When choosing the best mattress for stomach sleepers, look for a firmer feel as this will keep your body on top of the mattress, where it needs to stay for healthy spine alignment. If you pick one that's too soft, your lower back may dip during sleep, throwing your spine out of alignment and causing back pain over time. Seven percent of adults prefer to sleep on their stomach, but sleeping this way can potentially lead to neck pain, backaches and other health problems if you don't have the best mattress for your sleeping position.
Our team of mattress expert has spent thousands of hours testing the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, and here we've rounded up our top five recommendations. While stomach sleepers should avoid soft mattresses, this doesn’t mean you should stick to ultra-firm mattresses either. In fact, most of our top picks have a medium-firm feel, which will also suit combination sleepers (those who like to switch positions as they sleep). However if you weigh over 250lbs and sleep on your stomach, take a look at our guide to the best firm mattresses as these offer more support.
In addition to our in-house testing and consumer review research, we've reached out to a couple of sleep doctors for their expert insight on finding the best mattress for stomach sleepers. As they are providing general advice, we recommend speaking to your doctor for personalized recommendations based on your personal health status.
You don't have to spend a fortune to get a good stomach sleeper mattress either, as monthly mattress sales can save you a few hundred dollars. Here's our guide to this year's best mattresses for stomach sleepers, as tested by us our in-house sleep experts...
The best mattress for stomach sleepers in 2023
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The Awara Natural Hybrid is our top overall mattress for stomach sleepers – and we also recommend it for combi sleepers who shift positions throughout the night since it comfortably accommodates any sleep style. This organic mattress features a 2-inch layer of Dunlop latex foam – a denser, firmer material than memory foam with a subtle contouring effect. A base layer of 8-inch individually-wrapped springs adds full-body support and promotes proper airflow, and it comes in all sizes from twin through to a king size mattress.
Despite Awara classifying its hybrid as a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, our testing panel found it slightly firmer and especially suitable for stomach sleepers. When lying on our front, we felt our weight was evenly distributed and our hips remained level. When we shifted to our backs or sides, we didn't feel any less supported. However, petite sleepers might find the Awara too firm for their tastes, especially if they also sometimes lie on their side or back.
The Awara Natural Hybrid mattress also stands out for its luxurious and breathable New Zealand wool cover, as well as its excellent edge support so sleepers can sprawl out without hesitation. Priced at $999 for a queen size during regular mattress sales, it's one of the most affordable latex hybrid mattresses on the market. Awara also includes a one-year sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, perks that aren't as rare as they used to be but are still impressive for a mid-range mattress.
The Awara does a lot of things well but motion isolation is the only area where it noticeably fell short for us. If you share a bed, full-foam beds like the Siena (#2) and Cocoon Chill (#3) will do a much better job of muting your partner's movements.
- Read more: Awara Natural Hybrid mattress review
The Siena may be a cheap mattress but don't let its low cost deceive you. Mattresses in this price bracket typically consist of one or two layers of foam, but the Siena has a three-layer foam build that more closely resembles a mid-range model. This memory foam mattress has a 5.5-inch polyfoam stability layer, two inches of rippled transitional support foam, and 2.5 inches of gel-infused memory foam. At the bottom is a shift-resistant cover to help keep the mattress intact while you sleep.
Siena says its mattress is medium-firm (6.5 out of 10), but our testing panel unanimously found it much firmer and rated it a 9 out of 10. This pronounced firmness benefitted our stomach sleepers, who appreciated the support in their hips. On the other hand, several of our back and side sleepers found the mattress unyielding so combi sleepers may want to consider something more forgiving, like the Awara at #1.
The Siena also does an excellent job of isolating movement so it's a great choice for couples. It exceeded our expectations when it came to temperature regulation, as well, thanks to its moisture-wicking cover and breathable foam layers. Yet for chronically hot sleepers, we still recommend a specialized cooling model like the Cocoon Chill memory foam mattress (at #3).
For dedicated stomach sleepers, it's hard to find a better value for money than the Siena. A permanent Siena mattress sale cuts the price of a queen to $399. That includes a 180-night trial, which is quite long for a budget mattress, and plenty of time to decide whether it's right for you.
- Read more: Siena Memory Foam mattress
The Cocoon by Sealy Chill is a regular contender among the best cooling mattresses, with a medium-firm feel that will cater to most stomach sleepers. This all-foam bed is topped with a phase-changing cover that dissipates heat and wicks away moisture. For an extra fee, you can add a layer of Extra Chill memory foam plus an upgraded cover woven with advanced cooling yarns for enhanced cooling.
Our reviewers found the Cocoon Chill comfortable for stomach sleeping, although we also liked it for back sleeping. The Chill's top memory foam layer subtly relieves key pressure points while its polyfoam support base keeps the hips and lumbar properly aligned. The Chill's firmer-than-average feel should suit a variety of stomach sleepers, but those who weigh over 300lbs may prefer a sturdier hybrid like the WinkBed Plus (at #4).
As a cooling mattress, the Cocoon Chill did not disappoint our testers, who didn't overheat once while sleeping on it. However, for those who always sleep warm, we suggest the Extra Chill upgrade or opting for the Cocoon Chill Hybrid, which introduces a layer of springs for improved ventilation. (That said, couples may want to stick with the all-foam iteration for better motion isolation.)
Specialty cooling beds tend to be expensive, but the Cocoon Chill mattress falls in the lower mid-range pricing bracket. A queen regularly goes for $699 as part of an evergreen Cocoon by Sealy mattress sale. But that's not all – Sealy throws in a free pair of pillows plus a sheet set, which is a boon if you're transitioning to a different bed size or your current bedding is in dire need of a refresh.
- Read more: Cocoon Chill mattress review
The WinkBed Plus is a 13.5-inch hybrid mattress geared toward larger sleepers. It's made with high-density anti-sag foam, a 2.5-inch zoned latex support layer, and heavy-duty reinforced coils that are prevalent along the edges so freefall-style stomach sleepers won't have to worry about tumbling overboard. To ensure durability and consistency, WinkBeds enlists a third party to simulate 20 years of bed use by a 350lb sleeper.
We tested the original version of the WinkBed mattress in a luxury firm, which is softer and has a slightly different construction than the Plus model. Still, we were impressed with WinkBed's pressure relief and all-around support. Verified reviews for the WinkBed Plus reflect similar sentiments, particularly from users over 300lbs who claim their midsections didn't sink too low into the mattress. (That's one reason why the WinkBed Plus makes our list of the best mattresses for heavy people.)
Since it uses latex foam and reinforced coils, the WinkBed Plus costs more than the original WinkBed. The Plus sits in the premium pricing tier, but frequent WinkBed mattress sales ensure you won't pay the full ticket price. It may be a significant investment, but the WinkBed Plus is a valuable option for larger individuals seeking long-term comfort and support. It also comes with a lifetime warranty plus a 120-night trial period.
For people who don't require as robust support as the WinkBed Plus, the original WinkBed is available in three firmness options, including a firm model that's specifically designed for back and stomach sleeping.
- Read more: WinkBed mattress review
The Saatva Loom & Leaf is one of our top mattresses for back pain for its specialized lumbar support, which alleviates pressure in the lower back or hips, depending on your orientation. The top and bottom thirds of the mattress are slightly firmer to provide adequate support for the neck, shoulders, and knees. (The WinkBed Plus above has a similar construction.)
In our Loom & Leaf review, we tested the relaxed firm model and found it suitable for stomach sleeping, even though it had that classic sink-in feeling foam beds are best known for. Our lead tester, a side/stomach sleeper with a nagging back injury, noticed a significant improvement in her condition after sleeping on a Loom & Leaf bed for three weeks.
That said, if you strictly sleep on your front and/or are of a larger build, the firm version of the Loom & Leaf may be more your speed as it'll add a little extra support that'll allow you to 'float' on top of the mattress. It'll potentially trap less heat than the relaxed firm model, although we'd sooner suggest the Awara (#1) or Cocoon Chill (#3) if you're a chronically hot sleeper.
The Loom & Leaf is the most expensive option on this list, but Saatva mattress sales are always available to help lessen the blow on your wallet. Also consider the extras you'll be getting along with this handcrafted luxury mattress: a full year's trial, a lifetime warranty, and free white glove delivery with in-room setup and optional existing mattress removal to save your back from further strain.
Mattresses for stomach sleepers: FAQs
When is the best time to buy a stomach sleeper mattress?
November is a great time to buy the best mattresses for stomach sleepers as this is when we typically see the cheapest prices of the year from leading brands. That's because November sees the arrival of the the Black Friday mattress deals, which then roll into Cyber Monday mattress deals directly after.
In this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales we saw big savings on many top-rated stomach sleeper mattresses, with the biggest savings on queen and king size beds. There was up to $600 of the Awara Natural Hybrid, while our exclusive Saatva saving gave you $400 off any Saatva order worth $1,000 or more.
How to choose best mattress for stomach sleepers
If your mattress is too soft for your body, sleeping on your stomach can often make you sink into the bed and push your spine out of alignment. You will need to choose a mattress that keeps your hips level with your shoulders, so choose a firmer mattress, such as an innerspring or hybrid with a supportive base.
Usually, it’s best to avoid memory foam mattresses, as their body-contouring, plush feel tends to be built for side sleepers. However, some all-foam mattresses can still be suitable for front sleepers (such as the #3 entry on the above list) as they offer a firmer-than-average feel. Look out for beds listed as Firm or Medium-Firm on the firmness scale, and remember that some mattresses offer different firmness levels (such as the #4 entry on the above list).
Need some additional guidance in your search for the best mattress for stomach sleepers? We reached out to a couple of medical experts for their input:
Peter Polos, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Sleep Medicine at Hackensack JFK University Medical Center, as well as a sleep medicine specialist with Sleep Number. He's board certified in pulmonary and sleep medicine with a PhD in microbiology and immunology.
Danielle Wall, MD, is an internal medicine physician from the University of Vermont and a sleep advisor for Sit 'n Sleep. Her travels around the world to Ghana, Malawi, Mexico, the Philippines, and Panama highlighted a glaring need for accessible healthcare, which cemented her desire to become a doctor.
Do stomach sleepers need a firm or soft mattress?
If you're a stomach sleeper, Dr. Wall and Dr. Polos both agree that you should look for a firm to medium-firm mattress to keep your spine and hips level to avoid the spine from arching, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Your upper body should be well-supported, too. Dr. Polos notes that a firmer bed will help reduce strain on the neck, back, and shoulders – and also prevent your chest from sinking, a common issue for stomach sleepers who sleep on softer beds.
Do the materials matter? Absolutely, as it can influence the overall comfort of your bed. "Memory foam mattresses frequently offer good contouring and pressure relief, whilst latex mattresses provide both support and bounce. Mattresses with innersprings or a hybrid structure that provide adequate firmness and support may also be acceptable for stomach sleepers," says Dr. Wall.
Remember that firmness is subjective, which is why top sleep brands include a mattress trial with purchase. Your body generally needs three to four weeks to settle into a new sleep surface – fortunately, the average trial period is 100 nights, and some brands offer up to a year.
Is sleeping on your stomach bad for you?
While you can sleep on your stomach if you find it comfortable, medical professionals generally discourage it. "Sleeping on one's stomach may put more pressure on the neck, chest, and internal organs, which could be painful and interfere with breathing," warns Dr. Wall. It can put more stress on your back and alter the natural curve of your spine, as well.
Even if it doesn't particularly bother you right now, sleeping on your stomach could lead to issues later in life. "As you age, you are more prone to medical issues and neck, back, and shoulder pain, and this position can lead to more complaints," says Dr. Polos.
Ultimately, you'll want to train yourself to sleep on your side or sleep on your back, as either position is better for your health. However, if you can't (or don't want to) break your stomach sleeping habit, you should have a mattress that'll sufficiently support this position.
Do stomach sleepers need a pillow?
Finding the right pillow to complement your mattress can make a huge difference in sleep quality, but do stomach sleepers need a pillow at all? It depends.
"Some stomach sleepers are more comfortable with a thin pillow to support their head and neck. Others may sleep better without a pillow, thereby further reducing the angle imposed on their neck," says Dr. Polos.
If you prefer to use a pillow while stomach sleeping, Dr. Wall says to make sure the loft is low enough to keep your head and neck neutral. Otherwise, it could cause your neck to extend too far and cause pain.
An adjustable pillow will allow you to make your pillow as high or low as you need it to sleep comfortably. Take a look at our guide to the best pillows for some inspiration. If you're ready to shop for the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, browse today's deals below:
