In bed, people just want to get comfortable. That’s why everyone has their own preferred way of sleeping, whether it’s on their back or on their side. Stomach sleeping, which is not as popular among folks, can be comfortable to some, and as with all sleeping positions, sleeping on your stomach has its pros and cons.
In this post, we’ll dive a little deeper into stomach sleeping, as well as learn how mattress toppers can be beneficial for those who prefer sleeping on their stomachs.
What you need to know about sleeping on your stomach
While sleeping on your stomach can be comfortable for you, it does come with some disadvantages that you need to know. When you sleep in this position, it becomes difficult to keep your spine in a neutral position, causing stress on your spine and increasing pressure on the rest of your body structure. As the spine is connected to all the nerves in the body, any pressure on it may affect other body parts.
Apart from the strain on the spine, stomach sleeping can also trigger pain in the neck and shoulders, leading to poor sleep and body aches in the morning. Sleeping on your stomach forces you to turn your head and neck to one side for a prolonged period, causing stiffness and pain in the neck muscles.
That being said, sleeping on your stomach also has its fair share of advantages. While it is not recommended by experts, sleeping on your stomach can help with sleep apnea and even prevent snoring. This is because the sleeping position prevents obstruction in your airways.
The sleeping position is also beneficial for those who suffer from acute respiratory distress syndrome, which involves the inflammation of the lungs. A study shows that sleeping on their bellies can help those who have acute respiratory distress syndrome by preventing fluid leakage into the tiny sacs of the lungs.
Stomach sleeping has its pros and cons. Thankfully, for stomach sleepers, they can use a foam mattress topper to make sleeping easier and more comfortable.
Benefits of mattress toppers for stomach sleeping
A foam mattress topper offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond just comfort for stomach sleepers.
Supports your body properly
One of the significant advantages of a foam mattress topper is that it offers full-body support, aligning your spine correctly while you sleep. The additional cushioning relieves chronic pain in the back, hip, shoulder and neck. Foam toppers, particularly those made with memory foam, can mould to your spine to offer the support your lower back needs. For stomach sleepers who tend to move a lot while asleep, they can reap the spine-aligning benefits of mattress toppers.
Reduces pain in your joints
Foam mattress toppers disperse your weight evenly, which can reduce pain in your pressure points and joints. They also minimise the risk of bedsores, which occur when there is continuous pressure on one area of your body. Foam mattress toppers effectively eliminate these pressure points, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience, whether you sleep on your back or on your stomach.
Improves your bed’s firmness level
If you’re not satisfied with the firmness of your mattress, you can fix that by getting a mattress topper. Doing so increases the comfort level of your bed and can improve the quality of your sleep. This can help with insomnia, enhance your cognitive function and concentration levels and boost your mood.
Improves circulation
Poor blood circulation can lead to numbness, tingling sensations in the extremities and muscle and joint stiffness. It can even lead to high blood pressure as the heart has to work harder to pump blood around your body while you sleep. That’s why stomach sleepers can benefit by using a foam mattress topper, which disperses weight evenly and conforms to their body, which can possibly improve their blood circulation.
Cools your body
Many mattress toppers are made of dense materials, which then ensures that the airflow around your body is sufficient to keep you cool. So, if the mattress you use feels too hot on your body while you sleep on your stomach, you should consider getting a foam mattress topper.
What to look for in mattress toppers for stomach sleepers
Take note of these factors when browsing mattress toppers for stomach sleepers.
Firmness
Firmness plays a significant role in the choice of a topper, just like it does for mattresses. Toppers come in different firmness options, which allow you to adjust the feel of your bed, making it softer or firmer. Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface since they require extra support in the hips, which are the most vulnerable body part when lying on the stomach.
Without proper support, the hips can sink into the bedding material, causing the spine to become misaligned, which results in pain. Opt for a medium-firm to firm mattress topper for maximum support.
Thickness
Toppers come in 2, 3 and 4-inch thicknesses, and it's essential to choose the right one that meets your needs in terms of support, plushness and responsiveness. For stomach sleeping, a 3-inch mattress topper is a good starting thickness as it’s not too thick or thin.
However, the other two have their specific benefits, which may work better for some people. A 4-inch mattress topper benefits those on the heavier side who prefer to sleep on their stomach. On the other hand, a 2-inch topper is better recommended for stomach sleepers whose beds already offer a lot of firm support and who just want to slightly improve their sleeping experience.
Cooling benefits
If you’re a “hot” sleeper, you may want to consider a topper with cooling features to improve your sleep quality. Some toppers come with an open-cell structure, which makes them breathable and more cooling. Others have a cooling cover that helps keep the surface crisp throughout the night. Some brands include gel and copper infusions, latex and even proprietary technologies to make a topper more cooling.
Compatibility
Lastly, while most toppers are made to fit all beds, it's essential to double-check if the one you're interested in is compatible with your mattress. Verify if the dimensions align and see if you can secure them together. Remember, the topper goes on top of the bed but beneath the sheets, which may require you to invest in deep-pocket sheets if you don't have them.
Material
On the market, you can find mattress toppers for stomach sleepers made of different materials. The best ones for stomach sleepers are memory foam and high-density foam, as these provide the firm support that stomach sleepers need. Latex is also a good material, especially those made with Dunlop latex, as these offer a supportive and firm surface that will benefit stomach sleepers.
FAQs
What are the benefits of mattress toppers for side sleeping?
Side sleepers typically require a softer and more cushioned sleeping surface to alleviate pressure on their hips and shoulders. Mattress toppers can help provide this added comfort and support, leading to a more restful sleep.
How can I find the perfect mattress topper for my sleeping position?
To find the perfect mattress topper for your sleeping position, consider factors such as firmness, thickness and material. Stomach sleepers may benefit from firmer toppers made from memory foam or latex, while those who prefer side sleeping may benefit best from mattress toppers that are made from other materials like down or cotton.
Find the right mattress topper for you at Super Sleeper Pro
At Super Sleeper Pro, we have a wide selection of mattress toppers to choose from. From firm toppers to soft toppers, you’re sure to find one that best suits your sleeping position, whether you’re a stomach sleeper or a side sleeper.
Feel free to visit our Sleep Research blog for more information on how to achieve a restful night's sleep. We have invested our time and resources in researching the best techniques and practices to help you attain better sleep. Our blog offers a plethora of advice, from properly caring for your bed sheets to selecting the ideal pillow that suits your preferred sleeping style.
Should you have any enquiries about our products or services, please reach out to us. Our team of sleep experts is always available to assist you in finding the perfect product to improve the quality of your sleep.
