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When was the last time you looked at your bedframe and wondered if it’s the reason that you’re not having a good night’s sleep? Well, if you’re reading this article- that might be on your mind right now! The truth of the matter is, if you (and possibly your spouse) are overweight then an inadequate bedframe can be both unsafe and uncomfortable.
While I can’t say that I’ve ever broken a bed frame, I’m well acquainted with the crappy night’s sleep caused by a weak bed frame. A week before my wife and I got married and moved in together, we realized that we needed to buy a bed ASAP.
Looking back, this seems like something that we should have thought about earlier, but we had a lot of our minds! Both of us were still in school and were sleeping on dorm-style twin beds. My frame and mattress were so terrible and weak that I had to stack cinder blocks under the middle of it to keep it from turning into a banana whenever I laid down.
It was pretty obvious to me that my bed frame was woefully inadequate for my own weight. In fact, since my wife and I are both “bigger than average” there was no way that both of us would even fit on my twin bed, let alone be supported by it.
However, when we started shopping around we were shocked to discover that most of the beds that one would think are designed for two sleepers (king and queen sizes) are not built to take the weight of heavy couples!
A 500lb capacity wooden frame might have been adequate if all we ever did was gingerly lay down on our backs and never move. That seemed pretty unlikely, though. We needed a heavy-duty, high-capacity, super sturdy bed frame. We needed the best bed frame for an obese couple!
Now, whether you are obese or not, you’re probably well aware of the benefits of a bed frame designed specifically for heavy people. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here. Since you’re probably aware, I won’t waste your time, here are the best high-capacity bed frames available!
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4 Advantages Of A High Capacity Bed Fram
If you have always had trouble getting comfortable while sleeping and wake up more sore than when you went to sleep, you and I have something in common. At least, that USED to be me. These days I am able to lay comfortably and wake up without feeling like I was rolled into a ball all night. How? Well, since we need to start with a good foundation if we want to have a good night’s sleep, we need to have a high-quality frame with extra support.
1. Longer Mattress Life
One of the main reasons that mattresses die is that they do not have adequate support underneath them. The first mattress that Kirstie and I bought when we got married cost us just over $800, but I managed to ruin it within the first few months by sitting on the edge of the bed (gotta put my socks on somewhere). It wasn’t until later that we learned that if we had had a better box spring or a more sturdy bed frame, I might not have ruined that mattress at all. A stronger frame will keep your mattress straight and extend its life by years.
2. Less Bed Noise
A sturdy bed will result in much less bed noise. Now, I’m not just talking about “bedtime activities” (jumping on the bed for example…) but all types of movement. I have slept on frames that squawk or creak every time I roll over I night. This usually ruins not only my night but the night of everyone in the vicinity as well.
3. Peace Of Mind
My mother-in-law has a pullout hideaway bed with wooden slats that we sleep on every time we visit. And by “we” I mean myself, my wife, and our two girls (ages 5 and 3…). If I lay flat on the bed I feel reasonably safe, but getting on and off it is a nerve-racking experience. I can literally feel the slats bend and groan beneath me. If I had to sleep on a non-sturdy bed frame all the time, I would be in a constant state of fear. Not helpful for rest and relaxation. Many big and heavy people avoid this whole conundrum by simply sleeping in their big man’s recliner…do not let that be you.
4. One-Time Investment
Unlike my crappy first-mattress experience, heavy-duty bed frames are in it for the long haul. The sturdier your frame is, the longer it will last. Since we bought the heaviest frame we could find, we’re banking on it lasting a lifetime.
Now that we’ve established that pretty much everyone needs a heavy-duty frame, regardless of weight, let’s talk about just how heavy-duty of a bed frame an obese couple is likely to need.
If you just look at weight capacity, it may seem like there are dozens, if not hundreds, of options out there for bed frames. However, weight capacity can be a confusing subject – especially when it comes to beds.
How Bed Capacity Ratings Are Figured (It’s A Problem…)
Weight capacity for a bed (or shelf, table, etc.) is usually just given as a straight number in pounds. What is not mentioned is that to hold that weight, it would have to be spread out evenly over the entire surface. There would have to be no sudden moves, no uneven spots, etc. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the ability to spread myself evenly over my bed and hold stock still throughout the night.
Couple that with the fact that the majority of the weight-bearing capacity is on the edge of the bed where the frame is and where the mattress is the stiffest. Since most people sleep in the center (and with the added weight of their partner), you may find yourself needing a bed that has 3-4x the weight capacity of the static weight that will be on it.
An average bed with a 1,000lb capacity is sufficient for an average-sized single person, but if you are a larger person or have a spouse that is, we recommend a frame with at least 2-3,000 pound weight capacity.
Let’s start off with the bed frame that I actually sleep on every night!
Best Bed Frames For Big & Heavy People
1. 45MinST – Best Bedframe For Big & Heavy People (1,000+lbs Capacity)
Why is it the best bed frame for big and heavy people?
Unless you want to have a custom-made bed frame or have a cement platform bed poured (that is a thing), this is the absolute strongest frame available without spending a fortune. If you and your sleeping partner both weigh over 1,000 pounds, you will still be comfortably within its high weight capacity. Just no jumping on the bed.
For the rest of us who are just a bit (or quite a bit) heavier than average, the capacity of this frame ensures that it is a rock-solid option that will last forever! My main complaint about this bed is that it is so beefy and sturdy that it is easy to smash your toes on it! For sleep though…pure bliss. It is quiet, it is solid, and I never have to worry about it collapsing even if the whole family (and our dog) are on it.
A few more highlights:
- Ultra-High 3500-pound weight capacity
- Easy to assemble
- Won’t scratch wood floors or snag carpet
- Room for storage underneath
- No box spring required
- Reasonable price
- Perfect height makes it easy to get onto and off of
- …and more!
If you are a large and heavy person, in a relationship with a heavy person, or just want the sturdiest bed frame in the world, this is your option. It is available in just about every size a couple could need as well!
2. Tatogo – High Capacity Bedframe With Storage Space
If you have trouble laying down at night or getting back up in the morning, a taller bed frame can be a godsend. This bed has a slightly lower weight capacity than my #1 choice (only 3,000 pounds…) but it measures a full two inches higher. This gives you a ton of storage space underneath (or a place for your dogs to sleep) as well as makes it easy to sit on and get on/off. While this frame doesn’t require a box spring, you could get one of just about any height you wanted to create the perfect custom-height bed!
Despite the slightly lower capacity (mainly due to the longer legs), this is an excellent alternative choice to our first option. It is very similar and slightly cheaper to boot! If you don’t need the extra 500 pounds of stability and the idea of a taller bed appeals to you, this might be your best option! It is, without a doubt, the second-best bed frame for heavy couples!
3. Mellow: Best Low-To-The-Ground Bedframe For Obese People
Most heavy-duty mattresses and frames seem to be geared toward big guys or big and tall people. So what if you’re not a big guy? Or not even a guy? What if you are on the short side and want a high-capacity bed frame? Or simply like the look of a lower frame. Well, then I’m sure you loved the picture above because it checks all the boxes. It is an attractive but super sturdy frame that sits a mere 9″ off the ground.
While I couldn’t find a specific weight limit for this frame, the short legs, and heavily gusseted corners ensure that this bed will be well up to the task of supporting an obese couple.
FAQs about Bed Frames for Big and Heavy People
Do Heavy People Need A Box Spring?
If you want a one-word answer: no. You don’t need a box spring. The purpose of a box spring is to provide a solid and flat place for your mattress to lie on. If your heavy-duty bed frame has built-in slats (or you put your mattress on the floor) then having a box spring is redundant and unnecessary. If you want your mattress to have some extra support without adding height, a piece of plywood cut to fit on your frame (under your mattress) will serve just as well.
Do Fat People Always Sleep Poorly?
“Just lose weight…you’ll sleep better…”
As much as I hate hearing that, there is an element of truth in it. As I gained weight, I had a much more difficult time getting restful sleep. I couldn’t sleep on my stomach without hurting my back, I couldn’t sleep on my side without hurting my shoulder, and I couldn’t sleep on my back if I wanted to breathe (I did). I’m sure that nearly all of us plan to lose weight “someday…”, but there is no reason that we should be miserable in the meantime.
My sleep game totally changed when I realized that heavy people simply need a different set-up if they are going to sleep comfortably at night. The reason that obese people struggle to sleep well is that they are trying to use a frame, mattress, and pillows that are not meant to do what they need them to do. Imagine trying to win the Tour de France on my daughter’s trike. You might not be fast on a normal bike, but you’d sure as heck be slower on a trike.
Getting the right sleeping set-up will, in fact, make it possible for even obese folk to get a good night’s rest.
Do I Need A High-Capacity Bed Frame? How Do I Know?
My thought process for this question is, “Why wouldn’t you want a high-capacity bed frame?” They have numerous benefits over smaller, dinkier frames and no drawbacks. They are stronger, longer-lasting, and more sturdy, without being more expensive!
However, if your bed is currently supporting over 500 pounds between you and your spouse you need to upgrade to a bed frame specifically designed to support obese people. If you aren’t convinced, then just ask yourself, why are you here? You know that something needs to change with your sleep.
After all, lack of sleep can contribute to:
- Lack of focus and productivity
- Lower sex drive
- Binge eating
- Low self-control
- Lack of patience
- Mood swings
- Shortened life expectancy
- Compromised immune system
- ….and more!
Long story short, get the best bed frame for an obese couple and you’ll thank me later. Happy sleeping!
Increasing The Comfort Of Your Bed Frame
Even the best bed frame for heavy couples would be incomplete without the addition of a matching mattress and an amazing mattress topper. If you have limited funds, I would recommend keeping your current mattress, upgrading your bed frame, and getting a high-quality mattress topper for comfort and support.
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Just bought the Mellow brand bed frame. Excited to try it out!