium-firm comfort level to suit the vast majority of comfort levels and preferences and is perfect for lighter weight sleepers. This mattress also has an organic cotton cover for anyone with allergies or who are sensitive to non-organic fabrics. While there are other latex mattress options on the market that may cost more, this mattress is the best overall feel for a lighter smaller person without being too firm.
What Customers love: Natural latex mattress at an affordable price.
3. The Chill by Brooklyn Bedding
BUDGET FRIENDLY
This may be the best budget friendly mattress on the market. The combination of high density support foam and memory foam comfort layers makes for a supportive, pressure relieving sleep experience. If you like the feel of memory foam and are looking for an affordable sleeping option then this is the best mattress you will find. Brooklyn Bedding makes all of their mattresses in their own factories in Arizona and are able to cut out the middle man and offer customers factory direct prices.
- Budget friendly price point
- High quality, supportive memory foam design
- Made in the USA (Arizona Factory)
- Available in custom sizes and thicknesses
What our testers are saying:
The Chill is probably the best kept secret when it comes to quality entry level and budget friendly mattresses. This is a great option if you are looking for a quality memory foam mattress at a great price. The high density base foam coupled with the memory foam make it a supportive and comfortable mattress. It also comes in a variety of thicknesses to meet the needs of bunk beds, daybeds, trundle beds and much more. The reviews of this mattress are highly positive. If you are looking for an affordable mattress that is comfortable and versatile, then this is likely the best choice for you.
What Customers love: High quality, affordable memory foam mattress
4. The Puffy Original by Puffy
GREAT VALUE MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS
The Puffy Original Mattress is a luxurious memory foam mattress at a great price. It has a medium-firm feel and is a perfect comfort level for the majority of sleepers. Puffy’s memory foam design conforms to your body and is great for kids or adults. Puffy is a reputable brand name in the industry and has won a variety of awards for the quality of their US made sleep products.
- Medium-firm feel fits all sleep types
- Multiple awards for best all around mattress
- 100% made in the USA!
- Breathable and cooling
- Firm supportive base foam
- Stain-resistant cover
- Donates beds to children in need
What our testers are saying:
The Puffy mattress is a great value memory foam mattress for the price. It is a medium-firm feel and is a perfect comfort level for the majority of sleepers, including lighter weight sleepers. The single size Puffy mattress retail costs about $495 dollars and includes free shipping, free returns and 101-night risk-free trial. If you don’t like the mattress after 101 days they will refund you and come and it pick up for you. Puffy’s memory foam design conforms to your body and is great for kids or adults.
The Highlights:
- Medium-firm feel fits all sleep types and weights (multiple awards for best all around mattress).
- 101 day free sleep trial with free shipping and free returns
- Fits on any surface (box spring, adjustable base, platform bed, etc..)
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- 100% made in the USA!
- Breathable and cooling with Tempurature stabilizing climate control
- Firm supportive base foam for luxury level spinal alignment and pressure relief
- Stain-resistant cover
- Donates beds to children in need
What Customers love: Great value. Fits majority of sleep preferences. Over 6000 5-star reviews.
5. The Midnight LUXE by Helix
The Helix Midnight LUXE is their most awarded mattress and is a great all around mattress in our opinion. This mattress is going to have a medium-firm feel which is perfect for most sleep preferences and styles. The individually wrapped coil support system provides the support and bounce of a traditional innerspring unit but has the bonus of "zoned" support which means it perfectly supports and gives to the natural curvature of your body, allowing for industry leading spinal alignment and pressure relief. Helix also offers a softer and firmer option in their LUXE lineup if you prefer something on one of the other ends of the firmness spectrum. Overall, our team loves this mattress and many of our employees choose this exact mattress in their own homes at night.
- Medium-firm feel
- Made in the USA
- Cooling/Breathable cover
- Highly awarded and reviewed
- "Zoned" lumbar support coils for luxury support and pressure relief
- Premium quilted pillow top
- Hypoallergenic cover
What our testers are saying:
The Midnight LUXE is our testers favorite all around mattress and is the one many of our team choose to sleep on every night. This is one of the most universally liked and recommended mattresses in the industry. It is supportive while still being comfortable. It has a mix of pocketed coils and a memory foam pillow top, to give support and pressure relief. It also has a cool and breathable cover. This mattress won “best mattress of the year” and is a great all around luxury choice for lighter weight individuals as it will conform to their body and still offer the right alignment and pressure relief.
What Customers love: Luxury pillow-top comfort. Great for all sleeping types.
6. The Hybrid Mattress by Layla
BEST PRESSURE RELIEF
The Layla hybrid mattress utilizes a pocketed coil support system combined with 2 sides of copper infused memory foam. This design provides support while also cradling the body and relieving pressure points. The Layla hybrid is 2-sided so you can choose to sleep on the firm or soft side. If you suffer from back pain, hip or shoulder pain this mattress may be a great option for you.
- Industry leading pressure relief
- 2 sided (soft and firm sides)
- Copper infused for a cooler and cleaner sleep
What our testers are saying:
The Layla hybrid mattress utilizes a pocketed coil support system combined with 2 sides of copper infused memory foam. This design provides support while also cradling the body and relieving pressure points. The Layla hybrid is 2-sided so you can choose to sleep on the firm or soft side.
Highlights:
- Hybrid mix of pocketed coils and copper infused memory foam for ultimate body support and recovery
- 2-sided for firm and soft sleeping options (we recommend the soft side for lighter weight sleepers)
- Sleeps cool with copper infused memory foam
- 120 night free trial with free shipping and free returns
- Made in the USA
What Customers love: Amazing pressure relief and support. 2-sided soft and firm options.
What to Consider Before Buying
1. Firmness Level:
Lightweight sleepers generally require a softer mattress to provide adequate contouring and pressure relief. A mattress with a firmness level of soft to medium (3-5 on a firmness scale of 1-10) is typically recommended.
2. Support Level:
Even if you’re lightweight, proper support is crucial to maintain spinal alignment and prevent discomfort. Look for a mattress that provides consistent support without creating pressure points or allowing excessive sinking.
3. Pressure Relief:
Lightweight sleepers often require more pressure relief due to their lower body mass. Memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses with softer comfort layers can provide excellent pressure relief for lighter individuals.
4. Material and Construction:
Consider the mattress materials and construction when choosing the right mattress:
a. Memory Foam:
Memory foam mattresses contour to the body and provide excellent pressure relief. Look for a softer memory foam mattress that offers enough support and comfort for lightweight sleepers.
b. Latex:
Latex mattresses offer a combination of support, pressure relief, and responsiveness. A soft to medium-firm latex mattress can provide adequate contouring and comfort for lighter individuals.
c. Innerspring:
Innerspring mattresses may not be the best option for lightweight sleepers due to their firmer feel and reduced pressure relief. However, if you prefer an innerspring mattress, choose one with a pillow top or cushioned top layer for added comfort.
d. Hybrid:
Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with layers of memory foam, latex, or other materials. These mattresses can offer the support of an innerspring mattress while providing the pressure relief and comfort of foam or latex.
5. Motion Isolation:
If you share your bed with a partner, a mattress with good motion isolation can help minimize sleep disturbances caused by your partner’s movements. Memory foam and latex mattresses typically offer excellent motion isolation.
6. Temperature Regulation:
If you sleep hot or live in a warm climate, consider a mattress with breathable materials or cooling technology to help regulate body temperature throughout the night. Latex and innerspring mattresses generally provide better airflow compared to traditional memory foam.
7. Durability:
Invest in a high-quality, durable mattress that will maintain its support and comfort for an extended period. A warranty of at least 10 years can provide peace of mind regarding the mattress’s longevity.
8. Trial Period and Return Policy:
Choose a mattress that offers a trial period, so you can test it at home and ensure it meets your needs. Also, check the return policy in case the mattress doesn’t suit your requirements.
9. Budget:
Consider your budget when choosing a mattress. There are options available at various price points, so it’s essential to find a mattress that balances quality and affordability.
Take the time to test or read about different mattresses and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns or requirements. By considering factors such as firmness level, support, pressure relief, and material, you can find the right mattress to ensure a comfortable and restorative night’s sleep.
The best mattress type for a lightweight person should provide adequate contouring, pressure relief, and support without causing excessive sinking. Here are some suitable mattress types for lightweight individuals:
What Mattress Type is Best for Lighter Weight Sleeper
Memory Foam:
Memory foam mattresses are often recommended for lightweight sleepers due to their excellent pressure relief and body-contouring properties. A softer memory foam mattress can provide enough support and comfort for lighter individuals while allowing them to experience the contouring benefits of the material.
Latex:
Latex mattresses offer a combination of support, pressure relief, and responsiveness. They are suitable for lightweight sleepers because they provide gentle contouring and evenly distribute body weight without causing excessive sinking. A soft to medium-firm latex mattress can work well for lighter individuals.
Hybrid:
Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with layers of memory foam, latex, or other materials. These mattresses can offer the support of an innerspring mattress while providing the pressure relief and comfort of foam or latex. For lightweight sleepers, a hybrid mattress with a softer comfort layer can be an excellent choice.
When choosing the best mattress type for a lightweight person, it’s essential to consider personal preferences, such as preferred sleep position and temperature regulation. Testing different mattresses and consulting with a healthcare professional can help you find the best mattress for your specific needs.
How Thick Should A Mattress Be For Lighter, Smaller People
The ideal mattress thickness for a lightweight, smaller sleeper depends on personal preferences, sleeping position, and the materials used in the mattress. Generally, a mattress with a thickness of 8-12 inches is suitable for lightweight sleepers. Here’s a breakdown of mattress thickness ranges and their suitability for lightweight individuals:
6–8 inches:
These thinner mattresses usually have a simple construction with fewer layers, providing minimal cushioning and support. While they may be suitable for some lightweight sleepers, especially those who prefer a firmer feel, they may not provide the desired comfort and pressure relief for most individuals.
8-10 inches:
Mattresses within this thickness range can offer a better balance of support and comfort for lightweight sleepers. They often feature multiple layers of comfort materials, such as memory foam or latex, which can provide adequate contouring and pressure relief without causing excessive sinking.
10-12 inches:
These mattresses are a popular choice for lightweight sleepers, as they provide additional cushioning and support layers, enhancing comfort and pressure relief. A 10-12 inch mattress with a soft to medium firmness level can accommodate various sleeping positions and preferences for lightweight individuals.
12+ inches:
Thicker mattresses with more than 12 inches of height are generally better suited for heavier individuals, as they offer additional support and durability to withstand increased body weight. Lightweight sleepers may find these mattresses too firm and lacking in contouring, as they may not sink into the mattress enough to benefit from the additional layers.
Pros and Cons of Finding a Mattress for Lighter Weight Sleepers
Selecting a mattress for a lighter weight person has its own unique set of pros and cons. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing a mattress tailored to the needs of lighter sleepers:
Pros:
Pressure relief:
Lighter weight individuals often benefit from mattresses that provide enhanced pressure relief, as they have less body mass to distribute across the mattress surface. This can lead to increased comfort and reduced pressure points in sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders.
Contouring:
Softer mattresses, which are generally recommended for lighter sleepers, tend to provide better body contouring. This allows for a more personalized fit and can help alleviate pressure and promote proper spinal alignment.
Motion isolation:
Lighter sleepers often find that memory foam and latex mattresses, which offer excellent motion isolation, are well-suited to their needs. This can be especially beneficial for those who share a bed with a partner and want to minimize sleep disturbances from their partner’s movements.
Wide range of options:
With advancements in mattress technology, there are many options available for lighter weight sleepers, from memory foam and latex to hybrid mattresses. This variety provides the opportunity to find the perfect mattress to suit individual preferences and sleep requirements.
Cons:
Firmness level challenges:
Finding the right balance between softness and support can be challenging for lighter weight sleepers, as a mattress that’s too soft may not provide adequate support and lead to improper spinal alignment.
Durability concerns:
Some lighter sleepers may find that softer mattresses wear down more quickly over time, particularly if the materials used in the mattress are of lower quality. This could result in the need to replace the mattress more frequently.
Limited in-store options:
When shopping in brick-and-mortar stores, lighter sleepers may find that there are fewer options tailored to their specific needs. Many retail stores focus on medium-firm to firm mattresses, which are often better suited for average to heavier weight individuals.
Temperature regulation:
Lighter weight sleepers who prefer memory foam mattresses may experience heat retention issues, as memory foam is known for its heat-trapping properties. This can be a concern for those who sleep hot or live in warmer climates.
Ultimately, finding the right mattress for a lighter weight person requires careful consideration of individual preferences, sleep position, and specific comfort and support requirements. Testing different mattresses and consulting with healthcare professionals can help make the selection process easier and more successful.
Keep in mind that individual preferences and needs can vary, and it’s essential to test different mattress thicknesses to determine the best option for your specific situation. Additionally, consider factors such as mattress materials, firmness level, and overall support to ensure a comfortable and restorative night’s sleep.
FAQs
Q: What firmness level is best for lightweight sleepers?
A: Lightweight sleepers typically benefit from a softer to medium-firm mattress (3-5 on a firmness scale of 1-10) to provide adequate contouring and pressure relief without excessive sinking.
Q: What type of mattress is best for lightweight sleepers?
A: Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses with softer comfort layers are often recommended for lightweight sleepers, as they provide gentle contouring, pressure relief, and support.
Q: Does mattress thickness matter for lightweight sleepers?
A: Yes, mattress thickness plays a role in comfort and support. Lightweight sleepers generally find mattresses with a thickness of 8-12 inches suitable, as they offer a balance of comfort and support without causing excessive sinking.
Q: How important is motion isolation for lightweight sleepers?
A: Motion isolation can be essential for lightweight sleepers who share their bed with a partner, as it helps minimize sleep disturbances caused by their partner’s movements. Memory foam and latex mattresses typically provide excellent motion isolation.
Q: Do lightweight sleepers need a mattress with strong edge support?
A: While edge support is generally more critical for heavier sleepers, lightweight sleepers may also benefit from a mattress with consistent support across the entire surface. However, strong edge support may be less crucial for lightweight individuals.
Q: How often should lightweight sleepers replace their mattress?
A: The lifespan of a mattress varies depending on its type and quality, but it’s generally recommended to replace a mattress every 7-10 years. Lightweight sleepers may not wear down a mattress as quickly as heavier individuals, but they should still consider the mattress’s durability and support over time.
Q: Are mattress toppers beneficial for lightweight sleepers?
A: Mattress toppers made of memory foam or latex can enhance comfort and pressure relief for lightweight sleepers. They can be a cost-effective solution for improving an existing mattress, but it’s essential to consider the underlying mattress’s support and condition.
Remember that individual preferences and needs can vary, and it’s essential to test different mattresses and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Considering factors such as firmness level, support, pressure relief, and mattress type can help you find the best mattress for your specific situation.
Selecting the right mattress as a lighter, smaller, or petite individual can be a complex journey, as their unique comfort and support needs must be taken into consideration. However, by understanding the factors that influence their sleep experience, such as firmness level, mattress type, and material, they can make an informed decision to achieve optimal sleep quality. The key is to test different mattresses, consult with healthcare professionals, and prioritize personal comfort and preferences. With persistence and the right knowledge, even those in this size category can find the perfect mattress to enjoy a comfortable, restful, and supportive night’s sleep.
