Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers

When you're picking out a new mattress, you gotta think about your size and weight. For example, if you're a lighter sleeper, you'll probably need a bed with a different firmness and build compared to someone of average weight or heavier. That’s why, after testing over 300 mattresses, we’ve come up with a list of seven bed-in-a-box options that are perfect for people under 130 lbs. If that sounds like you, keep reading to check out our top picks for lightweight sleepers.

Our expert reviewers picked the Nectar Premier as the best mattress for anyone who weighs under around 130 lbs. Lighter sleepers usually feel mattresses as firmer than others, so we went with a mattress that offers great pressure relief.

• Nectar Mattress – Best Mattress for Lightweight Combination Sleepers
• Helix Mattress – Best Mattress for Lightweight Side Sleepers
• DreamCloud Mattress – Best Affordable Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
• WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
• Saatva Mattress – Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers with Back Pain
• Brooklyn Bedding Mattress – Best Mattress for Lightweight Stomach Sleepers
• Nolah Mattress – Best Luxury Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
• Bear Mattress – Best Mattress for Lightweight Athletes

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has checked out over 600 mattresses, using our own analysis and hands-on testing to create simple, easy-to-understand scores. Along with the overall score, we also break down subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty. Our thorough testing and reporting have helped more than 4,500 readers find the perfect mattress for their needs.

Even if someone finds a mattress that checks all the boxes for lighter sleepers, it's still important to consider their exact weight. When I say lighter sleepers, I’m usually referring to anyone under 130 pounds. However, there’s a big difference between someone weighing 100 pounds and someone at 130 pounds, so preferences can vary when it comes to firmness, construction, and overall feel. Also, don’t forget to check out our best mattresses for heavier people and our best mattresses for teenagers.

While heavier people may need a taller mattress with a thicker comfort layer, a 10" mattress with a 2" or 3" comfort layer should be enough for most lightweight sleepers. This could mean using something like a simple quilted cover or pillow top. Ultimately, lighter sleepers need less support than heavier individuals, so the comfort layer doesn't have to be too thick. In fact, a comfort layer that's too dense can actually make lightweight sleepers feel uncomfortable.

Lightweight sleepers should definitely consider the difference between a firm and soft mattress. If you're on the lighter side, you'll likely want to opt for a softer mattress, as it can provide the right balance of comfort, support, and affordability. Plus, lighter sleepers won’t sink into a soft mattress as much as heavier sleepers might. However, if you’re a lightweight sleeper leaning toward a firmer bed, I'd suggest choosing one with thinner comfort layers. This is because lighter sleepers don’t need as much extra foundational support as someone heavier would.

No matter your weight, it’s important to consider your sleeping position when choosing a mattress. For example, if you primarily sleep on your stomach, a firmer bed might be the way to go. If you’re a side sleeper, though, you may prefer something a bit softer. That said, comfort is really subjective, so a lot of it will come down to what feels best for you personally.

One of the perks of being a lighter sleeper is that you likely don’t need the pricey materials for support, like extra-strong coils or high-density foams that are often found in luxury mattresses. In the end, lighter folks can go for a mattress with a simpler design and save some cash along the way.

Here’s a summary of our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers: