If you’re a stomach sleeper, you’re in the minority: research shows that stomach sleeping is the least popular position people use to catch some Z’s. Some suggest this preference is instinctual, as sleeping incorrectly face-down can lead to neck and back pain. That’s why most experts advise against using this sleeping position.
If you’re a stomach sleeper who can’t seem to switch sleeping positions, though, don’t worry. Investing in a quality mattress can help you reduce the risk of waking up with aches and pains. Not sure where to start? Not a problem.
We’ll walk you through our picks for the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, and then guide you through exactly what to look for when mattress shopping.
Our Top 3 Picks
| Helix Dawn Luxe | Titan | Avocado Green |
|---|---|---|
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| For Those Who Love Extra-Firm Beds | For Taller and Heavier Folks | For Eco-Conscious Shoppers |
| For those who enjoy extra-firm sleeping surfaces, this Helix model could be worth exploring. | Taller and heavier individuals’ bodies have unique needs that the hybrid Titan mattress can support. | Avocado Green brings eco-friendly shoppers bedding that’s ethically and sustainably made. |
See it now | See it now | See it now |
Helix Dawn Luxe
Pros
- Great body-contouring abilities
- Cooling technology
- Enhanced edge support
- Decent motion isolation
Cons
- Online-only retailer
- Shorter trial period
Best For…
- Those who love extra-firm beds
- Those who easily overheat
| Helix Dawn Luxe Overview | |
|---|---|
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Shipping | Free in the US; $250 + Customs Tax in Canada |
| Returns | Full Refund |
| Ships in… | 3-5 Business Days |
| Trial Period | 100 Nights |
| Firmness Level | Firm |
| Warranty | 15 Years |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX |
Helix believes that no one bed can best suit the needs of every single sleeper. That’s why this brand offers a lineup that includes 14 unique models; each one is made to suit the needs of a specific group of people. The Dawn Luxe is a luxurious firm hybrid optimized for back and stomach sleepers.
This model is part of the Luxe line, Helix’s top-tier offerings. So, why is this Dawn Luxe so luxurious? For starters, it features an advanced design that wicks away moisture and allows for maximum airflow. The result? You’ll sleep cooler and drier.
That’s not all this model offers, though. Its innerspring layer offers zoned lumbar support, meaning it provides extra support for the lower back. This same layer also reinforces the perimeters, making it easier to sit along this bed’s edges.
Lastly, this bed is extra-firm, making it perfect for stomach sleepers, since this group often needs firmer sleeping surfaces. The quilted Tencel top means sleepers stay comfortable all night long while getting the stability they need.
You can see our review of all Helix mattresses to learn even more.
Helix offers an extensive line of mattresses suitable for nearly every sleeping preference. You can take their quiz to see which bed will work best for you!
Titan by Brooklyn Bedding
Pros
- Enhanced edge support
- Cooling option available
- Great motion isolation
- Custom sizes available
Cons
- Not ideal for lighter sleepers
- Shorter warranty
Best For…
- Heavier people
- Taller individuals
- Couples
| Titan by Brooklyn Bedding Overview | |
|---|---|
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Shipping | Free (Contiguous US); Hawai’i & Alaska (Starts at $125); Canada (Starts at $250) |
| Returns | Free (Contiguous United States) |
| Ships in… | 1-3 Business Days Processing; 3-5 Business Days Shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 Nights |
| Firmness Level | Firm |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US |
Every single body has unique needs, which is why individuals have their own sleeping preferences. Some people prefer softer beds while others can only doze on firmer surfaces. Shorter and slimmer people will naturally need different support from their beds than taller and heavier individuals do. Now, a Titan mattress by Brooklyn Bedding could be the solution for stomach sleepers who are heavier and/or taller.
This 11″ hybrid includes specialty foam and top-notch coils to efficiently support extra weight, offer customized pressure-point relief, and effectively isolate motion. Since this bed is firmer, it will best suit the needs of those who slumber on their backs and stomachs. Additionally, couples with a light sleeper should appreciate the reduced motion transfer. Those who want a slightly less firm sleeping surface are in luck, too, as the optional pillow top increases the comfort level of this mattress.
Perhaps best of all, Titan mattresses are fairly budget-friendly, being hundreds of dollars cheaper than their plus-size bedding competition. All in all, this brand is worth exploring for those who haven’t yet found a bed that supports the unique needs of their bodies.
You can see our in-depth review of the Titan hybrid for more information.
The Titan mattress is a great option for big & tall individuals who require a higher level of support along with targeted pressure relief.
Avocado Vegan
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Certified vegan
- Durable
- Optional pillow top
Cons
- Price
- Contains latex, so it may not work for those with allergies
Best For…
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Vegans
- Those who want the option of a softer bed
| Avocado Vegan Overview | |
|---|---|
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Shipping | Free |
| Returns | Free |
| Ships in… | 1-9 Business Days |
| Trial Period | 365 Days/1 Year |
| Firmness Level | 7/10, 6/10 with Optional Pillow Top |
| Warranty | 25 Years |
| Certifications | Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), GreenGuard Gold, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Vegan, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Member, 1% for the Planet Member |
Eco-conscious shoppers often have a hard time finding products that fit into their environmentally friendly lifestyle. Fortunately, green mattress shopping is easy thanks to Avocado. This certified vegan bed is perfect for those who want to sleep well while also reducing their environmental impact.
Inside this bed, you’ll find only organic and non-toxic materials, making it safer both for sleepers and the planet. Don’t just take our word for it, though; this bed has the certifications to prove it really is as good as it says.
The vegan-friendliness of this bed isn’t all that makes it stand apart from the crowd, either. For starters, this company offers a 365-night sleep trial, meaning you’ll get a full year to try out this model before deciding if it’s the right fit for you. Secondly, its breathable design means you won’t be fighting the night sweats when you slumber on this mattress. All in all, this bed could be a match made in mattress heaven for vegan shoppers.
You can see our review of both the Avocado vegan and original Avocado Green mattresses to learn more.
The Avocado mattress is a popular option for eco-conscious sleepers looking for a hybrid mattress made from 100% certified organic materials.
What Type of Mattress Do Stomach Sleepers Need?
It’s vital that your spine is properly aligned when you slumber. Otherwise, you risk developing aches and pains from resting in strenuous positions all night long. Since incorrectly sleeping on the stomach can mean extra neck, shoulder, and back pain, it pays to ensure your mattress facilitates proper spinal alignment.
So, which mattresses will help stomach sleepers properly line up the neck, shoulders, and back?
Look for a Bed with Less “Give”
“Give” refers to how much a bed sinks when pressing down on it. Now, those who rest face-down often do best with firmer beds, or those with less give. After all, beds with too much give can make stomach sleepers’ backs curve uncomfortably, increasing the odds of pain.
However, prone sleepers should make sure their beds aren’t too firm, either; otherwise, their beds won’t curve to certain parts of the body as needed. Now, heavier individuals will probably need mattresses with slightly more give than lighter individuals. This way, their beds can let their extra weight sink a little easier, helping to better align the spine.
You can see our guide to discover some affordable, easy ways to firm up your bedding.
Avoid mattresses that are too soft, as it can uncomfortably curve the spine, meaning unnecessary muscle strain.
Avoid mattresses that are too firm for similar reasons; some parts of the body need to sink a little to achieve spinal alignment.
Go for beds that are firm—just not too firm. This way, the neck, shoulders, and back can align in a comfortable way.
Explore Hybrid and Innerspring Options
So, just what types of beds should stomach sleepers explore? Often, hybrid and all-innerspring options are firmer than all-foam or latex ones, meaning they’re better suited for this demographic. Fortunately, these kinds of beds are often quite airy, making them great options for those who constantly fight the night sweats. Unfortunately, however, hybrid beds are typically some of the most expensive in the industry.
Now, it is possible to find foam or latex bedding that’s firmer, as is the case with the reverse side of the cooling Layla all-foam mattress. These options may work better for those on tighter budgets. However, hot sleepers should check for added cooling technology, as foam bedding tend to trap heat.
Okay, but what about combination sleepers, or those who shift positions as they slumber? These folks will likely enjoy medium-firm mattresses rated at about a 7 out of 10—most hybrids fit this bill.
Don’t Forget Your Pillow
Where and how the head rests can play a major role in how refreshed you feel in the morning. Namely, when the head is at too high or too low of an angle, neck and shoulder muscles will strain. The result? Aches, pains, and cricks in the morning.
The solution? Investing in a quality pillow. Now, stomach sleepers should opt for a pillow with a lower loft, or a pillow that’s slimmer. An orthopedic pillow with specialized dips and curves is best, as it can comfortably cradle the head while optimally supporting the neck.
Need to find a pillow that works for you? Check out our reviews of some top-notch memory foam pillows and down-filled cushions.
Upgrade Your Sleeping Position with Pillows
Don’t underestimate the value of a quality pillow. Why? Because strategically adjusting pillows can significantly impact sleep quality. Namely, placing cushions at optimal positions can help align the neck, shoulders, and back.
So, where can stomach sleepers use pillows to their advantage? Options include under the stomach and hips, under an arm and between the knees, or between the knees and ankles. Which position works best varies by individual.
Putting a pillow under the stomach/hips may alleviate lower back pain.
Placing a longer pillow under one leg and arm may help align the spines.
Having a pillow between the legs and ankles may help with neck and back pain for combination sleepers.
Final Thoughts: What Mattress Will Suit Stomach Sleepers Best?
The right mattress can help facilitate proper spinal alignment, meaning less aches and pains upon awakening. That makes the hunt for a proper bed an important health consideration. For those who rest on their stomachs, it pays to invest in bedding made with this unique sleeping style in mind.
Stomach sleepers should look for:
- A bed that is firmer. Just make sure that’s it’s not too firm, or the back could uncomfortably curve.
- A pillow with a lower loft. An orthopedic pillow, with specialized dips to optimally support each area of the head and neck, is best.
- A pillow that fits under the hips and/or legs to alleviate back pain.
Stomach sleepers should avoid:
- Sleeping surfaces that are too soft.
- Pillows with too high of a loft.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for reference purposes only. It should not replace the advice of a licensed professional. Do not use this article to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Any and all health concerns should be directed to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
