If you sleep on your stomach, the wrong type of mattress can cause discomfort or even spinal misalignment. Stomach sleepers usually benefit from firm mattresses that offer a balance of support and moderate cushioning without too much hug.
To help find the mattress that’s your best match, we’ll share our expert-tested picks for the best mattress for stomach sleepers in multiple categories. We’ll also get detailed about the needs of stomach sleepers, and what to look for when shopping.
If you’re experiencing back aches, check out our guide to the best mattresses for stomach sleepers with back pain. Those who want a more general lay of the land for mattress shopping should visit our guide to the best mattresses of 2024.
The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
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Best Overall Mattress
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WinkBed
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Most Comfortable Mattress
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Helix Dawn
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Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
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Bear Elite Hybrid
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Best Value Mattress
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Layla Hybrid
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Best Latex Mattress
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Sweet Zzz Hanna Hybrid Mattress
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Best Firm Mattress
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Plank Firm Luxe
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Best Overall Mattress
WinkBed
Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds
Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds
The WinkBed’s high-quality materials, thoughtful construction, and wide firmness selection make the mattress a solid pick for stomach sleepers across different weight groups. Zoned coils ensure targeted support for the midsection, while adaptive comfort layers provide even contouring to alleviate pain and pressure along the spine.
Ideal For
All Stomach Sleepers
Firmness
Soft, Medium, Firm, Extra Firm Options
Pain Relief
Great
Feel
Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Robust design with dense adaptive foams and zoned pocketed coils
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Available in four firmness levels to accommodate stomach sleepers across different body types
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Free firmness exchanges available during sleep trial
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Cons
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Foam layers may emit strong off-gassing for the first few nights
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Firmest option carries a higher price-point
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Our Take
“Universal comfort” is a myth, but the WinkBed comes closer than most mattresses to attaining this status. You can choose from four firmness levels, and WinkBeds allows you to exchange the mattress for a different design free of charge if you aren’t satisfied with your initial selection. Our testing shows the Firmer WinkBed (7) and WinkBed Plus (8) are best suited to stomach sleeping, but you can also opt for the Softer WinkBed (4) or Luxury Firm WinkBed (6) if you prefer more cushioning when lying face-down.
Why We Like It
Stomach sleepers on our team weighing at least 130 pounds preferred the Firmer WinkBed and WinkBed Plus. Both provide strong support and resist sinkage when compressed. If you’re a stomach sleeper who weighs less than 130 pounds, the Luxury Firm WinkBed should meet your needs. Testers weighing 130 to 230 pounds also awarded high marks to this model. We tested all four WinkBed designs and each performed well during our temperature control tests. The two softer models earned favorable ratings for motion isolation and pressure relief, whereas the Firmer and Plus performed better in categories like ease of movement and edge support.
How Does It Feel?
The Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer models contain a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the Euro-top cover, followed by a second polyfoam layer. These materials contour evenly to distribute your weight, promote even alignment, and reduce pressure points along the spine. The WinkBed Plus swaps out the second polyfoam layer for 2.5 inches of zoned latex, resulting in a bouncier and more supportive surface. This model is specifically designed for people who weigh more than 230 pounds. Zoned pocketed coils deliver extra pushback beneath your midsection. This means excessive sinkage shouldn’t be an issue no matter which firmness you choose. The coils are encased in fabric and designed to move independently from one another, so you’ll receive robust support without too much motion transfer. A breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel cover encases the mattress.
Sleeper Type Ratings
The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Helix Dawn
27% off sitewide + 2 free Dream Pillows with mattress purchase. Code: DOCTOR27
27% off sitewide + 2 free Dream Pillows with mattress purchase. Code: DOCTOR27
The Helix Dawn is specifically designed for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds and works as intended, with robust pocketed coils delivering exceptional support. Back sleepers on our team weighing at least 130 pounds
Ideal For
Heavy Sleepers
Firmness
Firm
Pain Relief
Great
Feel
Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Ultra-firm hybrid design offers robust support
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Reinforced perimeter coils minimize sinkage along the edges
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Affordable pricing compared to the average hybrid
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Cons
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Inadequate cushioning for most stomach sleepers under 130 pounds
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Responsive surface may produce motion transfer for couples
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Our Take
Helix’s mattress line includes nearly two dozen hybrid models, each one designed for specific body types and sleep positions. The Helix Dawn is one of the brand’s firmest and most supportive mattresses, and should be a solid choice for any stomach sleeper weighing 130 pounds or more. Since the Dawn also earned high marks from our back sleepers in the same weight range, we’re recommending the mattress for combination sleepers who use both positions.
Sleeper Type Ratings
The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Bear Elite Hybrid
35% off + free pillows with code: SF35
35% off + free pillows with code: SF35
The Bear Elite Hybrid delivers excellent support thanks to multi-zone construction in its transitional foam and pocketed coil layers. This design ensures you’ll feel extra pushback beneath heavier areas of your body without the surface feeling overly stiff.
Ideal For
All Stomach Sleepers
Firmness
Medium, Medium Firm, Firm
Pain Relief
Excellent
Feel
Plush, Adaptive Surface
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Zoned transitional and support layers push back against heavier areas of the body
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Available in three firmness levels
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Cooling cover dissipates body heat to maintain a comfortable surface temperature
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Cons
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Strong off-gassing smells for the first few nights after unboxing
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Couples may find the mattress overly responsive
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Our Take
If you’re a stomach sleeper who frequently feels pressure in your shoulders, lower back, or hips, the mattress you use may be at least partly to blame. Bear’s Elite Hybrid is designed to provide extra reinforcement to these areas, so you won’t sink too deeply where most of your weight is concentrated. This mattress is available in three firmness levels, so you can choose the best option based on your body type — and exchanges are free during the 120-night trial period if you aren’t satisfied with your first choice.
Why We Like It
Our hands-on tests show stomach sleepers under 130 pounds felt comfortable on all three of the Elite Hybrid’s firmness levels. That said, most preferred the medium (5) or medium firm (6) models due to their moderate contouring. Those weighing 130 pounds or more preferred the firm (8) design, which feels exceptionally supportive and conforms very little to the body. If you’re a combination sleeper who switches between your stomach and side or back, the medium firm should offer the balance you need for both positions.
The softest design excelled during our tests for motion isolation, while the medium firm and firm models performed better in categories like edge support and ease of movement. All three provide great pressure relief, but choosing the right firmness level for your body weight is key. Temperature control is another shared strength between the three designs — steady airflow through the coils and a cooling cover both ensure consistent cooling and thermoregulation.
How Does It Feel?
The Elite Hybrid’s feel varies by firmness. The medium soft model feels quite plush and adaptive on the surface, the medium firm lightly contours to the body, and the firm conforms very little. Memory foam gives the mattress a cloud-like quality, but the zoned transitional polyfoam provides noticeable pushback around the midsection. The pocketed coils are also divided into support zones to reinforce your torso and hips. Thicker coils also line the perimeter to limit compression when you lie close to the edges of the mattress or get in and out of bed.
The cover is woven with Celliant fibers and phase change material, both of which are engineered to dissipate heat on contact. As a result, the fabric should feel cool to the touch at all times. At 14 inches tall, the Elite Hybrid is considered a high-profile mattress and you may need to purchase a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
Sleeper Type Ratings
The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.
Best Value Mattress
Layla Hybrid
Up to $200 off mattresses + 2 free pillows
Up to $200 off mattresses + 2 free pillows
The flippable Layla Hybrid features medium soft (4) and firm (7) surfaces cushioned with gel-infused foam to alleviate sore spots without retaining too much heat. Our tests show stomach sleepers under 130 pounds prefer the softer side, and those weighing more prefer the firmer side.
Ideal For
Stomach Sleepers
Firmness
Soft, Firm Options
Pain Relief
Excellent
Feel
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Reversible design offers two firmness options
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Close-conforming memory foam eases pressure points
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Copper infusions are intended to draw heat away from the body
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Cons
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Mattress is somewhat heavy and difficult to flip
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Foams may hinder movement during sex
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Our Take
The Layla Hybrid is a reversible model with two different firmness options. With the dual-sided design, most testers on our team found a firmness that felt comfortable. This model is also a good option if you’re unsure of your ideal firmness level.
Why We Like It
The medium soft side is quite plush, which is helpful if you sleep on your side or weigh less than 130 pounds. The firm side is a better fit if you weigh more than 230 pounds, are a back or stomach sleeper, or simply need more reinforcement and stability from your mattress. The memory foam layers are infused with copper, which has cooling properties and can minimize the buildup of body heat on both surfaces. The coils in the support core also generate strong airflow to help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature.
How Does It Feel?
Both sides of the mattress are constructed with memory foam comfort layers. One sleep surface has a medium soft (4) feel and conforms very closely to the body. The opposite side offers a firm (7) feel with minimal contouring and strong support. The foam layers share a support core made of thick pocketed coils. Coils rest beneath your body to promote a comfortable balance of cradling and support, while the reinforced perimeter prevents excessive sinkage when you get on and off the mattress. The cover is made from a breathable polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend.
Sleeper Type Ratings
The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.
Best Latex Mattress
Sweet Zzz Hanna Hybrid Mattress
Check Price at Sweet Zzz
Check Price at Sweet Zzz
The Honey Hybrid Mattress from Sweet Zzz uses a coil-on-coil design to reinforce your sleep surface and prevent you from sinking excessively. A latex comfort layer provides additional pushback, while a moisture-wicking cover helps the mattress maintain a consistently comfortable temperature.
Ideal For
Hot Sleepers
Firmness
Medium Firm
Pain Relief
Great
Feel
Responsive Latex
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Latex hybrid design is exceptionally supportive and responsive
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Breathable components help ensure excellent cooling and thermoregulation
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Organic wool batting layer wicks moisture away from the body
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Cons
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Couples may experience sleep disruptions due to significant motion transfer
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Inadequate support for some stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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Our Take
If you’re seeking a mattress that cushions the body and reduces pressure, but you don’t feel comfortable sleeping on memory foam, then you’re a strong candidate for a model with latex layers. The Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid Mattress is a medium firm (6) latex hybrid designed to feel adaptive and supportive in equal measure. You should also expect a light bounce on the surface of this mattress, as latex is a naturally responsive material.
Why We Like It
The hot sleepers on our team also felt comfortable lying on the Honey Hybrid. Latex doesn’t trap heat to the same extent as foam, and the mattress’ coils generate enough airflow to maintain a comfortable interior temperature. Another cooling component is the cover, which is composed of breathable organic cotton with a layer of moisture-wicking organic wool sewn onto the sleep surface. During our temperature control tests, our thermal sensors detected little to no heat buildup and none of our testers complained about excessive warmth. Certifications from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Global Organic Latex Standard ensure the materials used to construct this mattress have been sustainably sourced. The Honey Hybrid’s sticker price is on par with other hybrid models, and shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S.
How Does It Feel?
Our testers enjoyed the light contouring from the latex comfort layer and robust reinforcement of the pocketed coil base. Side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds were particularly impressed with this mattress, as were our back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. The Honey Hybrid excels at edge support. This is largely due to stronger coils lining the perimeter, pushing back against your weight when you sleep or sit along the edges. This feature can be particularly helpful if you have limited mobility and struggle getting in and out of bed.
Sleeper Type Ratings
The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.
Best Firm Mattress
Plank Firm Luxe
30% off sitewide with code: ANNI30
30% off sitewide with code: ANNI30
The Plank Firm Luxe features a firm (7) feel on one side and an extra firm (9) feel on the other. Both surfaces are highly supportive, making the mattress a great choice for stomach sleepers.
Ideal For
Stomach Sleepers
Firmness
Firm, Extra Firm
Pain Relief
Good
Feel
Supportive Surface, Gentle Cradling
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Flippable design offers two firmness options
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Above-average firmness is ideal for stomach sleepers
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Strong cooling design due to airflow through coils and minimal body hugging on the surfaces
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Cons
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Shoppers must pay a fee for mattress ret urns
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Foam may produce some off-gassing odors at first
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Our Take
Brooklyn Bedding designed the flippable Plank Firm Luxe Mattress to provide a firm surface that offers good support. One side is firm (7) and the other is extra firm (9), giving stomach sleepers two distinct options for even spinal alignment.
Why We Like It
We’ve tested a number of flippable beds, but few offer this degree of firmness on both sides of the mattress. The firm side consists of a 1.5-inch layer of quilted cotton-microfiber fill on top of a 1-inch layer of polyfoam. Another 2 inches of high-density polyfoam completes the comfort system. This side was the most versatile in our tests, accommodating stomach sleepers of all weights.
On the extra firm side, the comfort system uses .75 inches of quilted cotton-microfiber fill above 2 inches of high-density polyfoam. Our team members noted minimal conforming, which appealed to our stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.
How Does It Feel?
The dense polyfoam resists sagging and encourages a neutral spine position. A 6-inch pocketed coil support core also promotes excellent responsiveness. That said, we measured fairly significant vibrations traveling across the surface of the mattress, which could disturb sleepers sensitive to movement. Our thermal mapping tests showed minimal heat retention on both sides of the mattress, which hot sleepers appreciated. If you’re especially prone to overheating during sleep, you can also pay extra for a GlacioTex Cooling Cover made of phase change material intended to provide a cooling sensation.
Sleeper Type Ratings
The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.
Best Mattress Overall
WinkBed
Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds
SHOP NOWA supportive hybrid mattress with firmer options that are ideal for stomach sleepers.
SEE MORE DETAILS
Most Comfortable Mattress
Helix Dawn
27% off sitewide + 2 free Dream Pillows with mattress purchase. Code: DOCTOR27
SHOP NOWThe firm option in Helix’s extensive mattress line, the Dawn is a well-rounded hybrid with great support.
SEE MORE DETAILS
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Bear Elite Hybrid
35% off + free pillows with code: SF35
SHOP NOWDesigned for people with an active lifestyle, the Bear Elite Hybrid is loaded with quality materials and features.
SEE MORE DETAILS
Best Value Mattress
Layla Hybrid
Up to $200 off mattresses + 2 free pillows
SHOP NOWThe Layla Hybrid is a flippable hybrid mattress with different firmnesses on each side, with a firm side ideal for stomach sleepers.
SEE MORE DETAILS
Best Latex Mattress
Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid Mattress
10% off
SHOP NOWA latex mattress with a cool, responsive surface that provides tons of support to stomach sleepers.
SEE MORE DETAILS
Best Firm Mattress
Plank Firm Luxe
30% off sitewide with code: ANNI30
SHOP NOWFor those looking for an extra-firm option, the Plank Firm Luxe is a high-end foam mattress designed for stomach sleepers and heavier people.
SEE MORE DETAILS
What Do Stomach Sleepers Need From Their Mattress?
If you sleep on your stomach, you need a mattress that offers enough support to prevent excess sinking, especially in the midsection. If your mattress is too soft, your abdomen may dip and pull your spine out of its natural curvature. Poor spinal alignment can contribute to aches and pains. Your mattress should also provide enough cushion to distribute your weight evenly and relieve pressure.
Best Mattress Types for Stomach Sleepers
The most common available mattress types are foam, latex, and hybrid. Their performance varies according to their materials, but all can potentially address the needs of stomach sleepers.
- Foam: Constructed from polyfoam or memory foam, foam beds usually offer a more contouring and adaptable sleeping surface, which can appeal to stomach sleepers who still want a bit of plushness. However, it’s important that stomach sleepers go for a bed that’s firm enough to avoid sinkage.
- Latex: Latex provides a balance of springy support and cushion without hugging too close to your body, which makes it a good choice for stomach sleepers. Latex beds are often all-natural, and tend to be more durable than foam.
- Hybrid: Hybrid beds combine foam or latex comfort layers with pocketed coils to offer both support and cushion. Provided their comfort layers aren’t too soft, hybrid beds are often a great choice for stomach sleepers, especially models with zoned support.
How to Determine the Best Firmness for Stomach Sleepers
Since stomach sleepers need considerable support from their mattresses, most find that medium firm and firm mattresses suit them best. Soft mattresses are not usually recommended.
That said, the best firmness for stomach sleepers is somewhat subjective, and you should also consider your body type when choosing a mattress. For example, a stomach sleeper over 230 pounds might find a medium firm mattress soft and prone to sinkage, while a sleeper who weighs less may receive the perfect level of support.
What Else Should You Consider in a Mattress for Stomach Sleepers?
Besides the mattress’ firmness, support, and cushion, there are a number of universal aspects to consider when choosing a mattress such as temperature regulation, ease of movement, and motion isolation.
With that in mind, here are a few factors that really stand out for stomach sleepers.
Durability
A mattress’ durability depends on what materials it’s made of, the quality of those materials, andt its construction. Generally speaking, latex lasts longer than synthetic foams and the durability of synthetic foam varies widely based on its quality and density.
Durability is especially important for stomach sleepers, as the bed may become less supportive and more prone to sinking as its materials degrade.
Zoned Support
Mattresses with zoned support are engineered to compress to varying degrees across the mattress surface. By doing so, they provide targeted support in areas where stomach sleepers need it, like the midsection, while cushioning pressure points to relieve tension. Zoned support promotes spinal alignment and can be especially helpful in relieving aches and pains.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness refers to how quickly the mattress’ surface reacts to motion and pressure. Mattresses with high responsiveness have a bouncy and springy feel, while those with low responsiveness contour and hug the sleepers body.
Stomach sleepers generally prefer more responsive mattresses, since these offer sturdier support and are less prone to sinking.
Back Pain
Stomach sleepers can be especially susceptible to back pain. Without enough support, their midsection sinks and their spine curves too far. For stomach sleepers that already have back pain, it’s extremely important to choose a firm enough mattress with enough support to promote spinal alignment.
How to Pick a Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Our sleep experts get hands-on with mattresses to show you which types of beds are best for stomach sleepers. We’ll walk you through what to look for when deciding whether a mattress is right for sleeping on your stomach.
How to Sleep More Comfortably on Your Stomach
While there is no categorical best sleeping position, it’s important that your sleeping habits don’t impact your comfort or rest. Here are a few strategies to feel more comfortable while sleeping on your stomach.
Tuck a Pillow Under Your Hips
Since it’s important for stomach sleepers to keep their midsections elevated, tucking a firm pillow under your hips can bolster support where you need it most.
Consider Sleeping Without a Pillow
If a stomach sleeper elevates their head too much, they may experience neck pain resulting from the misalignment of their spine. To avoid these aches, consider sleeping without a pillow, or using one with a low profile, preferably 3 inches or less.
Practice Healthy Sleep Posture
Stomach sleeping already puts strain on the spine, so it’s important to practice good sleeping posture. Try to stay in a neutral position with your legs straight and your hands at your side. It may also help to align your forehead with the pillow instead of turning completely to the side.
Boost Support With a Topper
Mattress toppers offer an effective, affordable way to add support to a mattress that’s too soft, or that is starting to wear out. While it’s not a perfect substitute for buying a new or suitable mattress, a topper can enhance your stomach sleeping experience for the short term.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
How We Test
To arrive at our choices, we subjected dozens of leading mattresses to rigorous testing. Over our many years of reviewing sleep products, we’ve developed a reliable methodology that incorporates personal testing and state-of-the-art technology like body-mapping tools and VOC detectors.
Stomach sleepers need support, but the amount they receive from a mattress depends on body type. Our team is made of a diverse selection of testers with a wide range of body types to ensure that our results help you find the best mattress for your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
While stomach sleeping can potentially lead to problems like back and neck pain, it may reduce the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. If you sleep on your stomach, it’s important to sleep on a mattress that offers ample support and practice healthy sleep posture to keep the spine aligned and prevent pain.
Since stomach sleepers need more support than other positions, they generally find that a firm or medium firm mattress suits them best. Keep in mind that how you experience mattress firmness will vary based on your body type.
The best mattress for stomach sleepers offers ample support for the midsection while providing enough cushion to relieve pressure, usually with minimal contouring. The ideal mattress for each stomach sleeper depends on their body type, as well as their unique needs and preferences.
Ask the Sleep Doctor
Have questions about sleep? Submit them here! We use your questions to help us decide topics for articles, videos, and newsletters. We try to answer as many questions as possible. You can also send us an email. Please note, we cannot provide specific medical advice, and always recommend you contact your doctor for any medical matters.