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Medically reviewed by: Debra Henline Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COIStomach sleepers are a rare breed: according to studies, only about 7.3% of the population adopt this position (1).
But does it mean that the mattress market doesn’t pay attention to what an average stomach sleeper may need?
Absolutely not!
In fact, there are plenty of decent mattresses suitable for your sleeping style, and this list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers was made to help you make the right choice. So, get cozy and read on!
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall Botanical Bliss by Plushbeds | Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Memory Foam Option Nectar | Read more about this mattress |
 | Best for Fans of a Firm Feel Plank | Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Breathable Hybrid Layla Hybrid | Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Mattress for Obese Stomach Sleepers Winkbed | Read more about this mattress |
Our List of the Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
Best Overall — Editor’s Choice - Botanical Bliss by Plushbeds
Highlights
- comes in 9”, 10”, and 12” thicknesses and medium or medium-firm builds;
- made of renewable organic Dunlop latex;
- the cotton cover and natural latex with pores ensure great breathability.
This list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers opens with the Botanical Bliss, which is made of Dunlop latex from top to bottom. Latex offers instant cradling and prevents your lower back from arching awkwardly, which is great for those who sleep on their tummy.
One of the most prominent features of the Botanical Bliss is its adjustable firmness. The mattress consists of three to four layers of latex (depending on the configuration you buy) with the softest on top and the firmest at the bottom. You can rearrange the layers and thus adjust the firmness to your liking.
Regardless of the amount of hug you need, the Botanical Bliss can offer you uniform support without restricting your movements and will effectively withdraw heat even on summer nights.
Overall, if you need a supportive, long-lasting, and natural mattress for a stomach sleeper, the chances are that you won’t find any better than the Botanical Bliss. You can experiment with its layers to find the most comfortable configuration for stomach sleeping.
Pros:
- can be easily adjusted to fit your firmness preferences;
- completely natural and immune to dust mites and mold;
- natural latex keeps its shape longer than synthetic foams;
- latex has an open-cell structure and retains less heat;
- can work for sleepers with any weight.
Cons:
- the feel is quite different from the traditional memory foam, which can be a turn-off for some;
- on the pricier side.
Best Memory Foam Option - Nectar
Highlights
- suits petite and average-weight stomach sleepers;
- great motion absorption;
- relieves pressure points and supports your spine.
The next option worthy of your attention is the Nectar. Even though this bed has a medium to medium-firm feel, it still can deliver targeted support and great relaxation for those who sleep on the stomach, without curving their lower back.
The Nectar is a memory foam bed, so you can expect good motion absorption, which is great if you share a bed with someone. Plus, memory foam layers will cradle your body properly and support correct spinal alignment, which is especially important for those who sleep on the stomach.
Note that the medium feel of the Nectar will work great for petite and average sleepers, but heavier users would need something firmer.
To sum up, the Nectar is a good option for stomach sleepers who enjoy the traditional memory foam feel. If you’re not on the heavier side, it will properly support your spine throughout the night, taking care of your pressure points, too.
Pros:
- good for seekers of the traditional memory foam feel;
- low motion transfer, ideal for couples;
- medium-firm, supports your lumbar spine without flattening its natural curves;
- removable and breathable Tencel cover for easy spot cleaning;
- comes with a 1-year trial period, which is 3 times more than the average 120 nights.
Cons:
- may lack edge support;
- might sleep a bit hot for those who are prone to overheating at night.
Best for Fans of a Firm Feel - Plank
Highlights
- flippable design with Firm and Extra Firm sides;
- good edge support and uniform surface;
- doesn’t retain your body heat, so you can expect cool sleep.
The main thing that makes a mattress suitable for stomach sleeping is higher firmness. So, the next option in this list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers is made for those who really need the floating feel. The Plank by Brooklyn Bedding features a flippable design with Firm and Extra Firm sides, so you can try both and choose what suits you more.
Compared to soft foams, firm ones offer several benefits, such as cooler sleep and better edge support — and that’s exactly what you can expect from this model. It will provide a uniform surface that will offer little cradling but enough to prevent pressure points and relax your muscles.
Also, the Plank can support a larger weight, which makes it a great pick for heavier sleepers.
With all of that being said, if you prefer a floating feel over cradling but aren’t exactly sure which firmness level you may need, the Plank will make a good pick for you. Regardless of the side, you’ll eventually choose, the Plank will ensure proper spinal support and alignment, which is exactly what stomach sleepers need.
Pros:
- two firmness levels in one bed;
- doesn’t sleep hot;
- may work for overweight fans of memory foam;
- decent edge support;
- additional cooling panel available for purchase.
Cons:
- might feel overly firm for petite stomach sleepers;
- firmer foams might feel bouncy, which is a downside for active sleepers.
Best Breathable Hybrid - Layla Hybrid
Highlights
- flippable design: Soft and Firm sides;
- removable cover for easy maintenance;
- 2 layers of coils for better support.
The Layla isn't your average hybrid mattress: it's designed to be compatible with different body types and sleeping styles. But what makes it a good pick for stomach sleepers, in particular is the firmness on one of its sides and a breathable coil layer.
The Layla mattress has Soft (about 4/10) and Firm (7/10) sides. The latter can be just what you need if you sleep on your tummy. And who knows, maybe you’ll change your habits one day and start sleeping on your side or back, so the Soft side might come in handy in the future.
The comfort layers on both sides are made of copper-infused memory foam that has good cooling properties. Moreover, copper particles prevent mold growth, so you can expect this mattress to last long without any odors. For the main support, this mattress uses a coil block with a reinforced perimeter.
Overall, the Laya will make a great purchase for stomach sleepers who want a hybrid mattress with a pronounced cooling effect. Due to its firmer feel, this mattress will ensure proper support for your abdomen and lower back, which is crucial for sound sleep in stomach sleepers.
Pros:
- reinforced perimeter for sturdy edges;
- hybrid construction allows for better airflow and cooler sleep;
- copper-infused foam with potent antimicrobial properties;
- flippable design with soft and firm sides;
- comes with handles on the sides for easy rotating.
Cons:
- might be overly responsive to movements;
- won’t work for users who want a medium feel.
Best Mattress for Obese Stomach Sleepers - Winkbed
Highlights
- comes in Soft, Medium, Firm, and Firm Plus options;
- one of the sturdiest mattresses on the market;
- sleeps cool because the coil layer doesn’t restrict airflow.
The Winkbed deserves its place in this list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, especially the heavier ones, because of its firm feel and sturdiness. It’s actually available in four firmness levels, including the Firm Plus option designed specifically for overweight sleepers to support their torso and hips and prevent strains and pain if they sleep on their stomach.
The manufacturer states that the individuals over 300 lbs will feel this mattress as medium-firm, while those who weigh up to 250 lbs will feel like they sleep on a firm mattress. In both cases, the Winkbed will offer you proper spinal support thanks to a coil system that will allow proper airflow and a zoned latex layer that will respond to your shape and relieve pressure points.
The mattress is pretty bouncy, so it may not work for active sleepers and their sensitive partners. Yet, the strong edge support will be a benefit for other couples.
All things considered, the amount of support the Winkbed can give you can easily turn your slumber into a blissful experience. It’s one of the few models suitable for heavier stomach sleepers, as it won’t offer excessive sinkage and create unnatural curves in their lower back.
Pros:
- incredible edge support and uniform surface;
- helps you maintain proper spinal curves when you’re on the stomach;
- doesn’t sleep hot;
- thick coils and dense foams will maintain the shape and support for years;
- will work for people over 300 lbs.
Cons:
- might feel too responsive for sensitive sleepers;
- on the expensive side.
What Is the Best Type of Mattress for Stomach Sleepers?
Latex beds or hybrids are the most suitable mattresses for stomach sleepers. They provide good responsiveness and will help maintain the natural lumbar curve. The most important thing to consider when choosing a mattress is maintaining the natural lumbar curve of your spine when sleeping in the frontal position (2). Plus, both latex and hybrids don’t restrict your movements during the night, which is good if you aren’t a strict stomach sleeper and switch between different positions during the night.
Another good option, especially for heavier users, is innerspring beds. They generally have a uniform surface and can support larger weights without sinking too deep or sagging too soon.
Memory foam mattresses might work as well; however, you should consider these things before making a purchase:
- choose dense open-cell foams, as they don’t have that pronounced cradling feel;
- opt for models with zoned support;
- use a firmer pillow under your pelvic area, or buy a firm mattress topper if your bed is too soft.
Quick tip:
If you’re a stomach sleeper, avoid mattresses with a pillow-top. Pillow-tops may go flat very quickly, altering the overall feel of the mattress so that you might end up with morning back pain.
How Firm a Mattress for a Stomach Sleeper Should Be?
Source: https://vesgantti.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-your-mattress
Generally, medium-firm and firm mattresses work best for most stomach sleepers. They don’t provide as much sinkage as soft beds and will keep your pelvis properly aligned, so you won’t experience morning pain.
But this is where it gets tricky:
See, firmness perception is pretty subjective and tied to some external factors, such as your weight. The larger you are, the deeper you will sink into the mattress layers, and hence, the softer your bed will feel to you, and vice versa.
So, here’s what you need to know before choosing a good mattress for a stomach sleeper:
- lightweight stomach sleepers (less than 130 lbs) may benefit from a medium-soft mattress (4/10);
- users who weigh 130 to 200 lbs will feel comfortable on a medium (5/10) or medium-firm (6-7/10) mattress;
- heavier stomach sleepers (200 lbs and above) may want a firm (7-8/10) or extra-firm mattress (8-9/10) (3).
If you aren’t sure about the exact firmness level you need, you can also try models with a flippable design which have a different firmness on each of the two sides.
What Stomach Sleepers Should Consider When Shopping for a Mattress?
Great sleep may not be easy to achieve, so you need to consider a lot of factors before creating suitable surroundings for that. Your bed is one of these factors, and here are the key things that make up a good mattress for stomach sleepers.
Proper Lumbar Support
The main problem with stomach sleeping is that the pelvic area might sink into the mattress layers, which puts a strain on a lumbar curve and makes your back hurt. To prevent this, choose beds with pronounced lumbar support — e.g. those with zoned layers or a sewn-in lumbar pad to support specifically the lower back area.
Note that even though stomach sleeping is considered the worst position for spinal health, it can be more beneficial than other positions for people with certain back conditions, such as degenerative disc disease and herniated lumbar disks (4). Stomach sleeping in these cases removes the pressure from the discs and brings you relief.
Good Thermoregulation
A study conducted in 2019 supports the idea that falling and staying asleep is connected with the temperature of your body and the surroundings (5). When we prepare to fall asleep, or body temperature drops and triggers melatonin production that supports stable shut-eye with little to no awakenings.
So, your mattress should be able to support this natural temperature decline and facilitate better sleep by withdrawing excess body heat.
The best candidates for this are natural latex and hybrid beds, as they’re initially more breathable.
But if you’re a fan of memory foam, be sure to choose mattresses with gel, copper, or graphite-infused comfort layers. This makes the foam more adaptive to your body temperature changes.
Natural Materials
Stomach sleepers are recommended to sleep without a pillow, as this prevents putting extra pressure on the cervical region (6). But when there’s no pillow, your head comes into direct contact with the mattress, and if it’s made with synthetic materials or harsh chemicals, you may develop allergic reactions.
That’s why it’s important to choose beds that use natural or semi-natural materials, such as latex, cotton, wool, bamboo rayon, or Tencel.
Also, look out for certification tags, such as GOLS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or GreenGuard Gold. These labels will prove that your mattress doesn’t have any harsh mixtures in its layers and doesn’t emit harmful levels of VOCs.
FAQ
Do stomach sleepers need a firm mattress?
Stomach sleepers usually benefit from sleeping on medium-firm to firm beds. The heavier you are, the firmer your perfect mattress is.
Final Word
A proper mattress for stomach sleepers can easily compensate for some of the drawbacks of this sleeping position and make your shut-eye more restorative. Essential factors to consider are suitable firmness (the more you weigh, the firmer your mattress should be), pronounced lumbar support, and chemical-free design, as you might sleep on your mattress without a pillow.
All these features are perfectly combined in the Botanical Bliss. First, the mattress is completely organic. Second, natural latex offers you great support for the lumbar and pelvic areas. Finally, the Botanical Bliss offers adjustable firmness, so you can customize your bed to your preferences.
What are you looking for in a mattress for stomach sleeping? Share your thoughts below!
References
- Nat Sci Sleep (2017, November 1). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5677378/
- Trina Bellendir, MSPT, CLT, and Thomas N. Joseph, MD (n.d.). Good Sleeping Posture Helps Your Back. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4460
- National Sleep Foundation (n.d.). How to Choose a Mattress. Retrieved from https://www.sleep.org/articles/how-to-choose-a-mattress/
- Richard Staehler, MD (2017, October 25). Mattresses and Sleep Positions for Each Back Pain Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/sleep/mattresses-and-sleep-positions-each-back-pain-diagnosis
- Edward C. Harding, Nicholas P. Franks, and William Wisden (2019, April 24). The Temperature Dependence of Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6491889/
- Elea Carey (2018, September 28). Is It Bad to Sleep on Your Stomach? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/is-it-bad-to-sleep-on-your-stomach
Our research
25
Mattresses Considered
80
Hours of Research
2
Sleep Experts Consulted