How Much Does A Mattress Weigh?

While a heavier mattress doesn’t always guarantee better sleep, mattress weight and thickness are still factors you want to consider when mattress shopping.

In this guide, you’ll learn the weights of common mattress types and how to choose the right one for your needs.

How Much Does A Mattress Weigh?

On average, a mattress weighs anywhere between 50 and 150 pounds. A mattress’ weight may vary depending on the mattress type, size, and materials. Naturally, the more materials that make up a mattress, the heavier it is.

Does Mattress Weight Really Matter?

Mattress weight matters when it comes to your sleep needs and bed foundation. For instance, if you have a flimsier bed frame, a mattress that is too heavy can damage it.

Ultimately, while weight is secondary to mattress material, it can still impact the shopping process in the following ways.

Setting Up The Mattress

Moving a heavy mattress is challenging, especially, if you don’t have help. Pick a mattress that you can lift into a bed frame without assistance, or schedule help before setting it up.

Decorating

If you decorate frequently, you don’t want to pick a mattress that is too heavy to move. You might benefit from something more portable. 

Flipping A Mattress

Occasionally flipping your mattress can even out lumps and make cleaning easier. The lighter the mattress, the easier it is to flip it yourself. 

Being Supported By The Bed Frame

If you already have a bed frame and are looking to buy a mattress for it, make sure to pick one that your foundation can support. 

Some highly reinforced foundations can support even the heaviest mattress sizes, but this isn’t the case for all of them. If you pick a mattress that isn’t suitable for your bed frame, it could impact your sleep quality or even break your foundation.

Typically, foundations made with slats are sturdier than traditional box springs. If you are not sure what size foundation to get. Read our guide on picking the right foundation size.

Does Your Mattress Really Gain Weight Over Time?

Yes, your mattress can gain weight over time. The older a mattress, the more it has accumulated dead skin, dirt, dust, and other environmental materials that add to its weight.

The most common culprit for mattress weight gain is dust mites. According to the Ohio State University, on average, a used mattress ends up with 100,000 to 10 million mites in its lifetime.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent your mattress from getting too heavy, like washing it once every six months and using a mattress protector to keep it from accumulating foreign substances. 

How Much Does Every Type Of Mattress Weigh?

Each type of mattress has a different weight. Softer mattresses are typically heavier vs firmer mattresses. Depending on the materials, here is how much each mattress type weighs.

Type Of Mattresses & Weight

Memory Foam Mattresses

High-density memory foam is often heavier than your traditional innerspring mattress, as it contains a dense base and comfort layer.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses have steel coils in their support base, a thin pillow top, and an open structure, making them bouncy, light, and easy to move. 

How much an innerspring mattress weighs depends on coil count and coil gauge. The tighter the coil systems, the heavier the mattress. Larger coil sizes and additional coil layers also weigh more.

Latex Mattresses

Natural latex is a firmer mattress material with the same conforming properties as gel memory foam mattresses, so they are similar in density. That said, mattress weight depends on the type of latex used.

For example, a Dunlop latex mattress is typically heavier than Talalay latex because it has fewer air pockets and a more compact cellular structure.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrids are typically the heaviest mattress type as they comprise a memory foam layer and a coil support core. If you want a lighter hybrid, pick one with a lower coil count. 

Airbed Mattresses

Airbeds are the lightest mattresses on the market because they are inflatable. Still, airbed weights can vary depending on the complexity of the build. For instance, airbeds with multiple air chambers and comfort layers tend to weigh more than traditional ones.

Air mattresses are easy to set up and store. However, they aren’t ideal permanent sleep solutions because they break easily and cannot support much weight.

Mattress Thickness & Weight

Naturally, a thicker mattress weighs more than a thinner one of similar size and material. On average, mattress thickness ranges from 6 to 14 inches. High-profile mattresses are between the 12 and 14-inch range because they contain more materials.

Mattress construction might also influence the thickness. For instance, hybrid mattresses are the thickest ones because they have many layers and materials.

Mattress Size & Weight

The smallest mattress sizes are typically the lightest, but how much they weigh precisely can vary. Use this guide to determine mattress weight according to size. 

Twin-Size Mattresses

Twin mattresses are the lightest type because they are designed for adolescents or petite single sleepers. They are easy to move, making them the optimal choice for setups like bunk beds. 

Twin XL Mattresses

While similar in size to twin mattresses, twin XLs – being five inches longer – are more suitable for taller sleepers. Depending on layering and materials, twin XL mattresses typically weigh between 43 and 48 lbs.

Full-Size Mattress

If you are a single sleeper with limited room space, a full-size mattress may be suitable for you. It provides more sleeping space without too much weight. A full mattress’ weight usually falls between 50 and 60 lbs.

Queen Mattress

Queen-size mattresses are best for couples, providing plenty of legroom and enough personal space. However, they weigh almost double a full-size mattress – a queen mattress’ weight can range from 120 to 160 lbs.

King Mattress

King-size mattresses are the largest mattresses available, perfect for couples or families who share a bed with children or pets. They provide plenty of personal sleeping space but are very heavy. The weight of a king-size mattress typically ranges from 130 to 180 lbs.

California King Mattresses

Cal-king mattresses have the same sleep surface area as their regular king counterparts. However, they are narrower, longer, and better suited to tall sleepers. California kings weigh relatively the same as king-size mattresses at 130 to 180 lbs.

Is A Heavier Mattress A Better Choice?

There is not a yes or no answer for this. A heavier mattress can be a better choice if it improves sleep quality, and heavier mattresses with a sturdy construction may have a higher maximum weight limit. The main thing to keep in mind is plush mattresses tend to be heavier. 

Mattress Weight FAQs

How heavy is a full-size mattress?

A full-size mattress weighs about 50 to 60 pounds.

How heavy is a mattress in a box?

The weight of a mattress in a box depends on the size and type of mattress you pick. Mattresses can weigh between 60 and 150 pounds.

Why are old mattresses so heavy?

Old mattresses get heavier over time because they accumulate dead skin, oils, dust, dirt, and other elements.