Big Fig is a company with a unique mission statement: to create high-quality products for individuals with larger bodies and ensure that “everyone and every body has a comfortable, long-lasting mattress designed to support a good night’s sleep.” With a name that’s short for bigger figure, our team had to know how well it performs for plus-sized users in all sleep positions.
Here at Mattress Clarity, we’ve tested more than 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories in the past seven years, focusing on how well each bed will work out for different types of sleepers. Our testers recently took a closer look at the Big Fig Classic, one of the three options built by the Cleveland-based company, and one that lands right in the middle of their price range.
It’s an attractive mattress with a navy and cream color scheme that fits this American-made product. The quilted tufting adds a charming softness, but testers noted it added resistance when they changed positions. This is a thick mattress at 13” in depth, with a streamlined appearance that we may have traded for some handles for easier maneuvering.
We also examined how the Classic performed for average-weight and lightweight sleepers to get a comprehensive view. With an eye on how this mattress will work for couples of mixed weights, we also have mixed reviews. Our lightweight sleep expert found the mattress uncomfortable in all positions, whereas our tester with a more average weight found it worked well, especially when lying on their back or side.
The Big Fig is a durable mattress that’s very firm and offers great support for stomach sleepers. It can also handle heavier weights, so it’s a great choice for heavyweight individuals who need a supportive mattress. Couples should sleep soundly without worrying about noticing their partner move around during the night and it won’t trap too much heat. Learn more in our video review.
Big Fig Classic Mattress Performance: My Overall Rating
Our sleep experts evaluated the Big Fig Classic using our rigorous testing methodology, all designed to replicate how the mattress will perform when you get it home. This hybrid mattress’s overall score of 4.4/5 makes it worth considering, but your final choice will depend on which quality is most important to you. The Classic is a star in our responsiveness test, but if cooling is high on your list, you may have to look elsewhere for a new mattress.
We also considered whether the Big Fig delivers on its key promise: creating a bed that suits plus-size sleepers. Our chief medical expert, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, had this advice for shoppers with larger frames: “Look for a mattress that uses thick and durable materials. A mattress for heavier sleepers should offer strong support throughout, with medium to firm thickness and reinforced edges to prevent sagging.” We’re pleased to report that the Big Fig pretty much fit this description to a tea.
Below you can find the Classic’s score in our testing categories. For more detailed information, hover your cursor over each to see a definition.
I Recommend the Big Fig Classic For…
- Heavier sleepers – The above-average firmness of this bed should provide sufficient support and durability, making it one of the best mattresses for plus-size consumers.
- Anyone with mobility issues – Excellent edge support makes it easy to rise from this mattress without a struggle. A strong edge also means more comfortable surface area for couples.
- Combination sleepers – Folks who change positions throughout the night should appreciate how the high-density foams and sturdy coils provide stellar responsiveness and an “on top” of the bed feeling.
I Don’t Recommend the Big Fig Classic For…
- Lightweight sleepers – Those weighing less than 130 pounds may not get the desired pressure relief from this very firm mattress.
- Foam bed devotees – This hybrid bed will likely not provide the deep hug feeling that all-beds usually provide.
- Hot sleepers – Although our tester didn’t feel that the mattress trapped heat, it wasn’t cool to the touch and heated up more than 10 degrees during testing.
How Firm is the Big Fig Classic Mattress?
Although firmness is a subjective measure that can vary depending on body weight and sleep position, we have developed a mattress firmness scale that helps us rate each bed we test on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being comparable to warm bread dough. In contrast, a 10 would be like sleeping on a park bench.
Our testers tried out the bed in three different sleeping positions and rated it an 8/10 in firmness across the board. This puts the Big Firm solidly in the firm category, making it a solid choice for its target audience, larger-bodied individuals.
A mattress this firm usually works well for stomach sleepers; however, our average-weight tester, Kayla Godfrey, found it unpleasant in this position. “I’m not comfortable lying on my stomach. My neck feels strained, and there is no pressure relief on my chest area.”
How Well Did the Big Fig Classic Perform?
| Test | Performance | Average |
| Firmness | 8/10 – Firm | 6.7/10 – Medium-Firm |
| Side Sleeper Comfort | Good | – |
| Back Sleeper Comfort | Good | – |
| Stomach Sleeper Comfort | Unpleasant | – |
| Pressure Relief | 3.13/5 | 3.8 |
| Edge Support | 4.8/5 | 4.1 |
| Cooling | 3/5 | 4 |
| Motion Isolation | 4.3/5 | 3.9 |
| Response | 5/5 | 4.2 |
| Sinkage Depth | 3.5” | 3.12” |
| Sinkage Rating | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bounce Height | 31” | 17.89” |
| Bounce Rating | High | Moderate |
| Noise | 5/5 | 4.5 |
| Sex | 4.9/5 | – |
How Does the Big Fig Classic Feel for Different Body Types and Sleeping Positions?
Mattresses are not one-size-fits-all. To provide a comprehensive and detailed overview, we use testers of different weights and shapes to break down how the Classic felt when they tried it on their side, back, and stomach.
| Sleeper Weight | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers |
| Light (under 130 lbs) | Unpleasant | Unpleasant | Unpleasant |
| Average (130-230 lbs) | Unpleasant | Excellent | Unpleasant |
| Heavy (over 230 lbs) | Unpleasant | Excellent | Good |
Heavyweight Tester – 6’7″, 250 lbs
“When I slept on my back on the Big Fig, I felt very supported and comfortable. The supportive coils kept my back in a neutral alignment, and the comfort layer added a touch of pressure relief. I didn’t feel all that comfortable while side sleeping. Because this mattress is so firm, I didn’t get enough cushioning along my shoulder and hip,” Marten said.
Average-weight Tester – 5’4”, 170 lbs
Our sleep expert, Sosha Lewis, thought she might find this bed to be too firm, but was pleasantly surprised. “As Big Fig and I got to know each other, I liked her more and more. You definitely get an on-top-of-the-bed feeling, but when I was on my back, I felt that it gave just enough of a slight contour for a balanced, even feel.”
Lightweight Tester – 5’6”, 129 lbs
Our lightweight product expert found it difficult to get comfortable on her side. “This mattress is very firm. On my side, I do not feel like it is conforming at all, and even lying there for a few minutes, I felt pressure on my shoulder. It also moved in between my shoulder blades, which lets me know this would get very uncomfortable throughout the night if you didn’t switch positions.”
Big Fig Classic In-Depth Test Results
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to how a mattress distributes your weight evenly and reduces the pressure on trouble-prone parts of the body, such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Beds with good pressure relief help to alleviate stress on these pressure points, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing discomfort or pain.
Considering that the amount of pressure a person feels significantly depends on their body weight, we were especially interested to see how the Big Fig Classic performed. The Classic scored a 3.1/5, with the discomfort of our lightweight sleeper contributing to the lower score.
However, the more our testers weighed, the better the Big Fig performed. This is fitting since it was designed for larger bodies. Our average-weight mattress specialist, Sosha, had better results, saying, “It kept my spine completely in line. I may not want to sleep on this mattress every night, but I wouldn’t have complaints if I camped out on it in a friend’s guest room.”
Since the Big Fig is designed for bigger figures, we were pleased with how well it performed for heavyweight tester Marten. He said, “Although it was a touch too firm when I was on my side, it was enjoyable enough when I was on my stomach; however, it really shined when I was on my back. It kept my spine aligned and gave me a balanced feel.”
Edge Support
Edge support is a measure of how the perimeter of the bed withstands weight and provides support when standing up. It’s an important characteristic for most shoppers, making getting in and out of bed easier. Edge support is even more essential for heavier people and couples, allowing them to use the entire surface of the bed instead of sharing the middle, and avoiding that feeling of teetering on a precipice.
The Classic offered edge support that our testers described as “fantastic.”
“Overall, this has good edge support. I did not feel like I was going to slide off at all. The high-density memory foam and pocketed coils provide support to the edges. I had no issues standing up. It even had a little bounce to it,” said one tester. The above-average performance in this area makes it a contender for couples or anyone who wants to spread out.
Cooling
If a cooling mattress is important to you, the Classic may not be the right choice. Although this mattress has a cooling layer, it lacks the active technology of the best cooling mattresses , contributing to its 3/5 score.
Our team used a thermal gun to measure the difference in the mattress’s surface temperature after lying on it for seven minutes, noting a 10.5-degree increase. Our tester said, “From the moment I lay down, there wasn’t an overly noticeable build-up of heat beneath me, even after staying in one position for a while. It didn’t feel cold or actively cool to the touch, but it definitely avoided that trapped warmth sensation that some mattresses can have. I think the coils provide good airflow. Overall, the temperature regulation was subtle but effective, and it maintained a consistently comfortable temperature.”
Motion Isolation
If you sleep with a partner who flips and flops througout the night, you’ll be excited to know that the Big Fig should keep the motion they create contained to their side of their bed. To gauge a bed’s motion isolation capabilities, we conuducted a ripple test and a couple’s test.
During the ripple test, we placed a large glass of water on one side, while one of our testers mimicked someone getting in and out of bed and changing positions. Although the water wobbled around some when they got in and out of bed, the container stayed secure, and there was no concern about the water spilling out.
To see how well it would perform with two people in the bed, Sosha got on one side of the bed and kept her eyes shut, while Kayla went through the normal steps of a partner settling in for the night. “Although I could feel Kayla’s movements to a degree, it wouldn’t be enough to wake me, and I am a light sleeper.”
Considering the performances in both the ripple test and couples test, we gave the Big Fig a 4.3/5 in motion isolation. This bed should be a solid fit for most couples.
Response
A responsive bed will quickly bounce back to its original shape after you get off of it. To gauge how quickly a bed responds when weight is removed, we place a kettlebell on the mattress for seven seconds. When the time is up, we remove the kettlebell and record how long it takes for the bed to return to its original shape. This test helps us determine how easy it is to move on the mattress. Slow responsiveness can make you feel like you’re sinking and make it difficult to adjust your position.
We scored the Classic as 4/5 in this category, noting that the mattress bounced back in 0.89 seconds, which gave it a solid objective responsiveness score. Our tester also found that it was very easy to reposition on this bed, earning it a perfect 5/5 on the switch test, a subjective evaluation of responsiveness. Sosha said, “It was very easy to change positions. This is a firm bed with a slightly softer top, but you don’t sink into it too far. I didn’t have any issues going from my back to my side or my stomach to my back.”
This is good news for combination sleepers who may change positions frequently, or sexually active couples for the same reason.
Sinkage: Moderate
We tested the Classic’s sinkage by placing a kettlebell on the surface and noting how many inches it sank into the bed.
The kettlebell sank only a moderate amount (3.5″), around the average depth. This indicates that all body types should feel adequately supported and shouldn’t worry about sinking too far into this mattress.
Bounce: High
We measure bounce by dropping a medicine ball from a height of six feet and using a yardstick to measure how high it rebounds from the mattress surface. A bouncier mattress will provide ease of movement and like responsiveness is important for combination sleepers and sexually active couples
The Classic had a rebound of 31”. This is considerably higher than the average of 17.89”, making this an excellent choice for those who want a mattress that allows easy movement.
Noise
This mattress scored 5/5 in this category; our tester found it to be very quiet. Some mattresses will squeak or rustle. This won’t be an issue with the Classic.
Sex
Related to the noise score, the quietness, edge support, and responsiveness of this bed make it a winner for the sexually active buyer. Ease of movement, without feeling snagged on the material, is a plus for changing positions without killing the mood.
Adjustable Base Compatibility
Product expert Kayla was not impressed with the Classic on an adjustable base in our studio, saying, “I don’t think this mattress works well with a base. The firmness as well as the depth of the mattress is preventing it from working on a base properly. If you have two people lying together at one time, I would say it works okay, other than that. I would skip a base with this one.”
Big Fig does offer an adjustable base bed frame on their website, with positive reviews that indicate it may perform more smoothly.
Big Fig Classic Customer Experience Scores
Mattress shopping has evolved since the days of simply trying out a few in a brick-and-mortar store. Because you’ll be ordering this bed online, we checked to see what you can expect when it arrives.
Trial Period
Big Fig offers a 120-night sleep trial beginning when the mattress is delivered. While this is a sufficient amount of time to try it out, the company then offers only an exchange for one of their other products, with a $90 processing fee. A full return will incur a cost of $180 ($250 for Canadian buyers). Most mattress companies don’t charge a fee at all for returns, and the one that do, aren’t typically as high as Big Fig.
Warranty
This high-quality mattress is built to last. Your purchase includes a 20-year, free replacement warranty. Conventional wisdom suggests that your mattress will last a few years short of the warranty, so the Big Fig is likely to be around for a long time.
Unboxing and Moving
The Classic is a “bed in a box” which means it gets compressed, rolled up, and delivered to you in a cardboard box. This has become a very crowded marketplace, with enough options to make mattress shopping feel overwhelming.
Big Fig offers step-by-step instructions on their website, removing all the guesswork and answering any questions you may have during the set-up. Most mattresses will require two people to maneuver into the bedroom.
Readiness After Unboxing
No need to be patient after your Classic is set up; you should be able to jump on about 30 minutes after unboxing. However, this can vary a little. We think it should be ready to fall asleep on after a few hours, giving you just enough time to wash your new sheets.
Big Fig Classic Construction
In addition to our testing, we examine the mattress’s construction and the materials used in its manufacture.
Mattress Height & Weight
The Big Fig Classic is 13” tall and a queen-size weighs approximately 116 pounds.
Materials
The Big Fig Classic is composed of six layers of material, each designed to address distinct sleep issues.
Layers
The tufted cover encases the first layer, a high-density 80 ILD (indentation load deflection) foam, for edge support. Kayla was pleased with the feel of the mattress cover, saying, “The top comfort layer is quilted or tufted, which keeps the cover from shifting around. This quilt-like top layer feels like soft cotton and is slightly cool to the touch.”
Directly below the comfort layer, you’ll find perforated gel-infused latex foam. This provides airflow and helps with breathability.
Following the temperature-regulating latex layer, there are three layers of high-density polyfoam that are supported by individually wrapped coils. The foam and innersprings combine to provide sleepers with a balance of cushioned contouring and sturdy support.
How To Try and Buy the Big Fig Classic Mattress
The Big Fig Mattress is available on the Big Fig website and at Wal-Mart.
The Big Fig site offers several financing options and four different shipping options. They offer free “Quick Ship Delivery”. You can also select “Quick Ship Delivery + Removal” for an additional $129 fee. These shipping options take 5-10 business days, with the removal of your old mattress handled by a separate company.
If you select “White Glove Delivery” or “White Glove Delivery+ Removal”, you’ll pay $199 or $249, respectively, if you select either of these options. lt will take 2-3 weeks to get your mattress, but you won’t have to do any heavy lifting when your bed arrives.
Big Fig Classic Prices & Sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | $1499.00 |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | $1599.00 |
| Full | 54” x 75” | $1699.00 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | $1899.00 |
| King | 76” x 80″ | $2099.00 |
| California King | 72” x 84” | $2099.00 |
How the Big Fig Classic Compares
The Big Fig Classic offers a firm feel that is specifically designed for plus-size sleepers. We examined other options with a similar construction or claims to work well for the budget conscious buyer.
- DreamCloud Original Mattress – Tested well with heavier sleepers.
- Helix Twilight Mattress – Shorter warranty.
- Titan Plus – Better for stomach sleepers.
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Big Fig Mattress |
DreamCloud Original Mattress |
Helix Twilight Mattress |
Titan Plus |
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| Rating | ||||
| Firmness | Firm: 8/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | ||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Couples |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
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Big Fig Classic vs. DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid comes at a similar price point to the Big Fig option and has a similar hybrid construction. Although our plus-size testers rated it highly in every position except lying on their stomachs, the lack of edge support could make the mattress less functional.
Big Fig Classic vs. Helix Twilight
The Twilight is one of the firmest beds Helix offers. With a very similar hybrid construction and comparable prices to the Big Fig Classice, it’s another strong choice for folks who like a firmer bed. However, the Twilight is only supports 600 total pounds, and the Classic can handle up to 1,100 pounds.
Big Fig Classic vs. Titan Plus
The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding’s offering for plus-size buyers and has a very similar construction to the Classic, with the difference that the Big Fig uses latex, whereas the Titan uses memory foam. The Titan is more affordable at $1,249 than the online Classic price of $1,549.
FAQs
Big Fig Classic Mattress FAQs
Is the Big Fig mattress any good?
Big Fig mattresses are endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and earned an overall score of 4 out of 5 from our sleep experts.
How long do Big Fig mattresses last?
Big Fig mattresses come with a 20-year warranty. While this can be an indicator of how long your mattress will last, experts recommend you replace it every 8 – 10 years for optimum performance.
