Some may sleep on their stomachs periodically, but those of us who do so for the majority of the night are a rare breed, with research suggesting only 16 percent of people stomach sleep on a daily basis. I’m sure my fellow stomach sleepers have noticed the ill effects (think back pain, neck pain, etc.) of a mattress poorly suited to our needs, which is why it’s so important for us to find the right mattress. Luckily, our Sleepopolis experts have tested more than 330 mattresses and products to help determine the best mattresses for all body types and sleep positions, including stomach sleepers.
Before selecting these mattresses, we performed tests on each to determine its performance in areas such as support, cooling, pain relief, and more. Here’s where we paid special attention.
- Support: A bed that’s too soft or saggy could cause your hips to sink out of alignment with your shoulders, which could lead to spinal pain over time.This is what we assess when assigning each bed a support score out of 5.
- Pressure relief: We use a pressure map to test how well a bed relieves pressure, with a color-coded scale showing where it builds up the most in each sleeping position. Based on these results, we rate this bed on a scale of 1 to 5.
- Edge support: This refers to how well the perimeter of the mattress holds up when bearing weight. To test and score this, we sit and lie at the edge of the mattress and record how many inches it sinks.
- Responsiveness: A responsive mattress should feel easy to move around on. We test for responsiveness using weights to see how fast a bed springs back into shape after the weight is removed, and we also ask our testers to switch positions on the bed and record how easy it is to do so.
What we look for in a mattress for stomach sleepers isn’t just based on our personal opinion. We asked Dr Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician specializing in sleep medicine, what stomach sleepers should look for. Here’s what he said: “Stomach sleepers should prioritize a firm mattress with a supportive core to maintain spinal alignment and prevent excessive sinking. Cushioning for pressure relief, edge support, and materials like memory foam or latex are crucial.”
Our Top Pick For Stomach Sleepers
The Helix Dawn is our top pick for stomach sleepers because of its ability to provide both support and comfort. It keeps the hips from sinking too far into the mattress (which can cause back pain), yet is still soft and cozy.
9 Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
- Helix Dawn – Best Overall Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Winkbeds Original – Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Nectar Luxe Hybrid – Best Mattress for Stomach-Sleeping Couples
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Lightweight Stomach Sleepers
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
What I Looked for in the Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
Our testing methodology encompasses a wide variety of performance and preference-based categories. But here are the main three we took into account to find the best beds for stomach sleepers:
- Firmness: Our testers consider a medium-firm mattress to be a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. For stomach sleepers, a firm mattress is typically the best choice, preferably somewhere between 7 out of 10 and 9 out of 10. These mattresses are sturdy enough to prevent the hips from sinking, which can cause lower back pain.
- Spinal Alignment: Without proper spinal alignment, which occurs when the line from your shoulders to hips is crooked, you can wake up with aches and pains. Our testers pay special attention to this when finding the best beds for stomach sleepers. We search for mattresses that are firm enough to keep the hips lifted, as sinking hips can cause the lower spine to fall out of alignment.
- Pressure Relief: Although a firm mattress is best for promoting proper spinal alignment in stomach sleepers, our experts prioritize a balance between support and pressure relief. Beds with zero sinkage can cause pressure to build up at stomach sleepers’ hips. We’ve found that a hybrid or innerspring mattress with sturdy interior layers and cozy top sections can provide both stability and comfort.
You should see beds on this list that scored above-average in each of these categories.
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| Helix Dawn Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nectar Luxe Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Couples |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
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Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers,
Hip Pain, Couples |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
|
Best Mattress Video Review
Helix Dawn – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers Overall
The Helix Dawn is one of the firmest mattresses offered by the company. Its construction provides good comfort for heavy people and stomach sleepers, both of whom need extra support to keep from sinking uncomfortably below the mattress surface. Like the other Helix mattresses, it can be upgraded to the Luxe version if you’re willing to pay a little extra for luxury features. To learn more, check out our video on Helix mattresses.
What our tester says:
“I really appreciate how supportive these mattresses are. Stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and heavy people (those over 250 pounds) could all benefit from the firm feel of this bed. No matter which model you choose, the Helix Dawn really delivers on lumbar support.” Logan Block, former Sleepopolis content director and mattress tester
Out of Helix’s six hybrid mattress models, the Helix Dawn is the brand’s firmest option. We chose this bed as the best overall mattress for stomach sleepers because of its balanced feel and high level of support. As our tester Logan Block put it, “I really appreciate how supportive the Helix Dawn is. Stomach sleepers could really benefit from the firm feel of this bed. It really delivers on lumbar support.” We thought the Helix Dawn did an excellent job of promoting proper spinal alignment, earning the bed its 4.5 out of 5 support score.
WinkBeds Original – Best Hybrid Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Hybrid mattresses combine the coil system from innerspring beds with the plush foams from all-foam beds to create a balanced sleeping experience that prioritizes both support and pressure relief. The WinkBeds Original mattress is an embodiment of this, containing an extra-tall layer of coils that provides tons of lift and support (earning a 4.5 out of 5 in this category). Our expert tester Nichole noted, “This bed could work well for stomach sleepers.” But since the WinkBed comes in multiple firmnesses, she also said, “If you’re a stomach sleeper looking for an extra-firm mattress, you might want to opt for the Firm model. But either way, your hips should stay aligned with your shoulders.”
Nectar Luxe Hybrid – Best Mattress for Stomach-Sleeping Couples
The Nectar Luxe Hybrid is a supportive and comfortable bed with a medium-soft feel that works well for all three sleeping positions. It also provides a cool sleep experience, thanks to breathable coils and a specially made cooling cover. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“Back sleepers and side sleepers should enjoy the cushioning comfort the top foams of the Luxe Hybrid offer. Combination sleepers or anyone looking to easily move around on their mattress should appreciate the bounciness of this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
If you share the bed with a partner, you may want a mattress with features and construction geared toward making it more comfortable for you both, especially in the areas of motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling. I picked the Nectar Luxe Hybrid as the best mattress for couples because it scored 4.5 or higher in all of these categories. It’s also supportive enough for stomach sleepers, as our expert tester Nichole quite enjoyed the bed in this position, and gave it an overall support score of 5 out of 5.
Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Sometimes even the firmest mattresses on the market can be disappointing for stomach sleepers. This isn’t the case with the Plank Firm. This flippable firm mattress comes in at a 7.5 out of 10 on one side, and 8 out of 10 on the other. Both offer a truly extra-firm sleep experience, which is sure to keep stomach sleepers lifted and aligned on this bed’s surface. Our editor Bridget Chapman praised the bed’s flippable construction, saying it “makes it feel like you’re getting two beds for the price of one, and also offers different levels of firmness, which is perfect for people who sleep on their stomach.”
Saatva – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
I’m a stomach sleeper, and I also happen to sleep on a Saatva every night. This luxury innerspring comes in three firmness options, with my favorite being the middle-ground Luxury Firm. I think this model is an especially good fit for stomach sleepers with back pain, due to its firmness and having multiple features that promote spinal stability: two coil layers, a pressure-relieving lumbar crown, zoned support, and even a spine-aligning wire located within the mattress’s support layers. It’s not difficult to see why we gave this bed a perfect 5 out of 5 support score.
Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Stomach sleepers, you might be surprised to know that we are prone to overheating because of our prone position. The Nolah Evolution Hybrid is a great cooling mattress to tackle this problem, and it comes in a Firm option for extta support (for which the bed earned a 4.5 out of 5). My fellow tester and senior content writer Sosha Lewis owns a Nolah Evolution and couldn’t say enough about its cooling capability: “The Evolution’s cooling factors are a godsend. Before getting it, we kept our bedroom so cold that I’m certain we could have stored dead bodies in it. Now, we can keep our room at a temperature where I don’t think I may freeze to death.” Its breathable, open-celled foams, ArcticTex cover, and ventilated gusset all contribute to the bed’s 4.5 out of 5 cooling score.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
The Bear Elite provides a sumptuous mix of cushioning support, thanks to its hybrid construction. If you don’t believe me, hear our expert tester Nichole’s opinion: “Despite the mattress’s softness, I felt supported on the Bear Elite Hybrid while lying on my stomach. My hips were lifted and aligned with my shoulders, helping me maintain a neutral spinal alignment. ” This hybrid comes in multiple firmness options, so you can choose between Soft, Medium, and Firm. We’d recommend Medium or Firm for stomach sleepers looking for a bit of pressure relief to add to their feeling of lifted support, two categories in which the Bear Elite received a 4.5 of 5 score.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress for Lightweight Stomach Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Because they don’t press into a mattress’s layers as much (and thus don’t get a lot of contouring), lightweight stomach sleepers need a supportive mattress that isn’t too firm. In fact, they usually fare better on a medium-firm bed. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is one such mattress, earning a 4.5 out of 5 in support and pressure relief, as well as a reasonable 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale (the industry standard for medium firm). As our editor Bridget Chapman described it, “I really like how the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels. It allows for all kinds of sleepers, but especially stomach sleepers who need that support, to find the right fit for them.” Lightweight sleepers may prefer the Medium model (which is the one we tested), as it’s supportive enough to prop the hips up and promote spinal alignment while still offering a soft, comfortable sleeping surface.
Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Eco-conscious stomach sleepers, I have the organic mattress for you. The Birch Natural is a latex hybrid made with natural components, like an organic cotton cover and organic wool, which combine to make a super-lifted, super-green sleep experience. We gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for its quality of materials. Our senior staff writer and tester Sosha further praised the bed’s construction, saying, “The responsive, organic latex used in the Birch Natural makes it great for sexually active couples, hot sleepers, and eco-warriors.”
Other Mattresses I Considered
There are a lot of mattresses out there that can work for stomach sleepers, but we only have so many spots on this list. Here are some beds that we liked, but didn’t quite make the cut this time around:
Cocoon Mattress
The Cocoon (created by Sealy) is that rare all-foam mattress that still has enough firmness and support for stomach sleepers. That’s because it has an exceptionally thick base layer of poly foam that gives us the lift we need to keep our hips from bowing too far into the bed and throwing our spine out of alignment. It also sleeps very cool for a memory foam mattress. Read our full Cocoon mattress review.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
An even more luxurious upgrade of the original DreamCloud, the DreamCloud Premier has soft memory foam up top and firmer foam below that gradually transitions to a sturdy layer of coils. All of these materials should give most stomach sleepers the support they need (heavy sleepers and stomach sleepers struggling with back pain are the exceptions). As a bonus, the Premier comes outfitted with a cozy cashmere cover. Read our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review.
Purple Mattress
The Purple mattress is known for its unique honeycomb-shaped grid. The little squares work together to give you support until a certain amount of pressure makes them collapse and provide relief. Thank his dynamic feel is an especially stellar fit for lightweight stomach sleepers under 130 pounds, though average-weight stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers will probably need something with a less flexible structure. Read our full Purple mattress review.
How We Picked and Tested These Mattresses
When it comes to deciding on the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, we considered Dr. Raj Dasgupta’s advice: “Personal comfort matters, so a firm mattress with strong support and pressure relief is a good starting point for stomach sleepers.” But what does this mean, truly? Let’s go into detail about how we evaluated each of these categories.
Firmness
Firmness refers to the initial feel when you first lie on a mattress. If the mattress immediately pushes back with a relatively unmoving sleeping surface, most people would consider it firm or very firm. Other mattresses have more of a cloud-like comfort with cushioning that immediately contours around the body. This would be considered plush or soft. A balanced level of pushback, hug, and contour would be considered a medium or medium-firm feel.
We generally recommend that stomach sleepers look for a mattress that comes in between 7 and 9 on the firmness scale, as some research suggests that softer mattresses may negatively impact your sleep quality in this sleeping position. This level should prevent the back from arching out of alignment and keep the hips lifted in line with the shoulders. Anything softer could cause discomfort in the pelvis and lower back. That said, every now and then, a medium-firm mattress of 6.5 could also be a good fit for stomach sleepers. And keep in mind that firmness doesn’t always equal support. More on that below.
Support
After firmness, support may be the most important concern for stomach sleepers. Support describes the uniformity of the mattress surface and the way it conforms to the body. Sound support will help to bolster the lower back, lift the hips, and reduce tension in the neck and shoulders. When stomach sleeping, it’s important to find a mattress that provides support and lift at the hips. If the hips sink too far into the bed, the lower back begins to form a U shape that can lead to pain over time.
We test the support of our mattresses by having our expert testers lie on each mattress we review and consider how supported they feel. They generally look to feel if their backs, hips, shoulders, necks, and heads are supported when laying on the mattress in various positions. This is what we call proper “spinal alignment.”
Spinal Alignment
When a bed properly aligns your spine, it should coax your body into a natural “S curve,” allowing lift and give in all the right places. Though the support of your mattress is an important factor in how comfortably you sleep, Dr. Keith Poorbaugh, a licensed physical therapist and orthopedic clinical specialist, warns that it may not be enough to undo existing sleep posture issues. “I advise clients to avoid stomach sleeping if they are experiencing any type of spinal pain,” he says. “The primary area of concern for stomach sleepers is spinal alignment. Even with proper pillow placement, it’s difficult to maintain a neutral spine position [when] prone.”
If you already suffer from back pain, you might want to avoid sleeping on your stomach. If you’re a dedicated stomach sleeper and want to be as kind as possible to your muscles and joints, make sure you have the right, comfortable mattress.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to the amount of pressure that’s alleviated in various parts of your body when lying on a mattress. As you lie down on a bed in certain positions, you may notice that certain parts dig into the mattress. For stomach sleepers, this will most likely be your midsection or chest. Pressure relief ensures discomfort or pain doesn’t build up in these areas.
To test our mattresses for pressure relief, we lie on a specialized mat that uses thermal imaging to create a “map,” of our body. It shows where pressure can build up across the body when our testers are lying on a mattress. Blue means no pressure, green means little pressure, yellow means moderate pressure, orange means high pressure, and red means very high pressure. You’ll want to look for a mattress with little to no pressure in your preferred sleeping position.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta notes that some things may cause a mattress to be worse at relieving pressure: “This can be due to poor quality, inferior materials, a lack of support, or simply the wrong firmness level for your specific needs.” Take all of these into account when looking for a pressure-relieving mattress.
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
When shopping for a new mattress, there’s a lot to consider beyond whether or not it will accommodate your sleeping position. We’ll go over a few more factors that might affect your final decision.
Mattress Types
Latex
Latex is a responsive material with a slightly spongy feel. The responsiveness of latex can help reduce the “stuck” feeling that may occur with memory foam so that switching positions is easier. Latex is known as a cooler material, making it an effective choice for stomach sleepers who tend to perspire or wake up hot. It’s also a natural material made from the sap of the rubber tree, and may be a suitable option for people with respiratory allergies or concerns about the environmental impact of their mattress.
Latex mattresses generally provide a firmer surface with good support, which can help stomach sleepers maintain proper spinal alignment and reduce the risk of excessive sinking. But if the latex mattress is too firm, it may not offer enough cushioning for stomach sleepers, potentially causing discomfort or pressure points, especially in the chest and pelvis.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses conform to the body and usually offer considerable pressure relief. Though memory foam is known for sleeping hot, recent, more advanced memory foams sleep cooler due to their larger cellular structure. The thickness, density, and firmness of memory foam varies by mattress, brand, and price. In general, changing sleeping positions on memory foam is not as easy as it is with some other mattress materials.
Memory foam mattresses conform well to the body, which can help alleviate pressure points for stomach sleepers and promote proper spinal alignment. However, the material can sometimes cause stomach sleepers to sink too deeply, potentially leading to misalignment of the spine and discomfort in the lower back or neck.
Innerspring
Traditional coil mattresses are made with a structure of steel springs throughout the bed. Coils usually make for a firm, bouncy, and supportive bed that transfers motion easily. Pocketed coils are less likely to transfer motion due to the material that encases each individual coil.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses achieve support and firmness using a variety of materials instead of just one. They can be made of various blends of latex, memory, other synthetic foams, coils, or something else. They’re also available in any firmness level, from soft to very firm.
Hybrid mattresses offer a balance of support and cushioning, providing the firmness needed to maintain proper spinal alignment for stomach sleepers while still giving them some contouring comfort in your hips. Depending on the specific hybrid mattress, stomach sleepers might experience varying degrees of sinkage or pressure points if the top layer is too soft, potentially compromising spinal alignment and causing hip and back pain.
Body Weight
Body weight is also a factor when choosing a mattress. As Dr. Raj Dasgupta noted, “Your body type can directly influence how you experience the firmness or feel of a mattress. Lightweight sleepers should generally find mattresses firmer than average, while heavyweight stomach sleepers may find them softer than average.” We recommend that stomach sleepers of average weight consider a medium-firm mattress (a 6.5 on the scale) or a firm mattress (a 7 or higher). A medium-firm to firm hybrid mattress with a supportive base and minimal contouring is often ideal for maintaining proper posture and reducing discomfort.
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
For heavier stomach sleepers, we recommend an extra-firm mattress to prevent them from sinking too deeply into the bed and exacerbating joint and muscle strain. Lightweight sleepers, on the other hand, may prefer something on the medium side. Mattresses in this firmness range will be soft enough for these folks to feel comfortable without sinking excessively.
Cooling
Stomach sleepers tend to naturally sleep warmer because of the trapped heat coming off of the stomach. When testing mattresses for stomach sleepers, we first look at the construction of the bed. We keep an eye out for breathable materials, coils, gels, and covers that will help keep you cool.
We also use a thermal gun to measure the change in temperature after our testers lie on the mattress for several minutes. We consider a 10-degree change or less to be good cooling, and a change of 5 degrees or less to be great cooling.
Edge Support
If you’re a stomach sleeper who tends to gravitate toward the edges of your mattress, you’re going to want to look for a bed with solid edge support. Edge support refers to the strength and support the edges of your mattress provide. Good edge support allows you to use more of the mattress because you won’t worry about rolling off in the middle of the night. Also, those needing assistance getting out of bed need firmer edges to help them up. This may apply to seniors and other people with mobility issues.
We measure edge support by sitting and lying on the edges of a bed, and using a yardstick or tape measure to measure the amount of sinkage in the bed’s layers. This also factors into our durability score for the mattress, as Dr. Raj Dasgupta noted, “You should prioritize thick materials and look for reinforced edges that show a mattress won’t sag.”
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the amount of movement that’s felt across the mattress when you move across the mattress. This is especially important if you’re a stomach sleeper who shares a bed with a partner, kids, or any pets.
In the studio, we test for motion isolation by using a ball-drop test. This involves dropping steel balls from various heights and using a seismograph to measure how much movement is felt when the ball is dropped and when our testers toss and turn on the bed. The larger the waves on the graph, the worse this mattress will perform for motion transfer and isolation.
Price
Price is also important to consider when buying a mattress for stomach sleepers. Most beds will cost you anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars for a queen size, depending on their construction and quality. For reference, the mattresses in this roundup range from $1,319 to $2,499 for a queen mattress (before discounts or coupons). We’d generally say that anything under $1,000 for a queen-size mattress is a great deal, but that doesn’t always mean you’re getting a quality product. Take a look at our overall value score for whether or not a bed’s worth its money — or take into account other reviews about how durable or comfortable the bed is.
Company Policies
Beyond the mattress itself, we always recommend checking out the manufacturer’s fine print to get your money’s worth. Familiarize yourself with the brand’s return policies, trial periods, and warranties. Most online mattress brands will allow you to sleep on their beds for months (sometimes even up to a year) before the mattress is ineligible for returns. This means that you have the opportunity to “try before you buy,” so long as you decide in time.
A mattress warranty not only lets you know how much return you can get on your investment, but it also allows you to get a feel for how long your bed will last. The typical 10-year warranty for a mattress coincidentally lines up with the standard mattress longevity of 5 to 10 years. Most brands will offer warranties beyond this timeframe, sometimes even lifetime warranties.
FAQs
What type of mattress should a stomach sleeper use?
Stomach sleepers should use firm mattresses, often with strong support cores of memory foam or innerspring coils. We’d recommend hybrid mattresses with thinner, firmer comfort layers or a firm all-foam mattress. Some latex beds may also provide the firmer support these sleepers need.
How can I avoid sleeping on my stomach?
If stomach sleeping is causing neck or back strain, you may want to break the habit. Try sewing a tennis ball into the front of your shirt or positioning your pillow around your body to keep you on your back or side. Try a supportive pillow that cradles your neck and head and makes it more difficult to sleep on your stomach.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for stomach sleeping?
We generally recommend a bit of a firmer mattress for stomach sleeping. Something between a 6.5 and 8 on our firmness scale should provide you with enough support to keep your spine aligned and relieve pain while still being comfortable and cushioned enough to contour your body. A mattress that’s too soft may cause more pain over time if you sleep on your stomach.
What is considered the best position for sleeping?
Sleeping positions are a matter of personal preference, but back or side sleeping is typically the most comfortable and conducive to a neutral spinal alignment.
What mattress firmness level is best for stomach sleepers?
Generally, stomach sleepers are going to want a firm mattress. That way, the hips remain lifted and the back won’t sink out of alignment.
Is it okay to sleep without a pillow?
Sleeping without a pillow or with a flatter pillow may actually be best if you sleep on your stomach. The less you lift your head while sleeping on your stomach, the less you arch your neck, which helps to lower the risk of back and neck strain.
Is it healthier to sleep on a firm mattress?
A mattress is a good fit for you if it’s comfortable, doesn’t cause or worsen aches and pains, and promotes a good night’s sleep. When sleeping on a firm mattress, the bones can absorb most of the pressure and put less stress on joints and muscles. A firm mattress may be better for back and stomach sleepers, while a slightly softer mattress might be the best choice if you sleep on your side.
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper
Sources
Slide show: Sleeping positions that reduce back pain. Mayo Clinic. May 5, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/multimedia/sleeping-positions/sls-20076452?s=3
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