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Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
We’ve recently re-evaluated our picks for the best mattresses for stomach sleepers and added extra information from our testers in the lab. You can rest assured we’ve personally tested every bed on this list and found each one to be supportive and comfortable while stomach sleeping.
Some of us may sleep on our stomachs periodically, but those who do so for the majority of the night are a rare breed, with some research suggesting only 16 percent of people stomach sleep on a daily basis. Physical therapist and Sleepopolis Expert Network member Dr. Keith Poorbaugh tells us that the position can also be tricky when it comes to your health, and stomach sleepers may experience increased neck, back, shoulder, and hip pain. This is why it is so important for stomach sleepers to find the right mattress, and our Sleepopolis experts have tested over 300 mattresses and products to help these folks find the best mattress for stomach sleepers.
While selecting these mattresses, we performed tests on every single one to determine its quality of execution in areas such as support, cooling, pain relief, and more. For stomach sleepers, we paid special attention to support, since these folks need the firmest and most supportive beds that encourage a healthy spinal alignment. Something that’s too soft or ends up losing its shape in the middle of the night could throw the spine out of alignment.
Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers of 2024
Helix Dawn– Best Overall Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Saatva – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
Stomach sleepers should focus on finding a mattress with plenty of lift to prevent their hips from dipping below the shoulders and forming a U shape, which can lead to lower back pain over time.
According to a study by Anna’s Linens, 16% of the population sleeps on their stomach.
The mattresses in this roundup range from $1,319-$2,499 for a queen mattress (before discounts or coupons).
On stomach sleeping, Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta says, “stomach sleepers should prioritize a firm mattress with a supportive core to maintain spinal alignment and prevent excessive sinking.”
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain
What I Look For In the Best Mattresses 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 an innerspring mattress with sturdy interior layers and cozy top sections can provide both stability and comfort.
Helix Dawn – Best Overall Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Best Overall
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Helix
Helix Dawn Mattress
Firm Feel
Responsive Springs
Coils Promote Airflow
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale – Extended
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value) See Details
You can return your bed after the 30-day “break-in” period and before the trial period ends for a full refund.
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.
Expert Opinion
Out of Helix’s six mattress models, the Helix Dawn is their firmest option. I chose this bed as the best overall mattress for stomach sleepers because of its balanced feel and high level of support. 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. I thought the Helix Dawn did an excellent job lifting the hips in line with the shoulders and promoting proper spinal alignment. The top layers of foam are firm, but they still provide a bit of initial pressure relief that stomach sleepers can appreciate. I also think back sleepers could be quite happy on this bed, especially if they struggle with back pain.
Helix Dawn Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
How the Helix Dawn Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 4/5
If you sleep with a partner or pet, you may want to consider a mattress with low motion transfer. A mattress with low motion transfer is able to absorb motion and isolate it at the source, thus preventing the sleeper on the other side from feeling it. This is especially important if you or your partner tends to toss and turn, or if one of you is a particularly light sleeper. I test motion isolation using a seismometer. I drop a 10-pound steel ball onto one side of the bed from gradually increasing heights. A seismometer on the other side of the bed is able to sense the disturbance and translate the results into a graph. The larger the spikes on the graph, the more likely you are to feel a partner’s movement.
When we take a look at the Helix Dawn’s seismograph, we see pretty average results. I can see some clear spiking that doesn’t quickly dissipate. This mattress has a decent amount of bouncy foam in it, so I’m not surprised that it struggles to isolate motion. I think you’re likely to feel a partner’s larger movements on this bed, especially if you are a light sleeper.
Support 4.5/5
Considering the Helix Dawn is a firmer bed, I wasn’t surprised by the great support it offered. When I laid down on the bed, I felt lifted and didn’t experience too much sinkage. I felt more “on” the bed than “in” the bed. This mattress is packed with firm, high-density foams, such as the Helix Dynamic Foam and High-Grade Helix Responsive Foam. The main support system is a layer of pocketed coils zoned for support. This means their firmness fluctuates depending on where the body needs more or less support. Finally, a layer of DuraDense base foam rounds out the mattress and gives the coils something to bounce off of. Overall, I felt very supported and didn’t experience a ton of sinkage, which is something stomach sleepers can appreciate.
Cooling 4/5
When I evaluate cooling in a mattress, I first take a look at its materials and construction. The main cooling materials are the breathable knit cover and pocketed coils. The coils add space inside the mattress for hot air to flow in and out without becoming trapped. The foams inside aren’t necessarily cooling, so extra-hot sleepers may experience a bit of overheating. I would recommend hot sleepers upgrade to the Helix Dawn Luxe, which includes more cooling features such as a Tencel cover. You can also upgrade the cover to a GlacioTex Cooling Cover at checkout, which can help with further temperature regulation.
I have also begun testing mattresses with a thermal gun, but I haven’t performed this test on the Helix Dawn yet. Stay tuned for those results.
Edge Support 4/5
Edge support refers to how strong the sides of the bed are and whether they are just as supportive as the center of the mattress. Strong edges can appeal to couples or sleepers who like to spread out, as they allow the sleeper to use the entire surface area of the bed and can make it feel larger. Edge support is also important for people with mobility issues to pay attention to, as these sleepers often rely on strong edges when getting in and out of bed. Finally, strong edges can help indicate durability and whether the bed is prone to premature sagging.
I was happy with the edge support on the Helix Dawn. This bed contains two reinforced edges to help prevent premature sagging. The pocketed coils also add structure to the mattress and help prevent the layers from collapsing over time. I think couples could appreciate the strong edges on this bed.
Pressure Relief 3.5/5
I test pressure relief by rolling a specialized mat onto the surface of the mattress and then laying on it in all sleeping positions. The mat is able to sense where pressure is building on my body and translate the results into an easy-to-read graphic using thermal imaging. Areas displaying blue and green indicate low pressure buildup, and areas displaying yellow and red indicate high pressure buildup.
When it comes to stomach sleeping, the Helix Dawn is a dream. The bed is firm enough to keep the hips lifted in line with the shoulders, thus preventing back pain. I think back sleepers could also appreciate this bed’s firm support, especially if they have preexisting back pain. However, I think this mattress is a bit too firm for strict side sleepers, as they may experience some pressure building at the hips and shoulders. Remember, this mattress is Helix’s firmest model, so I’m not surprised that it’s more supportive than pressure-relieving.
Helix Dawn Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$1,332 (before discounts)
Firmness
Firm
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Height
11.5″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Customer Reviews
Shoppers have positive things to say about the Helix Sleep Quiz, which is a 30-second quiz to determine which Helix model is best for shoppers’ individual needs. Customers say that even if their mattress ended up not being the best fit, it was easy to exchange their mattress for a better Helix option.
Helix Dawn Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$1,332 (before discounts)
Shipping
Free Shipping
Sleep Trials
100 nights
Warranty
10 Year Warranty
Height
11.5″
Helix Company Information
Customer Service Information
Phone: Available 11 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday at 831-777-5976
Helix offers several forms of payment on their website through Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express as well as Google Pay, PayPal, Shop Pay, and Amazon Pay. You can also finance their mattresses through the Affirm financing program.
Helix also offers a 30 percent off site-wide + two free pillows discount to military members, first responders, students and teachers.
Like what you see in the Helix Dawn? Get our best deal here. For more, take a look at our full Helix Dawn mattress review. You can also look at other choices on our best mattresses page.
Saatva– Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Back Pain
Best for Back Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm.
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend the Saatva HD.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
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.
Expert Opinion
The Saatva Classic is a traditional innerspring mattress that features not one, but two layers of supportive coils. This mattress is consistently featured on our roundups because it’s durable and supportive while still providing a bit of cushioning for optimal comfort and pressure relief. I also found great bounce and responsiveness on this bed, making it a good choice for seniors and combination sleepers. The Saatva comes in three firmness options – Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. For stomach sleepers, I would recommend the Luxury Firm or Firm model, as these will provide more support at the hips and promote the best spinal alignment. If you’re a stomach sleeper who struggles with back pain, I would recommend the Firm model. This model should provide the most support at the hips and prevent the spine from dipping out of neutral alignment.
Saatva Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
How the Saatva Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 3/5
The Saatva Classic is a bouncy, innerspring mattress with a coil-on-coil construction. Since the bed contains two layer of coils, I wasn’t surprised by the lack of motion isolation. This bed doesn’t contain a lot of foam, which can usually help absorb motion and prevent it from traveling. Looking at the seismograph, I see some harsh lines. These aren’t awful results, and I’ve definitely seen worse. However, restless sleepers may want a bed with lower motion transfer to prevent disturbing their partner.
Support 5/5
The Saatva mattress has outstanding support that stomach sleepers can surely appreciate. We know coils help make a mattress supportive, and the Saatva has not just one coil layer but two coil layers. I could feel these coils working to lift my body up and out of the mattress. In between the coils is a layer of memory foam zoned for support. The memory foam comes with Saatva’s Spinal Wire for additional support and spinal alignment. I felt super supported on this mattress, which is why it earned 5 out of 5 stars in this category.
Cooling 4.5/5
As I mentioned earlier, coils add space inside the mattress for hot air to flow in and out without becoming trapped. Since this bed has two layers of coils, it’s extra breathable. Memory foam tends to trap heat, but this mattress doesn’t contain a lot of foam, thus eliminating this issue.
I also tested the Saatva using my thermal gun. I first record the initial temperature of the bed and then lay on it for five minutes. Then, I record the bed’s temperature again and see how much the temperature increased. If it heats up more than 15 degrees Fahrenheit, we consider it to have poor cooling capabilities. 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, and less than 5 degrees indicates excellent cooling. When I performed this test on the Saatva, I found a temperature increase of 9.3 degrees. This indicates good cooling, so I think it could be a good choice for hot sleepers.
Edge Support 5/5
The Saatva has some of the best edge support I have ever seen in a mattress, which isn’t something I say lightly. When I placed my entire weight on the edge of the bed, there was little to no sinkage at all. I used a yardstick to measure exactly how much the layers collapsed and found less than half an inch of sinkage. These are excellent results, and I think sleepers with mobility issues could be happy with this strong support.
Pressure Relief 4.5/5
I tested pressure relief on Saatva’s Luxury Firm model. When we take a look at the pressure map, we see mostly blue and green in all sleeping positions. The Saatva’s pillow top adds some cushioning around the hips, shoulders, and lower back, thus helping prevent pain. For stomach sleepers, I would recommend the Luxury Firm or Firm model. If you’re a stomach sleeper who experiences back pain, you may prefer the Firm model. This bed will offer extra support at the hips to prevent the lower back from bending unnaturally.
Saatva Mattress Specs
Material
Innerspring
Price (Queen)
$2,095 (before discounts)
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Height
11.5″ or 14.5″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Customers Reviews
Shoppers say that both in-store and online customer service experiences have been more than satisfactory, from the knowledge level to the response time of Saatva representatives.
Saatva Company Information
Customer Service Information
Hours of Operation:
9 a.m.–9 p.m. EST, Monday to Sunday
Contact Information:
Phone: 888-728-2885 Email: support@saatva.com Live Chat: Available on their website
Showrooms:
Visit their website for showroom locations.
Payment Options
Saatva accepts a variety of payment methods, including PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, and offers financing options through Klarna.
Additionally, Saatva provides a 10 percent discount for military members.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
Price
$1,149–$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the WinkBed
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a traditional, supportive feel
The WinkBed has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice for couples
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.
Expert Opinion
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 contains an extra-tall layer of coils that provide tons of lift and support. When I slept on my stomach, I could feel these coils working to prop my hips in line with my shoulders, thus placing my spine in a straight line. I also really enjoyed the plush Euro pillow top, which added some cushioning around my hips and shoulders to prevent too much pressure from forming. The WinkBed comes in three firmness options, and I would recommend the Luxury Firm and Firmer models to stomach sleepers.
WinkBed Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
How the WinkBed Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 4/5
Looking at the WinkBed’s seismometer test results, I think it had average motion isolating abilities. The WinkBed contains coils, which make it hard to isolate motion to just one area. The pillow top and top layer of foam help absorb a bit of motion and prevent vibrations from traveling too much. However, I think you’re still likely to feel larger movements from a partner, such as getting in and out of bed.
Support 4.5/5
Although it’s a hybrid bed, the WinkBed’s support system feels very similar to a traditional innerspring mattress. The mattress contains an extra-tall layer of coils that feature multiple support zones. Throughout these zones, the coils’ firmness fluctuates depending on the part of the body they’re supporting. When laying on the WinkBed, I felt incredible support from the coils. I didn’t feel a lot of sinkage and felt more “on” the bed than “in” the bed. I could feel my body being lifted, and my hips felt very supported when sleeping on my stomach.
Cooling 4.5/5
The extra-tall layer of coils inside the WinkBed brings a lot of breathability and airflow to this mattress. Further cooling is supplied by the Tencel cover, which is a natural material derived from eucalyptus that helps with temperature regulation. I could also feel some cooling from the gel-infused Euro pillow top. Gel is one of my favorite cooling infusions in mattresses because it helps draw heat away from the body.
When I tested this bed using my thermal gun, I found a temperature increase of 7 degrees after laying on the bed for five minutes. This indicates good cooling abilities, and I personally thought the Tencel cover made the bed cool to the touch. If you’re a hot sleeper, I think this bed could help prevent sweating and overheating.
Edge Support 4/5
The WinkBed has solid edge support. When I sat and lay directly on the bed’s edges, I felt lifted and secure. I didn’t feel like I was about to slip off the bed, so I think couples should be able to use the entire surface of the bed without issue. I used a yardstick to measure the sinkage and found less than half an inch, which is very good.
Pressure Relief 4.5/5
I tested pressure relief on the Luxury Firm model of the WinkBed. When I lay on the bed, I felt my weight being evenly distributed thanks to the zoned support coils. When stomach sleeping, I felt pressure relief at my hips and shoulders from the Euro pillow top. However, I didn’t find too much sinkage, which allowed my hips to remain in line with my shoulders. If you’re a stomach sleeper, I would recommend the Luxury Firm or Firm model for the best support and pressure relief.
WinkBed Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$1,799 (before discounts)
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Height
13.5″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Customer Reviews
The customer reviews on the WinkBeds website often praise this mattress for its ability to alleviate their pain, especially around the lumbar region. Many users stated that their back pain completely went away after sleeping on the WinkBeds Original for only a couple of months.
WinkBeds Company Information
Customer Service Information
Hours of Operation:
9 a.m.–9 p.m. EST, Monday to Sunday
Contact Information:
Phone: 844-684-1468 Email: support@winkbeds.com Live Chat: Available on their website
Showrooms:
Visit their website for showroom locations.
Payment Options
WinkBed accepts various payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and offers financing options through Klarna. They also provide a 10 percent discount for military members.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Emma
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Firm Mattress
Cooling
Emma Airgocell Foam
Hybrid
365-night trial and 10-year warranty
Free shipping
Exclusive Black Friday Sale
Use BLACKFRIDAY10 to get an additional 10% off See Details
Hybrid, meaning it uses both foams and coils in its construction.
Firmness
We rated this bed as a 7.5 out of 10, meaning it is significantly firmer than average.
Price
$739–$1,499 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool, thanks to breathable coils and foams enhanced for cooling.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers, thanks to a firm and supportive feel.
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for stomach sleepers of all sizes, as it is firm enough to keep their hips lifted up for spinal alignment.
Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
Great motion isolation makes it a good choice for couples
A bouncy feel makes it easy to move around on
An airy hybrid construction keeps the mattress cool
Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
Too firm for side sleepers, who won’t receive adequate pressure relief on the shoulder and hip. We suggest looking at the best mattresses for side sleepers
instead
Edge support didn’t impress us — you may not feel supported if you sit or lie along the edge. Some of our favorite options for edge support are in our best mattresses that won’t sag roundup
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free returns within the 365-night trial period
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a firm mattress with a durable hybrid construction. It works well for heavyweight stomach and back sleepers, as it provides enough support to keep these sleepers’ spines in neutral alignment. In addition to making it a good choice for heavier people, the Emma Hybrid Comfort’s design also gives it nice breathability and responsiveness, meaning it stays cool as you sleep and is easy to move around on.
Expert Opinion
When I evaluate a mattress for co-sleeping, I typically pay close attention to four categories: motion isolation, cooling, edge support, and responsiveness. As you’ll read below, the Emma Hybrid Comfort has some of the best motion isolation I’ve seen, especially for a hybrid bed. If you tend to toss and turn at night, this bed can help prevent your partner from feeling the disturbance. Cooling is also important because two bodies overheat quicker than just one. Luckily, I found good cooling abilities in the Emma. Strong edges can also make a mattress feel bigger and allow both partners to spread out. I think the Emma has strong edges that couples can appreciate. Finally, responsiveness in mattresses makes it easy to switch positions, therefore making it a good bed for sex. The Emma is a very responsive mattress that’s easy to move around on. Overall, the Emma Hybrid Comfort makes a great choice for stomach sleeping couples.
Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
How the Emma Hybrid Comfort Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 5/5
I gave the Emma Hybrid Comfort 5 out of 5 stars for motion isolation because it has some of the lowest motion transfer I have ever seen. When I take a look at the seismograph, I see tiny lines that are very close together and quickly dissipate. Even when dropping the steel ball from the tallest height, the Emma was able to quickly absorb the motion. I think this bed is an excellent choice for couples, especially if one or both sleepers wake up easily. You’re very unlikely to be disturbed by a partner tossing and turning. I think you’ll even be able to sleep through a person getting in and out of bed.
Support 4.5/5
I think the Emma Hybrid comfort has strong, supportive materials that help keep my body lifted and secure. As a hybrid bed, this mattress contains both foams and coils. The transition layer is made from durable HRX foam, which is very dense and prevented me from sinking too far into the bed. Below is a layer of coils featuring seven different ergonomic zones. Within these zones, the coils are softer and firmer depending on which part of the body they’re supporting. I thought the coils did a great job at providing firm support at the hips and soft comfort at the shoulders. When stomach sleeping, I could feel them propping my hips in line with my shoulders.
Cooling 4/5
The layer of coils inside the Emma Hybrid Comfort adds space for air to flow in and out without becoming trapped. This makes the bed very airy and breathable. I also felt some cooling from the comfort layer, which is infused with gel that draws heat away from the body. Finally, the bed is topped is a lightweight, moisture-wicking cover that’s very soft and breathable.
When I performed the thermal gun test on this bed, I found a temperature increase of 7.7 degrees after laying on the mattress for 5 minutes. This qualifies as good cooling. These results combined with the bed’s construction lead me to believe that hot sleepers could enjoy this bed’s cooling abilities.
Edge Support 4/5
I thought the Emma Hybrid Comfort had good edge support overall. I felt most supported when lying directly on the bed’s edges. These felt secure, and I didn’t feel any noticeable sagging. However, I felt less supported when sitting on the edge and placing my entire weight on one spot. I saw some noticeable sinkage, but I still didn’t feel like I was about to slide off the bed.
Pressure Relief 5/5
When it comes to stomach sleeping, the Emma Hybrid Comfort is excellent. Looking at my pressure map, we can see that this bed is not great for side sleepers – it’s much too firm, thus creating pressure buildup at the hips and shoulders. However, the bed is just right for stomach sleepers, who need that firm support to lift their hips in line with their shoulders. I felt very comfortable while stomach sleeping thanks to the zoned support coils. The coils were firmer at my hips and provided lift, yet they were softer at my shoulders and provided some nice pressure relief. I also think this mattress could help promote spinal alignment in back sleepers while still cushioning the lumbar region.
Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$1,319 (before discounts)
Firmness
Firm
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Height
13″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Customer Reviews
Reviewing customers cheer on the Emma Hybrid Comfort’s ability to stay cool all night long. This can be a really important factor for those who overheat so much that they can’t fall or stay asleep.
Emma Company Information
Customer Service Information
All forms of contact are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. GMT.
Phone: (855) 580-3662
Email: support@emma-sleep.com
Live chat: Available on their website
Payment Options
Emma offers payment through most major credit card companies like Visa, Master Card, and American Express. They also offer payments through PayPal and Apple Pay, as well as financing options through programs such as Klarna, DivideBuy, and Zip.
Plank Firm– Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Best Firm
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Extra-Firm Feel
Flippable Design
Supportive Foams
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping
Winter Clearance
Use code WINTER25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with a different firmness option on each side. We score firmest with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, and the Plank Firm features a Firm side (7.5/10) and an Ultra Firm side (8.5/10).
Price
$749–$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short full, short queen, Olympic queen, short king, RV king
Back pain
Support for those living with back pain.
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Pros of the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm often appears on many of our roundups pertaining to spinal health and back pain.
This mattress is a good choice for couples; it scored 4 out 5 or more for motion isolation, edge support, and cooling.
The quality materials, from its firm cover to its high-density foams, make it an extremely durable option.
Cons of the Plank Firm
Side sleepers won’t receive the proper cushioning or contouring on the Plank Firm. They should look at our best mattresses for side sleepers
instead.
It’s not the best mattress for alleviating joint pain because of its firmer feel — take a look at our best soft mattresses
for alternative options
Shipping
Free within the contiguous US, but $125 for AK and HI
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
There is a $99 return fee.
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.
Expert Opinion
Stomach sleepers generally sleep best on firm mattresses that allow for little to no sinkage at the hips. If you’re looking for the firmest bed on the market, look no further than the Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding. This mattress is flippable, with a firm side and an extra-firm side. The firm side falls at a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, and the extra-firm side falls at an 8 out of 10. The extra-firm side is the firmest I have ever tested in our studio, so I think it’s a great choice for stomach sleepers. Additionally, the Plank Firm has an all-foam construction that can help with pressure relief at the shoulders and lower back. These foams are also very dense and durable, so I don’t foresee premature sagging becoming an issue.
Plank Firm Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
How the Plank Firm Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 4/5
When we look at the Plank Firm’s seismograph, we can see decent isolation. The spikes on the graph aren’t super large, but there are many of them. This means the bed doesn’t do a great job immediately absorbing movement, and those vibrations travel across the bed a bit. Since this bed is made from foam, it does isolate some motion, but I still think you’re likely to feel larger movement from a partner throughout the night.
Support 4.5/5
As a mattress designed to be ultra-firm, I’m not surprised that it’s also very supportive. The Plank Firm contains 7 inches of high-density poly foam that helps keep the bed sturdy. When I lay down on my stomach, I could feel the foam lifting my hips and propping my spine into the proper position. I was also impressed by how durable the foam is, and I think it’s unlikely to sag over time. Although this bed is flippable, I thought both sides provided great support. There’s very little sinkage on this mattress, so I felt more “on” than “in” the bed.
Cooling 4/5
As I’ve mentioned before, foam can sometimes have the reputation of trapping heat. However, you can purchase a cooling panel for the Plank Firm upon checkout. This panel does come at an additional cost, but I think it could be worth it for hot sleepers. When I tried the panel, I thought it helped cool the bed down.
I also tested this bed with my thermal gun and found a 7-degree temperature increase after laying on the bed for five minutes. This qualifies as decent cooling abilities, so I think it could be a nice choice for hot sleepers despite being an all-foam bed.
Edge Support 4.5/5
When I sat on the edge of the Plank Firm, I felt very minimal sinkage. I used a yardstick to measure how much the layers collapsed under my weight and found only two inches of sinkage. When I sat and slept directly on the edges, I thought they felt just as supportive as the very center of the bed. I didn’t feel like I was about to fall off the bed, so I think couples and people with mobility issues could benefit from this mattress.
Pressure Relief 4/5
I think stomach and back sleepers could both benefit from the Plank Firm mattress. Regardless of which side I slept on, I could feel my spine being propped into neutral alignment. This is especially nice for stomach sleepers, as it can help prevent lower back pain. I also felt the foams contouring my lower back when back sleeping on the firm side. I would recommend the extra-firm side to stomach sleepers and the firm side to back sleepers. In general, I wouldn’t recommend this bed to side sleepers, as I can see some pressure forming at the hips on the pressure map when sleeping in this position.
Plank Firm Mattress Specs
Material
Memory foam
Price (Queen)
$749 (before discounts)
Firmness
Multiple firmness options (flippable)
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Height
9″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Customer Reviews
Customers seem to appreciate that the Plank Firm stays firm all night long, as opposed to losing its shape halfway through and throwing the spine out of alignment.
Brooklyn Bedding accepts payments from Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. They also offer financing options through the Affirm and Shop Pay financing programs.
Brooklyn Bedding also offers 30 percent off and free shipping on all orders for military members, first responders, medical providers, educators, and students.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Designed for Athletes
Soft Feel
Luxurious Foams
Hybrid mattress
120 nights
Free shipping
December Deals
Use code DEAL30 for 30% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
As a luxury mattress with many special features, the Bear Elite Hybrid is priced higher. Budget shoppers may want to check out the best cheap mattresses
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
If you return within the 120-night trial period, you can get a full refund.
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
Expert Opinion
As I’ve mentioned before, stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that properly supports their hips and promotes proper spinal alignment. However, not every stomach sleeper prefers a very firm feel. If you’re a stomach sleeper looking for a bit of softness, I recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid. This bed has a soft design that’s very cozy and comfortable while still providing an “on” the bed feel. The mattress comes in three firmness models, but I think the Firm option is best for stomach sleeping. This model allows the sleeper to experience the comfort of soft foams without sacrificing the support they need. I also appreciate the coil-on-coil construction that makes for an ultra-supportive feel that can prevent pain in the hips, back, and shoulders.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
How the Bear Elite Hybrid Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 4/5
Based on my seismometer test results, I think the Bear Elite Hybrid has impressive motion isolation that could make it a good choice for couples. The top layers of foam really put in the work to absorb motion and stop disturbance at the source. The only concerning lines I see come from when I dropped the steel ball from the highest height. This represents someone jumping up and down on the bed, so regular tossing and turning is unlikely to disturb your sleep.
Support 4.5/5
The Bear Elite Hybrid contains two layers of coils that make the bed super supportive. When I lay down in the stomach sleeping position, I could feel the coil layers working together to prop up my hips and promote proper spinal alignment. I also thought the contour layer of zoned support memory foam added additional support. There are five zones within this layer, each featuring a different firmness depending on which part of the body they are zoned to support. Although the foam is soft, it’s still supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
Cooling 4.5/5
With double the coils, this bed has double the breathability and airflow. The bed also contains copper-infused memory foam. Memory foam can be known to trap heat, but the copper infusion helps draw heat away from the body. I thought the Bear Elite Hybrid slept pretty cool, but I found even more cooling when I tested it with the Celliant cover. This cover contains a breathable phase change material that is cool to the touch. However, this cover is not included in the bed and must be purchased at checkout for an additional cost. If you’re a very hot sleeper, I think the Celliant cover could be well worth it.
When I used my thermal gun on this bed, I found a temperature increase of 10 degrees after laying on the bed for five minutes. This indicates good cooling abilities, which isn’t surprising considering how cool I felt sleeping on it.
Edge Support 4.5/5
I was overall impressed with the edge support on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress. When sitting and lying along the sides, I felt lifted and supported. Even when placing my entire weight directly on one spot, I didn’t notice a concerning amount of sinkage. I think people with mobility issues will be able to use these strong edges to facilitate getting in and out of bed.
Pressure Relief 4.5/5
I tested pressure relief on the Medium model of the Bear Elite Hybrid. When sleeping on my back, I saw very little pressure forming at my hips, shoulders, and back on the pressure map. When it comes to stomach sleeping, I would recommend the Firm model. This model provides some soft cushioning at the hips and shoulders, but it’s still supportive enough to lift the hips up and prevent pressure at the lower back. The mattress also comes in a Plush model, which isn’t ideal for stomach sleeping but could be great for side sleeping.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$2,305 (before discounts)
Firmness
Medium soft
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Height
14″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Customer Reviews
A lot of folks are saying that the Bear Elite Hybrid helps ease their back pain, leading to a more restful sleep.
Bear Company Information
Customer Service Information
All forms of contact are available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
Bear offers payment through most major credit card companies like Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. They also offer payments through PayPal, Google Pay, Venmo, and Shop Pay. If you’re interested in paying in installments, they also offer financing options through Affirm and Shop Pay financing programs.
If you’re a military member, first responder, healthcare professional or teacher, you can get 40 percent off on all Bear products.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
ArcticTex Cover
HDMax Support Coils
Hybrid Mattress
120-night Trial and Lifetime Warranty
Free shipping
Winter Sale
35% off all mattresses + 2 free pillows See Details
Hybrid, meaning this bed combines foam and coils in its construction.
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm and rated it as 6.5 out of 10, meaning it is a medium-firm mattress.
Price
$1,499–$3,198 (before any discounts)
Sizes
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleepers
If you overheat while you sleep, this mattress may help you stay cool.
Side Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
Great for couples due to its good edge support and low motion transfer
Works for back sleepers who need good lumbar support
Side sleepers should appreciate the pressure relief
Full refund after 30 days and within the 120-night trial period
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.
Expert Opinion
If you find yourself overheating quickly at night, you may be a hot sleeper. These sleepers should look for mattresses with materials that help with temperature regulation and a construction that promotes airflow. I think the Nolah Evolution is the perfect mattress for hot stomach sleepers. With tall coils, this bed is super airy and allows for lots of airflow. I also appreciate the cooling infusions within the comfort layers that help draw heat away from the body and prevent overheating. I’ll note that the Nolah Evolution is sold in three firmness models, and I recommend the Luxury Firm and Firm models to stomach sleepers. These firmnesses should promote proper spinal alignment in stomach sleepers while still providing soothing pressure relief at the hips and shoulders.
Looking at the Nolah Evolution’s seismograph, I think it could be an excellent choice for anyone sleeping with a restless partner. The lines on the graph are relatively small, and I don’t notice any out-of-control spiking. This bed does have a decent amount of bounce due to the coils inside, but the foam layers help absorb motion and prevent it from traveling to the sleeper on the other side.
Support 4.5/5
I was very impressed with the support on this bed. The main support system inside the Nolah Evolution is a layer of HDMax EcoSupport Coils. When stomach sleeping, I could feel these coils pushing my hips up and in line with my shoulders. This bed also contains two foam comfort layers and a transition layer that add extra support for the sleeper. When testing this mattress, I felt very comfortable and didn’t notice my spine bending abnormally.
Cooling 4.5/5
If you’re a stomach sleeper who overheats at night, the Nolah Evolution could be exactly what you’re looking for. The layer of coils adds a lot of space inside the bed for air to flow in and out without becoming trapped, thus making the bed super breathable. The comfort layers both contain additional cooling technology. The first layer is made with Nolah’s ArticTex fibers designed to keep the foam cool. The second layer is made from Nolah’s AirFoamICE. This foam feels similar to Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam, but this foam contains a graphite infusion that helps with temperature regulation.
I have not tested the Nolah Evolution’s cooling with my thermal gun yet, so stay tuned for those results. However, I’m overall impressed with the bed’s cooling materials and construction, so I think it’s a great choice for hot sleepers.
Edge Support 4.5/5
I think the Nolah Evolution features excellent edge support. The 8-inch layer of HDMax EcoSupport Coils helps keep the bed strong and sturdy, and I didn’t notice a ton of sinkage. These coils are wrapped with Nolah’s Edge-Tech support foam. This foam helps reinforce the edges and prevent them from sagging over time. When sitting and laying on the edges, I thought they felt just as strong as the center of the mattress, and I didn’t feel at risk of falling off.
Pressure Relief 5/5
I tested the Luxury Firm model of the Nolah Evolution. When we take a look at the pressure map, we can see only blue and green when back and side sleeping. In these positions, the foams were able to contour around the sensitive joints and prevent pressure from building. I think stomach sleepers will prefer the Medium or Firm models. These models should be firm enough to support the hips and spine while still providing some soft contouring at the hips and shoulders.
Nolah Evolution Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$2,499 (before discounts)
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Height
15″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Customer Reviews
A lot of shoppers with hip pain note that the comfort layer helps relieve a lot of that pain and pressure.
Nolah accepts payments from Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Shop Pay. They also offer financing through Affirm’s financing program.
Nolah does not offer any additional discounts for groups of people.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Medium-Firm Comfort
Budget-Friendly
Responsive Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
Winter Clearance
Use code WINTER25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
The Medium mattress is too firm for side sleepers
and too soft for stomach sleepers
(though the Soft or Firm model may work, respectively)
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee
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.
Expert Opinion
Lightweight sleepers are individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds. Since these sleepers weigh less, they typically experience beds as firmer than average weight sleepers do. When it comes to lightweight stomach sleeping, I recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. Lightweight sleepers sometimes don’t sink very far into a bed’s layers, but this mattress allows these sleepers to find nice contouring around sensitive joints without sacrificing support. I think the Luxury Firm and Firm models are ideal for these sleepers, as they’re supportive enough to prop the hips up and promote spinal alignment while still offering a soft, comfortable sleeping surface.
How the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 3.5/5
When it comes to motion isolation, I wasn’t impressed by what the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid had to offer. When we look at the seismograph, we can see some harsh lines that indicate high motion transfer. The motion isolation isn’t awful, but it’s not ideal if you or your partner wake up easily. I think you’re likely to feel tossing and turning from a restless partner at night.
Support 4.5/5
What the Signature Hybrid lacks in motion isolation, it makes up for in support. The support layer in this mattress is an Ascension coil system. These coils are slightly bouncy, yet they’re strong enough to lift my body and promote proper spinal alignment in the stomach sleeping position. I think lightweight sleepers will find plenty of support while still enjoying the cozy top layers of foam.
Cooling 4.5/5
I was impressed by this bed’s cooling abilities. The layer of coils inside the BB Signature Hybrid help promote airflow and keep the bed breathable. If you’re a very hot sleeper, you can purchase the optional cooling cover at checkout for an additional price. This cover can help cool your body down even more.
When I performed my thermal gun test on this bed, I found a temperature increase of less than 8 degrees. This qualifies as good cooling, so I’d recommend this bed to hot sleepers.
Edge Support 4.5/5
When I slept directly on the edge of this bed, I felt very secure and stable. I didn’t feel like I was about to slip off the bed, and the edge felt just as supportive as the center of the mattress. I felt a bit more sinkage when sitting on the side of the bed. When I measured the sinkage using a yardstick, I found approximately three inches of layers collapsing. This sinkage doesn’t concern me, and I think couples and solo sleepers alike can spread out and use the full surface area of the bed.
Pressure Relief 4.5/5
The Signature Hybrid’s memory foam layer did a nice job contouring my hips and shoulders when sleeping on my stomach. It’s a firmer mattress, which makes it great for lightweight stomach sleepers who won’t sink into the layers as much as an average weight or heavyweight sleeper would. I see a bit of pressure forming at the hips and shoulders when side sleeping, so I wouldn’t recommend sleeping in that position. I think the Luxury Firm or Firm models are best for back and stomach sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$1,332 (before discounts)
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Height
12.25″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Customer Reviews
Many customers praise the quick and easy delivery process that Brooklyn Bedding offers, which can be really important if you’re looking to get your mattress ASAP.
Brooklyn Bedding accepts payments from Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. They also offer financing options through the Affirm and Shop Pay financing programs.
Brooklyn Bedding also offers 30 percent off and free shipping on all orders for military members, first responders, medical providers, educators, and students.
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 these folks the lift they need to keep their hips from bowing too far into the bed and throwing their 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, but 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 (the exceptions are heavy sleepers and stomach sleepers struggling with back pain). As a bonus, it comes outfitted with a cozy cashmere cover. Read our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review.
Purple mattress:The Purple mattress is known for its unique honeycombed grid. The little squares work together to give you support until a certain amount of pressure makes them collapse and provide relief. This dynamic feel is an especially stellar fit for lightweight stomach sleepers under 150 pounds, although average weight stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers will probably need something with a less flexible structure. Read our full Purple mattress review.
Best Type of Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
A firmer, more supportive mattress may help reduce the discomfort and joint strain of stomach sleeping. But which type of mattress is best for you? Mattress options for people who sleep on their stomachs include the following:
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.
Pro: 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.
Con: 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.
Pro: Memory foam mattresses conform well to the body, which can help alleviate pressure points for stomach sleepers and promote proper spinal alignment.
Con: Memory foam can sometimes cause stomach sleepers to sink too deeply, potentially leading to misalignment of the spine and discomfort in the lower back or neck.
Coils
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 polyurethane foams, coils, or something else. They’re also available in any firmness level, from soft to very firm.
Pro: Hybrid mattresses offer a balance of support and cushioning, providing the firmness needed to maintain proper spinal alignment for stomach sleepers while still giving you some contouring comfort in your hips.
Con: 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.
Pillow Top
Pillow top mattresses may be made of latex, memory foam, hybrid combinations, or other mattress materials. “Pillow top” describes the layer of plush material either filling or affixed to the cover.
Pro: Pillow top mattresses offer an extra layer of cushioning on top, which can provide a plush, comfortable surface for stomach sleepers and help reduce pressure points, especially in their hips.
Con: The added softness of a pillow top can lead to excessive sinking, which might cause misalignment of the spine for stomach sleepers and potentially result in back or neck pain.
Tri-zone Construction
Tri-zone construction utilizes three different levels of comfort to support the lumbar region of the back and align the spine. The upper section of a tri-zone mattress is typically made of a softer layer that cushions and cradles the head and shoulders. A firmer foam is used for the middle zone to support the heavier torso and prevent it from sinking too deeply into the mattress. Making up the lower zone is a medium foam that supports the hips, glutes, and legs.
Worst Mattress Type for Stomach Sleepers
The worst mattresses for stomach sleepers are softer, less supportive, and more prone to sagging under the weight of the torso. Too much sinkage can throw the spine out of alignment and increase muscle and joint pain. To help prevent poor alignment and discomfort, stomach sleepers may want to avoid the following:
A mattress with a deep pillow top. A cushiony outer layer can feel plush and cozy to sink into, but is more likely to cause a painful curvature of the neck and spine. A thick pillow top could also make breathing more difficult.
A mattress made of softer memory foam. Stomach sleepers are more likely to shift and change position during the night, which could be more difficult on a less-firm memory foam.
A hyper-elastic polymer mattress. These mattresses typically have open cells of relatively bouncy material and a resilient feel. Hyper-elastic polymer is responsive, making it easier to change positions, but may not offer the pressure relief and firmness that most stomach sleepers need. That being said, there are exceptions to the rule, such as the Purple Hybrid.
What to Look for in the Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
If you decide to shop for a new mattress in person, you’ll be able to lay on each mattress and compare how they feel. However, it’s important to remember that laying on a mattress for a few minutes is not the same as actually sleeping on it night after night. Even if a mattress feels comfortable in the moment, we still recommend doing some thorough research to ensure it’s compatible with your specific sleep needs in the long run. We also recommend reading the fine print to see which in-store mattresses come with a trial period. Most online mattress brands will allow you to sleep on their beds for months (sometimes even up to a year) before becoming ineligible for returns. When shopping in person, check for trial periods so you can try before you buy. For more about online vs in-store mattress shopping, check out our complete guide.
After reading our picks for the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, you might be wondering exactly how we arrived at these conclusions. Keep reading to understand more about how we test each mattress and what we look for to find the best mattress for people who sleep on their stomachs.
Below, you’ll find our expert opinions on why the firmness and support of the mattress matter, and how to look for these factors when picking out the right mattress for you. These traits should help alleviate pain and keep you comfortable when sleeping on your stomach.
Firmness
Though firmness and support may sound similar, they have different definitions. 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 feel.
We test firmness by using our Sleepopolis firmness scale, which places mattresses between 1 and 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. We consider a medium-firm bed as a true 6.5 on our scale. Stomach sleepers usually do well on a firmer mattress (7 or higher, although some medium-firm beds can work, too). They’ll want to make sure they sink in too much, and that their hips stay aligned with their spine to not create any lower back pain.
Consider Body Weight
Body weight is also a factor when choosing a mattress. A stomach sleeper of average weight might consider amedium-firm mattress (a 6.5 on the scale) or a firm mattress (a 7 or higher). Mattresses in this firmness range will be soft enough to conform to the body without sinking excessively. We recommend an extra-firm mattress for heavier stomach sleepers to prevent from sinking too deeply into the bed and exacerbating joint and muscle strain. A soft mattress can lead to inadequate support for heavy stomach sleepers, potentially causing misalignment of the spine and increasing the risk of back and joint pain. Additionally, it may cause excessive sinking, which can make it harder to move around and result in discomfort or difficulty getting in and out of bed.
In terms of mattress materials, heavy stomach sleepers typically benefit from a firmer mattress, such as those made with high-density foam or innerspring coils, as these materials provide the necessary support to keep the spine aligned and prevent excessive sinking. 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
Spinal Alignment
Though the firmness of your mattress is an important factor in how comfortably you sleep, Dr. Poorbaugh warns that it may not be enough to undo existing sleep posture issues. If you already suffer from back pain, you should 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 mattress.
“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 [discussed below], it’s difficult to maintain a neutral spine position in prone.”
Mattress 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. 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.
To find a bed with solid support, we recommend considering the following:
Firmness doesn’t always equal support, so pay attention to materials and construction. Hybrid beds utilize both foam and pocketed coils, and typically offer the most well-rounded support.
When you try out a bed, make sure your hips and shoulders aren’t sinking out of alignment. Give your body a few minutes to settle before deciding if the support feels right.
Consider zoned support when trying out a mattress. Try thinking about exactly where you experience pain, or might experience pain, and look out for mattresses that have the necessary support in those areas.
Focus less on the comfort layers and more on the support sections. Pillow tops can be tantalizing, but stomach sleepers might need to feel what’s going on underneath.
Pressure and Pain Relief for Stomach Sleepers
Pressure relief refers to the amount of pressure that is alleviated in various parts of your body when lying on a mattress. 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 is relieved 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 to little to no pressure in your sleeping position.
Hip Pain For Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers are particularly prone to hip pain because their hips fall out of alignment with their spine on mattresses that are too soft or lack the necessary support. Because of this, we tested all of the mattresses in this list to ensure they have the necessary support and firmness levels to keep your hips aligned with your spine throughout the evening.
Back Pain for Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers may also experience back pain, as sleeping on your stomach can cause issues with the natural alignment and curve of your spine. Because of this, it’s particularly important that stomach sleepers look out for appropriate levels of firmness and support to help relieve both back and hip pain and keep their spine aligned properly. We generally recommend mattresses on the firmer side, somewhere between a 6.5 and 8 on our firmness scale, which ranks firmness from 1–10.
Cooling
Stomach sleepers tend to naturally sleep warmer because of the trapped heat coming off of their 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 lay on the mattress for several minutes. We consider an 8 degree change or under to be good cooling, and a change of 5 degrees and under to be great cooling.
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 share a bed with a partner, kids or any pets. In the studio, we test for motion isolation by using a drop ball test. We drop steel balls from various heights and use 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.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength and support the edges of your mattress provide. Edge support is important for a couple reasons. Firstly, 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. Secondly, edge support allows you to use more of the mattress because you won’t worry about rolling off in the middle of the night. We measure edge support by lying on the edges of a bed and using a yard stick to measure the amount of sink each mattress has.
Company Policies
Warranties
Warranties are helpful when it comes to finding the right mattress. Each company’s warranty is different, so we recommend reading the fine print. Typically, warranties protect the customer from damages upon delivery or mattress defects. It’s also important to note that warranties give you an idea of how long that mattress should be durable for. We recommend looking at warranties that range from 10–20 years and staying clear of anything under 5 years.
Sleep Trials
A sleep trial will give you a chance to test your new bed in the comfort of your own home and figure out whether it’s suited for you or not. This is especially important for stomach sleepers, as finding the right bed with the right firmness and support can be tricky. Typically, manufacturers offer 60–100 days, but some can allow shoppers to test the mattress for up to a whole year.
Shipping
Every mattress selected on this list offers free shipping with your mattress purchase so you don’t have to worry about that added cost. For an extra fee, however, some mattress companies offer a service called white glove delivery, which involves them hand delivering, setting up the bed, and removing your old mattress. This is a great option if you struggle with any chronic pain or if you’re alone when the mattress is delivered.
Shipping can also be very expensive if you’re purchasing from another country in North America, so we also looked into some of the best Canadian mattresses.
Pros and Cons of Stomach Sleeping
The right mattress can help mitigate some of the cons of stomach sleeping, but may not relieve them entirely. Proper firmness and support are key to sleeping with minimal tension on the neck and spine. Read below to find out more about how to find the right firmness and support for you.
Pros
Cons
Many find this position more comfortable and fall asleep more easily
Can contort and put pressure on the spine because of how the body’s weight is distributed
Lower risk of snoring/sleep apnea because of how the throat and tongue are positioned
Can cause neck, shoulder, and back strain (especially sleeping with both arms raised)
May decrease the likelihood of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease
Muscle and joint strain can cause repeated awakenings during the night, leading to sleep deprivation
Health Risks of Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleeping is known to be one of the least-healthy sleeping positions because it can put pressure on the spine, hips, and shoulders that may cause lasting issues. The angle of your neck may cause neck pain or issues breathing, which can also be problematic. Further, sleeping on your stomach may not be ideal if you’re pregnant.
While changing your sleeping position can be challenging, we recommend starting small. You may want to try falling asleep on your side or back to help slowly transition you into a different sleep style. Doing so may help you avoid some of the health issues associated with stomach sleeping.
Tips To Sleep Comfortably and Relieve Pain When Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleeping can cause certain health and pain-related issues, but if you are a strict stomach sleeper, it may be hard to change your sleeping pattern overnight. Below you can read some tips for improving your sleep while on your stomach, and ways that may make it better for you.
Use a Good Pillow
You can read below for more tips on finding the right pillow for stomach sleepers, but it’s important to remember that a pillow that is too high or bulky can misalign the spine even more than what naturally happens when you sleep on your stomach. We recommend low-lofted and soft pillows that will keep your head comfortable, but not put too pressure on your upper and middle spine.
Make Sure You Have Enough Support Under Your Hips
As we mentioned, hip pain can be an issue for stomach sleepers, as their hips and spine may move out of alignment when they sleep. To avoid this, we recommend finding a mattress that offers solid hip support and an appropriate level of firmness. However, it may also be a good idea to elevate your hips a bit during the night to keep your spine aligned.
Stay Relaxed And Straighten Your Body
Keeping your arms and legs straight and your body relaxed while you fall asleep may help keep your spine aligned. It can also help alleviate pain at the lumbar region.
Alternative Sleeping Positions
Both back and side sleeping will put less pressure on the neck, hips, spine, and shoulders, and are considered healthier sleeping positions. If you try falling asleep in these positions, you may be able to slowly shift your sleep style.
Accessories for Stomach Sleepers
Now that you know what makes a mattress great for stomach sleeping, let’s dive into some sleep accessories and what stomach sleepers should look for.
Pillows
More than almost any other type of sleeper, those who sleep primarily on their stomachs are most likely to gain from effective pillow use.
As Dr. Poorbaugh points out, it’s not just about focusing on the pillow that goes under your head (though that’s important, too), but getting creative with the ones you use along the rest of your body.
“To mitigate the risk of stomach sleeping for articular pain in the shoulder or spine, the best option is to utilize proper pillow support,” he says. “Pillows should be placed under the pelvis and shoulders to maintain neutral spine postures and avoid impingement of the shoulder.”
Research from the Mayo Clinic supports this idea, indicating that the only sure way to ensure proper support for stomach sleepers is to nestle a flat pillow directly under the pelvis. The goal is to manufacture a lift, creating a neutral position for sound sleeping.
Mattress Toppers
If you’re unsatisfied with the feel of your current mattress, adding a mattress topper is a quick and easy way to change that. If you’re a stomach sleeper, we recommend looking for mattress toppers containing firm foam. We’ve stressed the importance of proper spinal alignment throughout this article, and a firm sleeping surface is the best way for stomach sleepers to wake up pain-free. If your mattress isn’t firm enough, your hips can sink into the foam and cause your lower back to form a U-shape. Instead, look for mattress toppers that keep the hips propped up and the spine in a straight line. For more information, check out our top picks for the best firm mattress toppers.
Adjustable Bases
Adjustable bases are bed frames that can raise and lower at the head and legs via a remote or mobile app. These bed frames are typically best suited for back and side sleepers. These bases can have a variety of health benefits. For example, back sleepers with sleep apnea can raise their head to achieve a more optimal angle for breathing. Adjustable bases can also come with a variety of special features, such as massage settings, USB ports, and zero-gravity presets.
These beds are not typically designed for stomach sleepers, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one. Adjustable bases can be used for more than just sleeping. If you like to sit up in bed to read or watch tv, an adjustable base can allow you to lounge comfortably. Adjustable bases are also great for couples, especially split bases that allow each side to be operated independently. If you and your partner have different sleeping positions, a split adjustable base can be a compromise and allow you to only adjust your side of the bed. For our favorite adjustable bases, click here.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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 your arch your neck, which helps to lower the risk of back and neck strain.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for stomach sleeping?
We generally recommend a bit of a firmer mattress. Somewhere 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 flexible with your body. A mattress that’s too soft may cause more pain over time if you sleep on your stomach.
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.
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
Caggiari, Gianfilippo. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. December 2021. https://www.proquest.com/openview/3598c678646b0e82f1820fc1e0d5ffa3/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2034708
Poorbaugh, Keith. Personal interview.
Skarpsno Schjelderup Eivind. Sleep positions and nocturnal body movements based on free-living accelerometer recordings: association with demographics, lifestyle, and insomnia symptoms. Nature and Science of Sleep. July 7, 2017. https://www.dovepress.com/sleep-positions-and-nocturnal-body-movements-based-on-free-living-acce-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSS