Updated January 27, 2023
When choosing the best mattress for stomach sleepers, it’s crucial to keep your personal comfort preferences and sleeping position in mind. For example, stomach sleepers may look for different qualities or properties than other sleepers do. Although not as common as side sleepers or back sleepers, stomach sleepers should still be aware of important factors to consider in a mattress that can better their sleep.
Related: Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Stomach sleeping isn’t the healthiest way to sleep, so choosing a mattress that best supports your stomach and entire front side is crucial to prevent pain and soreness in the mornings. Stomach sleeping can place a strain on your neck and spine. If this sounds like you, then keep reading to find the best mattress for stomach sleepers and look forward to a restful night of sleep again.
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Many side sleepers find themselves gravitating toward mattresses made with innerspring coils. An innerspring mattress system provides stability and just the right level of “bounce,” helping stomach sleepers feel fully supported throughout the night. The classic Saatva mattress excels with its robust coil system, topped with cushioning memory foam and a luxurious pillow top layer.
With its emphasis on high-quality mattress materials, the Saatva is one of our highest-rated mattresses for durability; simply put, it’s built to last, and sleepers can anticipate it holding up for a good 10 years. The Saatva is also noteworthy for offering three firmness settings (plush, luxury firm, and firm), making it easy to find a setting that meets your pressure-relieving needs. (We’d recommend most stomach sleepers opt for luxury firm or firm.)
Finally, the Saatva provides one of the most satisfying customer experiences of any online mattress brand, thanks to its free white-glove shipping and in-room set-up.
Learn more in our Saatva mattress review.
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For stomach sleepers who suffer from chronic back pain, the Helix Midnight Luxe is well worth considering. A hybrid mattress with a medium firmness rating, it impresses us with its pressure-relieving abilities and its overall mix of comfort and supportiveness.
The construction of the mattress makes it easy to recommend to sleepers across the board. Durable innerspring coils give it just the right level of bounce for combination sleepers, and a supportive foundation for stomach sleeping back pain sufferers. A mixture of cooling foam and other innovative, proprietary cooling technologies makes it a comfortable option for hot sleepers, as well.
The Helix Midnight Luxe will also help you maintain a healthy posture throughout the night; that’s made possible by its zoned lumbar support as well as its spinal alignment scores, which are some of the best we’ve ever tested.
Learn more in our Helix Midnight mattress review.
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A pillow top layer can provide that extra level of plushness that some sleepers crave, without necessarily sacrificing overall firmness or support. For stomach sleepers who desire this experience, the DreamCloud is one of the best pillow top mattresses on the market today.
From its incredibly soft cashmere cover to its durable support layer, the DreamCloud is a masterpiece of mattress construction. In fact, its hybrid design is so exemplary that we found the DreamCloud earned almost-perfect scores in nearly every performance category, including edge support, responsiveness, and cooling.
Also note that the DreamCloud offers a number of consumer assurances, including a year-long sleep trial period and an everlong warranty. For stomach sleepers who want to feel really confident in their pillow top purchase, the DreamCloud comes highly recommended.
Learn more in our DreamCloud mattress review.
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Stomach sleepers often prefer their mattresses on the firmer side. This allows them to feel like their hips sink into the mattress just enough, while also feeling like they can maintain a healthy spinal curvature and avoid the feeling of bottoming out. The Brooklyn Signature mattress offers different firmness options: plush, medium, and firm. Each one contains three layers of memory foam and pocket coils, making it one of the best hybrid mattresses. For stomach sleepers, it’s that third, firmest option that’s probably most enticing.
Memory foam and individually wrapped pocket coils make a great combination of pressure-relieving materials which is ideal for stomach sleepers. The high-quality memory foam does an excellent job of resisting body impressions without irritating pressure points. Meanwhile, the coil core is designed to respond to movements smoothly but quickly. These features are important for stomach sleepers who often suffer from back pain because of a sagging or indented mattress.
Finally, note that the Brooklyn Signature is one of the most affordable options for stomach sleepers.
Learn more in our Brooklyn Signature mattress review.
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For stomach sleepers who can’t quite decide how firm a mattress they need, we recommend the Layla. It features unique double-sided firmness so that you can flip your mattress for a soft side or a firm side. For most stomach sleepers, we recommend flipping your Layla to the firm side to give your neck and lower back sufficient support.
Related: The best flippable mattresses
Another unique trait of the Layla mattress is the copper-infused memory foam, making it one of the best memory foam mattresses. Copper is known for helping reduce inflammation in joints and ease pain and stiffness. This is important since stomach sleepers tend to experience pain in the lower back due to misalignment of the spine.
Layla also has a layer made of soft-density foam and porous material. This helps cool the body and dissipate body heat to avoid night sweats. In addition to the soft-density foam, there's a high-density foam meant to provide structure and support in the base of the mattress. All layers in the Layla mattress are sealed in a thermo-gel cooling cover.
Learn more in our Layla mattress review.
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The classic Casper mattress is one of the best memory foam mattresses, period; and, with a medium-firm feel that perfectly balances comfort and support, it works well for stomach sleepers, in particular.
One reason why the Casper has remained so popular for so long is that it’s highly responsive, meaning it adjusts and adapts to the movements of your body during the night. A zoned support layer means it offers targeted pressure relief, helping ease the weight and the strain on your tender areas, such as the shoulders and hips. Phenomenal edge support means the mattress will remain supportive even if you sit on the corner or curl up at the periphery of the bed.
Related: Compare Casper mattresses
Finally, note that the Casper has a durable bottom layer of high-density foam, meaning that stomach sleepers should never feel like they’re bowing into the middle of their bed or sinking to the floor. All in all, this is a memory foam mattress that’s easy to recommend to anyone, including those who sleep on their stomach.
Learn more in our Casper mattress review.
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If you're looking for more bang for your buck, look no further than the Leesa memory foam mattress. The medium-firm mattress is the ideal level of firmness for stomach sleepers. Leesa has three memory foam layers made of quality materials to achieve the right amount of cushioning, contouring, and pressure relief.
Related: The best mattress for the money
The top layer is a cooling foam layer that flows smoothly with the natural curvature of your body without trapping body heat. The middle memory foam layer is designed to hug you in all the right places while providing optimal pressure relief. The bottom layer is made of high-density memory foam that provides a durable base for the entire framework.
All of the layers are quality features for stomach sleepers because they work together to support proper spinal alignment and avoid sagging in the center. You get a lot for your money with the Leesa mattress. Don't believe us? Try it out with their 100-day sleep trial period.
Learn more in our Leesa mattress review.
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We named the Zenhaven mattress the best latex mattress for stomach sleepers. The core of the Zenhaven is crafted with six inches of 100% high-quality, natural Talalay latex. Talalay refers to the way the latex foam is processed. The result is the right balance of bounce and comfort for stomach sleepers.
The Zenhaven mattress has dual-sided firmness. We recommend the gentle-firm side for stomach sleepers rather than the luxury-plush side because it provides more support and buoyancy across the torso and shoulders. This will also help keep your spine aligned, which is essential to avoid back pain for stomach sleepers.
The natural latex foam layers work together to cradle your body in all the right places. Not to mention, latex is naturally resistant to allergens and keeps your body cool. This makes the Zenhaven mattress great for those with allergies and for those who typically sleep hot throughout the night.
Learn more in our Zenhaven mattress review.
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Mattress Name | Quick Overview | Special Offer |
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Saatva |
Material: Hybrid Firmness: Available in plush, luxury firm, and firm Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: Free white-glove delivery and setup Trial Period: 180 nights Warranty: 15-year limited warranty Price: $899-$2,099 |
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Nectar |
Material: Gel memory foam Firmness: Medium firm Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box Trial Period: 365 nights Warranty: Lifetime warranty Price: $499-$999 |
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Helix Midnight Luxe |
Material: Hybrid Firmness: Medium Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.9/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 15-year warranty Price: $995-$2199 |
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DreamCloud |
Material: Hybrid Firmness: Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 9.1/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box Trial Period: 365 nights Warranty: Lifetime warranty Price: $799$1299 |
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Brooklyn Signature |
Material: Hybrid of foam and pocket coils Firmness: Available in plush, medium, and firm Customer Rating: 4.7/5 MA Score: 9.1/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: 10-year limited warranty Price: $599-$1249 |
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Layla |
Material: Copper-infused memory foam; flippable Firmness: Soft side: 4-5/10; Firm side: 7/10 Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.8/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box; delivered in 4-7 business days Trial Period: 120 days Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty Price: $499-$999 |
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Casper |
Material: Memory foam Firmness: Medium Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 9.1/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 10-year warranty Price: $595 - $1295 |
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Leesa |
Material: Memory foam Firmness: Medium-firm: 6/10 Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 9.3/10 Delivery: Compressed and rolled in a box Trial Period: 100 days Warranty: 10-year limited warranty Price: $599-$1299 |
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Zenhaven |
Material: Latex Firmness: Dual-sided: plush and firm Customer Rating: 4.9/5 MA Score: 8.6/10 Delivery: Free delivery and set-up Trial Period: 120 days Warranty: 20 years Price: $1299-$2499 |
MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the mattress’ performance, function, convenience, and the brand’s social responsibility.
Saatva | Nectar |
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In general, stomach sleeping is the worst sleeping position mainly because it leads to neck pain and back pain over time. Luckily, there are some things you can look for in a new mattress that can prevent sinkage in your midsection and relieve pressure points in other areas of the body.
The main mattress quality that stomach sleepers should look for is the firmness level. While you don't need the firmest mattress on the market, it helps to have a mattress with a firm feel. This is to reduce misalignment in the spine. Because of the nature of stomach sleeping, you won't necessarily get proper spinal alignment, so it's important to consider a firmer, more supportive mattress.
One thing to avoid in a mattress for stomach sleepers is a mattress with a deep pillow top. If the pillow top is too thick and cushiony, then your midsection is more likely to sink into the mattress and cause strains in your neck and lower back. However, you still want a nice plush top layer. It's all about finding a happy medium. In the next section, we'll go into detail about the different types of mattresses and other things to consider when you're shopping for a satisfying customer experience.
Part of our job is to educate mattress seekers on shopping considerations so that they can make smart consumer choices. After all, money doesn’t grow on trees! We want to make sure you’re prepared to make the right decision, so we’ve included factors to consider for an overall great shopping experience.
There’s no doubt that the type of mattress you pick affects how well you sleep. You want material that supports your sleeping position and motion throughout the night. Although stomach sleeping isn’t an ideal sleeping position, we know that it’s hard to break habits, and the type of mattress you choose can still provide optimal comfort and support for stomach sleepers. Take a look at the different mattress materials that you should gravitate toward and which ones to avoid.
Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are better for stomach sleepers because it can absorb body weight and transfer pressure away from your hips and your shoulders. It conforms to the natural curves of your body and does a great job of cradling sensitive areas. If you're leaning toward memory foam, look at how it scores for durability as it typically will soften over time.
Innerspring: A traditional innerspring mattress is not ideal for stomach sleepers. As your stomach sinks into the mattress, your hips and shoulders will feel harsh pressure against the innersprings. This mattress type also doesn't contour and conform to your body well, so you'd suffer from other joint pain the next day.
Latex: Latex mattresses have a slightly spongy feel, but that's exactly what makes it super responsive to help lessen the "stuck" feeling you might encounter with memory foam. Stomach sleepers will appreciate the way latex conforms to their midsection. And if you sleep hot, you'll like its natural cooling properties.
Hybrid: A hybrid mattress is usually a combination of pocketed coils, latex, memory foam, or other materials. There are many options of hybrid mattresses with varying levels of firmness. Stomach sleepers want a hybrid mattress that's firmer to provide pressure relief, proper spinal alignment, and durability.
Pillow top: A mattress with a pillow-top cover is ideal for stomach sleepers as long as it isn't too thick. A very thick and plush pillow-top mattress might sound appealing, but it isn't good for stomach sleepers. Not only will you end up feeling "stuck," but you'll also feel pain in your neck and lower back because your spine is slightly curved while you sleep.
We base our performance factors on a rigorous testing process conducted in our Mattress Lab. When you’re shopping for the right mattress, it’s important to consider all factors that have a direct impact on your sleep performance. That’s why we included the different elements that we tested to equip you with all the knowledge you need to make a smart decision!
Firmness: The firmness of your mattress should be a high priority for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers typically fare well with medium-firm mattresses to provide enough support for spinal alignment. The right mattress will also have a slightly soft top. This is to avoid breathing difficulties and pain in pressure points, like your hips, chest, and shoulders.
Pressure relief: For stomach sleepers, pressure relief is an important mattress quality because stomach sleeping carries the most pressure points. You need to look for how well a mattress relieves pressure points in your hips, shoulders, and knees. Pressure relief also means how well the mattress evenly distributes your body weight, which is important because you don't want all of your weight in your midsection.
Spine alignment: Look for a mattress that promotes healthy spinal alignment. The nature of stomach sleeping hinders proper spine alignment because your back naturally curves as your head rests higher on a pillow. Misalignment in your spine causes back and neck pain and further health concerns over time.
Durability: Stomach sleepers should look for a bed that doesn't sag in the center and doesn't create body indentations over time. This is especially true if you want a memory foam mattress because they tend to soften over long periods or if they're exposed to heat.
Motion transfer: This quality is great if you're sleeping with a partner or if your furry friend likes to sneak into bed with you. For stomach sleepers, you want a mattress that allows freedom of motion so you don't sink into it.
Temperature regulation: Cooling properties in a mattress are particularly important for those who sleep hot. Latex foam mattresses and gel foam mattresses are great options that regulate body temperature throughout the night.
Responsiveness: If you want uninterrupted sleep, then look for a mattress with good responsive technology. This is how well your mattress responds to your body movements and adjusts to your sleep position. It's most important for those who change sleeping positions or who sleep with a partner.
Edge support: Edge support is a feature that you want in a mattress regardless of your sleep position. It's the ability to sit at the edge of your bed without sliding off. Don't start off your mornings by falling off the edge when you're simply trying to tie your shoes. Look for a mattress with good edge support.
Set-up: If a mattress is too heavy or if it’s difficult to remove it from the box, then we take note of it. Our score is based on how easy it is to assemble the mattress and move it. If you’re by yourself, be prepared to ask someone to help you. Some companies have a white glove delivery option where the deliverers set up everything for you.
If you’re shopping for a mattress specifically for your sleep position, you need to keep in mind that it’s not all about the price. An expensive mattress doesn’t always mean that it’s the best mattress for you. Likewise, a cheaper mattress won’t always mean that it’s a lesser one either.
The most important factors to consider are the overall performance of the mattress and how it impacts your body the next morning. If it takes an expensive mattress to get a great night’s sleep, then think of it as an investment. Who knows, you might not have to pay for as many doctor visits if you begin to wake up with less pain.
Most mattress companies also offer good financing options because they know that no one should be excluded from a wonderful night’s sleep. Check with the mattress company to find out more about their financing options and to take advantage of the sleep trial periods that they offer.
Shipping and delivery are important factors to consider when shopping for your next mattress. After all, you don’t want to wait forever to get your mattress. We rate shipping based on how quickly it ships to your home, and free shipping is always a plus!
Some mattress companies offer a white glove delivery option for an additional fee. This means that the delivery drivers will bring the box with your mattress into your home and set it up for you. They’ll even recycle the box and remove your old mattress for you. This delivery option is best for people who might not have anyone available to help them remove the mattress from the box and set it up on their mattress foundation.
Customer service might not have a direct impact on your sleep, but it’s still a major factor to consider. This is especially true if you’re planning to test out a mattress and take advantage of the trial period. We base our customer service score on how helpful and responsive the company’s customer service team is.
What kind of mattress is best for stomach sleepers?
Part of our job in this review is to help you choose the right mattress just for you! That’s why it’s a bit difficult to say that there’s only one best mattress for all stomach sleepers. However, the main feature you want in a mattress is a firmer inner layer with a soft comfort layer on top. Remember, all of the mattresses we've mentioned in this review have a trial period. Take advantage of them, but give each of them at least 30 days to fully adjust to your body shape and weight.
Do stomach sleepers need a firm mattress?
In general, stomach sleepers should look for a firmer mattress than side sleepers and back sleepers should. The firmness will help keep your stomach area from sagging and provide support for your spine. However, you also want to look for a softer top layer that covers the inner firm layers as it will supply comfortable contour for the rest of your body.
Is it safe to sleep on your stomach while pregnant?
You should consult your health care provider before making a decision on whether or not it's safe to sleep on your stomach during pregnancy. Generally, stomach sleeping is fine as long as you feel comfortable doing so. However, we know that it might be hard to relax and get comfortable. One way to adjust your growing belly is to sleep on a donut-shaped pillow.
What is the healthiest sleeping position?
Unfortunately, snoozing on your stomach isn't the healthiest sleeping position out there. So, which one is? Sleeping on your back is the healthiest option for most people even though it's not very popular. Back sleeping allows your head, neck, and spine to remain neutral with no added pressure. This means there's less chance of waking up with pain or soreness.