I'm about 280 lbs and currently have a mattress with a 2-inch memory foam comfort layer over a firm base. It feels okay, but I still wake up with sore hips. I'm considering upgrading to a mattress with a 4-inch comfort layer, but I'm worried that a thicker soft layer will just let me sink deeper and make things worse. Any heavier folks have experience with thicker comfort layers? Do you sink more or does the extra foam actually help distribute weight better?
Mattresses
Would a thicker comfort layer make me sink more
Depends on the foam density. Thicker doesn't always mean softer, but if it's low-density memory foam, yeah, you'll probably sink like a rock.
Im 250 and went from a 2" to 4" comfort layer. At first I thought I made a huge mistake because I sank in more, but after a couple weeks my body adjusted and my hips stopped hurting. The key was that the base under it was still very firm. If the support layer is weak, then extra thickness is a nightmare.
Thicker comfort layer = more sink, generally. But sinking isn't inherently bad if it's deep enough to cushion pressure points without bottoming out. At 280, you might want to look at a mattress with a zoned support layer or a firmer transition foam. Just my two cents.
I'm not heavy but I lurk here. Popcorn ready for this one.
GravityChallenged hit on something important: it's not just thickness, it's what's underneath. A 4" comfort layer over a super firm coil unit can feel totally different than over a soft polyfoam base. OP, what's your current mattress base? Innerspring or foam
It's an innerspring with pocket coiLs, fairly firm. The 2" memory foam is on top. I'm looking at a similar design but with 4" of foam. The coils are the same gauge supposedly.
If the coils are the same, adding 2 more inches of foam will definitely let you sink deeper before you hit the coils. Whether that's good or bad depends on if you need more pressure relief. But at 280, you might actually want to feel the coils sooner for support. Maybe look for a mattress with a thinner but higher-density comfort layer? Like 3" of high-resilience foam instead of 4" of memory foam.
SinkingFeeling makes a good point. I forgot to mention density. My 4" layer was 4 lb memory foam which is pretty dense. If you go thick but low density, yeah, you'll drown. Also, consider a latex hybrid if you want bounce and support.
Latex is a whole different beast. I'd try before you buy if possible. Some heavy sleepers love it, some find it too pushy.
Have you considered a mattress topper instead? Cheaper experiment. Get a 2" high-density foamm topper and see if it helps or hurts. Then you'll know if thicker is better for you.
Topper idea is interesting but I'm worried it'll slide around. Also, if I sink too much with a topper, I can just return it. Might be worth a shot. But I was hoping to avoid the hassle.
Return policies are your friend. Just make sure you can actually return it after trying. Some places charge restocking fees. Also, if you're a hot sleeper, thicker memory foam might sleep warmer. Something to think about.
At 280, you're probably better off with a firmer mattress and a thin topper for pressure relief. Thicker comfort layers are often a gimmick for heavier folks unless the support is exceptional. But what do I know, I'm just here for the popcorn.