The Ultimate Orthopedic Mattress Weight Guide

There are many factors to consider before purchasing an orthopedic mattress. One such factor is the weight of the mattress. Although this might seem less important than factors like the mattress’s design and size, it is important to take into consideration as it influences how easy or difficult it is to move your mattress around. In this article we’ll discuss how orthopedic mattress weight differs between designs and why it should matter to you.

Factors that affect the weight of an orthopedic mattress are the materials used, the size, and the type of mattress. Materials such as latex are heavier while pocketed coils tend to be lighter. Larger and thicker mattresses as well as added features such as adjustable orthopedic mattresses tend to be heavier.

Two reasons you should think about the weight of your orthopedic mattress include: 

1. You’ll need to move the orthopedic mattress into the room or hospital for your patient or family member
2. The frame on which the orthopedic mattress sits will need to support the weight of the orthopedic mattress, bedding, and the sleeper. 

So, let’s get into it.

Orthopedic mattresses need a strong and sturdy base to rest on because of their weight. Image Source: Amazon.

Orthopedic Mattress Size and Weight Chart

Like other mattresses, orthopedic mattresses are available in a variety of sizes, such as twin, full, queen, and king sizes. Obviously, the size of the mattress directly affects its weight. If you don’t want to get a very heavy orthopedic mattress, you need to keep the size of the mattress in mind. 

King size orthopedic mattresses weigh about 70 to 130 lbs. Queen size orthopedic mattresses weigh about 50 to 105 lbs. Full or double size orthopedic mattresses weigh about 40 to 85 lbs. Smaller twin-size orthopedic mattresses weigh about 30 to 60 lbs.

Our comprehensive orthopedic mattress size guide provides some helpful tips for choosing the right one for your needs and preferences. 

The chart below provides some examples of different sizes and weights of orthopedic mattresses to highlight just how much their sizes affect their total weight.

Size of Mattress	Dimensions L x W x H	Orthopedic Mattress Weight	Examples on Amazon	Price
Twin	79″ L x 59″ W x 10″ H	52 lbs	Spinal Solution Eurotop	~$740
Full	75″ L x 54″ W x 14″ H	85 lbs	Sealy Posturepedic Plus	~$1300
Queen	80″ L x 60″ W x 11.5″ H	82 lbs	Spectra Orthopedic Break-Thru Mattress	~$480
King	80″ L x 76″ W x 10″ H	90 lbs	SenSei Memory foam orthopedic mattress	~$760

Make sure to also check out our related article explaining what mattresses do orthopedic doctors recommend. You may be surprised by the results! Additionally, make sure to take a look at our quick comparison between orthopedic mattresses vs latex mattresses to find out what the real differences may be.

How Does the Material of an Orthopedic Mattress Affect Its Weight?

There are a very wide variety of orthopedic mattresses available according to their designs and the materials they are made from.

The three most common materials for orthopedic mattresses are memory foam, latex, and innerspring. Latex-based orthopedic mattresses are heavier than other mattresses.

The material that results in the heaviest orthopedic mattress is latex. Latex is a denser and heavier material than any of the other materials, but, still, the weight of a latex orthopedic mattress can vary according to the density, thickness, and number of layers of latex used in the mattress. Read our article comparing orthopedic and Tempurpedic mattresses to learn about the material composition of each of these types of mattresses. 

Memory foam is the most common material used for orthopedic mattresses. It is softer and lighter than latex, making memory foam orthopedic mattresses significantly lighter than latex ones. Our article about the various orthopedic mattress layers explains more about how the construction of orthopedic mattresses affects the mattress weight. 

Most orthopedic mattresses are made from latex, memory foam, or innerspring. Generally, the open structure of the innerspring reduces the weight of orthopedic mattresses, while latex and memory foam will tend to increase the weight of the mattress as we explain in our article that compares orthopedic mattresses and spring mattresses. 

Natural latex mattresses are top-of-the-line products, offering wonderful support, airflow, and resiliency. Image Source: Amazon.

Orthopedic Mattress Material	Average Weight Range for Queen Orthopedic Mattress
Memory Foam	~85 to 120 lbs
Latex	~90 to 140 lbs
Innerspring	~80 to 105 lbs

Make sure to also take a look at our tips to finding an orthopedic mattress without springs for more details. Also, you might find interest in our article explaining how to choose an orthopedic mattress for hypermobility. Be sure to take a look at that one too.

Are Orthopedic Mattresses Heavier than Regular Mattresses?

Compared to a regular basic mattress, an orthopedic mattress is designed to provide superior firmness and support. 

Orthopedic mattresses are usually heavier than regular mattresses because they have multiple specialized layers including comfort layers, temperature regulating layers and support layers. 

Orthopedic mattresses tend to have more layers or thicker layers of fibers than those found in a regular mattress, which makes them heavier. For example, memory foam orthopedic mattresses like these are heavier than regular memory foam mattresses like these because they tend to have more or thicker layers to provide optimal support and firmness. Our article on the benefits of using an orthopedic mattress explains how the design and materials used can be beneficial for people suffering from injuries, and back and joint pain. As discussed in an article written in the Journal of Pain research, patients with chronic lower back pain felt the most pain relief on a firm orthopedic mattress.

Below is a summary of the difference between regular and orthopedic mattresses in terms of weight:

Mattress Size	Average Orthopedic Mattress Weight	Average Regular Mattress Weight
King	From 70 to 130 lbs.	From 70 to 95 lbs.
Queen	From 50 to 105 lbs.	From 50 to 75 lbs.
Twin	From 30 to 60 lbs.	From 30 to 50 lbs.
Full	From 40 to 85 lbs.	From 40 to 60 lbs.

You might also be interested in learning why orthopedic mattresses work in general. Be sure to read our detailed guide to find out more.

How Much Do Adjustable Orthopedic Mattresses Weigh?

Adjustable orthopedic mattresses are designed to be used on an adjustable base which can be configured into various positions to enable the sleeper to customize their comfort and support. 

Twin size adjustable orthopedic mattresses weigh between 44 to 65 lbs, double or full size orthopedic mattresses weigh from 60 to 90 lbs, queen size weigh between 75 to 110 lbs, and king size orthopedic mattresses weigh between 90 to 145 lbs.

Adjustable mattresses are generally heavier than regular mattresses. They are made of stronger materials with extra layers to cope with the constant movement of the base. This helps the mattress to maintain its original condition and shape and ensures that it will be durable as explained in our article about choosing an orthopedic mattress for an adjustable bed. Because of its design and the materials used, an adjustable orthopedic mattress like this one could be heavier than a regular orthopedic mattress. 

Mattresses for adjustable beds need to be carefully chosen to be compatible with the adjustable bed frame. Typically, adjustable orthopedic mattresses weigh more than regular orthopedic mattresses since they have specialized flexible materials to allow for conformational changes. Image Source: Amazon.

Tips for Finding a Frame to Support an Orthopedic Mattress

Choosing a frame to support an orthopedic mattress is an important step that you need to pay extra attention to. There are specific factors to consider—beyond attractive styling—when choosing a bed frame for your orthopedic mattress, such as the frame’s weight capacity, the weight of the mattress, and the weight of the sleepers. 

To make sure a bed frame can support an orthopedic mattress, match the size of the mattress with the size of the frame. Also, check that the weight capacity of the bed frame can withstand the weight of the mattress, the bedding used, and the people sleeping on the mattress.

This heavy-duty Wolanos bed frame will support any sort of heavy orthopedic mattress. Image source: Amazon.

Tip 1. Match the Frame Size to the Mattress Size 

Make sure to choose a frame like this, that matches the size of your mattress. A smaller frame will not just make you uncomfortable on the bed but will also cause the mattress to shift on the frame and become misshapen where it is not properly supported. A frame that is larger than the mattress can make getting in and out of the bed uncomfortable and allow for the mattress to shift around instead of being properly supported and secured. Our article about what mattress size to choose for your platform bed has handy tips to help you choose the correct mattress for your needs and for your bed frame. 

Tip 2. Check the Weight Capacity of the Bed Frame

Importantly, make sure to check the weight capacity of the bed frame. The frame must be able to support the orthopedic mattress you choose. If the mattress is heavier than the weight capacity of the bed frame, the frame can eventually warp and break—with potentially disastrous results. This article prepared by the students of various Slovak universities investigates the correlation between bed frame size, bed safety, and sleep quality. 

Tip 3. Add the Weight of the Bedding When Calculating Orthopedic Mattress Weight

When calculating the weight capacity of the mattress, don’t forget to add the weight of the bedding, including any toppers. The weight of the bedding and these toppers adds to the weight of the mattress, and if the total is higher than the capacity of the frame you choose, you need to consider a different bed frame. 

Covers like these, for example, generally weigh between 3 and 10 lbs. This varies according to the thickness of the fillings and the materials from which the covers are made. A mattress topper can weigh between 6 and 18 lbs. Add this to the mattress weight when calculating the weight capacity of the bed frame. 

Bedding Type	Weight Range	Example from Amazon
Duvet	From 3.40 to 10 lbs.	Bedsure Queen comforter duvet
Toppers	From 6 to 18 lbs.	Easeland Cotton Mattress Topper
Mattress Covers	From 1 to 6 lbs.	Bamboo Mattress Protector Full Size Mattress Pad Cover

Tip 4. Include the Weight of the Sleepers When Determining Which Bed Frame to Use

When you sleep on an orthopedic mattress, your weight and the weight of other sleepers add to the weight that needs to be supported by the bed base. This may exceed the weight capacity of the bed frame. When this happens, the bed frame can break and fail. That is why it is very important to consider the weight of all sleepers when determining which bed frame to use. 

Final formula: 

The weight capacity of the bed frame must be greater than:

130 lbs for orthopedic mattress + (10.5 to 34) lbs for bedding + weight of Sleeper 1 + weight of Sleeper 2. 

Key Takeaways

1. The weight of an orthopedic mattress is influenced by its material composition, size, and design features. Latex materials usually make the mattress heavier compared to memory foam or innerspring materials.
2. Size significantly affects the weight of orthopedic mattresses with King size being the heaviest, followed by Queen, Full, and Twin sizes. For instance, King size orthopedic mattresses weigh between 70 to 130 lbs, while Twin sizes range from 30 to 60 lbs.
3. The weight of an orthopedic mattress impacts its mobility and the robustness required of the bed frame. It’s vital to ensure that the bed frame can support the weight of the mattress, bedding, and sleepers adequately.
4. Adjustable orthopedic mattresses, designed to conform to various positions, are generally heavier due to their specialized materials and design. Their weight ranges vary with size, e.g., Twin size adjustable mattresses weigh between 44 to 65 lbs.
5. When choosing a bed frame for an orthopedic mattress, it’s crucial to match the frame size to the mattress size, check the weight capacity of the frame, and factor in the weight of the bedding and sleepers. This ensures a compatible and safe sleeping setup.
6. Orthopedic mattresses tend to be heavier than regular mattresses due to their additional or thicker layers aimed at providing enhanced support and firmness, crucial for individuals suffering from back and joint pains.