How Much Does a Mattress Weigh?

Some people believe that the heavier the mattress is, the better. But is that really the truth?

How much a mattress weighs can depend on a couple of factors, like type, size, thickness, and even age. 

But does it matter? Continue reading to learn more about mattress weight and the factors that influence it. 

Mattress Type

Mattress weight greatly depends on what the mattress is made of. Some mattress types are just denser and heavier, making for a heavy mattress. 

And it’s a pretty wide range. Airbeds are definitely the lightest mattresses out there, while the award for the heaviest mattress would go to latex. 

Here’s exactly how different materials can affect the weight of your mattress. 

Memory Foam Mattresses

A memory foam mattress is made from polyurethane foam layers for support and memory foam on top for comfort; it could also have transition layers. Both of these foam types are pretty dense and can create a pretty heavy mattress. 

If you want a material that doesn’t trap heat and go for gel memory foam mattresses, know that they’re heavier than the regular version. They’re denser because they’re filled with gel, gel pods, and other cooling agents.

Memory foam beds are surely not the heaviest mattress type, but they’re heftier than innerspring mattresses. 

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses have very similar attributes to memory foam mattresses. They’re both made from foam layers, but their densities can differ greatly. 

Latex beds can be made from natural latex, synthetic latex, or blended latex. The exact material has a great impact on how much a latex bed will weigh. 

A natural latex bed is considered the heaviest type of mattress. This latex foam is very dense and heavy. On the other hand, synthetic latex is more like memory foam, so it’s lighter. 

Innerspring Mattresses

Don’t let the mention of steel fool you! Even though a traditional innerspring mattress is made with steel coils in the support layer and just a thin layer on top for comfort, it’s not that heavy. 

Innerspring mattresses are known for their breathability, and this construction is exactly what makes them light and easier to move around. The exact weight depends on coil count and coil gauge. Coil count determines how many coils there are, while coil gauge is used for wire thickness. 

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are a combination of two mattress types, usually with support layers from an innerspring mattress and foam comfort layers from a memory foam or a latex mattress. The exact weight of a hybrid mattress will depend on the materials used, but it’s usually a heavier mattress because of the mattress material diversity and different layers.

Air Mattresses

Air mattresses are usually the lightest mattress type on the market because the material they use for support is just air. Some modern airbed mattresses come with layers of foam on top for added comfort, but they’re still pretty light. However, know that airbeds aren’t very durable. 

Mattress Thickness

Another factor to consider when thinking about mattress weight is how tall the mattress is. The bigger the mattress thickness is, the more materials can fit into it, making it heavier. 

And what is the best mattress thickness for you? Truthfully, it’s all about your preferences. 

Mattress thickness ranges from 2 to 20 inches. However, you shouldn’t go for a thinner mattress because it likely won’t be supportive enough. 

A 12-inch mattress is just perfect for most sleepers, with enough thickness to handle the right support and comfort. But if you want more luxury, a 14-inch thicker mattress is going to do the job well.   

Mattress Size

Obviously, the mattress weight depends on its size. If you compare a Full and a Queen size latex mattress, the Queen size mattress will weigh more. 

Looking at it like that, the lightest mattress size would be a Twin, while the heaviest one is a King or a California King mattress. 

Let’s take a look at some of the standard mattress sizes and how their weights range. Take into account that non-standard mattress sizes can be both smaller and bigger than those listed here. 

Twin

The dimensions of a Twin size mattress are 38 x 75 inches, and it’s the smallest and lightest on this list. 

A Twin mattress isn’t the best choice for a fully grown adult, though, especially if they’re taller than 6’. It’s usually used for children’s rooms, bunk beds, and sometimes even college dorms. 

An average Twin mattress weighs between 40 and 45 pounds, and it’s easily movable. 

Twin XL

Twin XL mattresses have the same width as Twin mattresses, but they come with 80 inches of length for extra sleeping space. 

A Twin XL mattress is used for single sleepers, whether children or adults, usually in small rooms and dorms. 

Twin XL beds also weigh slightly more than Twin mattresses, with an average weight of 43 to 48 pounds. 

Full

A Full mattress measures 56 by 75 inches. It is intended for single sleepers who require extra space, but it may be too short for those taller than 6′. 

The weight of an average full-size mattress can range from 50 to 60 pounds. 

Queen

A Queen mattress, with dimensions of 60 by 80 inches, is the smallest mattress size intended for two people. Although, depending on your preferences, a Queen mattress might feel a bit cramped. 

Queen mattresses can get pretty heavy, with their weight ranging from 120 to 160 pounds. For example, a latex Queen size mattress can weigh 140 pounds or more.

King

A King size mattress offers a lot of space, measuring 76 by 80 inches. It’s the widest mattress size available, and has enough sleeping space to comfortably fit a couple. Before putting it in your room, keep in mind that it takes up a lot of space. 

A King size bed is the heaviest standard type of mattress. On average, a King mattress weighs 130 to 180 pounds. 

California King

These oversized mattresses are also fit for couples, but they give more legroom with dimensions of 72 by 84 inches. 

California King beds, along with average King mattresses, are considered heavier mattresses. The average weight of California King mattresses also ranges from 130 to 180 pounds. 

Mattress Age

One of the least important factors in determining a mattress’s weight is its age.

When you constantly use your mattress throughout the years, you leave a lot of body oil, dead skin cells, dust mites, and other stuff in it. This can add to the weight of a mattress, but not as much as some people claim. 

There’s a rumor that the weight of your mattress can double after 10 years, but it’s not based on anything. As long as you clean your mattress as you should, about every 6 months, it should be doing just fine. 

To put it simply, if your mattress is getting old, it has probably gained a few pounds.

Does Mattress Weight Matter?

But at the end of the day, does mattress weight even matter? It depends.

Can You Move a Mattress by Yourself?

Once you get a mattress, it might seem like a done deal. You imagine it in your room, and you think that’s where it’s going to stay. Well, not exactly. 

The first thing you usually need to do when you get a mattress is set it up in your room. This involves unpacking it if it came in a bed-in-a-box and setting it on the bed frame. 

Is your mattress light enough so you can move it on your own? 

And it’s not even about just setting it up. You need to be able to move your mattress every time you flip it, clean it, rotate it, move it, or even just decide to change up your room layout. 

People with bad backs, bad knees, and older people will likely have trouble moving King size mattresses, so you need to keep this in mind when looking for a new mattress. 

The Right Bed Frame

The bed frame you choose for your mattress needs to be strong enough to support it. Every bed frame has a weight limit. This weight limit includes the mattress’s weight and your weight.

Some materials and construction types just wouldn’t be able to handle a King-size latex mattress. You definitely need to determine the weight of the mattress and the weight limit of the bed frame before shopping for a heavier mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer some burning mattress weight FAQs!

How Much Does a Mattress Weigh on Average?

Mattress weight can depend on many factors, including type, materials, size, thickness, and even age. An average mattress usually weighs 50 to 150 pounds, depending on its size, but even this can fluctuate. 

What Is the Lightest Type of Mattress?

If you’re looking for a lightweight mattress, go for a futon mattress. This non-standard light mattress is made from two to three inches of foam, so keep in mind that it doesn’t offer a lot of support. Other than that, airbeds are the lightest standard mattress type, and a Twin or  Twin XL mattress is light enough but only made for one person. 

Does the Weight of a Mattress Matter?

While how much a mattress weighs won’t tell you about the quality or attributes of the mattress, it will show you how easy or difficult it will be to transport it and move it around. If you want to check out the quality, look for information like foam density and ILD rating, or coil number and gauge for innerspring and hybrid mattresses. 

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a mattress weigh?

It depends on a lot of things, like construction, materials, and size, so a mattress can weigh from less than 50 pounds to over 200 pounds. And this can certainly be important in some cases, like for people who can’t move a mattress by themselves. 

Other than that, even though it can give you some insight into its construction, the weight of the mattress doesn’t necessarily show mattress quality. 

We hope this article helped you learn more about how much each mattress weighs and that it’ll help you choose the right one. 

Good luck finding your new mattress!