Best Mattress Toppers for Stomach Sleepers

Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology 

Sleep Advisor’s objective is to provide you with helpful information on mattresses and other sleep products. When it comes to mattress toppers, we thoroughly evaluate the materials and performance through hands-on testing and research to give you a comprehensive overview of the best mattress toppers available to you. 

For more on our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.

What to Look For in a Mattress Topper for Stomach Sleepers

Materials

• Latex – Latex is a good option for stomach sleepers because it’s naturally more dense and firm. However, some latex toppers may be designed to feel softer, such as those with Talalay latex. In this case, they may not be the best for stomach sleepers. Those who prefer sleeping on their stomach should look for medium or firm Dunlop latex as it’s the type that provides the most support for this sleeping position. 
• Memory Foam – Memory foam can be a good option for stomach sleepers if the topper is made to feel firmer and the sleeper also needs good pressure relief. That being said, memory foam’s structure means it’s more likely to provide a deeper cradle, so if you prefer to feel ‘on top of’ your bed space, you may not like this material. 
• High-Density Foam – High-density poly foam is typically a good choice for stomach sleepers as it provides the firm support necessary in this position. When a foam has a higher density, it will feel more rigid and firm, which is why it would be helpful for stomach sleepers, including heavier people who prefer this sleep position.
• Feather – Feather is known for its soft feel, and while this may feel luxurious for some, it’s typically not the best option for stomach sleepers. Some feather toppers are firmer than others but most are still not firm enough to support the body in this position. 

Pressure Relief & Support

Stomach sleepers need a firm surface to support the hips, but that’s not to say they shouldn’t have any pressure relief either; a good topper should provide both. Without some contouring to relieve pressure, you may find yourself waking up with achy joints.

A topper that delivers the perfect balance of pressure relief and support should be the most comfortable for stomach sleepers. More so, it would also fit other sleeping positions for those who sleep with a partner. 

Firmness 

Just as mattress firmness is important for stomach sleepers, the same goes for toppers. Stomach sleepers usually require a firmer surface to sleep on because they need extra support in the hips. 

Without adequate support, the hips can dip into the bedding material, which causes the spine to fall out of alignment. As a result, you’re likely to wake up with pain. For this reason, stomach sleepers are best to stick to medium-firm to firm mattress toppers. 

Thickness

Mattress toppers are usually 2, 3, or 4 inches thick. Your choice of topper thickness depends on your needs for support, plushness, and responsiveness. Although these factors rely on the materials, they often also depend on the overall thickness of the topper. 

Stomach sleepers, like most others, should benefit from a 3-inch mattress topper as it’s the golden middle. However, the other two also have specific benefits that may work better for some people. For example, a 4-inch mattress topper is more suitable for heavyweight people, whereas a 2-inch is good if you already like your mattress but want to enhance its feel a bit.

Durability

Mattress toppers are often used to change the feel or extend the life of your mattress, so it’s understandable that you’d be interested in how long your selection should last. 

High-density memory foam and latex toppers should be good choices if you’re looking for a longer-lasting topper. Of these, stomach sleepers should consider a firmer latex model as this is the type that will most likely keep their hips elevated and spine aligned. Plus, latex is one of the most durable bedding materials available.

In the case of memory foam, stomach sleepers should look for very firm, dense foam to ensure they get adequate support and longevity. Low-density memory foam should be avoided as it can break down more easily. 

Cooling

If you sleep hot, you may want a mattress topper that also has cooling features, especially if you’re not getting much cooling from your mattress.

Some toppers have an open-cell structure that makes them breathable and more cooling. Others have a cooling cover that helps keep the surface crisp throughout the night. Additionally, some brands incorporate gel and copper infusions, latex, and even proprietary technologies to make a topper more cooling. 

Motion Isolation

If a partner or pet’s movements are disturbing your rest, it is understandable that you may want to invest in a mattress topper that may isolate their motion to their side of the bed. Memory foam toppers can be excellent at preventing motion transfer, though stomach sleepers need firmer memory foam specifically to help keep their midsections from sagging. 

Latex is more buoyant than memory foam, which can create more motion transfer. If motion isolation is a top priority, then memory foam would be the better material.

Sex 

To move and reposition easily during sex, you’ll want a mattress topper that is responsive. If a topper can quickly regain its original shape after weight has been applied then it can prevent you from feeling stuck in the bed. Sexually active stomach sleepers are in luck as latex toppers are good for both their preferred sleeping position and sexual activity. 

Discover: Best Mattress for Sex

Edge Support  

If your bed sags or doesn’t feel secure along the side, then it lacks edge support. If you would like to increase the support around the perimeter, you can add a firmer mattress topper that is made from a high-density material. Firm, high-density materials can also be good for stomach sleepers in general because they need extra support to keep their hips elevated and their spine aligned. 

Budget

Much like mattresses, toppers are available for all kinds of budgets. The price usually depends on the size, materials, and thickness, as well as specific features like cooling and pressure relief. Firmness doesn’t typically matter when it comes to the cost, so it shouldn’t increase the price for stomach sleepers who need a firmer topper.

Trial & Warranty

Although trials and warranties aren’t as standard with mattress toppers as they are with mattresses, they are becoming more prevalent. If you are unsure of the kind of topper that you want or would like the added assurance of a warranty, you should be able to find a mattress topper that can satisfy that. 

Mattress & Sheet Compatibility

Although most toppers are made to fit all mattresses, you should still double-check if this is the case with the one you’re interested in because some brands make toppers to fit only their mattresses. 

Check how a topper would fit with your existing mattress. Do the dimensions fit? How you would secure the two together? Remember that a topper goes on top of your bed, but underneath the sheets, so you may have to invest in deep pocket sheets if you don’t already have them.

Benefits of a Mattress Topper for Stomach Sleepers

• Better comfort – A mattress topper can be an excellent and cost-effective way to enhance the comfort of your bed. In the case of stomach sleepers, they would likely feel more comfortable on a firmer topper that keeps their hips elevated and spine aligned. 

• Extends mattress life – Mattress toppers can help extend the life of your mattress. A new bed can be a major expense. If you’re not ready to replace your mattress, a topper can be a cost-effective way to keep your mattress longer.

• Better spinal alignment – Stomach sleepers are at risk of lower back pain if their hips sag too far down in their mattress. Adding a topper can help add firmness and support to a mattress that is too soft. 

• Cooling – If your bed doesn’t regulate temperature well, you could find yourself sweaty and uncomfortable. Adding a topper with cooling properties can help keep you cool throughout the night. 

• Allergy relief – Stomach sleepers’ faces are in close proximity to their mattress, and this can be particularly problematic if you have allergies. Hypoallergenic toppers can help reduce allergens in your sleeping environment. 

Best Mattress Toppers for Stomach Sleepers FAQs

Are mattress toppers good for stomach sleepers?

Mattress toppers can be a good way for stomach sleepers to add necessary support for their hips. Adding a firmer, highly-supportive topper can give your hips the boost they need to keep the spine aligned. 

How firm should a mattress be for stomach sleepers?

Stomach sleepers tend to need a firm mattress topper to prevent their hips from sagging too far down, especially if they’re not getting enough support from their mattress alone.

Is sleeping on your stomach bad?

Sleeping on your stomach isn’t considered the optimal position for resting. Although it can help reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, stomach sleeping causes strain on the neck and back. As a result, you may feel discomfort and pain after waking up. For some, though, this sleep position feels the most comfortable, and there are ways you can make sure you can sleep better while on your stomach. 

In addition to a good mattress topper, you should also invest in the right pillow. The best stomach sleeping pillows are flatter, preventing the neck from being raised at an awkward angle, which could exacerbate neck strain.

When should you get a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is a good solution if you want to adjust the feel of your mattress. For example, let’s say your bed is soft, and you like sleeping on your stomach. Adding a firmer mattress topper should help you achieve a better sleeping experience without having to buy a new bed. You should also look into getting a mattress topper if you want to extend your bed’s lifespan for a few more years. A mattress that may have started out firm and now sags a bit could feel nearly new with the help of a good topper. 

Which mattress topper should I get if my mattress is too soft?

Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to sleep on than back and side sleepers. If your mattress is too soft, you should consider a medium-firm or firm topper to make it more suitable for stomach sleeping. Look for toppers made with high-density foam, latex, or firm memory foam. 

Our Final Thoughts 

Stomach sleepers can experience unique challenges when it comes to getting optimal spine alignment during sleep. To keep their hips elevated and spine aligned, these sleepers may want to consider adding a mattress topper if their current mattress isn’t supportive enough, leaving them with pain in the lower back. 

Firmer toppers can bolster support around the midsection, as well as provide pressure-relieving comfort. We’ve broken down our favorite mattress toppers for stomach sleepers, and we feel confident that you will find the right one.