The Definitive Guide to the Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

When it comes to getting the best quality of sleep, it starts with getting the right mattress. This means factoring in your sleeping position, such as if you sleep on your back or on your side. But if you sleep on your stomach, then you need to make sure you get the best mattress for stomach sleepers.

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Sleep Innovations 2-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

5 out of 5

Live And Sleep Classic Memory Foam Mattress 10-Inch

5 out of 5

Brentwood Home Cypress Mattress 11-Inch

4.5 out of 5

Snuggle-Pedic Mattress That Breathes - Patented Airflow Transfer System

4.5 out of 5

Linenspa 10-Inch Latex Hybrid Mattress

4 out of 5

How to Do Your Research?

It’s very helpful that many mattress manufacturers actually specify for which type of sleeping position their mattress is best suited for. But you can’t always take their word for it, just as you can’t always believe their advertising copy.

Here’s one of the worst-kept secret in advertising: sometimes the advertisements aren’t 100% accurate. Sometimes the ads exaggerate, or even offer misleading statements. They may not mention some facts, especially when these facts don’t put their products in a good light.

The better way to go about it (aside from reading our reviews) is to read the customer reviews. They should be more objective, and they can point out durability issues that you may not know about from advertising copy. You can also hear from actual stomach sleepers how a particular mattress works for them.

It’s better if you have more reviews from customers to go over, as they may provide a more accurate overall picture regarding how it’s likely to satisfy your needs. In addition, popular mattresses in general are often better. They tend to offer the best features at the right price.

List of Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

If you wish to get the possible options for mattresses that will suit the way you sleep on your stomach, here are the likely candidates:

1. Live And Sleep Classic Memory Foam Mattress 10-Inch

This should offer enough support for stomach sleepers, as it ranks about 6-7 on the 10-point firmness scale. It also comes with a 20 year warranty for defects, though the full refund guarantee is good for only 30 days.

  • It comes with a cushion of 2.5 inches Prime Air-Flow Infused pure viscose foam along with an extra thick layer of their most advanced high density support base. The orthopedic support helps with posture for stomach sleepers, and it eases motion disturbance if you don’t sleep alone.
  • It’s hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, which makes resistant to dust mite.
  • It also doesn’t hold heat at all, which is cool enough for stomach sleepers.
  • It doesn’t smell bad at all.
  • With its low price, if it only lasts for 5 years you already get your money’s worth.

This may be a bit firmer than some may be comfortable with, as our 6-7 rating (not 5, which is medium) indicates. But it does have a memory foam layer that should offer enough comfort for most.

2. Live And Sleep Resort Classic Queen Memory Foam Mattress 12-Inch

This has 3 layers, with 3 inches of premium memory foam on top, then 2 inches of airflow-infused convoluted foam, and finally the high density support base.

  • It’s quite breathable, so you won’t have to feel too warm sleeping on your stomach.
  • It ranks slightly over medium in firmness, with a score of 5 to 6 in the 10-point firmness scale.
  • The soft fabric cover is removable for easy washing.
  • It’s eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.
  • It even comes with a free pillow.

Most people like this, at least at first. But there are a significant number of reviews which comment on how its edges don’t hold up after very long. This means that it may suit you if you sleep alone and you don’t weigh much. But a couple of people who may be considered overweight may put too much pressure on it.

3. Linenspa 10-Inch Latex Hybrid Mattress

The Queen-size version gives you 4 layers of foam and latex. The foam offers comfort, while the latex is temperature-neutral so it should feel cooler for you.

  • It has individually-encased coils to offer the support you need. These measure 7 inches.
  • It comes with a 2-tone cover.
  • It has a 10-year warranty.
  • It can be used on just about any frame, but it’s not good just to lay it on the floor.

Just about everyone finds it comfortable, which can be a relief when you find there’s no explicit mention of a trial period. So if you’re buying this online, make sure the seller or the online retail platform has a standard satisfaction-guarantee period.

4. Brentwood Home Cypress Mattress 11-Inch

On top you have 2.5 inches of gel memory foam. Below that, there’s the 2-inch ventilated airflow zone designed to help you keep cool. Finally, there’s the 6.5-inch base foam to offer solid support.

  • It does have a removable cover, made from bamboo-derived rayon. It’s free of harmful toxins.
  • It also uses wool lining to regulate your body temperature and wick away moisture. Its bonus benefit is that it acts as a fire barrier, just in case.
  • Its firmness is medium-firm, so that should work for many stomach sleepers. That’s especially those who don’t want it too firm.
  • It comes with an extra-long 25-year warranty.

However, you need to check your seller website for its return policy. The truth about any mattress is that some people may feel comfy on one mattress that others may find distinctly uncomfortable.

5. Sleep Innovations 2-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper

We have to mention this, because it’s not technically a mattress. But it can be an affordable way to upgrade your current mattress if it is firm enough to support your stomach sleeping position, but not all that comfy.

  • With a memory foam topper, you can get that comfort you’re looking for.
  • At the same time, it also offers excellent support.
  • It enhances airflow and breathability to help keep you cool.

This comes with directions on how to unfold it properly, and you ought to follow those directions. If you just unfold it right out of the package, you can tear it up.

It’s still a bit warm though cooler than other memory foam layers. Try putting a fiber-filled elastic mattress pad over it so you’ll feel really cooler.

6. Snuggle-Pedic Mattress That Breathes

This is another 2-layer mattress. What makes it special is its patented airflow transfer system to make it truly breathable and cool. It has thousands of small holes on the surface of the top layer to allow full air circulation.

  • On top you have the memory foam, which is much cooler than most memory foam layers.
  • Underneath it is the support base that provides the orthopedic support for your spine. It won’t sag like a hammock even if you’re not all that slim. It has a 500-pound limit per person, and an overall weight limit of 1,000 pounds.
  • It comes with a luxurious cover with excellent breathability.
  • It has a 20-year warranty, along with a 120-day “no hassle” satisfaction guarantee.

Just about everyone likes this. Those who aren’t used to memory foam may still find this a bit too warm—but then other memory foam mattresses are certainly warmer.

Is It Ok to Sleep On Your Stomach?

According to the sleep experts, it’s not OK at all.

It’s not an inherently comfortable position because it stresses your neck and your back. Even if you think it’s comfy when you start to fall asleep, after a while the stress can lead to eventual discomfort and poor sleep.

Sleep on Your Stomach

The key to a comfy and pain-free night is when you sleep while you keep your spine properly aligned. This relieves the pressure from your muscles, nerves, and discs. But when you sleep on your stomach, it’s a lot easier to inadvertently keep your spine out of alignment.

  • The weight in your hip area can cause a downward bend in your lower spine.
  • You’ll have to tilt your head fully to the left or right, and in the morning that can real cause a stiff neck.
  • Your pillow may end up raising your head too far upward.

All these affect your spine alignment to such a degree that they can cause a significant amount of pain after you wake up, or even while you sleep. It’s why only 7% of people use this position for sleeping. In most cases, it’s probably the worst position you can sleep in.

When you sleep on your back, here are some issues you need to be aware of:

Spinal Issues

When you sleep on your stomach, you strain your spine and your back. The position concentrates most of your weight into the middle part of your body. This means it’s harder for you to keep a neutral and therefore pain-free position when you sleep.

Putting stress on your spine increases the stress felt by your other body parts. Some of these parts may feel like they’ve fallen “asleep”. That’s not a good thing, because the term refers to the feeling of numbness and tingling. Spinal stress can also lead to pain.

Let’s put this clearly: experiencing pain while you sleep isn’t good for you. It doesn’t matter where the pain originates. It’s just plain bad, because it reduces the quality of your sleep. And that’s what happens when you sleep on your stomach.

Pain in the Neck

Your head doesn’t exactly face forward when you’re sleeping on your stomach. You have to turn your head sideways so that you can actually breathe while you sleep. This position twists your neck for extended period of times while your head and your spine are out of alignment.

Sleep on your stomach for just one night, and the problem won’t be obvious. Sleep in this position continuously for many nights, and eventually you’ll develop neck problems.

There are many types of neck problems, such as neck pains. But the real problem you want to avoid is having a herniated disc. This means the gelatinous disc between your vertebrae has ruptured. The gel has bulged out from the disc, and this can irritate the nerves.

Benefits of Stomach Sleeping

Benefits of Stomach Sleeping

Sure, it does have some benefits. It can minimize sleep apnea, which is a potentially dangerous problem when you suddenly stop and start breathing while you sleep. The position can also reduce your snoring. 

But when you balance the pros and cons of sleeping on your stomach, you have to admit that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Still, if you can’t help it, then at least you can reduce your problems and discomfort with the right mattress.

Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers: How Firm Should They Be?

In general, if you really insist on sleeping on your stomach then you will need a mattress with a medium level of firmness. That means they should offer more support than what a mattress offers when it’s designed for those who sleep on their backs or on their sides.

You’ll want to get a mattress that’s firm enough to support your body in a neutral position. It should be too soft that your body seems to sink into the mattress. At the same time, it should still be soft enough to feel comfortable.

If you get the wrong mattress, then you may end up dealing with the following issues:

Back Pain

In this sleeping position, you hyperextend and stress your spine and you stress your back too. All these lead to back pain. But you can counter this somewhat with a firm mattress with enough support to keep your body and spine properly aligned.

Neck Pain

Stiff and sore necks are very common issues when your wake up in the morning after a night of sleeping on your stomach. That’s because you have your neck turned to the side for hours on end. This misalignment with your spine can also put more pressure on your nerves. Again, the right firmness of your mattress can reduce neck pain though you need the right kind of pillow as well.

In fact, with the right pillow you may even be able to support just your forehead so that you can actually sleep face down.

Breathing

Your airway isn’t as open as it is when you’re sleeping in any other position. That’s because your neck is turned to the side. So if you have a pillow that can allow you to sleep face down, then get one. Still, even the right pillow can’t help with how this position has your body weight compressing your lungs so you’re not always able to get a full deep breath.

Pressure on Back

Most people nowadays sit and slouch for many hours during the workday. This puts pressure on the back and torso. You can at least alleviate the problem by sleeping on your back so that the mattress can gently support your back.

But if you sleep on your stomach, you continue putting stress and pressure on your back. There’s just no letup. That’s why you need a mattress with exceptional support so that you can at least alleviate the stress on your back.

Factors to Check on Mattress For Stomach Sleepers

There are many types of mattresses, but not all of them are suited for those who sleep on their stomachs. Here are some types that may suit you, with the characteristics and features you need to get for each type.

Foam Mattress (Poly And Memory Foam)

Foam Mattress

This is one of the best mattresses you can get, though you need to make sure they have the features you need:

  • A firmness level of 5 to 7 out of a possible 10 for the firmest
  • At least an inch of a soft top comfort layer, but not too much thickness for comfort layers to keep you from sinking into the stomach
  • High density foam layers with several grades of poly foam for support or memory foam for comfort (or a combo of both poly foam and memory foam)
  • Cooling technology to avoid trapping heat

Innerspring Mattress

  • Thinner coils that contour better to your body
  • Thicker layers provide the support for your weight but should still be thin enough to prevent you from sinking into the mattress
  • Should be durable and resilient, though over time the support may break down

Hybrid Mattress (Foam And Coil)

  • This is a combo of coils and foam, with the coils offering support while the foam provides comfort (and even added support)
  • The memory foam offers great conformity

Latex Mattress

  • These provide both support and comfort, but it should have a latex core
  • Bounces back into original form when you move or get up
  • Offers good conformity and pressure point relief

Adjustable Air Mattress

  • Adjust the firmness which should offer the proper amount of support
  • No sagging for this matters
  • May not be too comfortable as is, unless you add a comfort layer to it

Best Type Of Mattress For Stomach Sleepers

To sum up, here are the types of mattresses you need to look at first:

  • Foam mattresses
  • Innerspring mattresses
  • Hybrid mattresses
  • Latex mattresses

What Makes The Mattress For Stomach And Belly Sleepers?

These are the features the mattress must have:

  • An above-medium firmness to support a flatter profile
  • Enough support to align the neck and spine
  • It needs to feel cool
  • Proper conformity to your body contour

Proper Support For Tummy Sleepers

Since this position of sleeping on your stomach can cause strain on your neck and spine, you need a mattress that offers enough support to keep your neck and spine aligned.

What Firmness is The Mattress?

You need a firmness level ranging from medium to medium firm. This corresponds to a score of 5 to 7 on a 10-point firmness scale.

Stomach Sleeper Pillow Considerations

The right mattress may not be enough for you. You also need the right pillow if you sleep on your stomach.

  • They should be made of high quality materials
  • Pick polyester, thin foam, down pillows, or alternative down
  • It should be soft and small, with just the right slope to keep your head aligned with your spine
  • You may even want to consider not using pillows for your head
  • Another pillow should be placed under your stomach, and this should be a flat pillow

Tips For Buying A Mattress

If you’re buying a mattress of any type, here are some tips you need to keep in mind:

1. Calculate a realistic price range.  While you do need to work within your budget, you need to realize that this is a major expense. The average price is about $1,000. However, the range of prices does vary with some as cheap as $100 while others can cost up to $5,000. 

Latex, hybrid, and even airbed mattresses can be comparatively expensive. The innerspring and foam mattresses tend to be more affordable.

Finally, don’t forget to include the shipping fees—these can run into the hundreds of dollars. However, some manufacturers and sellers do offer free shipping.

2. Read the fine print when it comes to sleep trials. Sleep trial periods are great, as you’re ostensibly given time to try out a mattress to see if you do sleep well on it. This period normally runs about 90 nights, and you can return the mattress before the end of the period if you’re not satisfied with it.

But be careful about the fine print of the sleep trial offer. You may need to try out the mattresses for a minimum amount of time. If you return it too soon then you may not get your full refund.

There may also be charges involved if you decide to return the mattress. This means you may not get your full refund. However, lots of manufacturers also offer “satisfaction guaranteed” trials that also comes with free shipping.

3. Carefully research the product warranty. Mattresses are supposed to last for a very long time, which is why many of them come with a warranty period of at least 10 years. However, the warranty may only cover certain flaws and not cover normal wear and tear. 

What’s most important is the time you have when you enjoy “non-prorated” warranty coverage. This when you don’t pay much to have you’re your defective mattress replaced or repaired.  This may only last a year or two.

But when prorated coverage starts, it means you have to pay a more sizable fee each year to have the mattress replaced even when the defect is covered by the warranty.

A Few Tips To Increase Comfort For Stomach Sleepers

As the main issue with sleeping on your stomach is about having your spine out of alignment, here are a few tips that address that issue to make you feel more comfortable.

Tips #1. Sleep without a pillow under your head. Admittedly, it feels weird at first. But this can help keep your neck straight enough so that when you wake up, you don’t have a stiff neck. If not having a pillow is just too weird, you can try using a pillow that’s either very thin or adjustable so you can make it thinner.

Tips #2. Place a pillow under your hips.  That’s because you carry most of your weight in your hip area. This means when you sleep on your stomach, you can have a misalignment in your lumbar area. Using a pillow reduces or even eliminates the downward bending of your hips.

Tips #3. Try a full body pillow. This may even let you sleep fully face down, like you would on a massage table with the hole for the face.

Tips #4. Be aware enough when you go to sleep that one leg isn’t brought up toward your side. This will just twist your lumbar area into an even more unnatural position. You’re even more likely to end up in pain in the morning, and you may be in even more pain.

Tips #5. When you wake up in the morning, spend a few minutes stretching your spine. You can go on YouTube and find yoga exercises for beginners that help stretch your back. This can loosen up your back and relieve the pain right away.

Is It Safe To Sleep On Your Stomach While Pregnant?

It may seem that way, doesn’t it? But it may surprise you to know that doctors often strongly advise women to avoid sleeping on their back. This sleeping position can lead to complications, like compressing the large vein that runs along your spine. This in turn can lead to an accelerated heart rate and dizziness.

So sleeping on your stomach is actually safer than on your back when you’re pregnant. It’s just that as your belly gets bigger as your pregnancy advances, the more difficult it will be for you to relax and sleep on your stomach. But nowadays there are special donut-shaped pillows specifically made for pregnant women to sleep on their stomachs.

Don’t forget that your sleep can affect much of your overall health, and that your mattress affects much of your overall sleep quality. Try to sleep on any other position but on your stomach. It’s just not good for you overall.

If you can’t, then at least try these mattresses designed for stomach sleepers. The best mattress for stomach sleepers will at least keep you cool and comfy while you sleep, and pain-free when you wake up!

Billy L. Osorio
 

My name is Billy. I am a computer engineer by profession. So, most of my work is on the desk. In my past days, I had many back pain issues due to a long time sitting, eating, working habit. I did a lot of studies and consulting for overcoming my problem. Now, I am trying to share my knowledge.

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