Best Mattress Toppers for a Heavy Person: Top Recommendations + Buyer’s Guide

Our Methodology - Why I Picked These Mattress Topper

The best mattress topper for a heavy person should typically emphasize firmness, residing around medium-firm to firm. If there are ergonomic supports, this can also help give targeted support against extra weight, ensuring you’re adequately supported.

When I reviewed mattress toppers, I used various in-house techniques to determine if a topper would benefit a heavy person. On top of testing a topper like our mattresses, I used the most popular firmness of mattress (medium-firm) to get a better idea of how the topper would feel on most mattresses. I also checked if a topper would stay in place with methods such as tossing and turning, and jumping, measuring if the topper had moved despite the vigorous testing. Testing some of the mattresses in-house gives me direct experience to help you choose which topper is the best for a heavy person, and I will share more methodology tips at the end of the article.

How to Choose the Best Type of Mattress Toppers for Heavy People

Here’s the deal:

Each mattress topper type has its unique characteristics. They can affect the sleeper’s comfort and the way the topper may perform overall. Therefore, it’s better to learn about them beforehand to shop for the best one successfully.

Here are the most common types of mattress toppers for heavier sleepers:

• Memory foam. This slow-moving, elastic material is favored for its ability to relieve tension fast and effectively. It’s also great for pinpoint support and consequently, proper spinal alignment. That’s why memory foam toppers are popular among back pain sufferers (you can read here about mattress toppers suited for users with back issues). At the same time, this material might not be ideal for chronic hot sleepers as it tends to trap heat. The only solution to this problem would be choosing gel-infused or open-cell foam (which is more breathable). 
• Polyurethane foam. Polyfoam is very similar to memory foam, as it’s just as cradling and pressure-relieving. That being said, polyurethane foam toppers are slightly more resilient and thus, don’t feel that hugging. It’s worth mentioning that polyfoam is usually less durable than memory foam. Therefore, this material may not be a perfect solution for heavier users. At the same time, polyfoam is typically cheaper, which makes it a good option for budget shoppers. 
• Latex. Latex mattress toppers usually work well for heavier sleepers as this type is responsive and does not restrict movement. Additionally, latex performs very well in terms of tension alleviation. However, shoppers need to keep in mind that these mattress toppers tend to be pricier than other types. That being said, such a price tag may be justified by their impressive durability (1).

Also read: How to Choose the Best Mattress for Heavier People

Firm or Soft Mattress Toppers: How to Choose the Appropriate Comfort Level for Heavy Sleepers?

Choosing the right firmness level of a mattress topper is often disregarded by shoppers, as many believe that a bed has to be soft like a cloud.

But the truth is, a soft mattress topper isn’t always good. Especially for certain sleeping styles and, of course, for heavier users.

So, here are the general recommendations for different sleep positions that might help shoppers understand what firmness level they need:

• Side sleeping. Side sleepers usually feel the best when lying on softer surfaces. The thing is, the protruding body parts in this sleep position need to be hugged instead of crashing into the topper. But since heavier sleepers would compress the topper more easily, a soft model would not be enough. Larger side sleepers are advised to choose medium-soft or even medium mattress toppers (if they don’t have tender joints). In this case, the material of the topper would provide enough cushioning for the protruding body parts without budging and failing to keep the spine neutral. If you want to learn more about what makes a good mattress topper for side sleepers, read here. 
• Back sleeping. For this sleeping style, back support and proper alignment are the most important aspects. At the same time, the hips and the buttocks need a bit of cradling, as they tend to sink in. And because heavier users typically experience more sinkage, they need something medium-firm (or even firm if they don’t mind a more moderate hug for the hips).
• Stomach sleeping. For stomach sleepers, it’s crucial to remain in a relatively straight line during the night. This sleeping style calls for firm and extra-firm mattress toppers for heavier individuals. This way, they will avoid unwanted sinkage (especially in the belly area) that can cause too much strain on the spine and thus, back pain.
• Combo. Freedom of movement is probably the most important factor for combination sleepers. That’s why they need to avoid softer mattress toppers that may offer too much of a hug. Now, for average combo sleepers, the most popular choice is medium-firm. However, heavier individuals require more support. That’s why they might want to consider a firmer mattress topper.

How Thick Should a Mattress Topper for a Heavy Person Be?

For overweight sleepers, a thicker topper could do a lot of good. That’s why heavier individuals are recommended to choose mattress toppers that are at least 3 inches thick.

After all, getting a thinner model would mean the sleeper will be likelier to compress the topper with their weight and thus, feel like it’s not even there. 

Now, it’s crucial to remember that taller mattress toppers often have thicker comfort layers. So, an overly thick model might also turn out to be overly plush. That’s why thickness shouldn’t be the only criterion heavy sleepers need to consider. They should also remember about the needed firmness level and choose accordingly.  

Also read: Best Bed Frames for Heavy Individuals + Buyer’s Guide

What Else to Consider When Looking for the Best Mattress Topper for a Heavy Person?

While thickness, firmness, and materials are important, there are other factors shoppers need to account for. Yes, some of these details may often seem minor. Nonetheless, each of them can affect one’s comfort and experience with their new mattress topper.

So, here are the extra considerations shoppers might want to make:

• Material density. The rule here is simple: denser materials can deliver more substantial support. Additionally, denser foams and latex are more durable. Both aspects are crucial for heavier sleepers. Therefore, they are advised to choose memory foam toppers that measure at least 4 PCF (pounds per cubic foot). As for polyfoam models, they need to be at least 2 PCF. And the minimal recommended latex density for heavy individuals is 5 PCF. However, it’s worth mentioning that denser mattress toppers usually cost more.
• Cooling. Since heavier sleepers may compress the topper materials more, they are also likelier to experience a deeper hug. And this can lead to overheating during the night. The issue is quite common for users over 230 pounds, but there are ways to deal with it. Shoppers may want to choose mattress toppers that use cooling components. Usually, gel or graphite infusion works really well to combat overheating. Open-cell foams could also do the trick, as they are more breathable. As for latex mattress toppers, they are less prone to trapping heat and would be an excellent solution for heavier hot sleepers.
• Fastening system. Since heavier users would apply more pressure to the mattress topper, it would also be easier for them to shift the topper. This issue is especially common among combination or restless sleepers. To eliminate the need to readjust the topper every day, shoppers need to find something with a reliable fastening system. Many models work like a fitted sheet, which could suffice. However, the pockets have to be deep enough to accommodate the height of one’s mattress. Another cool option is adjustable straps. They are usually elastic and can work with pretty much any mattress thickness.
• Cover. Generally, it might be a better idea to choose mattress toppers that come with natural covers (such as bamboo, cotton, Tencel, viscose, etc.). The thing is, natural fabrics are more breathable and do a better job of aiding thermoregulation during the night. Users might also look for models that have removable covers. Such mattress toppers are much easier to clean. This would also come in handy for allergy sufferers, as removing and washing the topper cover can help them get rid of allergens.
• Warranty. Naturally, shoppers should avoid mattress toppers that come without a warranty. This can be an indication of their questionable quality. Most modern toppers are covered by a 1-year warranty, though. There are also models that come with a 5-year coverage, which would probably be the best option for heavier individuals. After all, an extra-long warranty usually means quality materials that can withstand a bigger load better.
• Motion isolation. Heavier sleepers that share their bed with a smaller partner can often wake their significant other up by simply moving during the night. To avoid that, they might want to choose a mattress topper that has a slow-moving feel. Such toppers absorb shock from motion and don’t allow it to travel to the other side of the bed. Usually, memory foam performs the best in this case. Softer latex and polyfoam toppers may also do the trick, but this comfort level might not work for certain sleeping styles. 
• Zoned design. This one is not a necessity but can be a really nice addition, especially for sleepers with back pain. Zoned mattress toppers usually feature different density levels in different sections. This is done to deliver optimal support levels to different body parts. As a result, such toppers often help with spinal alignment and even tension redistribution (which can potentially help with back pain).

A quick note: not all mattress toppers come with an in-home sleep trial due to hygienic reasons. Therefore, hesitant shoppers need to be extra attentive when getting a new topper for heavier sleepers. When unsure, it’s better to pay a little more and get a topper that includes a free trial (just to be on the safe side).

How Much Should Shoppers Spend on a Mattress Topper for Heavy Individuals?

Mattress topper prices vary and typically fall somewhere between $100 and $450.

Here’s the deal, though:

A good mattress topper for a heavier person should use quality materials (dense foam or latex). Additionally, it should be thick. And this means heavier users shouldn’t expect a low price. 

Quality materials (and a bigger quantity of them, since the topper should be taller) call for a higher price. So, good mattress toppers for heavy sleepers usually don’t cost less than $200.