asl search
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages
guides
products
Filter by Categories
Anti-Snoring Reviews
Bedding
Bedding Information
Bedding Reviews
Best Bed Frames
Best Comforters
Best Mattress
Best Mattress Pads
Best Mattress Protectors
Best Mattress Toppers
Best Pillowcases
Best Pillows
Best Sheets
Interviews
Mattress Accessories
Mattress Comparisons
Mattress Coupons
Mattress Information
Mattress Reviews
Mattress Sales
Mattress Sizes
Mattress Topper Reviews
Pillow Reviews
Sheet Reviews
Sleep
Sleep Environment
Sleep Products
Sleep Tracker Reviews
Uncategorized
Weighted Blanket Reviews
Our editors test & choose the products we write about. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn More.

Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers – Top 6 Beds and Buyer’s Guide

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jenny Iyo

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Without the right mattress, stomach sleeping can place undue strain on the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. To enjoy a great night’s sleep, stomach sleepers need a mattress that provides exceptional support, especially around the midsection where a large amount of our body weight is concentrated. Firmness is another important consideration. Though preferences vary by the individual, the majority of stomach sleepers say they feel most comfortable on mattresses that are ‘Medium’ or firmer.

Read on to learn how stomach sleepers can find the right mattress, as well as our picks for the best mattresses for stomach sleepers sold today. Our choices are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
First Time Buying a Mattress?

Hop down to our Buyer’s Guide for a crash course on finding the best mattress for stomach sleepers.

 

Best OverallNectar Mattress

Best Overall – Nectar Mattress

Highlights

  • 'Medium Firm' (6)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Close conforming and pressure relief
  • Sleeps cooler than most foam models
Read Our Full Review
Get $399 worth of free accessories with every Nectar mattress purchase.
Check Price

Best OverallNectar Mattress

nectarsleep.com

Shop Now

The Nectar is a standout mattress for stomach sleepers. With a very affordable price, it uses pressure-relieving memory foam that retains enough firmness and structural integrity to keep stomach sleepers supported without excessive sinking into the bed.

The interior of the Nectar features four foam layers. The top layer is gel-infused memory foam. This material excels at pressure relief, helping to make sure there are no sharp impact points for stomach sleepers. Underneath the memory foam is a transition foam layer and a support core of high-density polyfoam. These materials provide resilience and a stable base that prevent too much sinking into the mattress.

The Nectar has a ‘Medium Firm’ (6) feel with more stability than many memory foam beds, making the Nectar a better fit for stomach sleepers than most comparable beds, especially for those of average weight. The mattress works well for couples as well because of its ability to limit motion transfer.

In addition to impressive performance, the Nectar boasts a fantastic price point that is well below many beds with a similar design. Included in that price is free standard shipping, and a White Glove delivery option, including old mattress removal, is available for an extra charge.

Nectar Sleep backs the mattress with a sleep trial that lasts a full year and a lifetime warranty. These policies demonstrate Nectar’s confidence in this mattress, and that confidence is well-earned given the high rates of customer satisfaction that the Nectar mattress has received.

The Bottom Line.

The Nectar’s quality foam construction provides pressure-relieving, stabilizing support that makes it a solid mattress option for stomach sleepers. With its affordable price, and extended sleep trial and warranty, it’s an excellent choice for value seekers as well.

  • Stomach sleepers of average weight. The Nectar has a medium firm feel that will likely be most comfortable for sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds.
  • Couples. With an all-foam construction, the Nectar isolates motion very well, reducing disruptions from a sleep partner moving during the night.
  • Sleepers who struggle with chronic pain. All-foam beds are popular for their pressure-relieving qualities, and the Nectar is no different. Multiple layers of memory foam relieve pressure and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back.
  • Value seekers. The Nectar’s quality construction is backed by some of the longest warranty and sleep trial periods around, and still comes in at a much lower price tag than expected.

Not Recommended for:

  • Stomach sleepers of below- or above-average weight. The Nectar’s ‘Medium Firm’ feel may feel too firm for lightweight sleepers, and too soft for heavier individuals.
  • Those who prefer a responsive feel. Like many foam beds, the Nectar is not particularly responsive, and can create the sensation of “fighting the bed” during sex.

Best CoolingBrooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Best Cooling – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options (4.5, 6.5, 7.5)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Good motion isolation
  • Close conforming and pressure relief
Read Our Full Review
Our readers get 20% off the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress with code: TUCKSLEEP20
Get Discount

Best CoolingBrooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

brooklynbedding.com

Shop Now

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress that delivers a cool sleep surface, superior contour and bounce, with robust edge support and minimal motion transfer. The mattress features a first-class hybrid construction that’s designed to satisfy nearly any stomach sleeper. The support core offers stomach sleepers consistent, distributed support, while multiple comfort layers provide varying levels of conforming, coolness, and all-around comfort.

Beneath a quilted cotton cover, 8 inches of individual pocket coils and a 1-inch high-density polyfoam comprise the support core, with comfort layers of 1.5-inch copper-infused phase-change material, 2 inches of polyfoam, and 1 inch of gel memory foam. The copper and gel foam layers cool the mattress, while enhancing the contour and comfort of the individual pocket layers. Together, these layers give the bed a luxurious profile of 13.5 inches, providing plenty of comfort for stomach sleepers of all sizes to sink into.

The Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is available in three firmness levels: a soft 3.5, a medium 5.5, and a firm 7.5, so there’s something suitable for every type of sleeper, no matter your size or preferred sleep position.

The Aurora Luxe is pricier than comparative options—earning it our luxury pick—but the quality construction makes this hybrid bed a really great deal. It should easily last at least 8 years. Brooklyn Bedding provides free shipping within the contiguous U.S. The bed comes with a generous 120-night sleep trial and is backed by a 10-year warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe delivers, whether you’re looking for the “ultimate” in comfort, support, coolness, or all of the above. This mattress has an impressive construction and long feature list that’s designed to please nearly any stomach sleeper.

  • Stomach sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy). The Aurora Luxe mattress comes in three firmness options, with one for each body type.
  • Couples. Thicker foam comfort layers make the Aurora Luxe even better at motion isolation than typical hybrid models, so the bed stays still and quiet when bearing weight.
  • Those who sleep hot. A pocketed coil core promotes airflow through the support layer, while upper layers of copper-infused phase-change material and gel memory foam help cool the mattress surface temperature.
  • Chronic pain sufferers. Multiple layers of memory foam give the Aurora Luxe mattress a plusher feel that relieves pressure and pain better than other hybrid beds.

Not Recommended for:

  • Those who don’t like a high level of conforming in their mattress. While not quite as conforming as a memory foam bed, the Aurora Luxe has more of a pressure-relieving hug than the average hybrid bed.
  • Those who want to be able to return their mattress quickly if they don’t love it. The 120-night sleep trial includes a mandatory 30-night break-in period.

Best LuxuryAwara Premier Latex Hybrid

Best Luxury – Awara Premier Latex Hybrid

Highlights

  • 'Medium Firm' (6)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Exceptional durability
  • Zoned support
Read Our Full Review
Get $200 off your Awara Premier Latex Hybrid. Use code: TUCK200.
Get Discount

Best LuxuryAwara Premier Latex Hybrid

awarasleep.com

Shop Now

Average weight stomach sleepers – those weighing 130 to 230 pounds – often prefer mattresses with moderate firmness settings. The Awara Premier Latex Hybrid is a suitable mattress for these individuals because its latex comfort layer and zoned pocketed coils ensure the sleeper’s stomach won’t sink too deeply so as to cause discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and hips.

This hybrid bed features a thick 4-inch comfort layer of durable organic latex. This material’s medium firm feel is much more supportive than memory foam and helps to support the sleeper’s midsection and improve spinal alignment. Latex doesn’t absorb much heat and is very breathable, which, combined with the steady airflow through the bed’s coils and the breathable cotton and wool cover, helps the mattress sleep cool.

The Premier Latex Hybrid’s support core consists of zoned pocketed coils which offer stronger support to the sleeper’s heavier areas. These coils also allow for airflow, reduce motion transfer, provide exceptional edge support, and minimize noise.

The Awara Premier Latex Hybrid has a very reasonable price-point compared to other latex hybrids. Awara offers free shipping to customers in all 50 states and White Glove delivery is available for an extra charge. The mattress comes with a longer-than-average 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The Awara Premier Latex Hybrid features a design that uniquely supports the needs of stomach sleepers. A zoned support layer ensures even spinal alignment, while breathable latex comfort layers keep the surface temperature cool. And with a ‘Medium Firm’ feel, it’s perfect for those of average weight.

  • Stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more. The medium firm feel and use of Dunlop latex give the Awara Premier Latex Hybrid a sturdy sense of support that’s best for sleepers of average weight or heavier.
  • Eco-conscious shoppers. This green mattress uses sustainable materials like natural latex, wool, and cotton to minimize the bed’s environmental impact while enhancing its durability.
  • Hot sleepers. Organic latex sleeps significantly cooler than other comfort layer materials, while the mattress cover uses wool and cotton to wick away additional moisture and neutralize body heat.
  • Couples. The use of latex gives the Premier Latex Hybrid a bouncier feel that’s more suitable for sex, but the hybrid construction still minimizes motion transfer to a significant extent, keeping the surface relatively still and quiet throughout the night.

Not Recommended for:

  • Couples where one person is of below-average weight. The medium firm feel may feel too firm for individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds.
  • Sleepers with chronic pain. The Awara Premier Latex Hybrid offers a minimal amount of conforming and provides less pressure relief than other mattresses.

Best for Lightweight SleepersLeesa

Best for Lightweight Sleepers – Leesa

Highlights

  • 'Medium' (5)
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Good balance of cushioning and support
  • Isolates motion transfer for couples
Read Our Full Review
Our readers save 15% on Leesa Mattresses with code: TUCK
Get Discount

Best for Lightweight SleepersLeesa

leesa.com

Shop Now

Lightweight stomach sleepers tend to prefer a moderately soft surface that sinks just enough to keep their spine aligned. The Leesa mattress fits the bill thanks to a medium firm feel, mixed-foam construction, and balance of plushness and support.

The bed is constructed with three comfort layers, including a memory foam middle layer, that absorb weight from stomach sleepers without sagging or sinking excessively. This prevents pain in the back and neck, while encouraging good spinal alignment.

The Leesa is also a great choice for couples because it isolates motion very well and does not make any noise when bearing weight. Moreover, while its ‘Medium’ feel is ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers, it’s supportive enough to be comfortable for sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds, making it a good fit for couples with partners who are in different weight groups.

Leesa offers free shipping to all 50 states. Combined with its low price-point, customers can save a significant amount. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The Leesa’s true ‘Medium’ feel ensures lightweight stomach sleepers enjoy both comfort and support. This is particularly true for lighter individuals who suffer from chronic pain, as the bed’s all-foam construction is designed to relieve pressure and pain.

  • Sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less. The Leesa has a medium feel that should be most comfortable for sleepers of light or average weight.
  • Couples. The Leesa’s all-foam construction absorbs motion extremely well, enabling the bed to stay virtually silent when bearing weight.
  • Those with neck, shoulder, or back pain. The Leesa conforms closely to the sleeper’s body, ensuring healthy spinal alignment while relieving pressure in sensitive areas of the body.
  • Value seekers. The Leesa mattress carries a significantly lower price tag than comparable models, and comes with free shipping and a solid 10-year warranty.

Not Recommended for:

  • Those who prefer a more responsive feel. Like many all-foam beds, the Leesa has a less responsive surface that can create the sensation of “fighting” the mattress during sex.
  • Those who want to be able to return their mattress quickly if they don’t love it. The 100-night sleep trial includes a mandatory 30-night break-in period.

Best for Heavyweight SleepersWinkBeds Plus

Best for Heavyweight Sleepers – WinkBeds Plus

Highlights

  • 'Firm' (8)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty and replacement guarantee
  • Targeted pain and pressure relief
  • Strong edge support
Read Our Full Review
Our readers get $300 off a WinkBed mattress. Use code: TUCK300
See Lowest Price

Best for Heavyweight SleepersWinkBeds Plus

winkbeds.com

Shop Now

Stomach sleepers in any weight group often struggle to find a comfortable mattress, but this issue is particularly common among those in the above-average weight group (more than 230 pounds). These individuals typically require a mattress that will provide adequate conforming and support for the stomach-sleeping position without excessive sagging – and many beds are not built for this. The WinkBed Plus is a notable exception; it is one of the only mattresses on the market that is specifically designed to accommodate larger people.

The WinkBed Plus is a specialized firm version of the standard WinkBed. The mattress is built with thick comfort layers of gel polyfoam, latex, and a compressed-cotton lumbar pad that targets sensitive areas in the lower back – a common source of discomfort for stomach sleepers. The pocketed coils are encased in high-density polyfoam to ensure an even, sag-free surface for any sleeper and minimal sinkage around the edges where people tend to sit.

Because many larger people tend to sleep hot, the WinkBed also offers good temperature neutrality; the latex layer, a breathable cover made of Tencel® lyocell, and strong air circulation through the coils all work to keep the mattress cool and comfortable for most.

WinkBed offers free standard shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The WinkBed Plus is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are considerably longer than average.

The Bottom Line.

With a true ‘Firm’ feel and thick construction, the WinkBed Plus stands out for providing the support heavier sleepers need, while being comfortable enough for the stomach-sleeping position. The bed’s construction also addresses other concerns common to heavier set sleepers, like good temperature neutrality and strong edge support.

  • Stomach sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups. Quality materials and a firm feel deliver reliable support without sagging, while a latex comfort layer and cotton lumbar pad provide pressure relief for heavier individuals.
  • Back and hip pain sufferers. The compressed-cotton lumbar pad and zoned pocketed coil layer work together to relieve pain and pressure while ensuring support and spinal alignment.
  • Those who tend to sleep hot. The WinkBed Plus sleeps cool, thanks to strong airflow in the pocketed coil core, a layer of latex, and the use of Tencel® lyocell in the cover.
  • Couples. Foam comfort layers help minimize motion transfer, while the pocketed coil support layer delivers enough bounce to be suitable for sex.

Not Recommended for:

  • Couples where one partner weighs less than 130 pounds. The firm feel of the WinkBed Plus may prove uncomfortable for more petite body types, especially those who sleep on their sides.
  • Those who want to be able to return their mattress quickly if they don’t love it. WinkBeds offers a generous 120-night sleep trial, but shoppers must use the bed for at least 30 nights before initiating a return.

Mattress Buying Guide for Stomach Sleepers

Below, we share everything stomach sleepers need to consider when buying a mattress, along with our best tips for buying a new mattress (regardless of your sleep position).

What You Need to Know about Sleeping on Your Stomach

stomach sleep positionFewer than 10% of adults in the U.S. sleep on their stomachs, making it the least common sleeping position. This is due in part to the high potential for aches and pains. The stomach is a weight center for most adults, and sleeping stomach-down can place undue strain on the neck, shoulders, back, and hips if they’re pulled out of spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers may also experience discomfort when they crane their neck to one side.

However, for some, stomach sleeping is the most comfortable position. In most cases, these sleepers assume the ‘freefall’ position illustrated below. Both arms are bent at the elbow and placed beneath the sleeper’s pillow and head, while the legs are fully extended or slightly bent at the knee.

Although many prefer sleeping on their stomach, the freefall position is generally not recommended because of the relatively high potential for discomfort. Many stomach sleepers report pain and pressure in their shoulders, lower back, and hips, as well as neck strain.

Fortunately, there are some notable benefits to stomach sleeping. Like side sleeping, stomach sleeping can help reduce snoring and alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux. Sleeping on your stomach can also minimize the development of facial wrinkles.

However, the freefall position is commonly associated with the following issues:

  • Shoulder, lower back, and hip pain: Most adults carry a high concentration of weight in their midsections. Gravity pulls the rest of the body toward the weight, which can result in aches and pains all over the body, particularly the shoulders, lumbar region, and hips. Sleeping on your stomach causes a similar gravitational pull; with the stomach beneath the rest of the body, pain and discomfort in these areas is likely to occur.
  • Neck strain: Most stomach sleepers do not sleep with their faces pointed directly at their pillow. Rather, they crane their head to the left or right. This might be the most comfortable position while sleeping, but many report neck strain the next day. Choosing a pillow based on the right loft for your weight, head size, and shoulder width can reduce neck strain to some extent.  Learn more about the best pillow for stomach sleepers.
  • Tossing and turning: Even for people who prefer the freefall position, nighttime discomfort is a common issue. Many toss and turn in order to find the most comfortable position at any given moment. This can affect sleep quality, leaving you feeling tired, drained of energy, and unfocused the next day.
  • Pregnancy discomfort: While most physicians say it’s perfectly safe for pregnant women to sleep on their stomach, most do not because of the high discomfort potential. The weight from an expanding belly often causes strain in the back and hips. As the pregnancy progresses, female sleepers have a harder time aligning their spine while sleeping on their stomach. According to the general consensus among sleep experts, side sleeping is the most suitable position for pregnant women during all three trimesters.

The bottom line: a supportive mattress can help alleviate aches and pains for stomach sleepers. However, this position may lead to discomfort and pressure points regardless of mattress selection. If possible, you may want to experiment with sleeping on your side or your back, to see if you can find either of those positions comfortable. If not, the mattresses we’ve selected above may help minimize the problems associated with stomach sleeping.

Choosing the Best Mattress for Stomach Sleeping

stomach sleeping spinal alignmentA supportive mattress can make a world of difference to a stomach sleeper. When discussing mattresses, ‘support’ refers to the flatness and evenness of the sleep surface. A supportive mattress will conform to the sleeper’s body and help align the spine without sinking too deeply, which creates an uneven surface.

The Best Firmness Level for Stomach Sleepers

The stomach sleeper’s body weight and the firmness of the mattress both play a role in supportiveness. Firmness is assigned on a 1 to 10 scale, with ‘1’ being the least firm and ’10’ being the firmest. Most mattresses sold today fall between a ‘3’ (or ‘Soft’) and an ‘8’ (or ‘Extra Firm’). Generally, stomach sleepers find a mattress on the firmer end of that scale to be more comfortable. This prevents their midsection from sinking too deeply, thereby pulling their spine out of alignment and resulting in pain in the lower back.

Stomach sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds tend to prefer a ‘5’ (‘Medium’) or ‘6’ (‘Medium Firm’). These mattresses conform to a degree but do not sink deeply and provide even, adequate support.

Firmness preferences may vary for those who weigh less than 130 pounds and those who weigh more than 230 pounds. Lightweight individuals may find a slightly softer mattress to be more comfortable, while heavier individuals will need a higher level of firmness to prevent sinking into the mattress. The table below explores different firmness preferences for stomach sleepers in all three weight groups.

Stomach Sleeper Weight Most Suitable Firmness Range Explanation
Less than 130 pounds Medium Soft or softer Firmer mattresses may not be comfortable for lighter-than-average stomach sleepers because they do not conform closely enough. The result is often an uneven sleep surface and minimal (if any) pain and pressure relief. A softer mattress may be the more suitable option because it conforms more closely and helps align the spine.
130 to 230 pounds Medium to Medium Firm Stomach sleepers in the average weight group often prefer the feel of ‘Medium’ and ‘Medium Firm’ mattresses. Conforming is noticeable but sinkage is minimal, and most report good spinal alignment and adequate levels of pain and pressure relief.
More than 230 pounds Medium Firm or firmer Stomach sleepers who are heavier than average often struggle with excessively soft mattresses — particularly if the sleeper has a high concentration of weight in his or her midsection. A firmer mattress will sink less and help align the spine better in most cases.

The diagram below illustrates the most common firmness preferences among stomach sleepers in all three weight groups.

Which Types of Mattresses Are Best for Stomach Sleepers?

As we’ve discussed above, aches and pains are commonly associated with stomach sleeping regardless of mattress choice. However, some models are better equipped to accommodate stomach sleepers than others due to the material composition of their comfort layers and support cores, most notably foam and hybrid beds. In addition to supportiveness, mattress types also vary in terms of temperature neutrality, noise, odor potential, durability, and price-point.

Below we provide an overview of the five most common mattress types you’ll encounter today, along with their suitability for stomach sleepers.

Best Foam Beds for Stomach Sleepers

Mattress Reviews
Nectar Mattress Review

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses are made entirely of foam, with support layers of polyfoam and comfort layers of polyfoam or memory foam. Foam mattress manufacturers will indicate the density and the ILD of the foams used in each layer of the mattress.

This can all get a bit technical, but here’s what stomach sleepers need to know:

  • The density of a foam roughly describes how well the foam can support your body weight. Higher-density foams offer more contouring and retain their shape very slowly. They also tend to trap more body heat.
  • ILD, on the other hand, describes how soft or firm the foam is: lower ILD ratings (8 to 10) are very soft, while higher ILD ratings (16 to 21) are less soft.

Because stomach sleepers generally require a firmer mattress to enjoy healthy spinal alignment, foams with higher density and higher ILD ratings are better. Higher ILD ratings are particularly important for heavier stomach sleepers, in order to avoid sinking into the mattress surface.

With a sufficiently firm rating, foam mattresses can be particularly comfortable for stomach sleepers, providing enough conforming to cradle the body’s pressure points while supporting proper spinal alignment.

However, they’re not recommended for hot sleepers, as all that conforming can cause these beds to trap body heat. Firmer foam mattresses, along with those that use cooling gel or copper in their comfort layers (like our Best Value pick, the Nectar, does), can be a good workaround for this issue.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses use a uniform grid of innerspring steel coils as their support system, topped by comfort layers of foam. Stomach sleepers can enjoy these beds for their consistent, even support.

However, the level of conforming these mattresses can offer depends largely on the composition and thickness of their comfort layers. With thinner comfort layers, the sleeper may feel too much as if they are lying “on” the mattress; heavier parts of their body may not sink deep enough to keep the spine straight and prevent aches and pains.

Innerspring mattresses can also be less durable than other mattress types, and develop sagging within a number of years—especially if the sleeper has a heavier body type or if the mattress is constructed from lower-quality materials.

Best Hybrid Beds for Stomach Sleepers

Mattress Reviews
Casper Hybrid Mattress Review
Mattress Reviews
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Mattress Review
Mattress Reviews
Awara Mattress Review
Mattress Reviews
WinkBeds Mattress Reviews

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine features of foam and innerspring beds. They feature a support layer of individually pocketed steel coils, reinforced with a base and surrounding layers of polyfoam. On top, the comfort layers will include at least 2 inches of latex or memory foam, with potentially other materials like polyfoams or minicoils.

Hybrid mattresses can be ideal for stomach sleepers. Their pocketed coil layer ensures consistent, even support, with some contouring to adequately support heavier parts of the body. Many of these beds, like the Awara mattress and the WinkBed Plus, actually leverage a zoned design with the support layer, specifically designed to provide stronger support for those areas.

And because hybrid mattresses feature at least a few inches in their comfort layers, these beds also ensure stomach sleepers enjoy enough cushioning to feel comfortable while they sleep.

Hybrid mattresses also offer the additional benefits of sleeping fairly cool (thanks to airflow throughout the coil core), providing good pressure and pain relief, and maintaining enough responsiveness to be suitable for sex.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are made of natural or synthetic latex, or a blend of the two. As with foam beds, these mattresses will use different types of latex foams for support or comfort. While not always the case, it’s more common to see Dunlop latex in the support layers, as this latex has a denser feel, with fluffier Talalay latex in the comfort layers.

However, as we saw with the WinkBed Plus, our latex hybrid choice for heavier stomach sleepers, Dunlop latex can also be used in the comfort layers. Dunlop latex generally can be preferred among stomach sleepers, due to its denser, heavier feel. It also tends to be more resilient and resistant to sagging, an important consideration for stomach sleepers.

Overall, latex mattresses have a unique feel and elastic-like quality that some sleepers enjoy. These mattresses tend to sleep quite cool, especially if they’re made entirely or mostly from organic latex, and they have one of the longest lifespans of all the mattress types.

Airbeds

Airbeds use air as their support system, with individual chambers of air that can be filled or deflated according to the sleeper’s preference. Sleepers can adjust the firmness of the bed themselves, either using a manual hand crank or by remote control. This is a large reason why these beds are popular among their loyalists.

Some people have shifting firmness preferences, whether due to a change in body weight or a physical injury, and being able to adjust the firmness of their bed without having to buy a whole new mattress is perceived as a large benefit. These beds can also be very durable and last for a number of years, as long as they are maintained well and the individual parts are replaced as needed.

However, airbeds do tend to have thinner comfort layers and provide minimal conforming. As a result, some stomach sleepers may need to buy a mattress topper to make these beds sufficiently comfortable.

The table below summarizes notable pros and cons of the five most common mattress types, and explains which are most suitable for stomach sleeping.

Mattress Type Foam Latex Innerspring Hybrid Airbed
Construction Polyfoam or memory foam comfort layer
High-density polyfoam support core
Natural or synthetic latex comfort layer
Latex or high-density polyfoam support core
Polyfoam comfort layer
Evenly spaced steel springs in the support core, plus base polyfoam layers
Latex and/or memory foam comfort layer (2″ or more)
Pocketed coil support core, plus base polyfoam layers
Foam comfort layer
Individual, adjustable air chamber support core (manual or remote control)
Average Price (Queen) $1,044.16 $1,970.51 $1,037.97 $2,076.70 $2,282.75
Average Lifespan 5 to 6 years 7 to 8 years 4 to 6 years 6 to 7 years 7 to 9 years
Pros for Stomach Sleepers Close conforming and pain/pressure relief
Good motion isolation
No noise
Multiple firmness options and wide availability
Below-average price-point
Long lifespan
Close conforming and pain/pressure relief
Good motion isolation
No noise
Sleeps cooler than foam
Strong edge support
Good responsiveness for sex
Sleeps cool for most
Multiple firmness options and wide availability
Below-average price-point
Better conforming and pain/pressure relief than innersprings
Strong edge support
Good responsiveness for sex
Sleeps cool for most
Long lifespan
Close conforming and pain/pressure relief
Adjustable firmness settings
Cons for Stomach Sleepers Sleeps hot for some
Odor potential
Some early sagging reported
Minimal edge support
Odor potential
Some early sagging reported
Minimal edge support
High price-point
Minimal conforming and pressure relief
Noise potential
Some early sagging reported
Sleeps hot for some
Noise potential
High price-point
Temperature issues for some
Noise potential
High price-point

Match Your Pillows & Bedding

As we discussed above, maintaining healthy spinal alignment while you sleep is essential to enjoying a restful night, and a pain-free morning. For stomach sleepers, the first step toward that goal is the right mattress. The second step is the right pillow.

Choosing the right pillow is an especially important decision for stomach sleepers, and in some ways a surprising one. Here’s the surprise: many stomach sleepers actually sleep better without a pillow.

Without a pillow, your spine has an easier job lying flat from your pelvis all the way through your neck and head. Many people choose a pillow with too much loft, or pillow height, which causes their necks to tilt back and up as they turn them to the side. As you can imagine, this can result in neck and back pain for stomach sleepers.

One way around this issue is to sleep without a pillow. If your mattress has sufficiently cushiony comfort layers, as many foam and hybrid beds do, this is no problem. The top comfort layers of the mattress conform closely to the head and neck, cradling them just like a pillow would.

Pillow Loft & Materials

For some stomach sleepers, however, it’s difficult to get used to sleeping without a pillow – and that’s okay. If you’re one of these folks, simply opt for a lower-loft pillow that gives you the comfort you seek without creating an uncomfortable curvature in your neck or upper spine. A low- or medium-loft pillow, between 2 to 5 inches, is a good choice.

Additionally, many stomach sleepers choose pillows with adjustable loft. These allow you to adjust the height of the pillow by unzipping the cover and adding or removing the fill material. Adjustable pillows can also help sleepers transition from sleeping with a pillow to without one, as they can gradually remove fill from the pillow until they no longer need it.

Speaking of pillow fill, there are many options for stomach sleepers to choose from. Typically, stomach sleepers find down and memory foam pillows to be the most supportive. Both are available in thin, lower-loft varieties, as well as adjustable lofts. They’re also quite soft, allowing your head to sink deep enough to keep the neck straight.

Additional Body Pillows for Stomach Sleepers

Beyond their head pillow, stomach sleepers can use additional pillows to support spinal alignment while they sleep. You may wish to experiment with either or both of the following pillow positions:

  • Place a thin pillow beneath your pelvis to relieve pressure on your lower back and stomach.
  • Use a thin pillow beneath the shoulders to help fill in the gap between the neck and the mattress surface, and reduce pressure on the shoulders and upper spine.

Mattress Buying Tips for Stomach Sleepers

After deciding which mattress type is most suitable for your and your partner’s needs, the only step that remains is ordering and purchasing the mattress. Here are a few tips to guide you through this last important step.

  • Calculate a Realistic Price Range.

    While the average mattress costs more than $1,000, individual models may be priced anywhere from less than $100 to more than $5,000. Use your preferred mattress type as a starting point; foam and innerspring models tend to be much cheaper than latex, hybrid, and airbed models.

    Also keep in mind that some mattress sellers charge shipping fees; others offer free shipping exclusively to customers in the contiguous U.S. In some cases, extra shipping charges can amount to hundreds of dollars on top of the product price.

  • Read the Fine Print When It Comes to Sleep Trials.

    Most mattress brands and retailers offer ‘sleep trials,’ which allow purchasers to test out a mattress for a certain length of time (usually 90 nights or longer); if they are dissatisfied with the mattress before the trial ends, they may return their mattress for a full or partial refund (exchanges may also be allowed). All of our recommended mattresses for stomach sleepers offer sleep trials lasting at least 100 nights, with both the Nectar and Awara mattresses offering year-long trials.

    Sleep trials can be helpful, but there are some notable caveats. One is the ‘mandatory break-in period,’ as some brands require purchasers to test out the mattress for a certain length of time before they qualify for a full refund (usually 30 days). The Leesa, Brooklyn Bedding Aurora, and WinkBed Plus all have this requirement.

    Return charges are another consideration. Most brands offer free returns, but some will charge the purchaser a flat or variable fee that is deducted from their refund.

  • Carefully Research the Mattress Warranty.

    Most mattresses come with warranties against certain defects that span 10 years or longer. These defects may include indentations in the sleep surface or material flaws with mattress layers, but rarely cover normal wear and tear or physical damage.

    The overall warranty length is key, but the most important factor is the length of nonprorated coverage. During nonprorated coverage, owners may repair or replace a defective mattress at little (if any) charge. When prorated coverage kicks in, they must pay a percentage of the original product price to have their mattress repaired or replaced; this percentage typically increases with each successive year.

    When inquiring about warranty, be sure to find out how much nonprorated coverage is offered; a significant number of mattress warranties extending 10 years or longer only offer one to two years of nonprorated coverage.

FAQ

  • What Mattresses are Best for Stomach Sleepers?

    Stomach sleepers usually need a mattress that has a stronger degree of support. Latex beds, firmer hybrids, and innerspring mattresses are all worthwhile choices for stomach sleepers. Airbeds also have adjustable support capabilities that can be tweaked to meet the needs of different body types and sleep positions.

    Stomach sleepers tend to put more concentrated pressure on a mattress. As a result, their mattresses need to provide some pushback to keep their midsection from sinking too far into the bed. Firmer mattresses are often preferred by stomach sleepers to help keep them on an even plane while sleeping.

  • What Mattress Firmness is Best for Sleeping on Your Stomach?

    Firmness preferences will vary from person to person, however, different types of sleepers will share similar needs that are better met by certain mattresses. We find that firmer mattresses in the 6-8 range on our firmness scale are most satisfactory when it comes to meeting the needs of stomach sleepers. As people carry much of their body weight around their torsos and hips, sleeping on the stomach puts more pressure on the mattress compared to other sleeping styles.

    A firm, supportive mattress will keep the body from sinking too far into the mattress and throwing the spine out of alignment. Lighter stomach sleepers will likely be happier with a mattress on the softer end of the 6-8 range, while heavier stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer model.

  • What Mattresses are Best for Stomach Sleepers With Back Pain?

    Latex mattresses and firmer hybrid mattresses are two types of mattresses that work well for stomach sleepers with back pain. Latex has contouring capabilities similar to foams, but with a greater degree of resistance to pressure. Hybrid models combine foams and other cushioning materials with robust coil systems that provide the support necessary to prevent excessive sink.

    Airbed mattresses are also worth considering due to their adjustability in terms of firmness and support.

    No matter the mattress model, stomach sleepers can try placing a pillow under their hips to help align their spine back to a more neutral position.

  • What Pillows are Best for Stomach Sleepers?

    Stomach sleepers typically prefer to use pillows with lower to medium lofts, or pillow thicknesses, usually somewhere in the 2-inch to 5-inch thick range. Some stomach sleepers opt to use no head pillow. The right balance of loft is important, as pillows that are too thick will throw the neck out of alignment with the rest of the spine, and pillows that are too thin will not provide enough support. Consider opting for pillows with supportive, adjustable fills as they may make it easier to find that degree of balance.

    The position of your head will also matter somewhat, as a stomach sleeper who sleeps with their head turned to the side will benefit from a thinner pillow than someone who sleeps with their face down into the mattress.

Table of Contents