The 10 Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
Some may argue that stomach sleeping is the most comfortable way to sleep, but experts say that it isn't necessarily the healthiest sleep position.
"This position puts the most pressure on your spine's muscles and joints because it flattens the natural curve of your spine," says Raymond J. Hah, MD, a spine surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, in a recent post on the university's blog. "Sleeping on your stomach also forces you to turn your neck, which can cause neck and upper back pain."
But there is good news for those who rest face down: The best mattress for stomach sleepers will support your spine in a healthy posture and relieve stress from pressure points to keep you pain-free. Stomach sleepers should look for a supportive mattress that provides enough pushback to keep the spine from sinking too far into the mattress and getting pulled out of its natural alignment. Also, choosing a bed with a plush surface—such as a padded extra layer or contouring pillow top—can provide pressure relief to the chest and shoulders, and in turn, prevent neck discomfort.
But it can be tricky to know how to choose between different mattress types and which are right for you. That's why we've rounded up the best mattresses for stomach sleepers based on feedback from Mattress Advisor's review team. They've conducted more than 1,200 hours of in-house lab testing to evaluate over 150 mattresses on criteria that benefit stomach sleepers. Based on their findings, we outlined 10 top-reviewed mattresses for stomach sleepers that'll make a huge difference in the quality of your shut-eye. Happy snoozing!
Our recommendations for stomach sleepers:
- Best Overall Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Saatva Classic
- Best Mattress for Back Pain: Helix Midnight
- Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: DreamCloud
- Best Value Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Nectar
- Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: The WinkBed
- Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: GhostBed Classic
- Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Plank
- Best Organic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Birch by Helix
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Casper
- Most Responsive Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Puffy
The best mattresses for stomach sleepers
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Best Overall Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Saatva Classic
Saatva is offering an additional $270 off during Cyber Week exclusively for Health readers.
Along with a layer of eco-friendly memory foam and innerspring coils, the Saatva Classic is topped with a plush pillow layer, giving it everything you need for a clean, comfortable night's rest. This bed earned a near-perfect score in Mattress Advisor's spinal alignment testing (the highest score on this list!), mostly thanks to its plush pillow top for contouring comfort and its dual-coil innerspring system for extra support. And because it's available in three firmness levels, the Saatva Classic can work for a variety of sleepers, though the firm option may be best for the stomach sleeping position.
And while the Saatva Classic is a bit pricier than other mattresses, it comes with free white glove delivery service, which means that Saatva representatives will come to your house and set up your new mattress after removing your old one at no extra charge.
- Mattress Type: Hybrid (coils and foam)
- Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
- Firmness: Plush soft (3/10), luxury-firm (6/10), and firm (8/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 180 nights
Best Mattress for Back Pain: Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress that combines innerspring coils with layers of memory foam. The combination of coils and foam provides the best of both worlds for stomach sleepers by offering the targeted lumbar support of typical innerspring beds with the superior pressure relief of foam. And since it earned a near-perfect score in Mattress Advisor's cooling test thanks to its built-in breathable cooling cover and temperature-regulating gel memory foam, it's also a top choice for hot sleepers. But while the Helix Midnight is a good value for a hybrid mattress, it's still pricier than some other budget foam brands.
- Mattress Type: Hybrid (coils and foam)
- Mattress Advisor Score: 8.9/10
- Firmness: Medium-firm (5.5/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights
Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: DreamCloud
Many people prefer the traditional feel of an innerspring bed, but coils alone don't provide the pressure relief that stomach sleepers need to get the best sleep possible—and that's where the DreamCloud hybrid mattress comes into play. It incorporates the highlights of each mattress type by layering breathable memory foam layers on top of a pocketed micro-coil compression system. The innerspring coils provide springy support and responsiveness, while the foam layers and a luxurious cashmere pillow top cradle your curves to keep you comfortable throughout the night. How comfortable? A Mattress Advisor reviewer told Health the mattress maintained their spinal alignment so well it earned a near-perfect 9 out of 10 score in the testing lab.
- Mattress Type: Hybrid (coils and foam)
- Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 365 nights
Best Value Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Nectar
If you're looking for a bargain, the Nectar mattress is a premium memory foam bed at a budget price (it's typically on sale for under $1,000). Made with layers of cooling gel and traditional memory foam, this bed has superior pressure relief to keep stress off your upper torso and shoulders while lying face down. (Although some sleepers may find it a tad too soft for stomach sleeping and require a firmer mattress.) The Nectar also includes excellent edge support (stability around the sides of the mattress) and minimizes motion transfer, which makes it a great bed for couples to spread out to the edges and not disturb one another. While most mattresses give you 100 nights to try, Nectar's year-long sleep trial period and lifetime warranty make this deal even sweeter.
- Mattress Type: Memory foam
- Mattress Advisor Score: 8.7/10
- Firmness: Medium firm (6/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 365 nights
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: The WinkBed
The WinkBed hybrid mattress is made with high-quality materials, including innerspring pocketed coils and gel-infused memory foam. The testers at Mattress Advisor awarded the bed a perfect 10 in durability thanks in part to its five-zoned support system, which also promotes even weight distribution. Whether you're a tried-and-true stomach sleeper or switch between your tummy and your side, this bed makes it easy to change positions. The pressure-relieving pillow top cushions a sleeper's sides as they sink into the surface, allowing for a more comfortable night's sleep. These premium materials make The WinkBed pricier than most hybrid beds, so keep that in mind if you're on a tight budget.
- Mattress Type: Hybrid (coils and foam)
- Mattress Advisor Score: 8.6/10
- Firmness: Soft (4.5/10), luxury-firm (6.5/10), firm (7.5/10), or plus (8/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 120 nights
Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: GhostBed Classic
Because stomach sleepers rest face down, they often report sleeping hot. When your torso is pressed into the mattress—and your face is pressed into the pillow or the bed—it doesn't leave much room for adequate airflow. But the GhostBed Classic's latex and gel memory foam design works overtime to keep you cool so you can wake up feeling refreshed. Mattress Advisor gave it an 8.5 out of 10 in the cooling category for its ability to keep testers sweat-free. The bed is topped with a breathable cover that's made from a blend of viscose and polyester, and an aerated latex layer sits underneath. Aerated means it's punctured with dozens of small holes to allow for better airflow. Finally, a gel memory foam layer cushions your body as you press into the mattress.
Natural latex is usually a pricier mattress material, but the GhostBed Classic is an affordable alternative because it uses synthetic latex. This way, you can still enjoy the supportive, responsive feel of latex without the hefty price tag.
- Mattress Type: Synthetic latex
- Mattress Advisor Score: 8.6/10
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 101 nights
Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Plank
If you prefer a firmer mattress that offers proper support without skimping on pressure relief, the Brooklyn Bedding Plank mattress is a great option to consider. This flippable memory foam option allows you to choose between two firmness levels—firm and ultra-firm—by simply flipping your mattress. Even if you choose the firmer side, it still gently cradles joints to relieve pressure and adapts to your movements as you snooze. Those who sleep hot may want to spend an additional $250 for the Plank's optional cooling panel to improve the mattress's cooling capabilities.
- Mattress Type: Memory foam
- Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
- Firmness: Firm (7/10) and ultra-firm (9/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 120 nights
Best Organic Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Birch by Helix
If you're a stomach sleeper who's eco-conscious, the Birch Natural by Helix is the mattress for you. Carefully crafted by hand in the U.S., the Birch does not contain harsh chemicals or polyurethane-based foams, and it's both Greenguard Gold and GOTS Certified. As for performance, the bed scored an 8.5 out of 10 in the spine alignment category, which is key for stomach sleepers, who need to keep their hips properly elevated during the night. Plus, this hybrid mattress—which combines latex and innerspring coils—is responsive and bouncy to keep sleepers from feeling stuck in one position.
- Mattress Type: Hybrid (coils and latex)
- Mattress Advisor Score: 8.7/10
- Firmness: Medium-firm (5/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Casper Original
Some memory foam mattresses have a reputation for being overly plush—so much so that you feel like you're stuck in your bed. The Casper Original mattress, however, offers the cushioning and pressure relief that memory foam provides while still being firm enough to distribute your body weight evenly across the surface. This mattress is particularly great for stomach sleepers because it has a zoned support system that keeps the midsection and back supported. As an added plus, the Casper earned a perfect score in the Mattress Advisor responsiveness test, meaning it responds to movement by springing back into shape immediately—so you'll never feel like you're sinking throughout the night. While this mattress's foam offers plenty of support, stomach sleepers may get hot more easily because of the way the foam conforms to the body.
- Mattress Type: Memory foam
- Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights
Most Responsive Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Puffy
Stomach sleepers may have a hard time switching positions once they're face-down in their mattress. But sleeping on a responsive bed like the Puffy can help remedy this problem. Made with a simple three-layer memory foam design, the Puffy impressed Mattress Advisor testers with its ability to quickly adapt to changes in position. It earned a 9 out of 10 in responsiveness, meaning stomach sleepers can move around freely without feeling stuck.
The Puffy also earned high marks in spine alignment and edge support (8.75 out of 10 for both), so you'll be well-supported whether you're resting in the middle of the mattress or near the edge. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty and is at an affordable price point.
- Mattress Type: Memory foam
- Mattress Advisor Score: 9/10
- Firmness: Firm (7/10)
- Trial Period for Returns: 101 nights
How stomach sleeping affects your rest
While many find the stomach sleeping position the most comfortable, it also comes with a number of potential issues. First, when you're resting face down, your head is turned to one side for an extended period of time, which can cause neck pain.
Sleeping on your stomach also forces you to extend your neck backward, putting your spine in an awkward, less-than-ideal position. Due to this, many stomach sleepers complain about lower back pain because their spine twists out of alignment.
If possible, try training yourself to sleep on your side or back—the two positions that have been proven to support healthier spinal alignment and less back pain. But if you must rest on your stomach, follow the tips outlined below to make sure you're resting on a supportive mattress that helps maintain spine alignment by keeping your hips raised and your torso supported.
What stomach sleepers should look for in a mattress
Spine alignment
Keeping your spine in a healthy and neutral posture as you sleep is a crucial part of keeping your back pain-free. Stomach sleepers should look for a bed that supports your body's curves and prevents the spine from being twisted into an unnatural position. Not only will this help you sleep better, but it'll also promote better posture.
Which mattress firmness is best for stomach sleepers?
Mattress firmness is measured on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Stomach sleepers need a mattress firm enough to keep the hips and midsection from pushing too far into the mattress. This can cause the spine to sink into misalignment. Look for a mattress that has at least a medium or medium-firm firmness level (think a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale) to make sure that you have ample support. If you prefer a plusher feel, or something that feels more like a 3 to 5 on the firmness scale, consider a mattress with an added pillow top. You can also buy your own soft mattress topper to make the bed feel a little softer without compromising support.
Best mattress types for stomach sleepers
The most important thing stomach sleepers need from a mattress is support, which means there are certain mattress types that work better for this position than others.
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress is typically a solid choice for stomach sleepers who still want the comfort layers of foam but also need the support of a strong coil base.
Latex
Latex mattresses are an optimal choice for this sleep position because they provide support and pressure relief. A highly durable material, latex also holds up extremely well over time, so stomach sleepers don't have to worry about their mattress losing any of its shape or structure over the years.
Innerspring
Innerspring beds work well for this sleep position, too. However, some stomach sleepers may want more plushness on top to cushion their torso and hips as they press into the bed.
Memory foam
While memory foam mattresses offer plenty of pressure relief, they can sometimes lack the sturdy support stomach sleepers need to keep their hips elevated and their spine in alignment. All-foam mattresses also have a greater tendency to sink and sag, which can cause stomach sleepers to experience spine misalignment (when the spine twists out of its neutral posture), leading to back and neck pain.
Accessories
Choosing the right pillow can elevate your sleep experience if you sleep on your stomach. Pick a flat pillow, or sleep without one under your neck—a pillow that's too thick may push your posture out of alignment and cause cramping and neck pain. You can also place a pillow under your pelvis to help prop up your hips and prevent them from shifting too far into the bed as you sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best mattress for a side and stomach sleeper?
A: Combination sleepers constantly change positions during the night, sometimes moving from their side to their stomach. While these sleep positions benefit from different types of mattresses, you can still find a good bed that works for both. Side sleepers need a mattress that provides pressure relief and keeps their spine in proper alignment. Stomach sleepers tend to prefer a firmer mattress that also supports the spine and doesn't allow the hips to sink too far into the bed. A medium-firm hybrid mattress is a great compromise: It features both foam comfort layers and supportive innerspring coils.
Q: How can stomach sleepers reduce back pain?
A: Researchers have found that sleeping prone (or face down) places a great deal of pressure on the spine, increasing the risk of back pain. So what's a stomach sleeper to do? The answer: pillows. The Mayo Clinic recommends placing a pillow under your lower abdomen and hips to maintain the natural "S" curve of the spine. You can also use a thinner pillow under your head to reduce strain on your neck and upper spine.
Q: Do stomach sleepers need a firm mattress?
A: Yes, but not too firm. The key to comfortable stomach sleeping is finding a mattress that supports the spine and keeps the hips from sinking too deeply into the surface. Overly firm mattresses aren't forgiving to pressure points like the shoulders and hips, and super soft beds can promote poor posture. Look for a mattress that's firmer than your average bed but still comfortable on achy joints.
Mattress Advisor's Review Process
Each mattress on this list was put to the test (literally) in Mattress Advisor's lab, which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bedding experts spent over 1,200 hours evaluating and comparing mattresses using a 14-point testing methodology to locate the best mattresses for stomach sleepers available online.
While some of the factors tested are tied directly to performance, like responsiveness, edge support, and pressure relief, others are based around brand operations, such as customer service, shipping policies, and trial period. The Mattress Advisor team combines this proprietary methodology with in-depth interviews and customer experience to arrive at a weighted score out of 10.
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