Written by Olivera Jancikin, Content Writer
If you’re a heavier person weighing above 230 pounds who tends to wake up with achy joints or pain in the lower back, it may be because your bed doesn’t adequately support you. However, that doesn’t mean you have to buy a new bed right away. Instead, consider a mattress topper.
Mattress toppers are intended to change the feel and performance of your bed. This can help you improve your sleep space without investing in an entirely new mattress. That being said, heavier people need extra support, so you need a topper suitable for plus-size bodies.
In this review, we’ll discuss the best mattress toppers for heavy people and their pros and cons. We’ll also go through other important qualities you should consider before buying a topper.
Best Mattress Toppers for Heavy People
- Saatva Graphite Memory Foam – Editor’s Pick
- Avocado Organic Latex Firm – Best Eco-Friendly Mattress Topper for Heavy People
- Birch Plush Organic – Best Luxury Mattress Topper for Heavy People
- ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper – Best Mattress Topper for Heavy Combination Sleepers
- Coop Home Goods Retreat – Best Memory Foam Topper for Heavyweight People
- Saatva Latex Topper – Best Mattress Topper for Heavy Back Sleepers
- Mattress Topper 2.5-lb. Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper – Best Budget Memory Foam Topper for Heavyweight People
- PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper Extra-Firm – Best Mattress Topper for Heavy Sleepers with Back Pain
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
We test mattress toppers similarly to how we test mattresses. To start, we try them in various sleeping positions to evaluate how they respond to movement and pressure. We also evaluate the product for qualities like durability, cooling, and support.
For this list, we pay extra attention to products that are supportive and built with durable materials that are going to give heavyweight sleepers adequate lifting and longevity.
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam – Editor’s Pick
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
A luxurious topper with contouring support from its graphite infusion.
Saatva Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewThe Saatva mattress topper is made from a 3-inch layer of memory foam with graphite infusions. This topper can work with both Saatva mattresses and other brands since it comes in standard sizes.
Memory foam is an excellent material for pressure relief because of its contouring nature. As you lie on this topper, you should feel your body slowly sinking just enough to relieve pressure and tension in the shoulders, hips, and knees. Memory foam is also good for motion isolation, so you don’t have to worry if you or your partner are restless sleepers.
As mentioned, this Saatva topper is infused with graphite, which helps cool the surface. In addition, it features a moisture-wicking organic cotton cover that’s naturally breathable and treated with the brand’s exclusive Guardin® antimicrobial treatment. This helps keep the surface free of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Pros
- Secure fit – Saatva’s memory foam topper has four elastic bands on each corner to help secure it onto your mattress of choice.
- 180-night trial – The company gives you 180 nights to test how this topper fits your needs and preferences.
Cons
- It’s pricey – This mattress topper is on the pricey side, so it may be a bit too much for budget shoppers.
- Non-removable cover – Despite the higher cost, it noticeably lacks one of our favorite features to look for, which is a removable cover.
Check out our full review of the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam mattress topper.
Avocado Organic Latex Firm – Best Eco-Friendly Mattress Topper for Heavy People
Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Excellent for pressure relief and joint support, this hypoallergenic topper has two firmness options.
Avocado Score
4.60 / 5
The Avocado Organic Latex topper is an excellent choice for heavy people who want an eco-friendly product. This topper comes with multiple certifications, including GOLS and GOTS, so you can be sure it comes from safe and sustainable sources. The topper combines organic and natural materials such as latex, cotton, and wool into a 2-inch construction perfect for heavy sleepers.
Although it’s available in two firmnesses, we suggest the Firm model for those over 200 pounds. The Avocado Organic Latex topper provides gentle support, contouring the curves while preventing the hips from sinking in.
The cover is made from organic cotton and is breathable and moisture-wicking. This helps keep the surface cool and fresh for those who sleep hot. However, it’s non-removable, and you’re only supposed to spot-clean it without harsh chemicals and cleaning agents. This Avocado topper is also Made Safe® certified, which means the ingredients used aren’t harmful to the environment, ecosystem, or human health.
Pros
- Organic and certified materials – Eco-friendly shoppers should be happy with the Avocado as it’s made from organic and certified latex, cotton, and wool.
- 365-night trial – Shoppers get a full year to test the topper but must keep it for at least 30 days before returning it for a full refund.
Cons
- Spot-cleaning only – This one has a breathable organic cotton cover, but you can’t remove it for washing. In other words, you’re only supposed to spot-clean it, which can be a dealbreaker for some.
- The price – This organic topper is on the expensive side, with some sizes as expensive as mattresses.
Birch Plush Organic – Best Luxury Mattress Topper for Heavy People
Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
Made with natural latex, cotton, and wool, this topper offers luxurious cushioning.
Birch Score
4.70 / 5
Heavy sleepers looking for a luxury topper should benefit from this Birch topper and its high-quality construction. The topper is made from organic and natural materials, such as wool, Talalay latex, and cotton. These non-toxic materials are hypoallergenic and suitable for people with allergies. In addition, this Birch topper has no off-gassing odors.
The Birch Plush Organic topper should work for most heavy sleepers, especially those who sleep on their stomach and back. Although it has a plush feel, it doesn’t allow too much sinkage, so side sleepers may not get much pressure relief from it. Instead, it should make most people feel like they’re sleeping more ‘on top of’ the bed, not ‘in’ it. Sleepers should also notice the bounce, which can make it easier to reposition and get in and out of the bed.
The company offers a 100-night trial, giving customers enough time to test how they like the topper.
Pros
- Organic materials – This luxury topper is made from organic, natural materials like latex, wool, and cotton. This makes it a good option for people with allergies.
- Breathable cover – The cover is made from certified organic cotton and is breathable and soft to the touch. This helps create a more comfortable sleeping environment.
Cons
- Too firm for some – Although it offers a bit of contouring, the Birch topper may be too firm for heavy sleepers sleeping on their side.
- Spot-cleaning only – The cover is non-removable, which means you’re only supposed to spot-clean it. No part of this topper is safe to wash in a machine.
ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper – Best Mattress Topper for Heavy Combination Sleepers
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
A high-density memory foam topper available in 3 or 4-inch thickness.
ViscoSoft Score
4.50 / 5
Combination sleepers know the struggle of finding a mattress that fits all sleeping positions. If your bed is too firm for side sleeping or too soft for back sleeping, you could consider this ViscoSoft mattress topper. This topper is available in two height options, so you can choose based on your body weight and the bed you’ll pair it with.
The ViscoSoft Select High-Density topper is made from high-density foam designed to support the body and contour curves. What makes it good for combination sleepers is its responsiveness. The topper is unlikely to make you feel stuck, so you shouldn’t have any issues changing positions or getting in and out of bed.
In addition, it has a removable cover you can wash in a machine. The straps ensure an easy fit, especially since they’re adjustable to fit a range of mattresses. Plus, this one has a non-slip mesh, making it even more difficult for the topper to slide off the bed.
Pros
- Universal feel – We’d say this topper feels medium-firm, which should fit most sleepers above 230 pounds. Keep in mind that the taller version of this model should offer even more support for heavyweight sleepers.
- High motion isolation – Since it’s made entirely out of foam, the topper can help enhance your bed’s motion isolation, making it more suitable for co-sleeping.
Cons
- Limited pressure relief – How much you’ll sink into the topper depends on your exact body weight, but those who want deep pressure relief may want to look elsewhere.
- Not the best for stomach sleeping – Although it’s good for combo sleepers, those who spend most of the night sleeping on their stomach might find this topper too soft. Instead, you can check our best mattress topper for stomach sleepers.
Coop Home Goods Retreat – Best Memory Foam Topper for Heavyweight People
Coop Retreat Mattress Topper
This hypoallergenic topper can make your mattress feel softer and more pressure-relieving to cradle the hips, knees, and shoulders.
Coop Score
4.90 / 5
Heavy sleepers looking for a memory foam topper should like how this Coop Home Goods model feels. The topper has a unique construction that combines cross-cut memory foam and polyester fiber, all wrapped in a brushed microfiber polyester cover. The memory foam is GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certified.
When you first lie on the topper, you’ll notice the freshness and comfort of the cover. The baffle box construction has stitches that create pockets. The fill is inside these pockets, and it’s evenly distributed so that there are no clumps. In addition, the cover also has elastic straps that help keep the topper in place.
The mid-range firmness makes it a good option for side, back, and stomach sleepers and those who like to switch between these positions. However, it’s not the best for hot sleepers as it has no cooling features. Heavy sleepers should experience good support and plenty of pressure relief since the memory foam and fiber blend contour the curves in all positions.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic construction – The memory foam in this topper has multiple certifications, making it a good choice for heavy sleepers with allergies.
- Easy fit – The topper has four elastic straps that are easy to put around the mattress. This ensures that it doesn’t slide off the bed in the middle of the night.
Cons
- Non-removable cover – If you’re after a washable topper with a cover you can remove and machine-wash, this may not be the best option since it’s only suitable for spot cleaning.
- Only two sizes – The Coop Home Goods topper is only available in two sizes: King and Queen.
Saatva Latex Topper – Best Mattress Topper for Heavy Back Sleepers
Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper
A responsive mattress topper providing support for sleepers with hip and back pain.
Read Full ReviewBack sleepers usually benefit from a medium-firm feel, which combines sturdy support for the lower back and hips with pressure relief for lighter areas like the shoulders.
This Saatva mattress topper is made entirely out of natural Talalay latex, which means that this product is eco-friendly and gentle on the environment. Latex is also naturally breathable and bouncy, so heavy sleepers shouldn’t feel stuck lying on this topper.
Another benefit of latex is that it is very durable, which means this product should hold up for at least 4-5 years, providing you with a good long-term investment.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial – The latex and cotton in this topper are hypoallergenic, meaning this is a good choice for people with allergies. In addition, the cover is treated with the brand’s botanical Guardin® antimicrobial treatment to help curb bacteria, mold, and mildew growth.
- Eco-friendly – This Saatva topper is made from natural materials and has an eco-INSTITUT® certification, meaning that the latex is free of chemicals, toxins, and harmful substances.
Cons
- Thin design – Although the 1.5-inch profile should work for heavy back sleepers, the topper is likely too thin for side and stomach sleepers weighing over 230 pounds.
- Non-removable cover – A notable drawback is that you can’t remove the cover for washing. Instead, it’s recommended you only spot-clean with a mild cleaning solution.
Mattress Topper 2.5-lb. Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper – Best Budget Memory Foam Topper for Heavyweight People
Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Mattress Topper
A well-made mattress topper doesn’t have to be expensive. This model is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a budget option that can alter the feel of your mattress without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality. This topper is 2 inches tall and features gel memory foam with a slow-moving feel that’s perfect for pressure relief.
We also think it’s a good option for hot sleepers, given that it has gel infusions that help prevent the memory foam from overheating. Also, memory foam helps with motion isolation, making this topper good for couples and co-sleepers who don’t want to be disturbed when the other person moves around at night.
We’d say this topper feels medium firm, offering enough support with a bit of sinkage for pressure relief. Sleepers will also notice how slowly the foam moves as it takes a while to return to its original shape when you move.
Pros
- Affordable price – This topper is an excellent budget option as it offers pressure relief, support, and cooling, all for an affordable price.
- Cooling – Gel infusions ensure the memory foam doesn’t overheat, helping to create a comfortable sleeping environment for hot sleepers.
Cons
- No cover or straps – This topper has no cover, so its memory foam core is exposed. In addition, it also doesn’t have any straps or ways to secure it to the mattress.
- Difficult to clean – This topper is tricky to clean since it doesn’t have a cover. For this reason, it’s recommended you place a fitted sheet over it to prevent stains and help secure it in place.
PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper Extra-Firm – Best Mattress Topper for Heavy Sleepers with Back Pain
PlushBeds Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Made of natural latex and extremely customizable.
Plushbeds Score
4.90 / 5
Back pain is no joke, but did you know an unsupportive mattress may make things worse? If you think your bed isn’t supportive enough and causing you back pain, you should consider the Plushbeds Latex Mattress Topper.
This topper has five firmness options, making it easy for everyone to find one that suits their needs. For back pain, we’d say the Medium-Firm and Extra-Firm models should feel the most supportive for heavy sleepers. The company also offers two height options: 2 inches and 3 inches. We think heavyweight sleepers might enjoy the taller option a bit more for enhanced support.
This topper is made from responsive and contouring Talalay latex. This material is perforated for additional airflow. You can also choose the optional organic cotton cover for added freshness and breathability.
Pros
- Versatile – As said, this topper is available in two height options and five firmnesses, so you can combine the feel and thickness that fit your needs and preferences.
- Certified materials – This topper comes with OEKO-TEX®, GOLS, GOTS, and GREENGUARD Gold certifications.
Cons
- Optional cover – This topper doesn’t come with a cover. You can get one, but it’ll be an additional fee.
- No straps – The topper also doesn’t have straps to help secure it in place better.
- Off-gassing – The Plushbeds topper may have some off-gassing odors from the plastic packaging. This means you may have to put off using it for at least 24 hours to give it time to air out.
What to Look For in a Mattress Topper for Heavy People
A mattress topper may not be as big of an investment as a new bed, but it can still put a dent in your budget. For this reason, it’s best to consider specific qualities before deciding on one.
Materials
A high-density foam topper is often the most recommended material for plus-size sleepers. Materials like memory foam, latex, and poly foam can offer more support and comfort to heavyweight people. These materials hold their shape well and shouldn’t compress as much under the sleeper’s weight, especially in toppers with denser, firmer foams.
Sleep Position
- Side sleepers – Side sleepers often need a topper that can help enhance pressure relief they’re not getting from a mattress. We consider a topper good for side sleepers if we experience good pressure relief in our shoulder and hip during testing.
- Back sleepers – Back sleepers need a supportive topper to help their body stay well-aligned. We think a good topper for heavy people is the one that gives you a good balance of support and pressure relief around the shoulders and hips.
- Combination sleepers – In our experience, combination sleepers need a mattress topper that adapts to their body in various sleeping positions. However, think about the positions you spend the most time in, as this could help you choose the right firmness, support, and pressure relief levels.
- Stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers need the most support. We consider a topper good for stomach sleepers when it’s firm enough to keep the hips aligned with the rest of the body.
Density and Firmness
As part of our testing process, we evaluate how soft or hard a topper feels while lying on it, describing it as either soft, medium/medium-firm, firm, or extra-firm. Further, the density of the foam can impact how soft or hard a topper feels. For example, denser foams usually give you a firmer topper.
Softer, less dense toppers can be good for side sleepers or those who need to add some softness to a firmer mattress. Firmer toppers that are dense can be more suitable for back and stomach sleepers or anyone looking to add more support to their bed space.
However, plus-size sleepers may experience most toppers as softer because they can sink into the materials more, so we recommend going with at least a medium feel to start.
Spinal Alignment and Back Pain
According to Dr. Kevin Lees, D.C., “Your mattress should be supportive, not allowing body weight to sink in some areas, which can create unnatural curves because added curvature in the spine can create pressure and irritation, eventually leading to inflammation and pain.”
Dr. Lees adds, “When we sleep, we remain in one position for a long period, and if there is stress or pain in a certain area of the back, this can lead to tossing and turning or waking up very stiff and sore. If the spine and joints are in a neutral position, muscles can relax, and a restful sleep can allow for healing and re-energizing from the prior day.”
When we test toppers, we are looking at how supportive they are for spinal alignment. Do our heaviest areas feel well-lifted? If so, that tells us the topper is good for spinal support and may help with back pain.
Read more: Best Mattress Pad for Back Pain
Cooling / Temperature Regulation
Cooling can be a game changer for many people who sleep hot. This is why some toppers have temperature-regulating materials, such as breathable covers, latex, or gel-infused memory foam, to help keep the surface cool and more comfortable.
When we test for cooling, we first look at if the topper is cool to the touch. Then, we consider the materials it’s made from. For example, perforated memory foam and latex will be cooler than standard foam. Natural materials such as organic cotton and wool also help make a mattress topper more temperature-neutral.
For More Information: Best Cooling Mattress Toppers
Motion Isolation
People who share their bed with a significant other, child, or pet should consider motion isolation. This refers to the topper’s ability to isolate motion so that it doesn’t transfer from one side of the bed to the other.
Memory foam is typically the best choice for motion isolation as it dampens movement well. Latex may work for some, but it’s a more responsive material that typically fosters more motion transfer.
We usually don’t expect a mattress topper to modify your bed’s motion-isolating capabilities all that much, mostly because toppers aren’t thick enough to do so. However, a foam topper can sometimes make a slight difference on an innerspring mattress, which has little to no foam on its own.
Sex
Sexually active couples should think about the topper’s bounciness and how well it can assist them when repositioning. Some toppers are bouncier than others, depending on what they’re made from. Latex is a highly responsive material that heavier couples might appreciate for sex.
Similarly, firmness can also affect this. If a topper is too soft, you may sink too deeply, making it more difficult to move around and reposition.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief can be a major concern for most heavy sleepers, especially those who sleep on their side. Most of your weight is concentrated along this narrow surface, which can easily result in pressure buildup. To avoid this, you need a topper that can contour your curves to relieve pressure without letting you sink too deeply and throwing your spine out of alignment. Memory foam and latex are often helpful for pressure relief.
We have our testers lie in different positions, evaluating the level of pressure buildup or relief they experience. This can be different across various weight groups and body types, so we like to include feedback from testers of different body types as well.
Edge Support
Edge support is important for people who like to use the bed’s entire surface. If the mattress underneath your topper has good edge support, you should be good with any topper since they’re often not tall enough to make significant changes in the perimeter. Higher-density foams should do a better job keeping the edges up but don’t expect to see much difference overall.
Budget
Some toppers are more expensive than others due to the materials used and any special features they may have. That being said, a well-made, quality topper will likely save you money in the long run since it should last longer. Shopping during holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July and sales events like Black Friday is a good idea if you’re looking to get a mattress topper at a discount.
Mattress and Sheet Compatibility
Although toppers usually come in standard mattress sizes, you should always check that they perfectly align with your mattress’s dimensions. In some cases, even a few inches off can create uncomfortable gaps along the edge of your bed.
You should also consider your sheets because you may need to buy new ones after adding a topper to your mattress. Imagine you have a 15-inch mattress for heavy people, and then add another 3 inches to it by adding a topper. This means you’ll need deep pocket sheets that can fit the mattress and topper together.
Trial Period and Warranty
Many mattress toppers have a trial period, but they may not be as long as those for mattresses. In some cases, you might come across a topper that’s not returnable (Plushbeds Latex Mattress Topper). We’d say you should at least get a topper with a 30-night trial period, but 120 nights or longer is great.
A good warranty often means the company stands behind their product. For a topper, we consider a 5-year warranty very good, though 1 year should be the minimum, and since most toppers last three to five years, anything longer than that might be unnecessary.
Certifications
Mattress toppers will often have similar certifications to those you’ll find in mattresses. These certifications include CertiPUR-US®, GOLS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, and GREENGUARD Gold, depending on the particular materials your topper is made from. For example, if it’s memory foam, it might have a CertiPUR-US® certification, whereas the GOLS certification is for latex.
How Should You Clean Your Mattress Topper?
You should first check if there are any specific cleaning instructions from the manufacturer.
Spot-cleaning is the safest route, and we suggest you start with a wet cloth. Rub the stain until it’s gone, allowing it to dry fully before lying on it again. If it’s persistent and you feel like using a detergent, go with something mild to start with. Rub it with a clean cloth afterward, and again, let it dry.
Best Mattress Toppers for Heavy People FAQs
How thick should a mattress topper be for heavy individuals?
Heavier people will want a topper at least 2-4 inches thick. The more weight you carry, the more you’ll press into the materials, so a thicker topper gives you extra cushioning and support against your body weight. That said, firmness and density also factor in here too. If you’ve got a thicker topper, but it’s super soft, you might still bottom out on it.
Do mattress toppers have weight limits?
Generally, there are no specific weight limits for toppers but more of a guideline. If a topper is thin and made from low-density materials, you’d likely sink too much, possibly even bottoming out to the mattress underneath. For this reason, make sure the topper of your choice is tall and dense enough to hold your body weight.
What is the best mattress topper for heavy side sleepers?
Side sleepers have most of their weight concentrated in a smaller area, which can be even more of a concern for heavier sleepers. For this reason, heavy side sleepers generally should go for a medium-firm foam or latex topper that can hold the body in alignment while still allowing a bit of sinkage for pressure relief in the hips, shoulders, and knees.
Will a mattress topper help with back pain for heavier individuals?
A topper may help alleviate back pain caused by sleeping on an unsupportive mattress. For example, you might experience back pain if you’re a heavy person sleeping on a mattress that’s too soft. In this case, you can add a firmer, thicker topper to help keep you lifted and your spine neutral. However, if that doesn’t work, it may be time to re-evaluate your mattress.
How long should a mattress topper last?
A mattress topper generally lasts three to five years, depending on its construction and the quality of the materials. For example, denser foam toppers, particularly latex, will likely outlast softer toppers with less durable materials. Generally, we recommend replacing your topper after five years.
Olivera Jancikin
Content Writer
About Author
Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach