Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Tom Ingegno to ensure that this article met our editorial standards

Written by Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Methodology

Here at Mattress Nerd, we’ve tested hundreds of mattresses to bring you unbiased, expert reviews of the top brands. Learn more.

In This Article

We’ll take a look at our favorite mattresses for stomach sleepers including back support, comfort, and cooling features.

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Stomach sleepers face a particular challenge when it comes to sleep. Not only is it the most uncommon position to sleep in, but it also increases the likelihood of chronic aches and pains due to the stress put 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 mattress that gives extraordinary support, particularly in the middle portion of the mattress. As a result, mattress material and firmness will be important factors for stomach sleepers to consider when choosing a mattress.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers?

The Helix Dawn does everything a great mattress for stomach sleepers needs to do and provides a luxurious sleep experience that will appeal to most, but especially those who weigh more than 230 lbs.

The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

• Helix Dawn: Best for Heavy Stomach Sleepers
• DreamCloud Premier: Best Luxury Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
• Nectar Premier Copper: Best Mattress for Lightweight Stomach Sleepers
• Saatva Classic: Best Mattress for Stomach and Side Sleepers
• Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
• The WinkBed: Best for Multiple Firmness Options 
• Nolah Original: Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
• Brooklyn Signature Hybrid: Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

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.

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Video

Watch this video to hear directly from the Nerds about the best mattresses for stomach sleepers and why.

Best Mattress for Heavy Stomach Sleepers: Helix Dawn

Pros of the Helix Dawn Mattress

Good for couples

High-quality construction

Stays quite cool

Cons of the Helix Dawn Mattress

Not the best choice for side sleepers

Lacks enough pressure relief for folks with joint pain

It’s most important for a stomach sleeper to have a firm mattress that will stop the hips from sinking too low— especially for larger body types that need a durable, quality bed that won’t deplete over time. Look no further than the Helix Dawn. 

The Helix Dawn is a 11.5” thick hybrid model with a five-layer design that takes the unique needs of heavy sleepers into consideration. 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 soft contour around those sensitive pressure point areas. 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 100-night sleep trial, a 10-year warranty, and can be shipped for free throughout the entire 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 Mattress

• Those with heavyweight (> 230 lbs) body types
• Back sleepers
• Stomach sleepers
• Hot sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Helix Dawn Mattress

• Side sleepers under 230 lbs
• Sleepers concerned about motion transfer

What Users Say:

The Helix Dawn has an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Helix website. Negative reviews say that the mattress seems to get softer over time, but the majority positive reviews claim the bed is comfortable and has helped with aches and pains.

Read our full Helix Dawn review to learn more. Looking for more firm options? Check out our guide to best firm mattresses.

Best Luxury Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: DreamCloud Premier

Pros of the DreamCloud Premier Mattress

Great for all average-weight (130–230 lbs) stomach sleepers

Solid durability

Great edge support

Cons of the DreamCloud Premier Mattress

Doesn’t isolate motion well

May sleep too warm for some

The DreamCloud Premier is a medium-firm, luxury hybrid mattress. Stomach sleepers need a bed that’s firm enough to keep your hips elevated while you sleep, and the DreamCloud is supportive enough to keep your spine properly aligned. This is important because if your hips sink low, you may end up with lower back pain.

Another luxurious feature is the DreamCloud Premier’s ability to help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night. Not only does its hybrid construction promote good airflow with its support coil layer, but there is also gel-infused memory foam for additional cooling.

Lastly, as a luxury mattress, the DreamCloud Premier is extremely durable. We think that this mattress should last you between seven and 10 years, making it a great long-term investment.

What our testers say: “While the plush euro top gives the DreamCloud Premier a cushy feel, the foam and coils bounce back and prevent you from sinking very deep into the mattress. I’d describe it as a balance between supportive and cloud-like.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the DreamCloud Premier Mattress

• Back sleepers
• Average-weight (130–230 lbs) side sleepers
• Shoppers who want a hotel-like bed
• Luxury shoppers looking for a long-term investment

Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Premier Mattress

• Couples who are light sleepers
• People who sleep hot
• Lightweight (< 130 lbs) side sleepers
• Heavyweight (> 230 lbs) stomach sleepers

What Users Say:

On the DreamCloud website, this mattress scored a 4.5 out of 5 stars, from 3,630 reviews. Praise is given to the pressure relief and the relief of back pain. However, there were complaints that it was too firm and sleeps hot.

Read our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review to learn more. Interested in other luxury options? Check out our best luxury mattresses guide to find your perfect night’s sleep. 

Best Mattress for Lightweight Stomach Sleepers: Nectar Premier Copper

Pros of the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

Easy to move around on

Relieves pressure well

Great for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers

Cons of the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

Saggy edges

Bad for heavyweight (over 230 lbs) sleepers

Stomach sleepers who are of a more petite, lightweight body type will love this medium-firm bed, which they will slightly sink into while staying lifted in the hips. Although it is standard practice to recommend a firmer mattress for stomach sleepers, this option will work as a “best of both worlds” scenario for smaller body types that will stay atop the 4” comfort layer, while maintaining their neutral spinal alignment. 

The Nectar Premier Copper is made entirely of foam, and is equipped with high-quality cooling features and great pressure relief. This makes it a great option for stomach sleepers in this situation because the cooling copper materials will feel amazing to the touch of your face and body and provide pressure relief for your neck and hips as they lay against the surface. 

The Nectar Premier Copper comes with a 365-night sleep trial, as well as a lifetime warranty, and free shipping to the contiguous United States! If you order from Alaska or Hawaii, you will be charged an added shipping fee. 

What our testers say: “We can only recommend this mattress for lightweight stomach sleepers. Any stomach sleepers over 130 lbs should consider other options, as the Nectar Premier Copper will likely be too soft for them.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

• Back sleepers
• Combination sleepers
• Memory foam lovers

Who Might Not Like the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

• Stomach sleepers
• Those who sleep near the edge of their mattress
• Budget shoppers

What Users Say:

On the Nectar website, Nectar mattresses and products scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars, from 55,662 reviews. Many customers said that they finally got restful nights of sleep with their Nectar mattresses. However, there are complaints about the customer experience and service.

Read our full Nectar Premier Copper mattress review to learn more.

Best Mattress for Stomach and Side Sleepers: Saatva Classic

Pros of the Saatva Classic Mattress

Easy to move around on

Sleeps cool

Long longevity

Cons of the Saatva Classic Mattress

Does not isolate motion well

Not the most budget friendly option

The Saatva Classic is a star among innerspring 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 (4), Luxury Firm (6), and Firm (7.5), and you can choose from 11.5- and 14.5-inch profiles, meaning should fit both stomach and side sleepers.

That said, it’s a fairly responsive mattress which may not be ideal if you wake easily at the movements of a partner. However, the bouncy feel of the Saatva can 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.

Additionally, hot sleepers should definitely find something to love with the Saatva. In fact, we think that it’s one of the best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers, because its dual coil layers do an excellent job at promoting airflow.

What our testers say: “We tested the Luxury Firm version of the Saatva—the middle-of-the-road option. While definitely better for stomach than side sleeping, it does a good enough job supporting side sleepers if you’re someone who switches between the two positions.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Saatva Classic Mattress

• All body types and sleeping positions
• Hot sleepers
• People who toss and turn  
• Luxury mattress shoppers
• People with back pain

Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic Mattress

• Memory foam mattress aficionados
• Couples easily disturbed by movement
• Shoppers on a tight budget

What Users Say:

On the Saatva website, the Saatva Classic mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2, 898 reviews. The reviews praise the customer support and comfort levels of the mattress. However, complaints callout sagging in the mattress after only a year and the need for early replacement.

Read our full Saatva mattress review to learn more. Not interested in the Saatva Classic? Check out our best mattresses for side sleepers for more great options. 

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain: Emma Hybrid Comfort

Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

Relieves pressure for back and stomach sleepers

Sleeps cool

Responsive

Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

Not the best at isolating motion

May be too firm for lightweight sleepers

Stomach sleepers often have a harder time preventing back pain, so they require very good lumbar support for the lower back to keep it from having excess pressure. In our testing, the Emma Hybrid Comfort tested well in pressure relief for most sleeping positions and helped to keep the spine aligned.

The Hybrid Comfort is also on the more affordable side, especially when compared to mattresses with similar features. Emma also stands behind the durability of its mattresses, offering a 365-day sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

What our testers say: “The best mattresses for back pain are responsive, supportive, and durable. With that in mind, I felt like this mattress has everything you could need for helping to prevent back pain.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort

• Stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers should find better support and pressure relief from this mattress than most.
• People living with back pain – Spinal alignment is key to helping to prevent back pain and the Emma delivered.

Who Might Not Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort

• Those who need motion isolation – The extra bit of bounciness may mean you’ll feel a bit more disturbance when there’s movement on the mattress.

Other User Reviews

This is a newer mattress, so Emma’s site doesn’t have many reviews yet, but early customers already rate it an impressive 5 out of 5 stars. So far, users rave about the mattress’ cooling abilities.

If you aren’t interested in the Emma Hybrid Comfort, check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses for more great options.

Best for Multiple Firmness Options: The WinkBed

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

Very durable

Sleeps cool

Great for combination sleepers

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

Doesn’t isolate motion well

Not the best pressure relief

What’s great about a bed with multiple firmness options is that you can likely find a mattress that fits your sleep preferences. And the WinkBed offers just that. It comes in three models: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer.

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 a variety of firmnesses from which to choose, the WinkBed has other great features like temperature regulation, strong edge support, and responsive materials.

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 Mattress

• Hot sleepers
• Combination sleepers
• All sizes of sleepers

Who Might Not Like the WinkBed Mattress

• Light sleepers
• Memory foam purists

What Users Say:

On the Winkbed website, this mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 8, 414 reviews. Reviews stated that this mattress was both comfortable and supportive for them. There were some complaints of pain after sleeping from being too firm.

Read our full WinkBeds mattress review to learn more. For more options, check out our full list of best mattresses.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Nolah Original

Pros of the Nolah Original Mattress

Great for lightweight sleepers

Reasonably priced

Good for couples

Cons of the Nolah Original Mattress

Poor edge support

Bad for heavyweight (over 230 lbs) back and stomach sleepers

The Nolah Original is a medium-firm mattress, or a 6/10 on the 1–10 firmness scale. This means that it’s on the softer side of mattresses for stomach sleepers. It’s more likely to offer good support for lightweight and average-weight sleepers. Heavier people may find more support with a bit more firmness. But for those who like a blend of cushioning and support, the Nolah is a great choice.

As an all-foam mattress, the Nolah has a dense and stable feel. It offers the pressure relief of memory foam without the “hugging” or sinking sensation.

Plus, thanks to its TENCEL cover and AirFoam construction, the Nolah Original keeps you cool while you sleep, which is not always the case with an all-memory foam mattress.

What our testers say: “Stomach sleepers need a mattress to contour to their shoulders, stomach, and hips. However, if the mattress is too soft, your hips will dip too far forward and your spine will suffer. Therefore, stomach sleepers should focus on both firmness and materials when shopping for a mattress. Lightweight stomach sleepers are often very comfortable with a medium firmness level like the Nolah Original.” Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nolah Original Mattress

• Side sleepers
• Sleepers with back pain
• People who sleep hot

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Original Mattress

• Heavyweight sleepers
• Innerspring mattress lovers
• Side sleepers with sensitive joints

What Users Say:

On the Nolah website, this mattress scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviews said that this mattress is the perfect balance between support and softness.

Check out our full Nolah Original review to learn more. Not interested in the Nolah Original? Check out our list of best memory foam mattresses for other great recommendations.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Brooklyn Signature Hybrid

Pros of Brooklyn Signature Hybrid

Three different firmness options

Easy to move around on

Stays cool

Cons of Brooklyn Signature Hybrid

Poor edge support

Unimpressive durability

The Brooklyn Signature is a hybrid mattress that comes in multiple levels of firmness. However, we recommend medium firmness for stomach sleepers. It is built with multi-foam comfort layers including a gel-infused foam and a quilted foam cover for the cushion stomach sleepers need. Its support core is built with a high-density polyfoam base and pocketed coils for support or the torso. 

The Brooklyn Signature is a great choice for stomach sleepers who want premium comfort at a competitive price. The hyper-responsive foam provides exceptional compression support for stomach sleepers while the TitaniumGel™ keeps you cool and comforted all night long.

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 the bed.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Brooklyn Signature Mattress

• Those who want the most bang for their buck
• Combination sleepers 
• Hot sleepers
• Back sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Signature Mattress

• Memory foam mattress purists
• Stomach sleepers with heavier body types
• Side sleepers with sensitive joints

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 Signature Hybrid review to learn more. For more hybrid options, check out our best hybrid mattresses roundup page.

Buyer’s Guide

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! In this buyer’s guide, 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. Then, we’ll discuss ways in which you might be able to mitigate the reported negative effects of stomach sleeping, or even change your preferred sleeping position altogether.

Finding the Right Firmness for Stomach Sleepers

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.

Soft Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

Anything under a 5 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.

Medium-firm Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

A rating between 5 and 7 on the scale lands the designation of medium-firm. 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.

Firm Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

At last, we arrive at the mattresses that are rated above 7 on the scale. These 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.

Best Mattress Materials for Stomach Sleepers

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 have different traits that can play into whether or not they will support your sleeping style.

Memory Foam Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

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. Our list of best memory foam mattresses has some great options that are worth considering!

Latex Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

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. 

If you’re an environmentally-conscious stomach sleeper, take a look at our best latex mattresses page for more inspiration. Or check out our article on latex vs memory foam.

Innerspring Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

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. If this sounds like your cup of tea, give our best innerspring mattresses article a peek.

Hybrid Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

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.

If you still aren’t sold, take a look at our best hybrid mattresses article for more info. 

Performance Factors

Three of the most important fields for mattresses to excel in for stomach sleepers are contouring, pressure relief, and spinal alignment. A mattress that successfully delivers on all of them can help mitigate the lower back pain that plagues so many stomach sleepers.

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 mattress with good responsiveness 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 stymie it.

Everything You Need to Know About Stomach Sleeping

We understand that everyone has their own sleeping preferences, that’s why we’ve created this article to help you choose a mattress that’s best for you. But we would be remiss if we didn’t discuss the fact that sleeping on your stomach is considered the worst position for your body. Sleeping on your stomach hyperextends the back and cranks the neck to one side, putting stress on the back and causing muscle tension in the neck. For more information on sleeping positions, their benefits and their drawbacks, take a look at our article on the best sleeping position.

Therefore, 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. Worried about back pain? Check out our best mattresses for back pain to help support you.

Pros and Cons of Sleeping on Your Stomach

Pros 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 laying 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.

Cons 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 are lying on your stomach, your hips tend to sink into the mattress and cause 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 less 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. This can lead to even more spinal misalignment. Sleeping with your legs straight at a natural angle can help improve spinal alignment.

For more information, take a look at our guide on how to properly sleep on your stomach.

Final Considerations for Stomach Sleepers

We hope you found this article helpful in selecting the best mattress for your needs. As an added bonus, we have some useful tips to share with you so you can have the best night of sleep possible. 

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 sexy, 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.

Sleeping Position Modifications

The main objective of the following exercises is to train yourself to sleep on your back. If you’re open to making a few small modifications, we think it could really improve your sleep and lessen the likelihood of strain. For a comprehensive look, head over to our article on how to train yourself to sleep on your back, or watch our video below.

The key to all of these training mechanisms is persistence. Eventually, with enough practice, your body should adapt to back sleeping. Before long, it may feel more natural than stomach sleeping ever did. And when it does, our best mattresses for back sleepers roundup will surely come in handy!

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers FAQ

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.

Recap: Our Picks for The Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Mattress	Award	Firmness
Helix Dawn	Best for Heavy Stomach Sleepers	8/10
DreamCloud Premier	Best Luxury Mattress for Stomach Sleepers	5/10
The WinkBed	Best for Multiple Firmness Options	Varies
Saatva Classic	Best Mattress for Stomach and Side Sleepers	Varies
Nectar Premier Copper	Best Mattress for Lightweight Stomach Sleepers	5/10
Plank Firm	Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers	7.5/10
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid	Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers	Varies
Bear Original	Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers	7/10
Nolah Original	Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers	6.5/10
Layla Original	Best Mattress for Couples	Varies

Still need help? Take our mattress quiz or check out our reviews of the best mattresses of 2023.

Dr. Tom Ingegno is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.

Loren Bullock

Lead Mattress Tester

About Author

Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

• Certified Sleep Science Coach