Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
Written by Livvi DiCicco, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Stomach sleepers face a particular challenge when it comes to sleep. Not only is it the least common sleeping position, but it also increases the likelihood of chronic aches and pains due to the stress placed on the neck, lower back, and chest. When the stomach is facing down, it forces the spine to hyper-extend into a strained position. This affects the alignment of the head, neck, pelvis, and back.
For this reason, the best mattress for stomach sleepers is a firm one that provides exceptional support, particularly in the middle. As a result, mattress material and firmness will be important factors for stomach sleepers to consider when choosing a mattress.
In this article, we’ll go over our top picks that are guaranteed to bring the support these folks need. We have a mix of mattress types and prices to suit varying preferences and budgets, all backed by our expert testers’ years of experience reviewing beds.
Editor’s Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have any health concerns or questions, please contact your medical provider.
Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers?
The best mattress for stomach sleepers is the Helix Dawn because it provides the necessary firmness and support. It also provides a luxurious sleep experience that will appeal to most sleeping styles, but especially those who weigh more than 230 lbs.
The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
- Helix Dawn Mattress – Nerd’s Pick
- DreamCloud Original Mattress – Best Mattress for Stomach and Side Sleepers
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress – Best Affordable Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Saatva Classic – Best Luxury Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- WinkBed Mattress – Best for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress – Best Mattress for Couples and Stomach Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Bear Original Mattress – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Current Top Deals
- Helix Dawn Mattress – 27% Off Sitewide with Code NERD27
- DreamCloud Original Mattress – Save Up to 60% Off Mattresses + 66% on Bundles
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress – Save Up to 50% on Mattresses + 66% on Bundles
- Saatva Classic – Up to $625 Off
- WinkBed Mattress – 30% Off All Mattresses
Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers: Video Review
Watch this video to hear directly from the Nerds about the best mattresses for stomach sleepers and why.
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
Here at Mattress Nerd, our team takes pride in their effort to grade mattresses not only on overall quality, but also on their suitability for specific types of sleepers—in this case, stomach sleepers.
Loren Bullock, resident sleep science coach and dedicated stomach sleeper, has tested over 100 mattresses and found these eight to provide the comfort, support, and firmness that those who sleep on their stomachs need. To learn more, check out our review process.s not only on overall quality, but also on their suitability for specific types of sleepers—in this case, stomach sleepers.
Helix Dawn – Nerd’s Pick
Helix Dawn Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
It’s most important for a stomach sleeper to have a firm mattress that prevents the hips from sinking too low—especially for those who want a durable, high-quality bed that won’t break down over time. Look no further than the Helix Dawn.
With this bed, you get pocketed coils and dense transitional foam that will help keep your hips in line with your shoulders and distribute body weight evenly, while still providing a soft contour around those sensitive pressure points. We gave the Helix Dawn mattress an 8 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which means it is a firm mattress, optimal for stomach sleepers in need of elevated support.
The Helix Dawn comes with a 120-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and can be shipped for free throughout the contiguous United States.
What our testers say: “The Dawn is one of the firmer mattresses I’ve tested. You’ll feel very ‘on top’ of the bed, with light cushioning under your shoulders and hips.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Helix Dawn
- Those with heavyweight (more than 230 lbs) body types – Our heavyweight testers found comfort on their back and stomach on this mattress, which should be firm enough to support them.
- Combination sleepers – The Helix Dawn’s bounce means it’s easy to move around on and switch between positions.
Who Might Not Like the Helix Dawn
- Side sleepers under 230 lbs – Many side sleepers won’t sink far enough into this mattress to get the pressure relief they need.
- Those concerned about motion transfer – In testing, we noticed our partner’s movements from our side of the bed.
What users say:
The Helix Dawn has an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Helix website. Negative reviews say that the mattress seems to get softer over time, but the majority of positive reviews claim the bed is comfortable and has helped with aches and pains.
Read our full Helix Dawn mattress review to learn more.
DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Stomach and Side Sleepers
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Stomach and side sleepers are often at odds with one another. However, on the DreamCloud mattress, they can both rest comfortably. This medium-firm hybrid boasts the support that should keep stomach sleepers’ hips elevated, as well as a dense, cushioning pillow top to relieve pressure for side sleepers.
It also earned relatively favorable marks across the board. Our testers appreciated the ease of movement it provided, as well as the fairly robust edge support that should help sleepers spread out. As an added bonus, this mattress is available for less than $1,000 for a queen-size.
What our testers say: “Lightweight sleepers will love how this bed feels for both side and back sleeping, so long as you enjoy a bit of firmness. Average-weight sleepers in these categories will likely enjoy it too, but find a bit more sinkage and pressure relief. While heavyweight sleepers should be able to rest on their side on this bed, I wouldn’t recommend it for stomach sleepers in this weight class.” – Livvi, Writer & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the DreamCloud
- Fans of a bouncy bed – Combination sleepers and couples wanting a great mattress for sex will each be pleased with the DreamCloud’s responsive surface.
- Shoppers on a budget – You can purchase this mattress for around $700 for a queen — a steal for the quality comfort you’ll enjoy.
Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud
- Fans of traditional memory foam – While this bed contains foam layers, it won’t provide that slow-moving, deep-sinking sensation that many memory foam fans love.
- Some stomach sleepers over 230 pounds – Depending on where you carry your weight, you may sink a little too far into the DreamCloud, which could lead to discomfort in this position.
What users say:
The DreamCloud mattress scores a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. Reviews are mixed on the firmness of the bed, but users are overall satisfied with the comfort and say that their sleep has improved.
Read our full DreamCloud mattress review to learn more.
Nectar Classic – Best Affordable Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
When it comes to the best budget bed out there, you can’t go wrong with the Nectar. This all-foam mattress packs a lot into its $600 price point: a quality foam construction, surprising cooling, and, most importantly for stomach sleepers, excellent support.
The Nectar’s firmer support base should ensure that stomach sleepers’ hips remain elevated and aligned with their shoulders. The bed’s decent responsiveness and motion isolation are also a bonus for folks who share the bed. And as if things couldn’t get better, it even comes with a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty.
What our testers say: “I believe the Nectar could work for lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers, thanks to its medium-firm feel. Stomach sleepers who prefer memory foam mattresses should get the support they need from this bed. However, stomach sleepers with bigger bodies will likely sink too far into this mattress to be comfortable.” – Kenny, Writer & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Nectar
- Couples – This foam bed offers a rare combination of both motion isolation and ease of movement, which should help couples move around without disturbing one another.
- Back sleepers – Alongside stomach sleeping, back sleeping was a hit amongst our testers, regardless of size, because of the bed’s balanced feel.
Who Might Not Like the Nectar
- Those who like to sink into their mattress – This doesn’t have the traditional foam bed feel, where you might enjoy a swaddling effect. You’ll feel more “on top” of this mattress.
- Side sleepers with sensitive hips or shoulders – Some side sleepers could find the Nectar comfortable if they like a firmer feel, but many will encounter resistance around the hip or shoulder as it digs into the mattress.
What users say:
With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.7 out of 5 stars. The majority of negative reviews found the bed too firm, too soft, or thought it started to sink too quickly. But positive reviews praise its comfort and cushioning ability.
Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more.
Saatva Classic – Best Luxury Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Saatva Classic
Product Details
Our Recommendation
The Saatva Classic is a star among luxury mattresses. It is customizable (both firmness and height), meaning that it can work well for almost any sleeper, regardless of body weight or sleeping style. Firmness options include Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm, and we think the latter two will be hits for stomach sleepers.
This bed features two innerspring units for double the bounce and airflow. This springy feel should appeal to combination sleepers, who should appreciate that it’s easy to change positions throughout the night. This is more of an “on top of” than “sinking in” mattress – another good sign for stomach sleepers.
To further sweeten the deal, all Saatva mattresses come with free white glove delivery, in-home mattress setup (including removal of your old one), a 365-night sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty.
What our testers say: “We tested the Luxury Firm version of the Saatva—the middle-of-the-road option. It does an excellent job supporting most sleeping types if you’re someone who switches between multiple positions.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Saatva Classic
- Combination sleepers – The Saatva’s bounce and versatile feel should accommodate sleepers of all sizes and styles, allowing them to switch between their preferred positions and find comfort easily.
- Folks with back pain – This mattress features multiple spine-aligning enhancements, including zoning for extra lumbar support and an “Active Spinal Wire” that helps coax your body into proper posture.
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic
- Memory foam aficionados – I’d call this bed cushiony with a gentle contour, but fans of traditional memory foam may want something with deeper sinkage.
- Couples easily disturbed by movement – We could feel every little twitch on this mattress, which could pose a problem for light sleepers prone to waking.
What users say:
According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews are generally positive, praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Some customers complained about issues with delivery or felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.
Read our full Saatva Classic mattress review to learn more.
WinkBed – Best for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
WinkBed Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
A mattress that doesn’t keep the hips lifted is often the culprit for back pain in stomach sleepers. Luckily, this won’t be a problem on the WinkBed. This luxury hybrid’s combination of supportive coils and a dense pillow top ensures spinal alignment for these sleepers.
Lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers should be the comfiest on the Luxury Firm WinkBed, but if average-weight stomach sleepers find themselves needing more support, then the Firmer option is recommended. Heavy stomach sleepers should do just fine on the Firmer version as well, but WinkBed’s Plus model should also provide the additional support heavyweight stomach sleepers are often seeking.
In addition to offering back pain relief across its variety of firmness options, the WinkBed performed well in both our temperature regulation and strong edge support evaluations.
What our testers say: “For heavyweight stomach sleepers, the WinkBed Plus will provide that extra support to keep the hips elevated. Average-weight stomach sleepers will be comfy on the firmer or plus, depending on their firmness preference, and lightweight stomach sleepers will be best on the firmer WinkBed.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the WinkBed
- Hot sleepers – Our testers thought this mattress felt temperature-neutral throughout testing, and it never seemed to overheat the entire time we were on it.
- Sleepers of all sizes – Because of its varied firmness options (including the Plus model built for those over 230 pounds) and robust support, the WinkBed should feel comfortable for every weight category.
Who Might Not Like the WinkBed
- Sleepers who want ease of movement – For a bed with coils, this doesn’t offer very much bounce, so some might feel “stuck” in the WinkBed’s thick pillow top.
- Budget shoppers – As a higher-end bed with a luxury hotel feel, this mattress will run you well over $1,000, even with sales and coupons.
What users say:
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews focus on problems with delivery and removal. Overall, people seem satisfied and find the bed supportive and sturdy.
Read our full WinkBed mattress review to learn more.
Nolah Evolution– Best Mattress for Stomach-Sleeping Couples
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Couples who rest on their tummies don’t just have to worry about their own comfort, but that of the person resting beside them. The Nolah Evolution will douse any and all concerns, as it’s a super-supportive hybrid with some of the best motion isolation we’ve ever seen. Its plush comfort layers absorb any and all movements, ensuring you both sleep through the night without interruption.
This bed also features a cooling cover to keep excess heat at bay, and excellent pressure relief for stomach sleepers who need it around their chest or stomach. It also has super-strong edge support, making it difficult to find something not to like about this bed.
What our testers say: “During testing, we found that the Nolah Evolution is a great fit for stomach sleepers weighing under 230 pounds. The durable innerspring coils in the Nolah Evolution provide a much-needed boost for sleepers in this category looking to relieve tension in their lower backs.” – Kenny, Writer & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Nolah Evolution
- Extremely light sleepers – As mentioned, this bed has top-notch motion absorption, ensuring light sleepers won’t feel a peep from the other side of the bed.
- Couples who run hot – The Evolution’s breathable construction and cooling features should also counteract the stuffiness of any shared body heat.
Who Might Not Like the Nolah Evolution
- Shoppers on a budget – Though we’d say it’s more than worth it, the Nolah Evolution comes with a luxury price tag that some shoppers may find out of their range.
- Side sleepers with joint pain – We noted the Luxury Firm model of this bed was just a smidge firmer than expected. While great for stomach sleepers, it could pose a problem for those who switch to their side, especially if they have sensitive hips or shoulders (these sleepers may want to try the Plush option).
What users say:
Earning a 4.6 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution seems to be a hit. Negative reviews tend to focus on personal preference or regrets about ordering the wrong firmness. Overall, customers are satisfied with the feel and comfort. Many reported their aches and pains disappearing after making the switch to Nolah Evolution.
Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review to learn more.
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Product Details
Our Recommendation
The Brooklyn Signature is a hybrid mattress available in multiple firmness levels. However, we recommend the Medium or Firm options for stomach sleepers. The mattress features a thick pillow top for comfortable cushioning, while its innerspring unit keeps you lifted on its surface.
We found this mattress offered above-average motion isolation for couples, a rarity for hybrids. It still had some responsiveness, meaning you should be able to move around without feeling “stuck” on its surface. You also get 120 nights to try it out, and after that, it’s covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
What our testers say: “Firmer beds are usually the best mattresses for stomach sleepers because they provide the proper support stomach sleepers need to keep the hips elevated and their spines aligned. Heavyweight and average-weight stomach sleepers probably won’t find the support they need in the Medium Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress, but they might find proper support in the Firm version of this bed.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Signature Hybrid
- Side and back sleepers – Our pressure relief testers found comfort in both these positions, so combination stomach sleepers won’t have to worry about this bed feeling uncomfortable for either sleeping style.
- Couples – You shouldn’t feel your partner’s restless movements on this bed, ensuring peaceful nights of rest to come.
Who Might Not Like the Signature Hybrid
- Especially hot sleepers – The Signature Hybrid never felt particularly hot, but neither did it provide much in the way of active cooling, so some extra-hot sleepers could find themselves overheating on this bed.
- Fans of strong edge support – We noticed the pillow top compressing quite a bit when we sat or pressed down directly on the perimeter of the mattress, which could cause instability when getting in and out of bed.
What users say:
On the Brooklyn Bedding website, this mattress scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars, from 10,198 reviews. The reviews speak highly of the comfort levels, claiming it to be a great mix between softness and support. There were complaints against the customer experience and support as no one has gotten back to them in a while or still haven’t received their mattress.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review to learn more.
Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Bear Original Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
When you think of memory foam, you might imagine sinking deep into a cloud that gives you a contouring hug back. While comfortable for some, it’s not ideal for most stomach sleepers. But if you want an affordable foam mattress that brings the support, you’ll find it in the Bear Original.
This bed has a firmer-than-average feel at 7/10 on our firmness scale, which should keep stomach sleepers lifted and aligned on its surface. It also avoids many of the major pitfalls of all-foam beds: It has relatively strong edge support, a responsive feel, and a fancy Celliant cover that works to keep things cool.
What our testers say: “The firmer polyfoam layers of the Bear Original should keep lightweight and average-weight stomach sleeper’s spines aligned by lifting their hips in line with their shoulders.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Bear Original
- Back sleepers – Alongside stomach sleepers, those who rest on their back will enjoy this bed’s balanced, supportive feel.
- Hot sleepers – Celliant, found in the Bear’s cover, purportedly converts excess heat into healing infrared energy, which is a bonus for both cooling and muscle recovery.
Who Might Not Like the Bear Original
- Some side sleepers – Our testers weren’t able to get much sinkage on this bed, which can pose a problem for side sleepers, as they need pressure relief around their hips and shoulders.
- Heavyweight sleepers – Though it’s quite firm, we think the Bear Original is a smidge too thin and compressible for those over 230 pounds. The rare heavy back sleeper might find comfort, but those who rest on their stomach will be waking up with pain.
What users say:
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.7 out of 5 stars. The majority of reviewers praise the bed’s comfort and construction after upgrading from an old mattress. Negative reviews tend to focus on the bed being too firm or too soft, indicating personal preference issues.
Read our full Bear Original mattress review to learn more.
What to Look For in the Best Beds for Stomach Sleepers
If you’re a stomach sleeper, then you’re in a very exclusive club of people who sleep stomach-down. Since it is such a unique way of getting some shut-eye, it may be more difficult for you to get a sense of the best new mattress for you, and that’s where we come in! We’ll break down your options by firmness level, material, and performance factors, so that you can gain a broader understanding of what makes a mattress perfect for stomach sleepers.
Firmness
It may seem counterintuitive to seek out a mattress that is firm rather than soft, but for stomach sleepers it can actually contribute to a more comfortable sleep. Mattresses are graded on a firmness scale and assigned a score from 1 to 10, 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Whether they are considered soft, medium-firm, or firm is dictated by the number they receive. As stomach sleepers, it is important for you to sleep on a firmer-than-average surface.
Anything under a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale is thought of as softer than average. This may sound appealing, like sleeping on a cloud, but stomach sleepers really need something with more support in order to keep their hips from sinking uncomfortably deep into the mattress surface. Still, if you are interested in exploring this option, read our best soft mattresses article.
A rating around 6 to 7 on the scale encompasses a medium-firm mattress. We find that is right around the sweet spot for most sleepers; not too soft, and not too firm. That said, stomach sleepers are one of the few groups that often gravitate towards beds that are even a little bit more solid than a 7 out 10.
Mattresses rated above 7 out of 10 or above should allow stomach sleepers’ hips to sink just far enough in for them to feel supported by the bed, but not far enough in that they wake up with lower back pain—a common complaint of stomach sleepers who sleep on a surface that is too soft.
For some great mattresses that are sure to please any stomach sleeper, head over to our list of best firm mattresses.
Mattress Type
In your search for a new bed, you may have noticed that the most common variations of mattress build are memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid. Each of these types has different traits that can play into whether or not they will support your sleeping style.
Memory foam mattresses are great options for stomach sleepers because of their conforming nature and ability to relieve pressure in the areas that become misaligned when sleeping on the stomach.
It should be noted, though, that memory foam can often be the softest of the four varieties. If you have your heart set on this material, you should strongly consider options that fall around 6/10 or above on the firmness scale, as something too soft can lead to excessive hip sinkage and eventually back pain.
Latex is the most unique of the four mattress types, and as such it usually costs quite a bit more. The price, however, may be worth it if you are after a bed that does a great job of keeping you cool and responding to your movements. Perhaps most importantly, the material used to make latex mattresses is often sourced in eco-friendly ways and is naturally hypoallergenic.
Innerspring mattresses contain a durable layer of steel coils that are known to provide excellent edge support and overall support, which is important for spinal alignment in stomach sleepers. Innerspring mattresses are usually on the firmer side, so many of them are naturally suited for stomach sleepers. Plus, we have found that they offer more affordable pricing than foam, latex, or hybrid.
Can’t decide between the previous three? Then a hybrid mattress might be the way to go. These beds contain a combination of either innerspring and memory foam or innerspring and latex. The result is a mattress that has the durability and breathability of an innerspring and the contouring and pressure relief abilities of a foam or latex, meaning stomach sleepers and hybrids are a match made in heaven.
Contouring
For stomach sleepers, it’s imperative to have a mattress with good contour. This means that the mattress not only conforms to your body but allows for more compression in your heavier areas (i.e., the stomach), and less for your lighter areas (i.e., the head, neck, and shoulders). This will ensure the spine stays aligned and you don’t end up causing undue strain to the back.
Pressure Relief
As we’ve stated, for stomach sleepers, there is a strong center of gravity around the midsection. As a result, other parts of the body are pulled down. It’s important that a mattress be able to relieve pressure in those areas and keep the body stabilized to prevent chronic aches and pains.
Spinal Alignment
Spinal alignment is important for everyone but especially for stomach sleepers whose position opens them up to potential back strain. A mattress that is too soft will put undue pull and strain on the spine, whereas a mattress that is too firm will overcompensate and can also lead to misalignment. So, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for this feature when you’re mattress shopping.
Responsiveness
Switching in and out of the stomach-sleeping position can be a challenge for some, especially on a mattress that “traps” you in dense layers of foam. A responsive mattress will make it much easier to not only change from one sleeping position to another, but also get in and out of bed. You’ll find that the added springiness helps encourage movement rather than stifle it.
Pros and Cons of Sleeping on Your Stomach
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Stomach
While sleeping on your stomach is regarded as the least healthy sleeping position, there are some potential benefits, the main one being comfort. Many stomach sleepers find that lying on their stomachs is more comfortable and allows them to fall asleep more easily. In addition, due to the position of your throat and tongue, sleeping on your stomach can also reduce the risk of snoring and sleep apnea.
Drawbacks of Sleeping on Your Stomach
Is it bad to sleep on your stomach? The main problem with sleeping on your stomach is spinal alignment. When you lie on your stomach, your hips tend to sink into the mattress, causing spinal misalignment. There’s also the issue of the pillow.
When you sleep on your stomach, your head is usually turned to the side and angled up. This position can cause discomfort and even pain in your neck.
If you’re someone with a fuller bust who sleeps on your stomach, it can be difficult with even the best mattresses to get comfortable. Even with the proper support, it still might feel like your chest is getting crushed by the pressure.
Lastly, if you’re someone who sleeps on your stomach with your arms raised, it can lead to shoulder, back, and neck pain.
Tips for Sleeping on Your Stomach
If you are a stomach sleeper, here are some tips on how to sleep on your stomach comfortably:
- Try sleeping without a pillow. It may sound unfathomable, but sleeping without a pillow can help keep your neck in proper alignment, meaning fewer long-term aches. It is something you stomach sleepers may need to get used to, but give it a few nights—you might come to love it.
- Place a pillow under your hips. Lose a pillow under your head, gain a pillow under your hips! The most common problem with sleeping on your stomach is spinal misalignment due to your hips sinking too far down into the mattress. Placing a pillow under your hips keeps your body in a neutral position, which helps alleviate this issue and also decreases pressure on your lower back.
- Sleep with your legs straight. A common tendency for stomach sleepers is to sleep with their legs spread out. Sleeping with your legs straight at a natural angle can help keep the spine aligned.
For more information, take a look at our guide on how to properly sleep on your stomach.
Sleep Accessories for Stomach Sleeping
Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
If you’re a die-hard stomach sleeper and you cannot make pillow-less sleep work for you, we submit. But at least take a look at our best pillow guide so we can help you pick out something that might be a bit easier on your neck, or even more specifically, our best pillows for stomach sleepers guide.
You’ll want to stay away from thick or extra firm pillows. With these, your head will be forced upward, and your neck will strain. For stomach sleepers, your pillow should usually be thin and soft. While not as luxurious, these are the best option to keep the neck aligned with the rest of the spine. The flatter the pillow, the less angled your head and neck will be, and that’s a good thing.
Mattress Toppers for Stomach Sleepers
We’ve mentioned that a firmer mattress is the best way to go for stomach sleeping. If a brand-new bed isn’t in the cards for you, you can supplement with a firm mattress topper. Latex and high-density foams are often the best for this. I’d stay away from softer memory foam toppers.
Some toppers even come with miniature coil units inside to provide added support. This could be a good option if your existing mattress has started to sag.
Recap of the Top-Rated Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
| Mattress | Award |
| Helix Dawn | Nerd’s Pick |
| DreamCloud | Best Mattress for Stomach and Side Sleepers |
| Nectar | Best Affordable Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
| Saatva Classic | Best Luxury Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
| WinkBed | Best for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Mattress for Couples and Stomach Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Signature Hybrid | Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
| Bear Original | Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
Final Thoughts
Finding the right mattress and learning how to make the best of your preferred position is imperative for stomach sleepers. It’s important to choose a mattress that cradles the chest, shoulders, and hips while also keeping the torso supported. Otherwise, you will undoubtedly strain the spine and likely begin to experience lower back pain. All of the mattresses we’ve suggested check these boxes and come with a variety of other performance bonuses that should enhance your sleep experience.
Still need help? Take our mattress quiz or check out our reviews of the best mattresses of 2026.
FAQs
Do stomach sleepers need a firm mattress?
Stomach sleepers should seek out a medium-firm to firm mattress so as to keep their hips from sinking too far below the mattress surface. Heavier stomach sleepers need something firmer than light stomach sleepers, and average-weight stomach sleepers need something right in-between.
Should stomach sleepers use a pillow?
A thick pillow can cause your neck to rest at an uncomfortable and potentially pain-causing angle if you sleep on your stomach. For this reason, we recommend a thin pillow, or even no pillow at all.
Which sleeping position is healthiest?
Generally, back sleeping is considered the healthiest position because it can reduce the risk of sinus problems and help maintain proper alignment in your spine. For more information, take a look at our article on the healthiest sleeping position.
